The Could've Been a "Very Merry" Greeting Card

Indeed it was a Merry Christmas, so merry in fact, I had no time to send out a personalized greeting card. Mine were store bought...perish the thought. Well, I did, and got a few pretty ones that were certainly "my style." So much so in fact, people asked if I had made them up. This year, Christmas 2009, I'll make sure they have my signature. But for now, here's a sample of what could have been. I played around one evening with a greeting card design AFTER purchasing my boxed cards (3 days before Christmas, when I realized I could have had more time with better time-management). Well it's not quite right but it's kinda' nice, so I decided that at least I'd share my efforts here.

Obsessing...so what else is new?

photo courtesy of black*star*vintage

Since this is a fashion blog, thought I'd share my latest, most vapid obsession...finding the perfect pair of fall boots, specifically, that boho chic boot that looks all weathered and worn. And since this blog is about the art and design of fashion, let me expand on the relevance of this latest obsession. How often can we find beautifully designed boots without spending over $300? Look to the 1970s and it is certainly plausible to covet shoes that are well over 20 years old. This is particularly the case with old Fryes or Dexters. Here's an example of one Frye braided boot, currently on Ebay (sadly, not my size), that my feets dream about. Where did this desire come from? Celebrity influence? The fashionistas that carry them off so well? Perhaps. I don't care. I want a pair...6 1/2 please.

What is My Brand?

The inspiration...

As I sipped my coffee this morning, I pondered, just what is my style? Because to be in business, any artist must have one, a brand. Just this past week, I had been busy creating patterns for a large retail buyer (see sampling below). This time, I found myself inspired by the work of Amy Butler and her Midwest Modern book. It was given to me as a thank you from my sister, after throwing her a surprise baby shower. If anything, the thanks goes to her for sending it to me! I can closely identify with Butler's aesthetic. Even though I was born and raised on the east coast, I spent many summers in Chicago and its suburbs as a child and young teenager.

...and what it inspired

So I'm constantly working out a "style" or 'brand" whether it be in my book illustration or fashion and textile work. But when I'm inspired, as with Ms. Butler's work, I'm lead through so many wonderful twists and turns that I never really come to any sort of conclusion or definition of just what my style is or should be. At least I can say I've made one definitive decision: to keep creating.

Fun with Retro

After SURTEX (Surface/Textile Design Show) at the Jacob Javitz Center, I managed to keep a few design scraps which I appropriately refashioned for a couple new sketches. These images were taken from a couple snapshots in the Anthropologie catalog and the result is a retro 60's/70's/80's look. 80's as retro? Hard to believe. But I think it's capable of entering the modern scene rather gracefully. Just hold the rubber bangles and shoulder pads, please.

Ebay Chic

I've been a little Ebay crazy lately, but before you roll your eyes, first discover the vintage boutique of Shareen Vintage. Not only does she deliver California cool retro threads, she does so in the most gracious fashion. Cheers, Shareen!

100 Years of Inspiration

100 Years of Fashion Illustration by Cally Blackman is a must-have for fashion illustrators looking for inspiration. It's loaded with work (something like 400 plates) by innovative artists of the past whose work could be seen today as modern and cutting-edge, and those of the present, who help to pave a future for the art form. And whether or not you like the artists, it stimulates the creative mind, opening up new ways of seeing the fashion figure and just how beautiful and eloquent it can be with a few strokes of the pen. For the fashion student, silhouettes play a big role in inspiring. Regardless, it's a treat for anyone who loves this stuff!

Fashion Post Tax-Season

If you're lucky enough to have HDTV, what with the already growing number of specialized HD channels, you may have already discovered the Fashion Channel in HD. Runway shows from all designers, classic and new, are aired to your heart's content in perfect, crystalline detail. The models and the clothes that move with them are the perfect subject for fashion sketching and illustration. The new clothes offer new silhouettes to be inspired by. Thanks to the pause button, I can take some time on the details and proportions. That makes my fancy HD system one fabulous write-off!