Week 3: Children's Books

I have always been a huge fan of children's books. And a lot, I've bought simply because the art is enticing! I've argued with local language publishers and printers about the lack of good illustrations for children. They will only pick up a book if they find the pictures exciting. Period. No matter how good or bad the story- for kids, its the cover that sells the book!

Alas, I'm no children's book illustrator! But this week we had an assignment to design the cover or an inside spread of the story The Language of the Birds, a Russian folk tale, set in old Russia. Now Russia I've always found intriguing. And years ago, I'd drawn some trees ala Kremlin style which I wanted to bring into this assignment!

Some studies for bids included:

These were fun, as I got to go out of my comfort zone and draw some characters for a change.

Bird by my Eight year old Maha! Love it!

Earlier renditions included:

Battling a cold at the tailend of the week, and some other minor distractions, this is what my final assignment looked like:

My classmates are mega talented. The kind of hours and energy they put into this assignment, had me thinking, I should have just sat on the bleachers and watched this one out- they were awesome!

Will post links to their blogs/sites shortly :)

Ciao people! Have to go on a scavenger hunt now ;)

{you'll find out next week- stay tuned!}

"Bohemian Rhapsody"

So, I named the collection Bohemian Rhapsody. Rhapsody, because its is defined as:

"An effusively enthusiastic or ecstatic expression of feeling"

And Bohemian apparently means:

"A socially unconventional person, especially one who is involved in the arts"

Now trust me when I chose the name, I was just thinking of Queen's song. It was blaring in my ears... later I decided to delve in deeper into my subconscious and am surprised as to how this name fits me, my feelings, and my design! So my sweet readers, here is the assignment made it to the board.

(A little note: I liked the round ones better, but the class group gals gave an overwhelming thumbs up to the square ones, so....) I am tempted to continue on this- design some more pieces for it, I enjoyed it so very much! But I'll have to take it easy- today being Sunday, I should try and not work :)

Have a great weekend y'all!

Week 2 of MATS: Bromeliads and plates!

O, how I struggled with this one. By Wednesday, I was contemplating not sending in an assignment... as I simply could not get my hands down to a design that was appealing! Also, this time I had promised myself I'd try another medium. So I painted, I drew, I scanned, and I was so so so uncomfortable with using these on the actual design. So last night I stayed up till 3:30! About midnight is when it began to grow on me. And yes, I went back to my natural element- Illustrator and colors- bright ones! :) So wonderful how this course is helping me define myself as an artist. I know what makes me joyous and I know where I'm most creative.

Here is where I began, with lots of pictures as references. The assignment mini was to draw out Bromeliads. These blooms are the most exquisite plants I have ever seen. Such amazing variety and the colors are to die for. I am forever in awe of Mother Nature and how the Divine Creativity just makes us feel so utterly small.

Then I drew, and I painted....

So Thursday night I sat alone and decided to cleanse myself of negative thoughts and self doubt and voila it came to me... I don't know how it will go down with the teacher, but my classmates are the  most encouraging people on Earth! I love them! Its so wonderful to finally BELONG! :D

I have not submitted this yet, but plan to make a few changes and will submit by tonight or tomorrow.

Ciao for now!

First Week of MATS Course! From beginning to end...

My! A whole week whizzed by! 6 days of struggling with the urge to leave everything aside and just work on the assignment! As I inch closer to my dream of becoming a surface pattern designer (graduating from graphic designer, web designer, UI designer, marketing consultant, product manager....) this course is giving me the new zest to follow my passion. I know that somewhere out there lies an opportunity for me, and we're on a collision course :)

My work space- all spruced up for the class!

The course started with basic sketching/painting/ researching on berries and vintage casseroles. So, I refrained from going digital and used my hands to draw, after what seemed like eons!

 

Then came the final assignment, and I had to revert to my comfort zone of Illustrator! But the berry studies helped me a lot in understanding shape and light and also to define which berries I like better than others- and yes, cherries and strawberries are my favorite! And I love doilies and filigree and checks. So after doodling digitally and experimenting with colors and layouts, I got to the final assignment. Initial digital studies:

My heart was set on the colors from before- and I got inspired by a truck art shelf I had:

I knew I had to submit something bright! So, here is my final piece.

My final piece: Main pattern with two coordinates.

Looking forward to another week of fun art and assignments!

PS: This week became more special because I got to see the Moon up close and personal:

Some older work...

4 more days to go!

Got my first set of instructions from Lilla Rogers studio! And it seems like a daunting task. I don't know what to expect, but a lot of fun seems to be on the threshold! Went out today to get some stationery and goodies, but with the girls in tow, I decided to venture out by myself tomorrow morning and buy my stuff! Can't wait! It's been a while since I indulged in pure pleasure, so the feeling is a bit alien- yet like a holiday one is about to embark on, I can't wait for my journey to begin.

Excited about starting a new chapter in my life!

I took the plunge!

Now I await October 7th when I begin my Make Art That Sells course with Lilla Rogers Studio. I've been dreaming of doing surface design, have even dribbled in it, as you can see below, but just never got around to taking it up seriously. I hope that with this course, I will launch a new chapter of my life and find my true calling!

Nervous and excited at the same time!