Sketchbook - 3

I had to search back an embarrassing number of posts to find my last artwork update-- I've apparently only done it twice! Quite the grounds for some catch up.

When I was a student in Mrs. Lorenz's quite bohemian 7th grade Language Arts class, I was accused for the first time of having a future in creating. A handful of classmates, one by one would comment on a note (you know, the passing kind) or birthday card I had made someone, and exclaim something like, "you are going to make wedding invitations one day!" 

Nothing could have infuriated me more. 

All I could associate with that vocation at the time, was sitting at a desk, and being behind the scenes when all I wanted was to be on the stage. As ridiculous as that sounds now (clearly a person can do both) I was determined to not make paper goods one day-- despite my twelve year old self's forty five different hued Gelly Roll pens, paper collection and penchant for lettering. Ha.

But here I am, finally about to do just that-- or to at least begin something my middle school peers would probably pull a "told ya so" over: Of Dust and Wonder Studio.

Because it's been awhile, we really need to go back a ways. I think my drawing re-boot started with my SIL's baby shower tea, which I designed these invites for (personal info has been removed).

Then, in a flurry came some fliers for a volunteer event, and printable table cards for a friend's housewarming.  After that, I kind of just got back into a rhythm, and started making cards for friend's birthdays, doing design work for a couple friend's blogs, portraits and stationary.

Since, I've designed some simple stationary that's already for sale in my Etsy shop, and have begun creating samples for custom, lighthearted portraits.

I've still got quite a ways to go (I'm bubbling over with ideas), but I'm hopeful that I'm finally put those middle school drawing/lettering skills of mine to use. ;)

Until the next Sketchbook post, which hopefully is soon!

Sketchbook - 2

I've quite neglected my idea of sharing my sketchbook now and then, but I truly need to!  I don't share it with many people so putting it here is a tiny step for me, though I know probably no one is actually reading this.  

I think that may be what makes me feel safe in posting it. :)

Here are some things I'm working on:

A kind stranger.

Words that ought to be painted.

Scratch paper happy accidents, this one reminds me of a fan.

First draft of the second in my trio of favorite lumberjacks. This one has an ox.

-----

In other news, I have started decorating for Christmas. :)

Sketchbook - 1.

I've pondered ways to share my artwork and ideas I'm working on, and thought: what better way than to just share my sketchbook every now and then?  This will hopefully be the first of many sketchbook visits, and I hope it will help me to tweak and hone whatever I'm currently working on.

In the fall, I created my own hand-illustrated Christmas gift tags and have lately (when I've had the time), been trying to find other practical ways to sell my artwork.  Not that everyone doesn't want a painting of a ginger lumberjack for their wall...but really, most people actually don't.

Marketing is something I've realized I'm horrible at, so my artwork kind of needs to market it'self to some extent.  The first avenue I've been exploring is wedding paraphernalia, this pencil and watercolor illustration would be (on a card?) for a bride to officially ask friends to be her bridesmaids.

I actually didn't paint on my original sketch of this, but made a print of the pencil drawing and painted from there.  This way, I'm free to customize the hair, skin and dress/flower colors to suit for different people.  I've also started on two more drawings with different style dresses than this, so my customer can have a choice in dress style too.

Hopefully I'll get around to trying my hand at actual wedding invitations, though that seems a bit intimidating for some reason. Huh. If I knew how to type a shrug, I would.