Bootcamp Project for May: Editorial Illustration

{Graphite Drawing with Digital Collage, 2014}

After having April off from "Make Art That Sells" (an e-course from Lilla Rogers' Studio) the class was back in full force with a project for editorial illustration. We were asked to create a piece of art in response to an article about meditation. The article was about the benefits of meditation but also about how the author found a lot of convincing excuses not to do it. (things like being busy, a wandering mind, etc.) I chose to focus on the inability to concentrate because I struggle with that also! Above is the finished piece. I used a lot of scanned textures and some ink drawings that are left over from previous projects. 

{Graphite Drawing, 2014}

This is the drawing I started with by scanning it into Photoshop and painting it. The thing I love most about the Lilla Rogers' class is that it makes you think about how you create your art in a different light. It also makes you fall back in love with the process which helps create a more successful end product. There are also tons of hints about marketability! 

I'm 28 Today!

{Collage and Drawing on ATC, 2011}

It's my birthday today. I hope I get to eat some cake!

Art Imitates Craft

{Mixed Media Handmade Card with Tatting, 2011}

{Collage and Ink in Sketchbook, 2011}

I've been taking a tatting class at the Des Moines Art Center for the past few weeks. I'm finding that I like the patterns that lace-making inspires. The above image was our first real project with finished examples of tatting. They are little floral rings that I glued to a card. I also added some subtle acrylic details in white. The second image was partially inspired by tatting, but also all of the Indian designs I have been looking at. My dear friend is getting married and since she is Indian, her wedding will also be. Its such a colorful culture and I love looking at all the intricacies in the patterns of fabric, jewelry, paper products and just about everywhere else! The truth is, I usually don't notice how things inspire me until they are done. Then, when I see them side by side, it becomes apparent! I'll be sure to share some more tatting projects if I manage to finish some larger ones.

Mixed Media Meanderings

{First Page, Magazine Clippings, Prayer Card and Ink, 2011}

{Organized Rabbits, Decorative Paper and Marker, 2011}

{Organized Seed Packet Information, Marker and Ink, 2011}

{Garden Plan, Colored Pencil and Ink, 2011}

I bought a mixed media journal the other day so that I could get out some of the junk thats been floating around in my head. My book projects are very calculated and predictable, which isn't a problem but sometimes I like to sit down and create without knowing where something will go. I also like to make lists, organize things and record ideas for later. This Strathmore Mixed Media Visual Journal is satisfying that need. I get in a little time before I start my work day and a little before bed. Its also nice to finish something in one day. Most of the things I have going on in my professional life take several days so the sense of finishing a page is really fulfilling. I'm also really excited to start thinking about gardening again!

Altered Book Project

{Altered Book Cover, 2010}

{Altered Book: Favorite Color, 2010}

{Altered Book: Favorite Books, 2010}

{Altered Book: Travel, 2010}

{Altered Book: Gardening, 2010}

{Altered Book: Ocean, 2010}

I am currently teaching a Mixed Media class for 9-12 year olds at the Des Moines Art Center. Our first project is an Altered Book and so this past week I have been filling up my demonstration book with examples of collage and ideas. I love the tactile experience of collage and altered books. (during and after the processes of making them) I still have several pages to fill, but I plan to finish the book. It can be pretty cool to have a visual record of what you were into at the time... like 2010 in this instance! For this altered book I went to the local thrift store and purchased a board book. The pages are generally pretty thick and shiny with UV coating to resist things that babies do (ie drool, food, puke). While its nice to have a thick board book, the shine can interfere with paint chipping off so I recommend sanding the book and adding one layer of gesso to the covers and each page before beginning.

Creative Journaling

{Working on My Creative Journal, 2009}

{Visit This Book on Amazon to Find Out More}

The last few days I have been working on something called a "Creative Journal" It all started when I found "The Creative Entrepreneur: A DIY Visual Guidebook for Making Business Ideas Real", by Lisa Sonora Beam. I felt an instant attraction to doing a business plan in a more visual, inspiring and introspective way. I think its a great guide for revealing your true desires, strengths, weaknesses and organizing them so you can use them to your benefit. I recommend this book to anyone who is an entrepreneur within the creative spectrum!

Gifts Revealed

{Star Collage Ornaments, 2008}

{Circular Collage Ornaments, 2008}

{Pink Birdie Plush, 2008}

These are the handmade gifts I made this year. The ornaments were really fun to make because they are so different than what I usually do. The plush was my first try at making a toy. I made it for my cousin's little girl, Josephine. I got the pattern here, from Spool Sewing. It was pretty easy to make and so cute!

Illustration Friday: Plain AKA Squirrel Around!!!

I have no idea what the reason was, but I decided to play with some mixed media yesterday. This is what I came up with. A squirrel being pulled by a bee which is being lured by flowers. Also, I decided to add the words "Squirrel Around!" because that's basically all this was. It's just a strange collage of some very plain, ordinary subjects...so I guess that's why it will have to suffice for Illustration Friday this week too!