From Store Windows to Cigar Box Dioramas: a New Exploration

When I worked for Old Navy HQ in San Francisco, my my job was to design store windows for all the flagship stores. It was so fun and just the best time!  Not only because my childhood dream of becoming Rhoda Morgenstern came true, but because of the many creative challenges that came along the way. What my department was tasked with was dimensionalizing flat graphics for an experiential environment. When I first started this position I was coming from a 2-D design background and so it was very difficult for me to start thinking in a 3-D environmental way. I had an awesome boss at the time and he taught me so much over the 13 years that I did this type of work. I often though of window designing as set design, sometimes referencing the old fashioned community theater type of  propping such as "rotating turbulent cardboard waves." Here are some of my favorites windows from my Old Navy Days.

Old Navy Pride Flip Flop Curtain and Dress 2013

Holiday Window for Old Navy 2013 

Old Navy New York Product Showroom American Flag Swatch Installation

Anyway, fast forward to today! I've been spending my free time making cigar box dioramas in my kitchen. This has been going on for a few years, and I even teach workshops on how to do this at The Richmond Art Center. In my workshops, I teach how to make the Japanese Tatebanko style dioramas which are entirely made of paper.

Pirate Diorama with original illustrations and turbulent cardboard waves!

Here is a great link to check out if you are interested in this tatebanko stye.  http://tatebanko.com/products/index.html And for other types (more dimensional modular cinema style diormas), check this out. For some reason, I went absolutely obsessively bonkers with my most recent creation using the Tatebanko style for my State Bird and Flower Cigar Box diorama. 

Crazy Lady with Scissors coming your way!

It happened that one day I found this old library book on the street and took it home as a reference book for my illustration library.

Much like the natives and their bison before me, I used every part of this book so that none would go to waste.

But, then, while preparing for my latest Diorama Workshop, I had the idea to cut out every single bird and flower and use it in this one piece. Crazy, I know. But, I really felt compelled!

This project took about 30 hours and a full bottle of Elmer's glue. I used a cheap set of portable watercolors to paint every beautiful black and white illustration before I glued them onto lightweight cardboard. Then, I used a tiny VERY SHARP pair of Fiskar scissors to cut out all the pieces. I will admit that I cut my finger tips more than once, but nobody said art was painless. Now, even though I had sketched out the original idea on paper, the process was rather organic. The one thing I knew for sure was that I wanted to make this diorama very chock-ful of dimension/depth and a never-ending scene of delightful things to look at. The many layers and placement just happened naturally as I listened and felt where the paper "wanted to go."  To achieve the 12-15 layers of depth, I used foam core, hot glue and adhesive foam stickies of various dimensions. In some cases, I glued things directly onto the cigar box. There were so many birds and flowers to include, the design crept around to the back, sides and out onto the lid.

One of the final attachments was a toothpick cantilevered bird and branch with fake cherry blossoms stuck onto the protruding pics. I love it. 

Referring to my old Window Design days, I had an idea to cantilever this bird and branch from the top using toothpicks and hot glue.

In my craft stash, I also found some dyed feathers, packaging grass, and some vintage wallpaper with which to embellish my cardboard cigar box. These 3-D dimensional elements take this diorama away from the true Tatebanko style, but make it extra special, I think. And some tropical printed cotton fabric was perfect to cover the inside of the lid. 

Tiny birds and grass on fabric covered lid.

For some reason, I have been very interested in State Birds and Flowers for a while. I am noticing a theme in some of my latest work. This summer I did a personal sketchbook challenge where I illustrated a state bird everyday with a fun fact in this mini hand bound artist's book.

The colorful kings of state birds!

I also embroidered this Starbucks coffee cup with Washington's State Flower, the Rhododendron and State Bird, the Western Goldfinch.

Rhododendron, Washington's State Flower

And this cheerful guy, the Western Goldfinch.

I must say that I've learned many state related fun facts over the year. Did you know that the Grousse is Pennsylvania's state bird? Yes! And the Yucca Flower calls New Mexico it's home. The Cardinal is the state bird of seven states. Well, duh. He's so pretty (Sorry, Ruffed Grousse). Now that this new diorama undertaking is over, I will most likely start another mixed media project in addition to working on a new sketchbook challenge.  A friend once asked, "What are you going to do with it?" when I showed him my kitchen creation. The answer to that is that I'll probably leave it on display in the living room for week or so and then it goes down to the #crafthole with it's brothers or sisters. I hope you enjoyed this little post. It's fun to make things!

Summer 2016 in Review

I can't believe that it’s the end of summer already. As I write this the kids next door are getting ready to return to school. The leaves on the Japanese Maples are turning all shades of orange, red and brown. And my once seemingly unsurmountable summer projects are complete. This is a summer I will never forget.

I remember back to May when I was working 30 hours a week for Levi’s, anticipating two summer camp teaching gigs, and caring for my dying bulldog. At that time, I felt that I could not possibly bear the stress of the months to come.

Well, I did. And hopefully with grace. I was even able to attend Surtex, the biggest surface design trade show in NY, with my agents, Parcai Designs, a career goal of mine.

Me at the Parcai Designs Booth Exhibit, Surtex, May 2016

Dionne making her Mark at Surtex, Javits Center, NY, NY.

A highlight of our NY Trip! These 80's ladies went to the Isaac Mizrahi exhibit, An Unruly History,  at the Jewish Museum.

It was a whirlwind trip on which my twin sister accompanied me, and I had to unexpectedly take a red eye flight home a day early to assist my husband with our dog’s medical needs. We thought we were going to lose Cookie, but she hung on for two more months.

Through the Richmond Art Center, I taught an amazing grant funded project with Rosie’s Girls of Richmond. It was my first time teaching high schoolers and I learned a lot. I had the most fun showing six lovely ladies the basics of branding, marketing and graphic design. We laughed a lot and created the most amazing branded exhibit booth to be used in recruiting events for years to come.

A pretty Polka Dotted Banner

Warm up exercise in our sketchbooks

Branded freebie stickers!

Our beautiful final project!

Proud of our work!

I took on some amazing super secret projects for companies around the globe. Here's a sneak preview:

Hustlin' this summer with the projects

I continued to live. And take care of my beloved Bulldog, Cookie Blanca. Until, finally, we needed to hand feed her in bed. We carried her up and down the stairs and outside to potty. We gave her sips of water through a pipette. We propped up her weary head with an airplane neck pillow (which I heartbreakingly found the courage to run through the washing machine yesterday after 5 weeks. Her slobbery stains forever physically gone but permanently on every fiber of my being.) And then on July 18th, Cookie’s last day, we said goodbye to her. 

Saying Goodbye.

That last day before she crossed the rainbow bridge, we tried everything to get her to eat. She tasted organic ice-cream in many flavors (the remainders of which turned into our FEELINGS as Tim and I inhaled pint after pint to console our aching hearts after she was gone). She ate fresh salmon, sliced deli turkey and halibut. And on that very last morning, I had it in my mind that if we could get her a glazed donut, she would for sure eat it. But, she wasn't hungry. I had just wanted her last meal to be something delicious. I will never look at a glazed donut the same. I will probably never eat one again. At 10:30 am, we said goodbye to our greatest joy and truest love, Cookie. Tim had dug her grave the day before. We wrapped her in a cotton blanket, and buried her with her toys, and some cookies for the road. We made a toast to her and cried.

I'll never eat a glazed donut again.

Cookie's Backyard Memorial

I had to cancel my first day of teaching art summer camp to kids at our community center because I was too busy throwing my body to the ground with my arm thrown over her pile of rocks sobbing for hours. I laid in a sleeping bag by her grave for an entire day until dusk came. I ate the rest of her dog treats from Petco so I could feel closer to her. I curled up in a ball and slept on her dog bed in the afternoons. I would have eaten my cereal from her dog bowls, but Tim drew the line at that. We experienced the sharpest, bluest, searing pain of our lives, and yet, Life continued.

My best girl

Fenderales family at Pt. Isabel

St. Francis, protect the animals.

Cookie's backyard statue

All through August, I taught summer camp art classes to Richmond children ages 6-12. What a hoot, and a learning experience for us all! One of our lessons was on the theme of Summer Olympics. When asking the kids what they knew about Rio de Janeiro, someone shouted out “ZIKA!” Kids, they say the darndest things. But look what we made!!!! I really love teaching.

Dual Self Portrait on hand bound sketchbook

Rio de Janeiro inspired bird marionette!

Cardboard tube bird marionette!

An up-cycled t-shirt bag inspired by Gilson Martins, a popular Brazilian Artisan.

I’ve continued to work on my daily practice of art journaling. I can see my style evolving and loosening up. I love the layers, textures and colors produced when combining media with illustration. And in anticipation of an upcoming literacy workshop that I will be teaching, I've learned that I have a new interest in poetry, specifically found word collages. The teacher is always learning. It’s my therapy.

Art Journal Pages

We took a weekend trip to Sacramento to meet new friends and see my exhibited piece in my first gallery show at The Brick House Gallery as part of the Creativity Caravan's Tiny Book Show. 

My Tiny Book, created from my childhood journal entries.

We took the train!

Sacramento Art

Old Downtown Sacramento.

It was a fun and bittersweet trip to Cookie’s homeland and her favorite dog friendly hotel. It felt so weird to be there without her. We talked about her every minute of every day, and I started my fourth COOKBOOK which will chronicle her adventures in the afterlife. She’s having a blast, I imagine.

Cookie bringing up the caboose in my imagination

We spontaneously took a day trip to the Sonoma County Fair where we rode scary rides all day and ate junk food until we were sick. Oh yeah, and Tim won a contest.

Thank ya, Thank ya very much.

And lastly, I took an online summer school surface design class with MIID. I really pushed myself with the briefs, and was very proud of my final submissions. I have the promising beginnings of two very different collections on which I will continue to work throughout the fall. If it’s one thing that I realized this summer, is that my drawing is my healing. I am COMPELLED to do it. It makes me happy and gives me hope. Maybe if you have ever felt lost, and confused, you know that finding a bit of hope is the most amazing thing that can happen at such a time.

Treasured Summer Botanicals

Summer Hibiscus Bouquet

Summer Botanicals Collection

Bathroom Thingies, my interpretation of Modern Pop Art

Pop Art Placement

Pop Art Collection

And friends. I was really lucky to get to spend time with some great friends old and new this summer. Thank you, Universe! It’s just what I needed.

New friend Cindy looked me up when she got to California!

Old friend Susan, my childhood bestie, came out to SF again this year.

It’s foggy outside and starting to smell like autumn. Soon, we will be placing fresh Asters and Mums at Cookie’s memorial instead of the Daisies and Yarrow of Summer. Next month I will be visiting Denver for my cousin’s wedding which will be a much needed healing trip for my heart because I have the best family in the world. Fall workshops are coming down the pipeline, and I’ve still got a lot to work on in developing my portfolio further. I really want to take an extended vacation with my husband, Tim, as the two of us have not had a real vacation in over 9 years. We’re getting to know each other all over again now that we don't have Cookie to punctuate our days. It’s tough and wonderful and scary all at the same time. The cycle starts again. Indeed. 

Photo by Corey Knafelz

“It always seems impossible until its done.” —nelson madera

DIY Zipper Pouch Wallet Tutorial

My awesome neon duct tape lady wallet finally died. I made it so it had pockets for all my cards, a little pocket for change, and a large enough envelope for unfolded cash bills and checks. I ended up smashing everything into one pocket anyway so that the wallet itself was just a giant bulge of stuff, much like George Costanza’s wallet. 

George's wallet is my spirit animal

So when I decided to make myself a new one, I went for a more simplified version where I could keep all my cards in one area, and all my cash in the other because that’s how I roll. Boom.

The neat thing about this is that I decided to up cycle my spoonflower.com print test swatches because they were so pretty, yet so small to sew anything larger than a pocket book. Since I’m just delving into using my sewing machine on a regular basis, I chose to sew a simple zipper pouch using this wonderful tutorial that I found on fallfordiy.com: 

So easy and you can definitely customize to your needs.

I made many of these pouches at once from various fabric types, but I found that using a woven cotton fabric worked best. Less slippery and stretch, and more control. And, I also just used plastic zippers of any length and simply cut them to size before sewing in. I really wanted to do a contrasting pop color and the smaller zippers offered by the craft stores do not come in many offerings besides white, black, navy and beige.

So for this wallet, I chose one 5.5” pouch and one 7.5’ pouch, both 3.5” wide.

I like to mix crazy patterns and colors.

The only think that I did differently from Francesca, is that I actually did a hidden stitch on step 12 to sew up my inside lining so that my loose change, stamps, bits and bobs wouldn't go missing between the layers. And, I'm a bit of a perfectionist, so when she says, “out of sight out of mind” that doesn’t really work for me. But, you be you! I won’t judge.

So now you have your pouches. Here are the steps I followed to make my zippered clutch:

1. Line your pouches up  bottom to bottom. Make sure your zippers are oriented the same way. See how mine, when zipped are both at the top?  Sew bottoms together along bottom seams through the insides. You will really have to keep an eye on what you are doing so that you pierce both layers of fabric in both pouches in the same spots.

Easy peasy!

2. Next, using a matching thread color, sew a length of ribbon about 12"-14" (right side facing up) into the seam where two pouches are attached leaving half about 2” longer than the other. It doesn't really matter how wide your ribbon is, but since you will be tying it into a bow, probably 1.5" wide would be the max.

The sides of the ribbon are uneven to accommodate for the loop you make around the first loop when tying a bow. 

The pouches will only be attached at the bottom so that you have flexibility to stuff your wallet like George Costanza.

3. Lastly, wrap ribbon ends around to the front of your wallet and tie a pretty bow!

Voila! I love my new wallet! 

There you go! Happy crafting.

On Branding: Hello, My Name is Dawn

I’m finally starting to figure it out. I’ve talked before about developing a personal illustration style, and branding. When I first started branching out into the business of illustration and surface design, I was all over the map. I couldn’t really find my style in terms of how I was drawing, what colors or techniques I liked. And that’s understandable. I hadn’t illustrated anything for almost 20 years!  My first foray into branding was born out of making a watermark/logo for my Society 6 shop:

Cute!

I had been working so long as a graphic designer and knew logotypes like the back of my hand, but I wanted to incorporate my illustrations so people knew what I was about. It’s okay. It did the trick. I liked it, but I’ve grown out of it into something that is more comfortably me.

I had included the owl because he is cute and funny, but I had also recognized that all the illustrators and surface designers that I followed were really into drawing woodland creatures.

Old promo package. I still love the pink duct tape.

I still love drawing characters. It’s natural for me, but over the years, a lot changed. The catalyst for me was when I completed a bright floral abstract pattern collection based on very organic mark making that I blogged about here.

The making of a collection

Not only did I get some good feedback on this, but I felt that it was a breakthrough for me in letting loose.

In addition, I realized, as I spent time getting ready for my first Surtex show, that over two years I have really developed a consistent brand style. And it all started with Pinterest. In a Creative Live class taught by the lovely Megan Auman, we did an exercise on making a brand board for ourselves. This is mine. Who know I loved pink so much? 

I love pink!

The purpose of the Pinterest exercise was to find our target audience. Shocker, the target customer is me! And yours is probably you!

This was an aha moment for me. I am a weirdo, and this comes across in my board. I also really like bright colors and unusual materials, and imagery. Oh yeah, and a lot of neon. 

It really shows in my work:

Weirdo

Over the year, I found a great joy in creating my own hand done typography and mark making/drawing icons for pattern use. Because I believe it is my best work to date, my debut collection for the bolt fabric market, Abstract Florals, is the base for all my collateral look and feel. And is the sole focus of my printed portfolio for the show. I didn't realize I was doing this, but in putting together my package for Surtex, I realize that I finally found my voice with typography, color and style It’s a color explosion just tike me: Dawn Gonzales, Illustrator, aka pom pom lady! I have not seen HELLO MY NAME IS DORIS yet, but I do know that I will attempt to wear my home made triangle scarf with fringe in the style of Sally Field as the lead character. And maybe my cat eye classes.

Branding + Collateral

As a side note, I have been teaching a lot of craft workshops and participating in craft fairs throughout this year. I finally have a kiT of parts display that shows what I am all about: it’s very craft driven, colorful and totally me. I love making things with my hands, up-cycling, and mixed media. It seems like my booth identity for all my classes relate! In fact, two weeks ago at the up cycle event, I had a great interest in my hand made banner that I displayed to call attention to my printmaking booth. I conveniently directed the people who commented on it to my workshop on how to craft the banner last Saturday. It’s all related! I try to wear my pom-poms, or duct tape jewelry whenever I can for the same reason. It all goes together and helps promote my brand.

Anyway, Lets jump to today. Look at all this stuff! I’ve created business cards, postcards, stickers, a blurb book, scarves and zippered phone cases. Does it look like it all came from the same place? I think so. By George, I think I've got it! 

Business cards, stickers and books, OH MY!

I hope you enjoy this video flip of my blurb book. 

I’ll see you at Surtex 2016, Booth 427.  If you are local and would like to learn more about branding your art business through social media, please take my class at THE RICHMOND ART CENTER this summer. It will be a two hour introductory class of the best ways to talk about your art and create a streamlined brand across three social platforms: Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. I’d love to see you there.

I promise I won't wear my bikini to teach the class.

 After that, as I mentioned in my previous post, I am so excited to be teaching a Summer Camp class for Rosie’s Girls about branding, design and marketing. We are going to make a display booth for their on going events. Guess those 15 years of environmental design came in handy! (Universe, have I told you lately that I love you?)

A page from my presentation deck for the Rosie the Riveter board of Trustees

Thank you for reading. Go out there and be you in all your neon pink, duct taped pom-pommed glory! Good luck for all of you who will be in NYC exhibiting your work. I’ll look for you!

I'll see you there!

Freelance Friday Fashion Designer Edition: My interview with Heather Habig

Calling all fashionistas and Cate Blanchett!  Today I bring you an interesting interview with freelance fashion designer and my friend, Heather Habig. I first met Heather when we worked together at Gap Inc. and was instantly attracted to her sense of humor and kindness. It wasn't until later that I learned she has an INCREDIBLE TALENT that she is sharing with the world. I mean, check out the gorgeousness of her work below. I also owe her a special thanks for inspiring me to teach, and now I know why! It’s in her blood. 

Heather Who Brocade Two Piece

DG: HEATHER!  EVER SINCE THAT SCENE IN PRETTY IN PINK WHERE ANDIE MAKES HER OWN PROM DRESS, I HAVE BEEN FASCINATED BY FASHION DESIGN. AND YOUR DESIGNS ARE SO BEAUTIFUL!  HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE BUSINESS?

HH: I’ve been sewing since Home Economics class in junior high, so for about 10 years. Ha! Kidding….actually more like 25 years. It was a hobby through my teens, but in college I studied music, so that was my priority. Sewing sort of fell by the wayside for a few years. After school, I moved to San Francisco and was working in administrative jobs at music non-profits, but that wasn’t fulfilling me creatively.

I got a cheapie sewing machine and returned to that craft, and fell in love with it again. I wanted to learn Patternmaking (which is the “blueprint” for making a garment), so I took some classes at City College SF and finally found Apparel Arts, which was in San Francisco at the time. Something clicked for me there. The combination of creativity and technical aspects really worked for my brain. 

I’ve loved clothes and fashion since I was a kid, so at some point it occurred to me that I wanted to try having a career in that industry. By the time I finished at Apparel Arts, I was working at Old Navy HQ. I was getting a taste of working in the industry, but I really wanted to be my own boss. I like working hard and having responsibility, and it sounded ideal to me to work hard and have the results of that work benefit me directly, rather than “the man”.

I was asked to return to Apparel Arts as an instructor, and that felt like my chance to take the leap from full time working. Teaching part time has been such a lucky break for me.  It’s guaranteed income, allows my schedule to be flexible for about half the week, and is work that I love. 

I started Heather Who and began trying to generate work. In the beginning I tried to say yes to everything that came my way. I tried lots of different things – custom sewing work for clients, freelance patternmaking, and working on my own designs. I have come to realize that I want to focus on my own vision and am trying to have a go at developing and producing my own line of limited-edition ready-to-wear for women.

Heather Who Crop Top Hi Low Skirt

DG: AMAZING! SINCE LEAVING YOUR FULL TIME JOB, WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN GETTING YOUR CAREER UP AND RUNNING?

HH: Paying the bills is just a constant concern. Teaching part time is great because it mostly supports my regular life. But for the business, it has been a struggle to come up with funds to buy fabric and materials, let alone pay myself.

DG: YES, I AM TOTALLY FAMILIAR WITH THAT CHALLENGE. BUT THERE ARE GOOD THINGS TOO. CAN YOU SHARE WITH US SOME OF YOUR SUCCESSES?

HH: I moved to a new studio in Oakland at the end of 2015. It’s a charming little storefront space near Jack London Square that serves as both work studio and selling space. This has been a nice change for my commute (my previous studio was in SF and I live in the East Bay), and also gave some fresh energy to my business. It’s helped me find some focus and try some new ways of working. Plus there’s so many cute dogs in the neighborhood that I get to say hello to!

For Heather Who in 2016, I’m hoping to execute a plan where I release a new garment/outfit every 6 weeks or so. The standard fashion calendar starts with a runway show with lots of pieces that are then purchased by buyers and arrive at the stores months later. And there are of course lots of people involved in getting that process to work. Since I am just one person handling every aspect of the business (right now, anyway), it feels more manageable for me to focus on one thing and release it as I go. In some ways, I can react to ideas and trends faster than traditional design houses because I design and produce everything myself. And having newness every few weeks or so will hopefully keep me in customer’s minds more often.

Heather's Studio / Store front

DG: CONGRATS ON YOUR STUDIO. IS HAVING TOTAL CONTROL OF THE PRODUCT PIPELINE YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT “WORKING FOR YOURSELF”?

HH: Like I mentioned before, I like working hard and having responsibility, and I like that the results of my work benefit me. It’s also pretty nice to be able to have a day where I want to play hooky, and I don’t have to come up with some fake doctor’s appointment in order to have some free time!

DG: AS A FREELANCE DESIGNER, HOW DO YOU GET INSPIRED EVERY DAY? 

HH: It can be challenging – when running a business the list of administrative tasks never seems to shrink. I love magazines and subscribe to far too many of them. Just flipping through a few pages is always fun and inspiring for me. I also love that all the runway shows are available online basically the minute they happen. I probably watch a show or 2 everyday to see what’s happening out there.

DG: IS IT DIFFICULT TO KEEP BALANCE IN YOUR LIFE? FOR EXAMPLE, CAN YOU “STOP” WORKING WHEN YOUR IT’S TIME TO SWITCH GEARS, LIKE TO CREATE FOR YOURSELF, OR SAY, GO TO SLEEP? 

HH: Balance is one of the hardest things to find. There’s so much to do for the business that I could fill 24 hours a day. And there is some planning required for teaching, so that takes up a good chunk of time as well. The creative time for myself unfortunately falls to lowest priority on many days. I’m lucky enough to have a work studio, so I can leave projects and tools out. Seeing the pretty fabric I bought for myself out on the table, or having markers and watercolors at the ready remind me that I should take a little creative time for myself.

DG: YES, HAVING A WORK STUDIO MUST HELP! AS FAR AS A “STUDIO PRACTICE,” WHAT DOES THAT PROCESS LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

HH: When I get to my studio in the morning, I try to start out by working on something that feels fun or inspiring or new, even if it’s only for 20 minutes. That way I’m sure to have that moment everyday that reminds me why I love what I do. If I waited until I was done with everything I have to do in a day, I wouldn’t get to it. 

I also must have music or a podcast playing while I work. I do like to work alone, but total quiet is sort of a lonely feeling. I confess to listening to cheesy pop music while I work – it’s good background noise for me. Then if I’m working on a task that doesn’t take much brain power, I’ll listen to a podcast like Serial, This American Life, or Radiolab.

DG: I LOVE IT!  HOW DO YOU USE YOUR SKETCHBOOK? CAN YOU GIVE US A PEEK?

HH: One of my goals is develop my fashion illustration skills. I’d love to incorporate watercolor in them. I also carry around a tiny notebook to jot down an idea to do a quick little sketch of something. Pinterest is a fun way to keep track of images I like online (pinterest.com/heatherwhosf). 

DG: DO YOU HAVE A FASHION ICON THAT YOU WOULD LOVE TO DRESS? 

HH: I’m a big fan of classic Hollywood glamour, so making a dress for a modern Hollywood style star would be pretty cool. Cate Blanchett, call me!

A most glamorous design by Heather Who

DG: OOOOHHH. HOW CAN WE GET CATE TO NOTICE YOU? I COULD DEFINITELY SEE HER IN YOUR DESIGNS. SHALL WE GIVE HER A SHOUT OUT ON TWITTER? SERIOUSLY,  SELF PROMOTION IS DIFFICULT FOR ARTISTS. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT IT?

HH: This is such a challenge for me, being the shy introvert that I am. Frankly, if I pretend “Heather Who” is someone else, that helps me get over myself! It’s something I have to put on my calendar for a reminder, or else it won’t occur to me to do it – it’s just not a habit yet. 

DG: WHO OR WHAT HAS INFLUENCED YOUR WORK THE MOST? 

HH: I come from a couple of generations of teachers, and I have had some great teachers in my life. I would be nowhere without their guidance and belief in me.

I watched a lot of old movies when I was a kid – Alfred Hitchcock, the Hepburn's, big Hollywood musicals. The glamour and style of classic Hollywood movies is always an inspiration.

DG: I BELIEVE IN YOU! AND I ADMIRE YOU FOR GOING AFTER YOUR DREAMS.  DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR PEOPLE WHO WANT TO DO THE SAME?

HH: Stay focused on and confident about what you want, and you’ll figure out a way to make it happen. Just because things have been done a certain way in the past doesn’t mean you have to do it that way. And making mistakes is how we learn, so don’t be afraid of mistakes!

DG: AND LASTLY, WHAT IS YOUR SECRET SUPERPOWER?

HH: I have quite a good memory, which definitely comes in handy. With so many details to manage in my work, I can hold a lot of those details in my head. And if I had a conversation in passing a couple of years ago about a certain bit of information, I can often recall it pretty clearly and accurately.

. . . . . . . . . . .

Good to know! I’ll remember that, hopefully. Thanks to Heather for sharing her story with us today!

Don’t forget to look her up at:

www.heather-who.com

Facebook: heatherwhosanfrancisco

Twitter: @heather_whoSF

Instagram: heather_who_sf

pinterest.com/heatherwhosf

Freelance Friday Interview with Adria Olender

Another Freelance Friday is here! I enjoy writing these posts and I hope you are finding them helpful, inspirational and fun to read. 

Today’s interview is with my friend and fellow ex pat of Old Navy, Adria Olender. She is a brilliant graphic designer, working mom, and a real sweetie to boot. Adria switchedcareer directions not once, but twice! She has worked hard to design a life of balance that she loves so that she can continue to do her art and spend more time with her adorable family.  Check out that cute portrait photo! Amirite?  Read on to see what Adria has to say about getting clients to pay on time, overcoming anxiety and dealing with corporate angst a la Peter from Office Space. Oh, and, you might want to learn her secret superpower. It’s a goodie! 

DG: HI ADRIA! CAN YOU START BY TELLING US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND HOW YOU GOT TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW? 

AO: Sure. I think I’ll share a bit about my long and twisted journey, as perhaps some people will find it inspiring. I actually switched careers at age 30. Prior to that I was an HR Manager at a craft beer company (long story…) I went go back to school on nights and weekends and got my degree in Graphic Design. I was living in the heart of the “Silicon Valley” so my first design jobs were in the tech industry. A few years later with some design experience under my belt, feeling burnt out on the Silicon Valley, and looking for adventure, a friend and I decided to move to New York City. (Ah, to be young and brave and naive!) Within 2 weeks I landed a job at Cole Haan, my first job in the retail/fashion industry! At the time, Cole Haan had just been bought by Nike. The Creative Director was Gordon Thompson, who was essentially the mastermind behind NikeTown that turned the act of shopping into an entirely new retail and brand “experience.” Needless to say, working at Cole Haan with such amazing creative leadership was a great experience and helped to shape me as a designer. After 4 years, I decided to move back home, primarily with the desire to meet someone and start a family. And lo and behold, my plan worked, within 6 months I met my future husband and landed a job at Gap, Inc. After 3 years I moved over to Old Navy where I worked for over 5 years in in-store marketing. Working at Old Navy was fun and exciting, as the brand was completely different from Cole Haan or the Gap. It challenged me in so many ways and I am truly grateful for that experience. After a while though, the daily grind of working for such a large, public (read numbers-driven) brand started to wear on me. I found myself stuck in meetings most of the day, uninspired, stressed, and worst of all the job was wearing at my confidence. Not to mention that by now I was a mother and looking for more balance in my life. So, after a lot of thought (I think it took me about 2 years!) I finally took the leap and quit my job. At that time, I had no ideal what I would do next. All I knew was that I needed more time, balance and flexibility in my life, which for me that meant working less and having more control over my schedule. I think we are really lucky to be living in a time where working remotely and having a flexible schedule is a viable option for many people like us who are seeking a different path. 

DG: ADRIA, YOU HAVE MADE SOME BRAVE AND WONDERFUL LEAPS! BRAVA. AND I CAN TOTALLY RELATE TO YOUR CRAVING A MORE INSPIRING, FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE. WHICH BRINGS ME TO MY NEXT QUESTION: YOU ARE THE FIRST MOM THAT I HAVE INTERVIEWED FOR THIS SERIES! AND I LOVE YOU BECAUSE YOU’VE CHOSEN TO ADOPT A FLEXIBLE WORK SCHEDULE THAT KEEPS YOU ON THE CLOCK 25-30 HOURS AS OPPOSED TO THE DAILY 9-5 GRIND. HOW HAS FREELANCING CHANGED YOUR LIFE AT HOME?

AO: Absolutely! Working from home and having a flexible schedule is huge! Having a baby and working at a full-time job was very stressful. Even though I knew I still wanted to work, I did feel guilty that I wasn’t home with my son more. I was also very stressed with the job and the commute. My schedule was so tight, getting ready for work, getting my son ready for the day, commuting, making dinner, etc. I was just running myself ragged. I also worried about taking time off work, that I would fall behind, or that my boss or co-workers may not think I was pulling my weight at work. Bottom line is I was full of guilt, stressed and my life felt very out of balance. Now, as a freelancer, I feel so much calmer and in control. When I was working 9-5, I didn’t feel like I had control of my schedule, now I do. Being less stressed allows me to be a better, more patient mother. And now that my son is in Kindergarten, I can easily take a couple hours out of my day to volunteer in his classroom, go see a music performance, or take him to swim class. I also love that I now have more time to put nutritious meals on the table. And I also I have time for myself, be it to just relax, get a pedi, or work on a project. Everything in my life is just more relaxed and balanced. 

DG: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER WORKING MOMS IN THE FREELANCE WORLD?

AO: I think the biggest piece of advice is don’t be afraid to define your terms and to take care of your needs. I find that I am so much calmer, in control and productive as a contractor. I’m not bogged down with meetings and interruptions, and am able to produce at a full-time level. For me working 25-30 hours a week helps me stay in balance and have time for my family and for myself. I do have to be very organized and set a schedule for myself to get it all in though. And, although I do occasionally work late or over the weekend…that’s part of having a flexible schedule…for the most part I try to stay on schedule and put my work aside at the end of the day so I can focus on my family. 

DG: SINCE YOU ARE SO BUSY MULTI-TASKING DURING THE DAY, DO YOU HAVE AN ALLOTTED SPACE FOR “WORKING” AT HOME THAT ALLOWS YOU TO AVOID DISTRACTIONS?:

AO: I do. And let me tell you, I really bunker down in my office. I close the doors, turn the little heater under my desk, put on some tunes and off I go. I have a few quotes that inspire me and my “Create” stone, and lots of photos of my husband and son that make me happy. I do think having a separate work area is important, as it helps me focus while at home. 

Adria's workspace

DG: WITH FREELANCING, WE ARE OFTEN ASKED TO BE GLOBAL IN SEVERAL DISCIPLINES. HAVE YOU FOUND THAT FREELANCING HAS REQUIRED YOU TO BECOME INTERESTED IN AREAS YOU WOULDN’T HAVE CARED ABOUT BEFORE? MY PERSONAL MOTTO IS TO JUST SAY “YES” AND FIGURE IT OUT LATER BECAUSE I KNOW I CAN DO ANYTHING IF I PUT MY MIND TO IT! 

AO: Oh yes, in particular I feel like my clients do not understand the importance of a copywriter! So sometimes I find myself writing the copy or using the copy they provide and feeling frustrated because I know it could be so much better! To help counter that, I am gathering my own resources for copy, so now I can provide that resource to the client. 

DG: I KNOW! I LIKE TO WRITE, SO I OFTEN WRITE IN MY OWN FPO COPY AS WELL AND SOMETIMES IS MAKES THE FINAL CUT! HOW ELSE DO YOU ADDRESS FILLING IN THOSE CROSS FUNCTIONAL GAPS?

AO: As a contractor I often find I need to “manage up” and really operate as a project manager. I find myself defining the priorities, setting and managing schedules, defining the process, gathering resources, etc. And like you, I have adopted the motto to just say “yes,” especially to those project that feel a bit scary for me. I think of it as on-the-job training! One of my inspirational quotes is “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” I love this quote because it makes me think about the times when I would get overwhelmed or worry that I couldn’t do something. Then, I would figure it out, and that always reminds me that I can do almost anything I set my mind too! I’d say that is one of the best things about being a freelancer is having those opportunities to learn and grow, and each time I successfully do something that I’ve never done before, I get more and more confident.

Indeed!

DG: ATTA GIRL! HOW WOULD YOU FARM SOMETHING OUT FOR AN ASSIGNMENT WITH SKILL REQUIREMENTS YOU DON’T POSSESS? 

AO: I’m just starting to cross that bridge now. I am realizing that sometimes clients do not understand the process or their needs and that it’s my job to help and educate them. And if I can make their lives easier by finding someone to fill the job myself that’s even better. 

DG: ADRIA, WE TALKED ABOUT THIS BRIEFLY LAST WEEK. HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH CLIENTS THAT ARE SLOW IN PAYING? I MEAN, WE’RE THE LITTLE GUYS. WHAT DO YOU DO IF A PAYMENT IS REALLY PAST DUE?

AO: I am still figuring this one out and so far my clients have been good at paying me, but sometimes it does come a little late. Some things that I do to help are always have a contract, always submit my invoices on time and ask for payment upon receipt. I do have a 21 day period, and I’m not afraid to bug the client when the due date is approaching. I send polite reminders or inquiries to my client. I’ll also reach out to the accounts payable department to check on the status. So basically, my “strategy” is to hound them (nicely) until they pay. ;* )

DG: GETTING PAID IS SOMETHING EVERY FREELANCER HAS TO DEAL WITH, SO WE APPRECIATE YOUR ADVICE ON THAT TOPIC.  ON THAT NOTE, DO YOU MANAGE YOUR OWN ACCOUNTING? IF SO, HOW CHALLENGING IS THAT?

AO: For now I do. This will be my first year where I’m officially a sole proprietor, so we’ll see how it goes. I’m thinking that I may need an accountant or at the very least a business expense tracking software. Let me know if you have a good recommendation for that!

DG: ANXIETY!! WE ALL HAVE IT. I KNOW THAT WORKING FULL TIME FOR A FORTUNE 500 RETAIL CO. HAD SOME STRESSORS FOR SURE. IN YOUR NEW LIFE, DO YOU EVER FEEL ANXIOUS ABOUT WORK? 

AO: Oh yes. I’m especially anxious when I first start a new contract and work on that first project. I want to make a good impression and fulfill my clients needs/expectations. Did I hit the mark? Do they like me? Do they like my work? I worry about all of that. Over time as the relationship builds this anxiety goes away. But then a new anxiety appears, the anxiety of being let go unexpectedly. I’d hope to have advance notice, but realize that I may not get that. To help manage this anxiety, I do try to tuck away a chunk of money for a rainy day. So, I make the choice…instead of buying that new pair of shoes, I put some money away. Which actually brings me to a tangent topic about how much time and money I save not having to commute, buy lunches, or buy new clothes for the office. But, I’d say that at the end of the day, the stress I feel as a contractor is much more manageable than the stress I felt as a full-time employee. I guess because I know I’m in control, whatever happens.

Adria is killin' it with her awesome logo and in-store designs for Bevmo!

DG: THANKS FOR BEING SO HONEST. I DONT THINK THERE IS A FREELANCER OUT THERE WHO DOESN'T FEEL THE SAME WAY. 

DG: SO, HOW DO YOU RELAX? AND CAN YOU FIND TIME TO BALANCE YOUR HOBBIES WITH YOUR BUSINESS?  

AO: I find that my days are pretty full with work, taking care of my son, and managing the household. When I’m not doing those things I’m usually trying to get some exercise in or visit with friends. For exercise I like to walk and hike. To calm my mind I like yoga and Zentangles. Zentangles is basically doodling for relaxation and inspiration. I am also getting into cooking and eating healthy. We have an organic vegetable box delivered every week, so I am having fun discovering new vegetables and figuring out creative and delicious ways to cook them. My favorite these days is roasted curry romanesco cauliflower, yum!

Adria's Doodles

DG: YAY! I LOVE YOUR DOODLES. SELF CARE IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR EVERYONE, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO "WORK FOR THEMSELVES."

DG: DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE REINVENTING THEIR CAREER MID STREAM?

AO: As the saying goes…feel the fear and do it anyway! It took me about 2 years to leave my corporate job because I was worried that I wouldn’t find a better job, or that no one would ever hire me. (It’s crazy what those demons in your head will make you think!) Now that I’ve made the leap and look back on it I wonder what took me so long. And not just me, I know so many people who have made the leap to follow their dreams and they are all happy and successful. You, Dawn, are a perfect example. It’s been so great to see you grow and really “bloom” as you pursue your passions. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. You can define the terms of how you work and what you do…within reason of course. Have you seen “Office Space?” It’s like that scene where the lead character tells the business consultants off, and their reaction is admiration for being so frank and he gets a promotion! 

DG: HA HA. LOVE IT. HERE'S THE FAMOUS SCENE FOR THOSE OF US WHO NEED A REMINDER:

DG: AND, LASTLY: WHAT IS YOUR SECRET SUPERPOWER?

AO: Hummm, I think my secret super power is faking it until I make it. When I am asked to do something that I’ve never done, I put a confident smile and say of course I can do that! And then, my “make it work” superpower kicks in and I do it! 

Those, my friends, are words to live by.

Check out Adria's amazing work here:

http://adria-olender-bvut.squarespace.com

and learn more about her here and here:

https://www.pinterest.com/adriao/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adria-olender-1bb17b2

Freelance Friday Interview with Dawline-Jane Oni-Eseleh

Hi friends! Today I bring you an inspiring interview with visual artist and my friend, Dawline-Jane Oni-Eseleh. I first met Dawline two years ago at a Creative Live taping of Lisa Congdon’s "Become a Working Artist” class. I am a huge fan of Dawline’s work especially her printmaking and portraiture. This lady is super prolific in many mediums but her sensitive brush and ink line work is immediate recognizable. If you live in the Bay Area, you may have seen her work at Oxtail Studios and Art Attack, SF. I love Dawline’s spirit, drive to work hard, and commitment to creating art daily. Oh, and she’s super smart and funny. Read on to learn more about what inspires Dawline, her ideas on authentic and consistent self promotion, and her feelings about sweatpants.

DG: HI DAWLINE. TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR JOURNEY FROM A CONVENTIONAL WORK-A-DAY LIFE TO FOLLOWING YOUR FREELANCE AMBITIONS.

DO: I moved to the Bay Area almost 10 years ago from New York. I've spent most of my work life in management of some sort, with the past 6 years managing a large art supply store in the area. I would say overall, in the almost 20 years that I've spent working my aim has been to work in as many diverse environments as possible - everything from teaching art in a Ukrainian Catholic school in the East Village to a coordinating catering events in an Orthodox Kosher restaurant. I think its really important to get to know as many different people as possible, and there is no faster way to get to know people than working side by side with them. I very recently decided to focus on my art career full time because it was simply time. In the past 3 years I've been showing my work with a fair amount of regularity and there are projects in my head that I felt I needed to make real.

DG: SINCE LEAVING YOUR 9-5, WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN GETTING YOUR ART CAREER UP AND RUNNING?

DO: My biggest challenge since leaving my 9-5 has been developing a daily work flow. At my previous day job my work day had an arc - come in, have a big gulp of coffee, check in with my assistant, make a plan for the day, read through email and other correspondence and so on. At home it's different. I think I blame sweatpants. In all seriousness, I have started to develop a routine but as there is no commute to signal beginning and end I have tended to work or think about work now all the time. I've had dreams about Instagram and woken up at 4 am to jot notes down in my phone.

DG: CAN YOU SHARE  SOME OF YOUR SUCCESSES WITH US?

DO: I was asked to lead a watercolor workshop at a conference in San Francisco soon after I left my 9-5 in October for people who were looking to transition out of their day jobs into work that was more in tune to their creative passions. It felt really great to use my very recent experience to help others explore their dormant creativity. My other success has honestly just been taking some time out to identify what I need from my life and finding my voice as an artist. It sounds like such a small thing but it's really valuable. When I was younger I would have said just having an art show was a success - last year I had a show a month. At least 3 of them where solos but I honestly don't remember because it was such a blur. Working 45 hours a week and putting in 5 hours a day in the studio was tough and made me reevaluate what success would might mean to me moving forward. I'm still trying  to sort it out.

DG: SUPER EXCITING THAT YOU WERE SO BUSY SHOWING YOUR WORK IN GALLERIES. AND I LOVE THAT YOU DEFINE AN ELEMENT OF SUCCESS AS TAKING TIME OUT FOR SELF CARE. IT'S SO IMPORTANT. 

DG: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT “WORKING FOR YOURSELF” AND WHY?

DO: My favorite part about working for myself is determining the tone and mission of my work. When you work for someone else you are always speaking in their voice, to a certain extent. It's the "company culture" that dictates how you answer the phone, deal with the public, interact with clients. Sometimes it aligns, sometimes it doesn't. I really value the ability to speak in my own voice.

DG: I LOVE THAT: "SPEAKING IN YOUR OWN VOICE." IT'S VERY EMPOWERING. AND WHAT INSPIRES YOU, AS A FREELANCER, TO SPEAK IN YOUR OWN VOICE?

DO: My mind is always on which is great and terrible - I'm inspired by everything. I've gotten to the age where I've learned to adapt to my own way of thinking and figure out ways of filtering and organizing my thoughts to bank for those rare "inspiration dry spells". I take walks around my neighborhood, always with a camera, and jot down notes in my phone. It's a great reference guide for me and it's better than a notebook for me because I don't have to try and read a hastily scribbled note (though sometimes I look through them and laugh... what exactly was I referring to when I wrote down the word "Nostrajamas"?!) 

Inspired by nature

DG: I KNOW WHAT IT WAS. YOU MEANT TO REMEMBER TO ILLUSTRATE NOSTRADAMUS WEARING HIS JAMMIES. 

DG: HOW DO YOU KEEP BALANCE IN YOUR LIFE WHEN EARNING A % OF INCOME FROM YOUR ART AND ALSO KEEPING SOME CREATIVE TIME FOR YOURSELF? 

DO: I'll be honest - I haven't quite gotten into the flow of making a decent income from my art - it's an everyday hustle between my web shop and teaching classes. Right my daily workflow is devoted to research, finding and building my audience, creating a body of work and administrative work like maintaining websites, social media and email.

DG: THANK YOU FOR YOUR CANDIDNESS. I KNOW THE EVERYDAY HUSTLE WELL.  IT'S SO IMPORTANT TO BALANCE "GOTTA PAY THE BILLS" MAKE SOME MONEY WORK WITH YOUR ONGOING PURSUITS OF DEVELOPING YOUR BUSINESS.

PART OF DEVELOPING YOUR ART BUSINESS IS HAVING A STUDIO PRACTICE. IN OTHER WORDS, "MAKING ART EVERY DAY." CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURS? 

DO: I used to have an outside studio, which I miss, but lately I've been working from home. I usually start the day with some warm up drawing, and then some more later in the evening. I would say I spend at least three hours a day on studio work now. Ideally it would be 5. 

DG: I LOVE SKETCHBOOKS. CAN YOU SHARE A PEEK INTO YOURS? 

DO: It's taken me a while to get into sketch booking. Until very recently I either painted on substrates like canvas, wood panel or paper with out planning or preliminary sketching, or made relief prints. Now I take my sketch book with me on the train or at other times when I feel there will be down time. It helps me organize my thoughts and be present with my environment. 

Commuter sketching

DG: WHAT IS YOUR DREAM JOB? DREAM CLIENT? DREAM GIG? 

DO: Eeek! I would love to do editorial illustration. I like making work that's graphic or narrative. I'd love to go back in time and create posters during the Art Nouveau period. Lately I've been fantasizing about illustrating a picture book for Chronicle Books. 

DG: YOU CAN DO IT! I CAN DEFINITELY SEE YOUR WORK TRANSLATING TO THIS GENRE. HOW WILL YOU GET THERE? ANY ADVICE FOR SELF PROMOTION? 

DO: Right now I spend a good deal of time devoted to marketing. I'm trying to launch my business and find an audience which takes a lot of work. I actually really enjoy it which is funny I'm actually a little shy. My advice is to be authentic and consistent but don't hit people over the head shouting "me me me" constantly. Find and take a genuine interest in things going on around you and in other people's work. The arts community is a small one that thrives on collaboration. On the other hand, don't let a fear of seeming pushy stop you from showing the world your work and what you are up to. There's a myth that someone will "discover" your art work and make you famous but I don't think that's realistic. You have to send out a beacon. 

DG: WHO OR WHAT HAS INFLUENCED YOUR WORK THE MOST?

DO: I think my work has been influenced by pop culture, mid century graphic design and advertising. I'm not afraid to admit that I love TV and I think it has to have in some way crept into the framing of my paintings. I also actually started out taking photographs (35mm and large format film) before I started painting with any serious regularity, which informs the way that I place objects in the picture plane and decides what I choose to focus on or filter out.

Block Printing

DG: DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE REINVENTING THEIR CAREER MID STREAM?

DO: Recently the old question "How do you eat an elephant?" popped into my head. Rather than thinking of tackling this huge thing the idea is to take it one bite at a time. I would never condone eating elephants, but you get the idea!

DG: AND LAST, BUT NOT LEAST, WHAT IS YOUR SECRET SUPERPOWER?

DO: I'm a dog whisperer. I can also guess babies ages.

Thanks to dear Dawline for sharing her story. You can learn more about here:

https://www.facebook.com/disfordilettante

 http://www.dawlinejaneart.com

 https://www.instagram.com/disfordilettante/

Twitter @dawlinejane_art

And check out her Waterfront Sketch Workshop this weekend with Verlocal:

https://www.facebook.com/verlocal/

Crazy Pom-Pom Lady Alert!

One of my goals for 2015 was to open an Etsy Store. I did it at the last possible second, practically. But I did it.

Yes, I am the Crazy Pom Pom Lady. Not to be confused with the fabulous PINBALL LADY in this skit from The Donny and Marie Show, 1976. Fun times.

Pinball Lady!!

Check me out! I have tons of cute gift items for your friends who are just the right brand of crazy, like me!

Pom-Pom Flower Pins, $6.00

Pom-Pom Dangly Earrings, $12.00

Neon Pom-Pom Statement Necklace, $22.00

Pom-Pom Friday Headband, $14.00

And I also have non-Pom Pom related items like these:

Animal Print Duct Tape Statement Necklace, $22.00

Pink Zebra Duct Tape Earrings, $14.00

This shop is just another way that I am trying to diversify myself as a working artist. I'll report back to you at the end of 2016.

I was inspired to open my shop because of my positive experience with my craft booth at the Holiday Arts Festival hosted by the Richmond Art Center.

Photo by David Bernard and John Wehrle

I’m so proud to have been one of the many artists and faculty that helped raise $30,000 to support the many programs RAC offers to people of all ages.  How great is that? I love art and my community. What better way to contribute. Thank you to all who came out and supported us.

And if you missed out on the color explosion that was the Pom-Pom Lady's booth, you can visit me at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DawnGonzalesDesign or attend my Mother's Day Pom-Pom Making workshop at the Richmond Art Center on Sunday, May 8, 12 - 4pm. Mark your calendars! More details to come soon.

Pom-Pom on, my friends! Pom-Pom on!

Rock bands, dinosaurs, and pom-poms, oh my! Influences for April's Bootcamp assignment

This was a fun one, you guys. The April brief took it up a whole nutha' level in making this a real world assignment: a poster design for the upcoming Make Art That Sells Global Art Gathering, a live event being held in Brighton, UK on June 12th, 2015.

Here is an excerpt of the brief:

Create a single design that works as both a poster and a postcard, for the ADVERTISING market.

The poster should be designed at full size 20” wide x 30” high, portrait.

[as for the style] consider where the poster will be used. It will be displayed on the seafront and around the city of Brighton, which is a highly creative place. The poster should appeal to men and women, and to a very hip crowd. … Ensure that your lettering is clear and legible.

We were given copy to include, and a specific color palette, which I think is lovely.

As all of our Bootcamp assignments begin, we were given a “mini” of hand lettering the words: THE GLOBAL ART GATHERING. Okay. So, this is right up my alley. I love typography and I love writing. I send hand written snail mail ALL THE TIME. And, I’ve been practicing my lettering a lot over the past year, to beef up this section in my portfolio:

So, this is where I brought out my pens, paints and markers. Lots of this is crazy doodly junk, but I did find a few useful sketches.

Sketches, books and COFFEE!

I have pages of this stuff!

My most time consuming study was this script lock-up which I later refined in illustrator using anchor points and bezier curves. I'm glad I spent the time because I'm really proud of the way it turned out in it's final rendition.

Brighton is so interesting! I WANT TO GO TO THERE.  Look at all these gorgeous images I found!

The Brighton Pavilion

Brighton Pier Amusements

Brighton Pier Ferris Wheel and Seagull

The pier is like our Santa Cruz pier, only 1000 times cleaner, arty and way more sophisticated! If I have my geography right, one of the most interesting tidbits that I “dug up” is that Brighton has an association with dinosaurs and fossil discoveries.

Brighton Pier dinosaur postcard, 1947

Awesome. That got me thinking….

Tea Rex?

During the development phase of this project, we were in the throes of redecorating our home office a la “Fillmore Room West.” My husband has a great collection of concert posters that heavily influenced my designs.

I had also attended a Pom-Pom making workshop as Makeshift Society, SF, and that got me thinking about confetti, and festivities and general colorful fun. I took some really great photos that day.

Pom-Pom remnants

You can see how this creative expedition infiltrated my mind to produce one of my final selections later in this post.

In the end, I exhausted every inkling of every idea that I had in order to come up with these three designs:

Tea Drinking Dino at the famous decorative railing on the Brighton Pier

I loved this design the best, but thought that the next one fit the whole concept better.

I love this hipster art maker!

After taking polls among my friends, family and classmates, I chose to submit my hipster arty seagull. Thanks, everyone for your awesome feedback, especially Dionne and Martina, art directors extraordinares! I love this little guy and his art maker tattoo. I had great fun with the textured, layered background, the fancy swirls in the famous Brighton Pier railing, and of course, the hand painted typography. I think this poster design really does capture the energy of the event. We'll see what happens next!

The class gallery went live today. There were 300 submissions from our class of 700; so many different takes and mediums. I think you will enjoy having a scroll through these inspirational pieces:

Click here to check out the beautiful posters!

The prize for winning the competition is, naturally, to have your poster printed and displayed out and about Brighton, a corresponding postcard printed and distributed, $500.00 and the pièce de résistance, a one-on-one portfolio review with artist agent, Lilla Rogers. Wow! I could use all of those things. For now, I am very happy that I have three great new portfolio pieces. Thank you Lilla rogers and Make Art That Sells Bootcamp for the amazing opportunity!