A slice of drafts
Tuesday May 13, 2008
I’ve been doing some sketches and drafts for a book cover illustration for my friend, which I am showing here. These were all rejected ones, hence I can share them with you!
The process was definitely fun for me. This was the first time I actually attempted something like this, which a big thing, because I am not a professional illustrator. Quite a lot of people have asked me whether I am an illustrator or an artist, and I don’t think I’ve quite reached that stage yet. I’m still figuring out my own style and hoping to see it solidify as I progress, before I can firmly say that I am either.
I’m going to be drawing up another set, and hopefully if it gets published, I’ll be able to share them with you all!
One thing I did learn was that constant practice is essential to get ahead, and it’s something that I keep repeating to myself everyday. A good yardstick that I measure myself with is my bird drawings. They seem more organic and less forced the more I worked on them! :)
+ Here’s an interesting article by Shaun Tan about the creative process, and the question of what originality is.
Comments [6]
Claudine Hellmuth
Tuesday May 13, 2008
Evie Felt the Ring Slide on Her Finger – original cigar box collage
Doing the Dishes — reproduction on wood
Have you seen the quirky work of collage artist Claudine Hellmuth before? I love her palette of colors and the 50s — 60s vibe from her old photos (which came from her own collection, by the way).
You can buy her prints and original cigar box collage art at her Etsy shop, and she also does commissions too.
Comments [3]
Inca Pan
Monday May 12, 2008
I am in love with Inca Pan’s flickr collection.
I repeat:
I am in love.
Comments [5]
Lazy Soosan
Monday May 12, 2008
Lazy Soosan is the work of Laura Stimpson and Lucy Davidson, two illustrators based in London. Together, they publish The Alphabet Series zines, where they already completed a zine dedicated to the letters A and B.
You can read the Lazy Soosan blog here for more details, and you can get your own copy over here. Watch out for the rest of the lineup to roll out pretty soon!
{Discovered via Rebecca Horwood}
Interview: Amber Alexander
Sunday May 11, 2008
Amber was one of our lovely contributors for our PikaPackage Project, where she sent in her watercolour prints and cards. This interview was done some time ago, but I never did get around to putting it up, until now {sorry Amber!}.
Enjoy!
—————————————————
Name: Amber Alexander
Location: Middlesex, Vermont
Website/Shop: amberalexander.etsy.com
Blog: no blog yet!
Illustration media: watercolors, acrylics
Tell us a little more about yourself.
I live in Vermont, which is a little state in New England, USA. Some refer to it as “next to New York”. It’s considered the “Green Mountain Street” and we are surrounded by beautiful mountains. I live with my husband and two insane standard poodles, Olin and Izzy ( brother and sister) who are just over a year old. We live on 5 acres in the country in a house we had built a few years ago. It’s beautiful here… if you can stand the 6 month long winters…
We adore trees and nature. We are tree-aholics and are constantly collecting and planting new trees every summer. :)
Soon, we’ll have an arboretum!
How did you get your start in illustration?
I’ve always loved to draw. I remember in high school getting very excited to get a new sketch book and the possibility in a blank white page! When I was very little, I drew lots of kitties in clothes. The kitties are back, and they are (again) clothed ! I worked for a while at a teddy bear company but grew tired of drawing only stuffed bears. :)
What’s your favourite tool?
A watercolor brush, and water, of course ;) I love being able to make the water and pigments move around the paper and take on a new life.
Are you a full-time artist?
No, right now I am also employed as a paralegal (snore) which will hopefully soon end so I have plenty of time to PAINT MORE!
What or who inspires you?
In short, nature. The long answer: animals, trees, wind, water.
I am a true animal lover, through and through. Beatrix Potter and Maurice Sendak inspired me as a child and still do. I’ve always loved animals, loved drawing animals, loved painting animals. Finding human qualities, quirks, personalities in animals also inspires me.
I imagine animals having full lives, with little houses, doing housework, expressing jealousy, (like my two standard poodles, who are siblings and compete with each other constantly for our affection).
My family and all the amazing people I’ve met selling my artwork also inspire me. I’m happy and honored to have people all around the world who can relate to, and enjoy my art.
What keeps you motivated?
People. Good, honest, supportive people. People who love art, people who love animals, people who appreciate the work and energy that goes into creating. I’m constantly thrilled and happy to meet new people who love and support ART.
What advice would you like to give people who would like to sell their works online?
Be persistent. Stay focused. Try not to let negative thoughts take over.
Put yourself out there.
Create what you love, “do what you love”.. and people will find you. Corny but true. Nothing is instant, but if you are inspired and being true to yourself, others will see it.
Where do you see yourself within the next few years?
Painting more, creating more and growing!
What message do you want to send out to people about your work?
Respect and appreciate animals. They are amazing creatures. They have lives that matter. Respect and appreciate Art, and of course, respect and appreciate people!
—————————————————
Thanks, Amber! :)
If you missed our earlier interviews, see here for other wonderful artists that we have profiled so far.
Fox in the woods
Sunday May 11, 2008
This Ghost Bear print by Erin Paisley of Fox in the Woods caught my eye a few days ago. Love the fur on the bear, and how it’s subtly replicated in the artwork.
You can read more about her in her blog, and browse her Etsy shop here.
Hello from Kyoto!
Saturday May 10, 2008
Loads of packages that are happily making its way to their new home!
Hi everyone, I’m popping by to let you know that my internet connection is up and I’ll be blogging again very soon. But before that, I also wanted to let you all know that the PikaPackages were sent out to the participants + buyers this Thursday (right before my flight!) and will soon be showing up at your doorstep. :)
For interested buyers of the PikaPackages, rest assure your order will still be fulfilled, albeit sent by my lovely fiance, who is at home. {Thank you Mr. T!}
As for emails, I’m slowly sifting through everyone’s one by one — I’m very, very grateful for all the support I’ve received!
Super hazy pic of dishes eaten in a small restaurant in Japan. This one was a tempura set (the tempura is hidden away on the right upper corner).
xo
Amy
Comments [1]
In Japan!
Friday May 9, 2008
Hi everyone, just a quick note to let you know that I am going to be blogging from Japan for a month! I just arrived in Kyoto, and won’t have internet for about a day. I haven’t had time to reply to everyone yet, but please keep them coming — I’ll have internet real soon.
xoxo
Amy
Comments [2]
Sandrine Mercier
Thursday May 8, 2008
Polar Bear Under the Water print
Un herisson dans la brume print
Sandrine Mercier is an illustrator living in France who loves to mix a variety of techniques in her art, such as digital, textures, collage, painting, miniature model, puppet, and photo manipulation.
The Giraffe Who Wants To Be a Deer box
What strikes me the most about her drawings are the subjects’ eyes — which are always very detailed and ethereal. Read up on her blog and visit her shop where her work also ends up on boxes and bookmarks.
Comments [1]
I'm over at DFM's The Dailies!
Thursday May 8, 2008
The very lovely Erin of Design for Mankind invited me to take part in her Dailies. Read up about what I did last Saturday here!
Comments [3]