How I achieve my textures....

Since I've been posting images on Instagram I've received quite a few questions about how I add textures to my work. Its been evolving since last year when I took several Skillshare classes to improve my Ai and PS skills, which were fairly basic. Although the classes were not directly related to what I had in mind ( they were for hand lettering and drawing a character) its been a great spring board for the textural vibe I've always wanted to achieve. 

This is just a quick run down of the process using the pomegranates from the mulled wine. Most of what I do is trial and error with much use of the comd+z keys.

1) Make good pen and ink drawings so its easy to scan

2)Live trace in Ai and 'release to layers' then export to PS tick 'write layers' in options

3) In PS use different texture brushes depending on what is desired.

Like I said its a learning curve and the more art I do the more i learn - its fun.

Mulled Cider illustrated recipe

Its taken me a while to get my head round the 'leveraging' my art aspect of this creative business. I was thinking how can I get more work into my portfolio quickly, with maximum impact and create potential work for my (soon) Etsy shop? Answer was create one body of mighty fine work then work it work it (!!) into many different areas/ markets - well thats a plan.

Last month I doodled food for 30 days, and amongst what I drew were cloves, star anise, cinnamon sticks and oranges. My little grey cells had a ponder....it came to me during my entry for last months Tigerprint competition where we were asked to overlay hand lettering over an image. One of them was associated with mulled wine - nice enough image but I felt I could inject a bit more 'flavour'.

I knew I wanted to 'overlap' all the different ingredients as 'mulling' really infuses the cider with lovely delicious layers of flavour. Technically it was the most complex illustration I'd done, testing the limits of my Mac's output. It turned out to be a fruit & spice ho-down and I felt there where many wonderful things happening. You can see the full illustrated recipe at They Draw and Cook

Tigerprint Christmas typography competition

Its been many months since I felt an itch to enter a Tigerprint competition. I couldn't pass this one up. It was for Christmas inspired typography to be placed over photographic imagery that they kindly provided. I was immediately drawn to the sliced apples and mulling spices. I love mulled wine and always make large batches for friends during the festivities. It evokes a nostalgia for Dickens inspired Christmas', so I used that as my starting point.

Using vintage type from my Pinterest board I was able to compile a layout that worked around the apples. I also didn't realise the deadline was a day earlier than I had noted down. I was in a mild state of panic as I hurried to upload and did not have as much time as I would have liked for a second typographic layout. Neverless I am pleased to have applied my hand lettering in this manner.

A whole month of FOOD doodles....on Instagram

I can't believe we have skipped over into October and its been a while since my last blog. Which is kinda good as I have been very busy with lots of submissions for greetings cards for Spring 2015 ranges amongst other things. 

One of my small successes was 30 days of food doodles which I posted on Instagram everyday. And I gradually worked out how to link onto Twitter and my business Facebook page too. I didn't set out with a grand plan of what to draw it just evolved every few days. I think one of the most popular items were well known English biscuits - which lead to many followers.

Here's a few more high lights from the last months of sketches - some of which were for a live brief. I feel I can now take take these doodles and turn then into art in the next few weeks which excites me and ca't wait to make a start.

What I'm learning from Pinterest

I started 'pinning' Pinterest with an earnest 2 years ago when my youngest was only small, as a way of dipping my toe back into the creative pool so to speak. I was pinning anything that caught my eye, places I'd been, or wanted to go. How I wanted my future studio look, food photography, children's picture books, and pics from Print and Pattern most days.

So what I have now is a Pinterest home page arranged (mainly ) in volume of pins I have on each board. Taking a step back I'm now able to see where my real interests are. Here it is ....

I was mulling over what my next 30 day challenge would be (for October) and the answer was there staring at me....I will reveal on September 30th. Not only is it good for inspiration it gives me valuable clues about my taste that I'm not even aware of. 

A little while ago a few of my friends started Monica Lee's Smart Creative women e-course. I very much wanted to join them but felt as it overlapped the school hols I would not be able to give it my full attention. However I asked two of them to help compile a 'nature' board based in part on childhood memories, pics that resonated with me and particular areas that grabbed my attention. As I mentioned I was surprised by what the collective images revealed.

You can see the full version here...

What transpired is I am very much influenced by my early childhood in Burma (Myanmar) when I lived with both sets of grandparents for extended periods of time. One lived in the north on Burma's longest and most important river- the Irrawaddy, so there were images of water, fishing and lush forests as backdrops. The other lived in Rangoon - her garden was an oasis of greenery and orchids set north of that bustling city. It seems even now 35 years later I just gravitate towards these images like its part of my DNA.

My friend  Vivayne had these words to say...'I see common lines there like parallel lines and or gradual building up of, as if everything is leading up to something, like you see the details but also see the big picture.'

Another surprising conclusion that my friend Jacqui Crocetta found was the link between my appreciation of geology and love of scuba diving and future adventures ...'I think it's important to feel grounded so that you can fly. We need roots and wings....By feeling grounded you can release a long tether that gives you the freedom to explore while still feeling connected and at peace...'

At this stage I am unsure how to use this new found information but never the less I feel it has been an important eye opener for possible future directions.

Monthly doodle challenge - September is FOOD

Another month another daily doodle challenge, and as expected I'm thoroughly enjoying it. Many of these were found in my weekly veg box, from our garden or foraged. I'm finding its a great way of keeping the art flowing and also gives me ideas about the type of art I want to go on to create using these initial sketches. I am now on Instagram - so if you want to follow my doodle challenge its @omwillustration

Autumn Vegetable Crisps

We had a sneak peek of what I had in mind for the beetroot I was drawing from my weekly box delivery. And I started on another self initiated monthly doodle challenge of drawing anything foodie everyday ( more about that tomorrow) I felt another layout for They Draw and Cook would provide me with a good framework for the new images I had been developing. Added to the beetroot were carrot, parsnips and courgettes.

I wanted to create a feel for the harvesting of these root veg as they are coming onto season. And of course its a great way to enjoy these vegetables, the oven baking enhancing the flavours and natural sugars.

I have been wanting to open an Etsy shop for some time but I was never happy with ideas I've had about what I would stock. However I feel at last with these images I have the beginnings of something rather appealing. So over the next month I shall be looking into the logistics of opening the said shop - watch this space. The image below is without the autumnal background - hoping it has a broader generic appeal.

So with this view of launching my art in the near future and some pointing out the terms and conditions for submitting to TDAC were a bit vague or not all together appealing I decided to email Salli at TDAC to clarify. Here is part of her response....

We are actually making changes to the T&C on the new site redesign so artists have options about how we can use their work. We understand that it is a tender topic. But back to you and your fabulous veggies!!! You can use them anywhere in anyway...you can even sell the image you created for TDAC!! .... We really don't make any $ from the site, especially in terms if selling the artists images. We think you will like the new site and features and hopefully it will make artists feel more comfortable about submitting!....

I very much look forward to the new website redesign and I've already got a idea in my head for the next set of foodie illustrations.

Who Inspires Me...? Bloghop

A few weeks back the amazing and lovely, Rachael Schafer asked if I wanted to be part of the ' Whats Inspires Me' blog hop - I was honoured and also rather gobsmaked. Read Rachael's post about myself & Jo Chambers here.

I first met Rachael on Lilla Rogers Make Art That Sells course last autumn. Part of the course was a friendly online community that supported and bounced ideas off each other. We had all come from different backgrounds, careers and experiences and we were all looking to further our creative journeys. I feel Rachael's work reflects her fun loving and blithe nature. Look at these...

...aren't those monkey so gleeful  and having a great time with the giant ice lollies !

...that ship is certainly on a cheerful adventure.

I love this theme..the colours are super happy and joyful.

QUESTION #1 – WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?

I am putting together foodie related images that I feel would do well in my portfolio and in a on-line shop I'm aiming to open in a few months. Since taking the MATS course I have realised images/ icons do not necessarily have to be stuck within one market and can actually overlap quite easily & successfully. 

QUESTION #2 – WHY DO YOU CREATE WHAT YOU DO?

I've been pinning on Pinterest for about 2 years and after a while realised I was just naturally drawn (no pun) to food and travel images. At the time I had a toddler and was pondering if I should change career. I feel very lucky that I stuck to my guns because I just LOVE TO DRAW- simple as that. I've entered two Spoonflower competitions on a whim, one based on fishing, a past time which I've never done, BUT I loved researching the images, and just draw draw draw with pen and ink. I'm now hoping to turn those images into a collection. So although my primary interest is food and travel there is SO much I feel I could turn into art simply because I'm always eager to learn.

QUESTION #3 – HOW DOES YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS WORK?

Whether the brief is one I set myself or for a competition I usually mull over it for a day or two making mental and actual notes ( I carry a notebook and pen everywhere). I start with a pile of sketches from photos or other reference using pen and ink (it so much easier to scan) I'll see where I'm at after this stage - whether there is a theme or a germ of an idea emerging. Sometimes the sketches go to Ai, but more and more often they are taken to Photoshop for lots of playing around with textures.

Enough about me already. I want to move onto TWO remarkable artists. Each of them has their own unique approach to art. But what strikes me the most is their fearless attitude getting their art out there - I just go along for the ride sometimes.

First off we have the uber talented Wendy Brightbill of A Girl and Her Brush fame. She literally paints her joy, its also therapy for her. Again I met her on MATS last year and she just has not looked back since. Wendy was always breaking through comfort zones and is highly prolific - I've never known anyone work to fast. Added to which is smart and perceptive nature. Take a closer look....

...her examination of colour was featured in Upppercase magazine !!!

....she can combine photos with paint with linework to create gorgeousness

....arn't these animal characters sassy. Wendy had never done characters until a few a months ago - like WOW!!

Now I want to move onto the lovely Harriet Mellor who delights us with fabulous details in all her work. I was lucky enough to meet her on MATS. The funny thing was we would often appear on the same 'page' of Lilla's reviews - similar but different. Harriets work sometimes seems to have a luminosity that gives her art a beautiful depth. Her work is easily recognisable with stunning linework and thoughtfully placed overlapping icons. See what I mean....

...I adore this piece and the similar one featured in They Draw and Cook

...so dreamy and atmospheric - just sheer magic

...what a wonderful idea, colours that pop and beautiful, delightful details

So there we have it. I've throughly enjoyed writing about 3 equally amazing artists, who have had the pleasure of sharing my MATS journey, and now beyond !! They are so creative on many levels, super supportive & caring in different areas and best of all quick to laugh. I do look forward to their blog posts about what inspires them.

30 Days of hand Lettering - week 4

Oh my gosh August has just flown by. The kids start school in a few days, including my youngest which will certainly free up more creative time. I'm setting myself another challenge for September - 30 days of FOOD drawing. Again it will just be line illustrations - I feel not putting myself under too much pressure is key to keeping it loose and joyful. 

I've realised these personal phrases are rather popular on Pinterest and have been gobsmacked by the levels of repins - hopefully this will lead to something exciting in the future.

Global Talent Search - Little Terrariums Wall art

So there about 12 hours before the top 50 artists names are revealed for Lilla Roger's Global Talent Search - the eventual winner will have 2 years representation at her agency. I have a slim chance, one of the 999 who submitted a piece for this first round.

If I'm honest I was nervous about this brief and didn't look at it for several days because I was panicked by it. The little terrarium part of the brief was fine, the wall art aspect was trickier for me. However Lilla had kindly provided within her PDF some top tips for creating wall art that sells & images for inspiration.

Plan A went like this -I was initially drawn to the more modern hanging versions but realised at the sketch stage mine looked like Christmas baubles with bits of greenery sticking out

Plan B - my son found inside his fortune cookie the phrase...'every flower blooms in its own sweet time' I thought that was a sign but soon realised it just wasn't going to work either.

Plan C - paint a scene from The Eden Project in Cornwall where I visited the week before on my summer hols. The only problem here is my skill level on canvas did not match my imagination.

Time was ticking by pretty rapidly. Looking back over my notes I'd jotted down the invention of the terrarium was for the transportation of exotic plant specimens (such as ferns and orchids) from far flung places like Asia and South America during in the 19th Century back to England. The botanists who collected these plants can only be described as intrepid explorers going into unchartered territories for the sake of a beautiful plant.

So we had Plan D in the making. I want to point out that I'm just drawn to tropical plants and monsoonal countries - it must be in my genes being from Burma. My grandma kept 4 or 5 dozen orchids in her garden when I lived with her in Yangon so I have a particular fondness for them too. Using some of the pics I'd taken at Eden I started with my standard pen & ink sketches.

Working with the origins of the terrarium I wanted to convey the exploration aspect of finding all these tropical plants that would be placed inside. I've trekked through rainforests in Thailand and Malaysia and even these days there is still an element of adventure in these lush humid climes (don't get me started on leeches though)

There were many moments of second guessing but I'm becoming better with these bouts of self doubt. I feel for the first time ever I have a piece of art I am incredibly pleased with. So what ever happens tomorrow I've already created a win/win situation for myself which is certainly a positive outcome.

30 days of hand lettering - week 3

Here's the next lot. I'm getting into a rhythm of doodling after the first cuppa of the morning. Its been an intense but fun week so this was a bit of light relief really.

Sneak peak of next Foodie project

We get a local vegetable box delivery every week. Its seasonal so we don't always know what to expect. Sometimes theres a real glut and I'm at a loss what to do with the over abundance of a particular veg. This gave me an idea for a recipe thats a little time consuming bit totally worth it as the kids devour the end result within seconds ...which is a win/win situation since they don't realise they've actually eaten vegetables.

I will reveal all in the coming weeks. The sketches were drawn on the kitchen floor with the kids doing there own versions of carrots and beetroot with my brush pens. And a quick play around in PS just now.

Hallmark 5 word phrase competition

For a bit of a challenge I penciled in the Hallmark 5 words phrase competition for early August. I did totally forget it would clash with GTS. However it turned out of be a bit of light relief as I was able to tune out when overthinking terrariums. I used some of the pen and ink sketches from Nautical/ ships in bottles themed art from Bootcamp.

Since I have been hand lettering doodles this month I was able to put something together fairly quickly. If time had allowed I would have taken it into PS for extra texture but alas not this time. Even so I was pleased with what I achieved composition wise when faced with a tight deadline ( for me that is) 

30 days of hand lettering - week 2

Here are my next set of 'thoughts for the day' which I feel reflect the sort of week I was having. Just trying to keep moving in the right direction and telling myself that I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing at this very time.

Yangon Map - They Draw & Travel

I had been aching to illustrate a map of Yangon in Myanmar for years. Although when I lived there it was called Rangoon in Burma. It was very much a 'jewel in the crown' of British colonial rule in Asia, and boosted one of the best facilities of any modern city before WW2. I wanted to capture some of the daily life as well as the highlights of this beautiful city.

Submitted to They Draw and Travel

Sadly its Yangon's has declined due to years of neglect and utter misrule from the military backed government. I very much hope for for a return to its former glory days in the near future.

Cocktails - They Draw & Cook

This was an idea I had with one of my MATS mates Harriet Mellor. I create a series of illustrations relating to the country of origin of each cocktail. It was noted in my 'ideas book' along with dozens and dozens of ideas ( some really good some are just odd) I still have a slight nervousness of putting my work out there but then thought back to They Draw and Cook. They have a huge following and are very supportive of illustrators as Nate and Salli are in the industry themselves.

I had recently bought some new PS brushes and was very keep to try them out. I'm getting the hang of using masks and my layers are a lot neater. This was so much fun for me - I did enjoy Pimms rather a lot.

30 Days of Hand Lettering - week 1

Last month I set myself the challenge of creating a hand lettering doodle a day for the month of August. The kids would be on school hols and all routines would be out the window. It would keep me creative and I hoped it would help me loosen up a bit. I didn't have any phrases in mind and just worked with how I was feeling that day. Below are what happened in the first 8 days.

My first ever SPOONFLOWER entries

I have been hearing about the Spoonflower weekly competitions for a few years but never attempted to enter as I felt technical repeats were rather beyond me. But many of my fellow MATS mates gave the encouragement to enter. I thought well it'll be a good experience out of my comfort zone and will add to my portfolio - win/win right? Once I decided to take the plunge it turned out the next competition was for Fishing Lures - I had to look that word up!! As always I started with pen & ink sketches of any associated with fishing - that was going to be my take on this subject.

I was able to add scanned in textures and add a slight knocked back linework of rope knots to add to the textural feel. Again another set of colours were used from the Design Seeds site and put through Kular to match the exact colours. I was so ver pleased I managed to get a simple half step repeat to work- phew.

Here are some sketches from the Herb Garden competition that I entered a few weeks later.

Olive Branch - Chunky olive tapenade packaging

I work with Bright Green Brands now and again who specialise in packaging design, mainly of food products. They had been approached by a small start up company who imported olive based products from small farms in Greece. I had just started using texture in my art and they were very keen to see this new style on the olive jars.

It was a case of illustrating each item separately - olives, rosemary, peppers, feta cheese etc and the designer would put them together in the layout that best suited the product. I have to say it was a very long drawn out process and a steep learning curve.

However I am very pleased with the results and can't wait to actually get my hands on some of these yummy products. Also it will sit very nicely in my portfolio in my quest to gain food & drink editorial illustration commissions in the near future. The photographs of the jars really do them justice too.

You are ENOUGH...

Towards the end of MATS B a few members posted on the Facebook group posted saying sometimes they felt rather bogged down by their own expectations of themselves. It is something that all of us creatives do suffer from to a certain degree - feeling that we are not talented enough, or creative enough or don't do enough.  The outpouring from many of us was so great I found myself putting this image together in half an hour. I was so moved & just to support those who were feeling the strain at this stage in their lives.