tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79709384789824151622024-03-13T04:45:36.246-07:00Drawworm is drawingI draw custom pencil portraits from photographs. I blog about illustration, art, Etsy, cute clothes and other generally girly topics.Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04125779342541236588noreply@blogger.comBlogger345125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970938478982415162.post-705718582401242552012-11-28T11:22:00.000-08:002012-11-28T11:22:00.506-08:00New blog!<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hi everybody!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I started <a href="http://kmcmorris.blogspot.com/">a new blog</a>! As you may know, I am currently trying to become a children's book illustrator. I have an <a href="http://kmcmorris.com/">official illustration website</a>, and I figured that I should probably have a fresh, clean blog to go with it. I'll be posting various art there, sketches, digital illustrations, and Etsy portraits as well. If you've enjoyed reading this blog, I hope you'll follow my new one too. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">-Kelley</span>Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04125779342541236588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970938478982415162.post-36049722529820135222012-11-23T17:00:00.003-08:002012-11-23T17:00:39.527-08:00Bride and Newlywed Portraits!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WD9v1p0JTUA/ULAaCJok0_I/AAAAAAAAC9M/Yy7dI7ljvJY/s1600/il_fullxfull.393384762_p086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WD9v1p0JTUA/ULAaCJok0_I/AAAAAAAAC9M/Yy7dI7ljvJY/s1600/il_fullxfull.393384762_p086.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of drawing <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/20685755/custom-bridal-pencil-portrait-from-photo">a portrait</a> of this beautiful bride. I love her hair!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_nx2fbNzBxU/ULAaFWEYaNI/AAAAAAAAC9U/ROzaBOpb_o8/s1600/il_fullxfull.393384936_q0fx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_nx2fbNzBxU/ULAaFWEYaNI/AAAAAAAAC9U/ROzaBOpb_o8/s320/il_fullxfull.393384936_q0fx.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When the bride received her drawing, she was so happy that she ordered another one! This time it's of her and her husband:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Z99ohPuauk/ULAbOP4DpZI/AAAAAAAAC9c/p_FM2RFT2ic/s1600/annie2_final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Z99ohPuauk/ULAbOP4DpZI/AAAAAAAAC9c/p_FM2RFT2ic/s1600/annie2_final.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E9wyiLzZ6xw/ULAbSH2kkFI/AAAAAAAAC9k/TKgVTFxXP3M/s1600/annie4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E9wyiLzZ6xw/ULAbSH2kkFI/AAAAAAAAC9k/TKgVTFxXP3M/s400/annie4.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Handsome couple, right? These portraits are going to be gifts for their parents, and I just think that's awesome. Not only is that some serious planning in advance on their part, but their parents are getting thoughtful, sentimental, custom-made gifts this year. I am excited for them to receive their portraits!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04125779342541236588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970938478982415162.post-70168200565655721182012-10-29T00:36:00.002-07:002012-10-29T00:36:49.480-07:00So I guess this is my life now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4kSPWdgbsf8/UI4vofWVsFI/AAAAAAAACmM/jFO-Z1FagI4/s1600/100_7583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4kSPWdgbsf8/UI4vofWVsFI/AAAAAAAACmM/jFO-Z1FagI4/s640/100_7583.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
All my life people told me that I should become an artist when I grew up. For a while I fought against that. One reason was because I was afraid that if I drew art as a job, it wouldn't be fun anymore. That was a chance I decided to take when I finally took the plunge and entered art school.<br />
<br />
I haven't blogged for a long time, but do you know what I've been doing these days? Drawing. Drawing drawing drawing<i> every day. </i>Most of it homework, but also some personal work and the occasional Etsy order. I've been so prolific this autumn, it's crazy, and my work has improved a lot.<br />
<br />
And I'm really happy. When I sit down at my desk (pictured above) and know that all I need to do that day is draw a ton of stuff, I can hardly believe how amazing my life is.<br />
<br />
True, I'm still a student and so maybe things will change once I try to do this as a profession. Maybe it will start to feel more like work. Or maybe it will be even MORE fun once people are paying me to do it. Who knows?Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04125779342541236588noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970938478982415162.post-84048443499763393982012-08-21T07:00:00.000-07:002012-08-21T07:00:07.298-07:00The eyes have it<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W2Sp6KdKsss/UDLAK27GNuI/AAAAAAAACkA/WBfckx8OFUE/s1600/paige4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="497" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W2Sp6KdKsss/UDLAK27GNuI/AAAAAAAACkA/WBfckx8OFUE/s640/paige4.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vhEJejU126Y/UDLAZa4CS4I/AAAAAAAACkI/bNgRtbmgBC0/s1600/paige2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vhEJejU126Y/UDLAZa4CS4I/AAAAAAAACkI/bNgRtbmgBC0/s320/paige2.jpg" width="274" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cute.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cute cute cute cute cute.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That's all I have to say about this little boy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's some shots of the pencil portrait in progress:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H_qWoU0zxno/UDLAkB9g8gI/AAAAAAAACkQ/_4xDekbjRRE/s1600/paige1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="491" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H_qWoU0zxno/UDLAkB9g8gI/AAAAAAAACkQ/_4xDekbjRRE/s640/paige1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fryhb5nAdOU/UDLAkXUjrAI/AAAAAAAACkY/n7scE1XAsxc/s1600/paige2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fryhb5nAdOU/UDLAkXUjrAI/AAAAAAAACkY/n7scE1XAsxc/s640/paige2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_JAgp50eM9g/UDLAkhNatFI/AAAAAAAACkg/xTJ29Yjc3JQ/s1600/paige3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_JAgp50eM9g/UDLAkhNatFI/AAAAAAAACkg/xTJ29Yjc3JQ/s640/paige3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W2Sp6KdKsss/UDLAK27GNuI/AAAAAAAACkA/WBfckx8OFUE/s1600/paige4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W2Sp6KdKsss/UDLAK27GNuI/AAAAAAAACkA/WBfckx8OFUE/s640/paige4.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I am very, very happy with how this turned out. It's great to be able to draw such exquisite eyes.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you're interested in commissioning a custom pencil portrait of someone equally adorable, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/drawworm">visit my Etsy shop!</a></div>
Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04125779342541236588noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970938478982415162.post-82944803433962741002012-08-18T17:12:00.004-07:002012-08-18T17:12:35.518-07:00Girl and the foxThis is a really lovely animation with great colors. I recommend taking a few uninterrupted minutes to just soak it in.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/25034611" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="500"></iframe> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://vimeo.com/25034611">METRO</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/jacobwyatt">Jacob Wyatt</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04125779342541236588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970938478982415162.post-59141387397991291532012-08-06T13:47:00.000-07:002012-08-06T13:47:42.689-07:00A Chinatown takeout box<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a1jDVigXTFE/UCAl7q_m6nI/AAAAAAAACiU/iec1QCzp3Ds/s1600/giftbox3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="588" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a1jDVigXTFE/UCAl7q_m6nI/AAAAAAAACiU/iec1QCzp3Ds/s640/giftbox3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
For class our assignment was to design a decorative gift box. I thought about it and decided to make a box for tourists buying souvenirs in San Francisco. They can put their souvenirs in these cute boxes and give it to their friends - so the box becomes part of the experience.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IpYFdoPzrgc/UCApJiVCWAI/AAAAAAAACis/YPz0afKHWrM/s1600/giftbox7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IpYFdoPzrgc/UCApJiVCWAI/AAAAAAAACis/YPz0afKHWrM/s640/giftbox7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
My classmates really liked the idea of drawing Chinatown on a takeout box. So I looked online and found a takeout box template from <a href="http://melstampz.blogspot.com/2009/06/teapot-box-from-tiny-take-out-template.html">this crafting website</a>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UCyrzVOQHNw/UCApgNFYxxI/AAAAAAAACi0/9S2KDSgAjVU/s1600/Mini+take+out+box+with+score+lines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UCyrzVOQHNw/UCApgNFYxxI/AAAAAAAACi0/9S2KDSgAjVU/s320/Mini+take+out+box+with+score+lines.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
<br />
Next I digitally drew along the template, using some photos of Chinatown for reference. I included the green entrance gate, because that's an iconic part of Chinatown. The rest of the buildings are generally constructed from imagination and memory.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M0qCCaouscA/UCAr0TG95wI/AAAAAAAACjk/9BtJEhF36pM/s1600/giftbox8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M0qCCaouscA/UCAr0TG95wI/AAAAAAAACjk/9BtJEhF36pM/s640/giftbox8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I love San Francisco's Chinatown. It's such a crazy mix of cultures - feeling very touristy but also like you're really in another country. It's crowded and old and run-down and colorful and it smells like incense and delicious Chinese food.
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lRc-Eeo8UHY/UCAq70X4GvI/AAAAAAAACjE/MaGnEyxnQ18/s1600/giftbox1_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lRc-Eeo8UHY/UCAq70X4GvI/AAAAAAAACjE/MaGnEyxnQ18/s640/giftbox1_sm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I had it printed on 11x17 glossy cardstock paper, which always gives things a nice, store-bought look. I cut, folded and glued the box together.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zvuRxpf4giQ/UCArPxwct5I/AAAAAAAACjM/IBSkDKyWXxA/s1600/giftbox4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="532" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zvuRxpf4giQ/UCArPxwct5I/AAAAAAAACjM/IBSkDKyWXxA/s640/giftbox4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hgb3EENDlY8/UCArQB_mRdI/AAAAAAAACjU/0D1wkIfZoto/s1600/giftbox5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="552" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hgb3EENDlY8/UCArQB_mRdI/AAAAAAAACjU/0D1wkIfZoto/s640/giftbox5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M8AKtKBDuK8/UCArQmO9BAI/AAAAAAAACjc/ZVZh3eKtulk/s1600/giftbox6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="638" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M8AKtKBDuK8/UCArQmO9BAI/AAAAAAAACjc/ZVZh3eKtulk/s640/giftbox6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have it sitting on my desk right now! It's pretty cute!</div>Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04125779342541236588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970938478982415162.post-7543013943688119702012-07-17T07:00:00.000-07:002012-07-17T07:00:03.182-07:00The process of designing a greeting card<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6015AwWH6Bo/UANVhf3htGI/AAAAAAAAChE/DIK6u9ojEao/s1600/bifoldcard_photo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6015AwWH6Bo/UANVhf3htGI/AAAAAAAAChE/DIK6u9ojEao/s640/bifoldcard_photo2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This summer I'm taking a class called "Decorative Illustration." Part of the class involves designing greeting cards, and it's a lot of fun. Our first assignment was to design a non-holiday, "anytime" card.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
First I drew a bunch of thumbnails. I hate this step, and after about 6 thumbnails I usually run out of good ideas and start scraping the bottom of my mind barrel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S6P-f5HuqXI/UATmpqyMzxI/AAAAAAAACiA/iPo8jlRoTFk/s1600/img283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="353" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S6P-f5HuqXI/UATmpqyMzxI/AAAAAAAACiA/iPo8jlRoTFk/s400/img283.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I took my favorite idea out of the bunch and sketched it out in pencil. My favorite part is the stuffed whale - it's based on a stuffed animal my Mom made me when I was little.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sIqPy7n-1y0/UANWw1ppusI/AAAAAAAAChM/plF13pdJXfE/s1600/bifoldcard_sketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sIqPy7n-1y0/UANWw1ppusI/AAAAAAAAChM/plF13pdJXfE/s640/bifoldcard_sketch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Next I digitally added colors on top, trying various color schemes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1SsN8duEFQY/UANXOTKqoUI/AAAAAAAAChU/AEIocyF9tFY/s1600/bifoldcard1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1SsN8duEFQY/UANXOTKqoUI/AAAAAAAAChU/AEIocyF9tFY/s320/bifoldcard1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eFLsSU4Xb4c/UANXO4cqZKI/AAAAAAAAChk/grneOP3fCMs/s1600/bifoldcard3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eFLsSU4Xb4c/UANXO4cqZKI/AAAAAAAAChk/grneOP3fCMs/s320/bifoldcard3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GgIgT_yPc_I/UANXOmiWoDI/AAAAAAAAChc/MvvkDjNyr1I/s1600/bifoldcard2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GgIgT_yPc_I/UANXOmiWoDI/AAAAAAAAChc/MvvkDjNyr1I/s320/bifoldcard2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My teacher liked the last one the best, so I cleaned it up digitally and added some detail.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QgWKnEm7XxQ/UANYKwSi5II/AAAAAAAAChs/QBC8oZ_aAiw/s1600/bifoldcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QgWKnEm7XxQ/UANYKwSi5II/AAAAAAAAChs/QBC8oZ_aAiw/s640/bifoldcard.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Then I printed it out on a card and made a matching envelope for it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BCXDbhCmD5M/UANYTlukiKI/AAAAAAAACh0/JhfgoPXMB0s/s1600/bifoldcard_photo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="522" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BCXDbhCmD5M/UANYTlukiKI/AAAAAAAACh0/JhfgoPXMB0s/s640/bifoldcard_photo1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Cute, huh? It's kind of thrilling to design something on the computer and then hold it in your hands. I plan on sending this card to my grandma. :)</div>Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04125779342541236588noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970938478982415162.post-72936542676459272192012-07-03T10:11:00.000-07:002012-07-03T10:11:41.927-07:00Discouraging Creativity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8x01WaU1nSo/T_KlXisHh2I/AAAAAAAACgs/JgMPjjWjC88/s1600/il_570xN.32975282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8x01WaU1nSo/T_KlXisHh2I/AAAAAAAACgs/JgMPjjWjC88/s1600/il_570xN.32975282.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/13680326/hearty-bran-muffins">Bran muffins </a>by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Kimballsfudge">Kinballsfudge</a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"Producing is about discouraging creativity. You would think that as a producer, your job would be to churn up creativity, but mostly your job is to police enthusiasm. You may have an occasion where the script calls for a bran muffin on a white plate and the Props Department shows up with a bran cake in the shape of Santa Claus sitting on a silver platter that says 'Welcome to Denmark.' 'We just thought it would be funny.' You have to find a polite way to explain that the character is Jewish, so her eating Santa's face might have negative connotations, and the silver tray, while beautiful, is giving a weird glare on camera and maybe let's go with the bran muffin on the white plate." - Tina Fey, <i>Bossypants</i></span><br />
<br />
I'm not a tv producer, but I know exactly what Tina Fey is talking about here. You'd think that an art school would be all about encouraging creativity...and maybe it is in the Fine Art department, where everything is about expressing your<i> feeeeelings</i>. But in Illustration, there's a client to please, and they're relying on you to complete the illustration on time and according to agreed-upon specifications. Some students have a <i>lot</i> of trouble with that concept.<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><b><b>The overperformer.</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> These students will exhaust themselves to complete a huge, elaborate drawing that they're hoping will impress the teacher. They'll stay up all night working on it. The problem is that, in their enthusiasm, they lose sight of their concept and miss the point of the assignment. For example, a classmate in my perspective class submitted a lovely, super-detailed drawing of a bar scene - every bar stool and piece of clothing was carefully rendered. But there were problems with the perspective...and it was a </span><i style="font-weight: normal;">perspective</i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> class. So her grade probably wasn't much better than average, and it probably took her four times as long to make corrections to her assignment. I give these students props for pushing themselves, but they still need to learn that making everything as big and fancy as possible can backfire. Sometimes teachers like students to go above and beyond - but some teachers have good reasons for placing the assignment parameters where they are and </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">just want you to do what they ask</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span>
</b></li>
<li><b>The free spirit.</b> These students just don't quite get the idea of "rules" and "deadlines." The teacher asks for four color composites; the student brings in two. The teacher asks for a greeting card illustration, the student brings in an editorial illustration. Oddly enough, these students are often very talented - which is perhaps why they feel entitled to completely ignore the homework assignment and do their own thing instead. So when everyone else in the class lines up their illustrations on the wall, pages and pages of paper that they spent all night working on - the underperformer will shamelessly stand in front of the class and explain why they chose to design a cd cover instead. They produce some beautiful drawings, but it's just not what was asked for, and its always unfinished.</li>
</ol>
<div>
This is the challenge for any creative type who wants to go professional: to simply follow instructions, even if its not what you feel like doing<span style="background-color: white;">. </span><span style="background-color: white;">To hold yourself back from any impulses that would interfere with the client's needs; to objectively filter your ideas and determine what would really help the piece and what you kinda wanna do because it sounds fun.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Illustration is compromise. You are there to compliment a text or idea. You must fit in with the style, atmosphere and thrust of that concept...there are people paying you who have their own specific notions about how this should be done. It’s not your job to agree with them, but it is your job to please them. If you are unwilling to adapt your work, go into fine art instead. In fine art, you are entirely your own boss." - Stephen Player</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;">For a brilliant and much funnier illustration of what I've been trying to say, listen to </span><a href="http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/214/family-physics" style="background-color: white;">Jon Ronson's story</a><span style="background-color: white;"> about his family's experience commissioning a portrait from a "brilliant but troubled local artist." </span></div>Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04125779342541236588noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970938478982415162.post-88262862667120705432012-06-26T11:10:00.000-07:002012-06-26T11:59:20.499-07:00A digital portrait?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vJ6VZ_HCpPI/T-n0wShEWlI/AAAAAAAACfQ/MrHim1LC-5Q/s1600/Just+Married.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vJ6VZ_HCpPI/T-n0wShEWlI/AAAAAAAACfQ/MrHim1LC-5Q/s640/Just+Married.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Are you ready for some awesomeness? This couple was basically the coolest Etsy clients I've ever had. (Unless you've also ordered from me, in which case, you are also the coolest client I've ever had.) They had received a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/31190256/gift-certificate-custom-pencil-portrait">Drawworm gift certificate</a> as a wedding gift, but after seeing some of my digital paintings (which you can see <a href="http://kmcmorris.com/">here</a>), they asked for a digital portrait rather than my usual pencil work.<br />
<br />
I gathered a few more wedding photos from the clients so I could understand how their clothing worked. <span style="background-color: white;">They were even kind enough to take a picture of themselves holding hands, to make that part of the drawing easier for me. (Drawing two people holding hands is surprisingly difficult!)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CDimakNoHpA/T-n13Keoq8I/AAAAAAAACfo/XN5KHJ_wb5A/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CDimakNoHpA/T-n13Keoq8I/AAAAAAAACfo/XN5KHJ_wb5A/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
First I started out with a digital sketch, one with the bride wearing her trenchcoat and one without. (She decided on the one without, which I thought was a good idea because her dress is so pretty.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aqfoyA1GC4g/T-n2SWMu_OI/AAAAAAAACfw/vG2MUl8zhB8/s1600/leiba1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aqfoyA1GC4g/T-n2SWMu_OI/AAAAAAAACfw/vG2MUl8zhB8/s320/leiba1.jpg" width="256" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O6ZXIaAj4TQ/T-n2UbtSVPI/AAAAAAAACf4/dMuQNwB9fqM/s1600/leiba2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O6ZXIaAj4TQ/T-n2UbtSVPI/AAAAAAAACf4/dMuQNwB9fqM/s320/leiba2.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then I started adding basic colors and adjusting the shapes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DSaETEGDfGI/T-n2t7b8c8I/AAAAAAAACgA/4DBC0aoQ9dQ/s1600/leiba3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DSaETEGDfGI/T-n2t7b8c8I/AAAAAAAACgA/4DBC0aoQ9dQ/s640/leiba3.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next I began adding shading and refining the faces. I also made one of the bride's shoes visible, and added a "gartel," a special belt the groom was wearing that wasn't really visible in the photographs.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-87NoZL0CmLQ/T-n209OSwPI/AAAAAAAACgI/c9XY9IOfATU/s1600/leiba4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-87NoZL0CmLQ/T-n209OSwPI/AAAAAAAACgI/c9XY9IOfATU/s640/leiba4.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I continued adding shading and details, sending the drawing to the client for feedback. She had quite an eye for detail, and her suggestions really improved the finished piece.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wvfVKfQfrSY/T-n37P7Qt3I/AAAAAAAACgQ/TQz1wbEdfWE/s1600/leiba_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wvfVKfQfrSY/T-n37P7Qt3I/AAAAAAAACgQ/TQz1wbEdfWE/s640/leiba_small.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AbgzIICaLDk/T-n4zwL9ihI/AAAAAAAACgg/8ZKIIOsWOpk/s1600/leiba_detail2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AbgzIICaLDk/T-n4zwL9ihI/AAAAAAAACgg/8ZKIIOsWOpk/s400/leiba_detail2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3O6zxYIrDnc/T-n4wg8Up1I/AAAAAAAACgY/QRVwN2TnHmI/s1600/leiba_detail1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3O6zxYIrDnc/T-n4wg8Up1I/AAAAAAAACgY/QRVwN2TnHmI/s400/leiba_detail1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm not gonna lie, you guys, I'm really happy with this. I'm going to send a nice printed copy to the clients so they can frame it. Digital painting is a lot of fun - I worked on this almost obsessively, sometimes staying up until 1 AM because I just couldn't stop painting! I'm definitely considering adding a "custom digital portrait" listing to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/drawworm">my Etsy shop</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thanks, Leiba and Srulie, you guys were awesome. And congratulations on your wedding!</div>
<br />Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04125779342541236588noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970938478982415162.post-69870458507606622222012-06-15T10:54:00.001-07:002012-06-15T10:54:08.703-07:00Wooden animals with style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ul_56gG6T9U/T9tx2YxVeOI/AAAAAAAACeg/pfz9kZ9mOqg/s1600/bison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ul_56gG6T9U/T9tx2YxVeOI/AAAAAAAACeg/pfz9kZ9mOqg/s640/bison.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/101006654/zoo-bison">Zoo Bison by Edies Lab</a> - $36</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Today I discovered these wooden animals made by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/EdiesLab">Edie's Lab</a> - simple design, fresh colors, playful shapes. According to the seller, these are figurines, and not meant to be children's toys. All the same, I wish that more children's toys had this sense of style and simplicity to them. (I love his logo, too!)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dfqL8vGNaqo/T9ty91k9bWI/AAAAAAAACeo/AGq2z911aGk/s1600/fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dfqL8vGNaqo/T9ty91k9bWI/AAAAAAAACeo/AGq2z911aGk/s400/fish.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DECNeiMfiyQ/T9tzBJRSHdI/AAAAAAAACew/hDScVNjc7ug/s1600/rhino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DECNeiMfiyQ/T9tzBJRSHdI/AAAAAAAACew/hDScVNjc7ug/s400/rhino.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-74Y3VczuV2c/T9tzEvteWjI/AAAAAAAACe4/7xt4K123DCg/s1600/elephant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-74Y3VczuV2c/T9tzEvteWjI/AAAAAAAACe4/7xt4K123DCg/s400/elephant.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gb0vAqJlvHA/T9t2e2RcNLI/AAAAAAAACfE/U5YnfZfol34/s1600/turtle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gb0vAqJlvHA/T9t2e2RcNLI/AAAAAAAACfE/U5YnfZfol34/s400/turtle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The orange-and-blue bison is definitely my favorite. If he makes a llama figurine, I will probably have to buy it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04125779342541236588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970938478982415162.post-13182923832259616952012-06-10T07:00:00.000-07:002012-06-10T07:00:07.200-07:00Milo's Portrait<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8IvKOK1axXQ/T9ORV9v-MOI/AAAAAAAACd0/m6zHJcEixgo/s1600/kellie4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8IvKOK1axXQ/T9ORV9v-MOI/AAAAAAAACd0/m6zHJcEixgo/s640/kellie4.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I think this is my favorite pet portrait that I've done so far. This is Milo, who sadly recently passed away. The customer ordered this <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/76438480/custom-pet-portrait-9x12-single-subject">custom pencil portrait</a> as a gift for her mother, Milo's owner.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here is the photograph the customer sent to me:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d2v75zTi2tk/T9OSfPJawmI/AAAAAAAACd8/pxFd-Kovp8c/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d2v75zTi2tk/T9OSfPJawmI/AAAAAAAACd8/pxFd-Kovp8c/s400/image.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As you've probably noticed, the photograph is distorting the perspective a bit, so Milo's head looks really, really large when compared to his feet. So I adjusted the photo in Adobe Photoshop to give him more realistic proportions:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hAs6ziwOItU/T9OSxnbP6sI/AAAAAAAACeE/DEUwJ_p06do/s1600/milo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hAs6ziwOItU/T9OSxnbP6sI/AAAAAAAACeE/DEUwJ_p06do/s1600/milo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Then I used that modified image as a guide for my drawing.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zeQn01wFhd8/T9OTYNg0iuI/AAAAAAAACeU/UbzFq3QHR6Y/s1600/milo_closeup2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zeQn01wFhd8/T9OTYNg0iuI/AAAAAAAACeU/UbzFq3QHR6Y/s320/milo_closeup2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LZ_dfgPiTaM/T9OTXd6mgwI/AAAAAAAACeM/eai4Fc1hrNI/s1600/milo_closeup1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LZ_dfgPiTaM/T9OTXd6mgwI/AAAAAAAACeM/eai4Fc1hrNI/s320/milo_closeup1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
I drew the fur by drawing lots of tiny strokes all pointing in the same direction, smudging them with a tissue or blender stump, then drawing them again, then blending them again, until it looked right. Then I used a kneaded eraser to pull out a few light hairs and whiskers.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Once she received the portrait, the customer told me that she "couldn't have asked for a better drawing!" I hope that her mother enjoys the portrait as well, and that it brings back memories of happy times with Milo.</div>Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04125779342541236588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970938478982415162.post-13593858515529147562012-05-16T07:00:00.000-07:002012-05-16T07:00:04.525-07:00I am not afraid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d4vF5MDXDlE/T7MyHIrVgQI/AAAAAAAACcA/-MihIBXzEFI/s1600/il_570xN.317413989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d4vF5MDXDlE/T7MyHIrVgQI/AAAAAAAACcA/-MihIBXzEFI/s640/il_570xN.317413989.jpg" width="508" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/94438749/joan-of-arc-i-am-not-afraid-quote-print">Joan of Arc print by emilymcdowelldraws</a> - $22</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I love this print. It's typographic, bright, and it has turquoise and chevrons, which are two of my favorite things. I also love the product description: <span style="font-family: inherit;">"<span style="line-height: 16px;">Joan of Arc was pretty badass. And guess what? So are you."</span></span></div>Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04125779342541236588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970938478982415162.post-18459268422049992942012-04-30T10:13:00.001-07:002012-04-30T10:13:53.164-07:00I'm still aliveIt's been a long time since my last post. Lately I've just been going through a "I don't feel like blogging" phase. These days my life mostly revolves around homework. Here are some things I've been drawing lately:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MyoRnmmircI/T57GKW8OZFI/AAAAAAAACZ4/hhiuHi3HT_E/s1600/chris5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MyoRnmmircI/T57GKW8OZFI/AAAAAAAACZ4/hhiuHi3HT_E/s640/chris5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A drawing inspired by the stories I used to tell my little brother at bedtime. Digital.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gPmU9CYFYTs/T57GP6MrosI/AAAAAAAACaA/yNQjJDZPLoc/s1600/pipeshop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gPmU9CYFYTs/T57GP6MrosI/AAAAAAAACaA/yNQjJDZPLoc/s640/pipeshop.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A pipe and tobacco shop. Markers on tracing paper.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c81inYiJNRw/T57GiIK7gPI/AAAAAAAACaI/VQVHLWov5zA/s1600/lauradavid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c81inYiJNRw/T57GiIK7gPI/AAAAAAAACaI/VQVHLWov5zA/s400/lauradavid.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A German Shepard. Digital.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span id="goog_211834037"></span><span id="goog_211834038"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NGOUydXNOKE/T57G6LECkJI/AAAAAAAACaQ/R-7ijHeg28Q/s1600/img087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NGOUydXNOKE/T57G6LECkJI/AAAAAAAACaQ/R-7ijHeg28Q/s400/img087.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Arwen. Watercolor.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oTC4L27gwnI/T57Hb7pN9jI/AAAAAAAACaY/Fq2tPFK2xlo/s1600/cablecar1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oTC4L27gwnI/T57Hb7pN9jI/AAAAAAAACaY/Fq2tPFK2xlo/s640/cablecar1.jpg" width="632" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A pet fish store in a San Francisco cablecar. Bizarre concept, I know. My teacher gives us weird assignments. Markers on tracing paper.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So that's what I've been up to. I've also been making some art for my husband's video game project, which involves drawing teeny tiny little objects like this:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_73GumrLnU0/T57H6iZ5SmI/AAAAAAAACag/PYSgsJPS9ys/s1600/potion_green.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_73GumrLnU0/T57H6iZ5SmI/AAAAAAAACag/PYSgsJPS9ys/s1600/potion_green.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
See that? That's supposed to be a bottle of green potion. It makes my husband very very happy when I make him things like this.</div>
</div>Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04125779342541236588noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970938478982415162.post-63702246840901025112012-04-06T12:04:00.000-07:002012-04-06T12:04:03.895-07:00Custom Anniversary Portrait<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uZntt2M-edw/T3877_KRlWI/AAAAAAAACZI/_BEa7_RVbA4/s1600/brian5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uZntt2M-edw/T3877_KRlWI/AAAAAAAACZI/_BEa7_RVbA4/s640/brian5.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's a recent <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/drawworm">pencil portrait</a> I drew for this couple's anniversary. Last year they ordered some portraits of their children, so it was a pleasure to draw for them again! "There is no rush on this, so you can spend extra time making us look younger (than the photo)" the husband said, which I thought was funny because they're such a good-looking couple anyway. I simplified and lightened the wrinkles a little bit, but not that much. Everyone has wrinkles around their eyes when they smile, so if you leave those out entirely, it diminishes the expression in the face.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4vCzGpAtErU/T388OVCkNnI/AAAAAAAACZQ/E6CTgps4XgE/s1600/brian_closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="524" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4vCzGpAtErU/T388OVCkNnI/AAAAAAAACZQ/E6CTgps4XgE/s640/brian_closeup.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I love the bride's beautiful eyes. Here's some pictures of the portrait in progress.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S4qhigBwT0c/T388j4tJ3wI/AAAAAAAACZY/Ylo762hpNcs/s1600/brian1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S4qhigBwT0c/T388j4tJ3wI/AAAAAAAACZY/Ylo762hpNcs/s640/brian1.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dz1T7RjRQEA/T388kMfClTI/AAAAAAAACZg/AbK41HkdNPg/s1600/brian2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dz1T7RjRQEA/T388kMfClTI/AAAAAAAACZg/AbK41HkdNPg/s640/brian2.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bn8jYE72cLM/T388kqDmOMI/AAAAAAAACZo/u5-RW6ZIHZM/s1600/brian3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bn8jYE72cLM/T388kqDmOMI/AAAAAAAACZo/u5-RW6ZIHZM/s640/brian3.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uZntt2M-edw/T3877_KRlWI/AAAAAAAACZI/_BEa7_RVbA4/s1600/brian5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uZntt2M-edw/T3877_KRlWI/AAAAAAAACZI/_BEa7_RVbA4/s640/brian5.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
They were very happy with their portrait!</div>Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04125779342541236588noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970938478982415162.post-15775866462541433542012-03-26T10:35:00.001-07:002012-03-26T10:39:26.058-07:00How to Start an Etsy Shop - Part 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qB-kFNkIXJw/TzdcqUN8_QI/AAAAAAAACVY/YofHXoqhLLI/s1600/etsyshop1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qB-kFNkIXJw/TzdcqUN8_QI/AAAAAAAACVY/YofHXoqhLLI/s1600/etsyshop1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If there's one thing that will make or break your Etsy shop, it's photography.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X1a8AsEEQ-g/T3Cf36fGRdI/AAAAAAAACYA/4_nyevrfJdA/s1600/etsyshop4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X1a8AsEEQ-g/T3Cf36fGRdI/AAAAAAAACYA/4_nyevrfJdA/s1600/etsyshop4.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This isn't Cragislist, people. Photography is <i>everything</i> on Etsy.Your customers can't pick up or feel your product, so they rely <i>completely</i> on your photographs. Poorly lit and staged photographs will turn people away immediately. Seriously, I can't overstate how important this is.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Good photography will get your item featured in Etsy treasuries or the coveted front page. Good photography will get you featured on other websites as well, because bloggers and Pinterest users love to show off beautifully staged photographs. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here's an example. I searched for "fenton dish" on Etsy and found two shops selling similar items. Which one would you be more likely to buy? Which one catches your eye quicker, draws you in, gives off a sense of pride and professionalism? <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Usually I would cite my sources with these pictures, but I don't want to embarrass the owners of the "bad" photos.)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Shop #1?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B1-Sj4w-lWk/T3Chc9PBeEI/AAAAAAAACYI/TBOjzNrQLK4/s1600/il_fullxfull.106895425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B1-Sj4w-lWk/T3Chc9PBeEI/AAAAAAAACYI/TBOjzNrQLK4/s400/il_fullxfull.106895425.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Or shop #2?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XmeuIbMd-6g/T3ChflqR_JI/AAAAAAAACYQ/H-Hm77ShJDY/s1600/il_fullxfull.322167489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XmeuIbMd-6g/T3ChflqR_JI/AAAAAAAACYQ/H-Hm77ShJDY/s400/il_fullxfull.322167489.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Shop #2's photograph is brightly lit, beautifully staged, on a simple background with fresh, appealing colors. That's what your customers like to see. Trust me, shop #2 will get more sales and can ask higher prices than shop #1.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here's another example. I did a search for "green earrings":</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Shop #1:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S9Pzo9wWcaA/T3CjOPvbHWI/AAAAAAAACYY/eF6iT4f8StE/s1600/il_fullxfull.323544169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S9Pzo9wWcaA/T3CjOPvbHWI/AAAAAAAACYY/eF6iT4f8StE/s400/il_fullxfull.323544169.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Shop #2:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mFXcOHKVDrs/T3CjX5rupUI/AAAAAAAACYg/KBN6vNxJiRQ/s1600/il_fullxfull.273660353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mFXcOHKVDrs/T3CjX5rupUI/AAAAAAAACYg/KBN6vNxJiRQ/s400/il_fullxfull.273660353.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Shop #2 is using a macro lens, which means they can get extreme close-ups. This is essential for selling small things like jewelry, because it really shows off the pretty textures. They also used an interesting camera angle, rather than the standard top-down view most beginners use.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's my basic tips:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1. <b>Do not use flash!</b> Use soft, natural lighting from a window or<a href="http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2007/fortys-foto-tips-2-make-a-light-box/"> create your own lightbox</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j9cRxyGNRXU/T3CkTrcNnkI/AAAAAAAACYo/Cc4-WIOshGw/s1600/Fortysfotos2Header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j9cRxyGNRXU/T3CkTrcNnkI/AAAAAAAACYo/Cc4-WIOshGw/s320/Fortysfotos2Header.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2. <b>Use a simple background.</b> Keep the focus on your item. Most jewelry sellers lay their item on a simple cloth or paper background. When in doubt: use plain white backgrounds.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Look at the background on this. The very first thing you look at it the poster in the background, and then the vases of flowers, and then you're like, "why is this mannequin in an office?"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-do7NnCIvG_o/T3ClLLqaK2I/AAAAAAAACYw/5qh5mzHzuFs/s1600/il_fullxfull.320608231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-do7NnCIvG_o/T3ClLLqaK2I/AAAAAAAACYw/5qh5mzHzuFs/s400/il_fullxfull.320608231.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is much better.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZR8B7ytksAI/T3ClaT-O7zI/AAAAAAAACY4/b_Cn-Ausc7A/s1600/il_570xN.314023443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZR8B7ytksAI/T3ClaT-O7zI/AAAAAAAACY4/b_Cn-Ausc7A/s400/il_570xN.314023443.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3. <b>Learn to use a photo processing program.</b> <a href="http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-elements.html">Photoshop Elements</a> is about $100. <a href="http://picasa.google.com/">Google's Picasa</a> is free, although I've never used it so I don't know how well it works. I know that learning these programs can be intimidating, so invite over a computer-literate teenager to give you a crash course. If you're thinking, "why should I spend the money on this?" A photo processing program can improve your photos tremendously and make up for having a cheap camera. It can remove a lot of frustration to know that you can easily fix things on the computer. <b>That's why I didn't put "buy an expensive camera" on this list: if you have a good program and know how to use it, you can make almost any photograph look great.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4. <b>If needed, show your item next to another item for scale.</b> Sometimes, if an item is isolated on a white background, it's hard to get a sense of how large or small it is. So try taking at least one picture of your item next to another item, such as a paperclip, a book, some flowers, etc, to give customers a better sense of the product's size. Some sellers show a picture of their item next to a ruler. That's fine, as long as you have a few prettier pictures to go along with it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5maqDwonYAo/T3Cnl2iSQnI/AAAAAAAACZA/PZKVKLG6a-U/s1600/il_fullxfull.310529857+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5maqDwonYAo/T3Cnl2iSQnI/AAAAAAAACZA/PZKVKLG6a-U/s320/il_fullxfull.310529857+(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/92607410/chrysolite-green-opal-glass-dangle">source</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So there's my little crash course on photography. If you're an Etsy seller, what other photography tips have you found helpful?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Other articles in this series:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://drawworm.blogspot.com/2012/02/how-to-start-etsy-shop-part-1.html">Part 1- Lower Your Expectations</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://drawworm.blogspot.com/2012/02/how-to-start-etsy-shop-part-2.html">Part 2 - What to Sell</a></div>Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04125779342541236588noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970938478982415162.post-60597219895072622532012-03-11T07:00:00.000-07:002012-03-11T07:00:00.591-07:00And I'm Happy Just to Dance With You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sjCEbUD8cRo/T1xVmtHG5MI/AAAAAAAACXI/JMGbLB3cbl4/s1600/rachels5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sjCEbUD8cRo/T1xVmtHG5MI/AAAAAAAACXI/JMGbLB3cbl4/s640/rachels5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="text-align: left;">Here's a </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/45502912/custom-double-bridal-portrait-from-photo" style="text-align: left;">custom bridal portrait</a><span style="text-align: left;"> I did for a client last month. They redeemed a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/31190256/gift-certificate-custom-pencil-portrait">drawworm gift certificate</a> they received as a wedding gift. </span>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WR0JVhxSw3U/T1xV7gcwFeI/AAAAAAAACXQ/U7qnx4kUKcs/s1600/rachel1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WR0JVhxSw3U/T1xV7gcwFeI/AAAAAAAACXQ/U7qnx4kUKcs/s640/rachel1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Since drawing the side of someone's body isn't very interesting, I cropped the photo pretty severely in order to focus on the emotion in the couple's faces.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ink_w0VI24w/T1xW6H4PAiI/AAAAAAAACXY/ES8PK8ohsl8/s1600/rachel_closeup1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ink_w0VI24w/T1xW6H4PAiI/AAAAAAAACXY/ES8PK8ohsl8/s1600/rachel_closeup1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The bride's curls were surprisingly fun to do. The repetition was kind of soothing.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XOgK5ONwD9c/T1xW66ewwWI/AAAAAAAACXg/ps6pDzCcsi4/s1600/rachel_closeup2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XOgK5ONwD9c/T1xW66ewwWI/AAAAAAAACXg/ps6pDzCcsi4/s1600/rachel_closeup2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I sent pictures of the portrait in progress to the couple and they gave me some good feedback. It was fun to feel like we were working on the drawing together, in a way. I hope that having an influence in the artwork's development makes it that much more special to the couple.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you're interested in commissioning a custom pencil portrait for yourself, check out my Etsy shop, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/drawworm">drawworm</a>. I also offer <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/31190256/gift-certificate-custom-pencil-portrait">gift certificates</a>, so if you have any weddings coming up this summer, you might consider giving a friend the gift of commissioning their own portrait!</div>Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04125779342541236588noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970938478982415162.post-38871513315468628232012-02-24T07:00:00.000-08:002012-02-24T23:55:53.927-08:00Adele sketch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e43TMQX6D_A/T0iPUk8emyI/AAAAAAAACWo/mNlt3LQbLLE/s1600/adele.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e43TMQX6D_A/T0iPUk8emyI/AAAAAAAACWo/mNlt3LQbLLE/s640/adele.jpg" width="462" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I drew this sketch yesterday while listening to some of Adele's music. My husband came over and asked, "who's that?"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Man, last week was a busy week for me. The craziness has now subsided, and I've spent the last few days lying around feeling tired. I'm so worn out that I can't even write an interesting blog post about anything.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04125779342541236588noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970938478982415162.post-60763517732937117512012-02-18T07:00:00.000-08:002012-03-26T10:36:54.324-07:00How to Start an Etsy Shop - Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qB-kFNkIXJw/TzdcqUN8_QI/AAAAAAAACVY/YofHXoqhLLI/s1600/etsyshop1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qB-kFNkIXJw/TzdcqUN8_QI/AAAAAAAACVY/YofHXoqhLLI/s1600/etsyshop1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
What do you want to sell on Etsy?<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Jewelry, you say?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GH25RLwhJaU/Tz9R31e8XGI/AAAAAAAACWY/b9tNcoxXz6g/s1600/etsyshop3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GH25RLwhJaU/Tz9R31e8XGI/AAAAAAAACWY/b9tNcoxXz6g/s1600/etsyshop3.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Guess what - there's probably 50,000 Etsy shops selling jewelry. It's the most popular category on the site.<br />
<br />
Vintage-inspired jewelry, then?<br />
<br />
Look, practically everything on Etsy can be and is labeled "vintage-inspired." What you need is a<b> specialty </b>- something that will set your brand apart from all the others. Try coming up with a specific, one-sentence description of your shop that uses two or three adjectives. For example, my specialty is "realistic and elegant custom pencil portraits."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MaK4ahEedy0/Tz7Bu4HiiGI/AAAAAAAACVo/2lo2k0h6NVo/s1600/drawworm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MaK4ahEedy0/Tz7Bu4HiiGI/AAAAAAAACVo/2lo2k0h6NVo/s400/drawworm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/drawworm">drawworm</a> - "realistic and elegant custom pencil portraits."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
You'll see exceptions to this rule, but generally it's important to stick to one type of thing. "Vintage steampunk jewelry and eco-friendly organic bamboo hand-knit baby caps and reclaimed antique cupcake stands" is a very tough pitch. <b>Think of your Etsy shop as one of those rare, old-fashioned mom-and-pop specialty shops - not as a Wal-Mart.</b><br />
<br />
In fact, I think it's hard to get too specialized on Etsy. Here's some more examples of wonderfully specific shops:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wvEFVxGnWOA/Tz9N4AvsTZI/AAAAAAAACVw/27gBXHix3KE/s1600/il_fullxfull.273790727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wvEFVxGnWOA/Tz9N4AvsTZI/AAAAAAAACVw/27gBXHix3KE/s320/il_fullxfull.273790727.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/WinterPetals">Winterpetals</a> - "Cute and fun fruit pillows"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4f6qXunUetA/Tz9OPr5v52I/AAAAAAAACV4/ejqhQQfLMMc/s1600/il_fullxfull.245868476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4f6qXunUetA/Tz9OPr5v52I/AAAAAAAACV4/ejqhQQfLMMc/s400/il_fullxfull.245868476.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TransitDesign">TransitDesign</a> - "Custom vintage-inspired bus scrolls"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bmJ6MtzNoxo/Tz9PKd-BPSI/AAAAAAAACWI/cx6cdBJnYT4/s1600/il_fullxfull.310358476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bmJ6MtzNoxo/Tz9PKd-BPSI/AAAAAAAACWI/cx6cdBJnYT4/s400/il_fullxfull.310358476.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dimdi">Dimdi</a> - "Charming watercolor animal paintings"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hy6_Lf6MIno/Tz9Ojf3SXUI/AAAAAAAACWA/_HMu8hd1ii8/s1600/il_fullxfull.284188561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hy6_Lf6MIno/Tz9Ojf3SXUI/AAAAAAAACWA/_HMu8hd1ii8/s400/il_fullxfull.284188561.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/tillymaison">TillyMaison</a> - "Modern, graphic lucite serving trays"</div>
<br />
So what is your specialty going to be? What are you really good at? What's your style?<br />
<br />
If you have all sorts of things you want to sell on Etsy, but can't decide which to sell, my advice is to go with the higher-priced product. Etsy charges $.20 every time you list a product, and you'll probably want to relist your products fairly frequently. So the cheaper your product, the bigger bite that listing fee takes out of your income. If you can't decide whether to sell $5 greeting cards or $80 handmade pottery - I say go with the pottery!<br />
<br />
One last word: if you have the stomach for it, spend some time browsing <a href="http://www.regretsy.com/">Regretsy</a>. <b>Warning:</b> Regretsy can be funny but also deeply disturbing and NSFW. So browse at your own risk, but I think that it can be a good reality check. After seeing some of the<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/64983894/fabulous-felt-pineapple-paradise"> incredibly ugly</a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/75091523/cat-writer-necklace-in-picture-jasper">junk people post</a> on Etsy, it doesn't hurt to take an honest look at your craft and ask yourself, <i>"does this belong on Regretsy?"</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
Sorry if that was harsh. I'm honest because I love you so much.<br />
<br />
If you're an Etsy seller, how would you describe your shop's specialty?<br />
<br />
Other articles in this series:<br />
<a href="http://drawworm.blogspot.com/2012/02/how-to-start-etsy-shop-part-1.html">Part 1 - Lower Your Expectations</a><br />
<a href="http://drawworm.blogspot.com/2012/03/how-to-start-etsy-shop-part-3.html">Part 3- Photography</a>Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04125779342541236588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970938478982415162.post-77728290954923668702012-02-16T07:00:00.000-08:002012-03-26T10:37:19.181-07:00How to Start an Etsy Shop - Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qB-kFNkIXJw/TzdcqUN8_QI/AAAAAAAACVY/YofHXoqhLLI/s1600/etsyshop1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qB-kFNkIXJw/TzdcqUN8_QI/AAAAAAAACVY/YofHXoqhLLI/s1600/etsyshop1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Welcome to my quick and dirty introduction to how to start an Etsy shop. I've divided it into four sections:</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Lower your Expectations</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://drawworm.blogspot.com/2012/02/how-to-start-etsy-shop-part-2.html">What to Sell</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://drawworm.blogspot.com/2012/03/how-to-start-etsy-shop-part-3.html">Photography</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Pricing</span></li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1NTAMxo7-Ro/Tzdd4B3LbKI/AAAAAAAACVg/B6c-FQHBKoo/s1600/etsyshop2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1NTAMxo7-Ro/Tzdd4B3LbKI/AAAAAAAACVg/B6c-FQHBKoo/s1600/etsyshop2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
Let me get something straight: I love Etsy! Running my Etsy shop is fun and earns me a little extra cash. But <b>Etsy is not easy money.</b></div>
</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
There's always some newbie on the Etsy forums freaking out because it's been <i>two whole weeks</i> since they opened their shop and they haven't made a single sale. A lot of people think that all they have to do is post items for sale and the orders will come flowing in.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Reality: <b>opening an Etsy shop is like starting a blog: no one cares.</b> Just because you open a shop, that doesn't mean that people of the internet will find it. It's up to you to promote yourself, to get the word out there, and to make a good impression. Like any worthwhile goal, it's going to take time and effort. Don't give up if weeks or months go by without a sale. Use that time to work on promoting and improving your shop.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To learn more about promotion and the nuts and bolts of running an Etsy shop, I recommend browsing around the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/teams/7722/business-topics/discuss/">Etsy Business Forums</a> and reading Etsy's <a href="http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/category/seller-handbook/">Seller Handbook</a> blog. If you're thinking about starting a shop, doing research can give you a more realistic idea of the kind of work that's involved.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One word of caution against the forums, though: while they can be very helpful, they're also full of whiners, continually complaining about Etsy and threatening to take their business elsewhere. But don't let them get you down. Selling on Etsy isn't easy, but it's not complicated either. I'm going to discuss some of the basic fundamentals of selling on Etsy that should get you off to a good start.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The next installment is going to be about what you should sell (or not sell) on Etsy.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you're an Etsy seller, how long did it take for you to get your first sale?</div>Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04125779342541236588noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970938478982415162.post-79503939709268851692012-02-07T12:50:00.000-08:002012-02-07T12:50:22.537-08:00Still Daddy's Little Girl portrait<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AaBiusQL5dk/TzGMDpJtbYI/AAAAAAAACVA/Xw_j-199BVM/s1600/drawworm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AaBiusQL5dk/TzGMDpJtbYI/AAAAAAAACVA/Xw_j-199BVM/s640/drawworm.jpg" width="525" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CuhP0NUSkfk/TzGNKRAtP7I/AAAAAAAACVI/KrFEPhJEGu0/s1600/IMG_2830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CuhP0NUSkfk/TzGNKRAtP7I/AAAAAAAACVI/KrFEPhJEGu0/s1600/IMG_2830.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Does this couple look familiar? <a href="http://drawworm.blogspot.com/2010/08/daddys-little-girl-portrait-finished.html">I drew them six months ago</a>, and I liked the portrait so much that I put it on the back of my business cards. :) I love that you can really feel how this Dad totally adores his little girl.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4jf7H3PjOyc/TGxzz4WjxwI/AAAAAAAABtE/he2j3rolTuE/s1600/virginia_by_drawworm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4jf7H3PjOyc/TGxzz4WjxwI/AAAAAAAABtE/he2j3rolTuE/s640/virginia_by_drawworm.jpg" width="504" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4X9UWgrmznw/TjmTfxHxnbI/AAAAAAAAB9o/fPKO8zRsH2Y/s1600/businesscards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="449" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4X9UWgrmznw/TjmTfxHxnbI/AAAAAAAAB9o/fPKO8zRsH2Y/s640/businesscards.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was very happy to work with this customer again. It amuses me that her husband is wearing the same Texas A&M hat in each portrait. <span style="font-family: inherit;">"Y<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">es, my husband is an Aggie and always has his ballcap on," she said. Now that's loyalty!</span></span></div>Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04125779342541236588noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970938478982415162.post-60399615347259646152012-01-31T12:21:00.000-08:002012-01-31T12:21:26.242-08:00Earth without art is...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZN2OLTEPLFA/TyhNAkTtJII/AAAAAAAACU4/BEiOdqEKAuw/s1600/il_fullxfull.292753419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZN2OLTEPLFA/TyhNAkTtJII/AAAAAAAACU4/BEiOdqEKAuw/s640/il_fullxfull.292753419.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/87782894/typography-inspirational-art-print-earth">8x10 print by Cisforcolor</a> - $17.75</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I saw this on Etsy today and it made me laugh.</div>Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04125779342541236588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970938478982415162.post-42982770443615761532012-01-29T07:00:00.000-08:002012-01-29T07:00:07.732-08:00Recycled flowers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9FTVZp1Ngtk/TyTHukAb6SI/AAAAAAAACUk/AMFj82YIXE8/s1600/100_7458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9FTVZp1Ngtk/TyTHukAb6SI/AAAAAAAACUk/AMFj82YIXE8/s640/100_7458.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I saw a bouquet of withered flowers sticking out of my neighbor's trash can. I picked out these two flowers, since they looked like they still had a few days of life left in them. "Come on, little guys," I said. "You can stay with me."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nwa_Kb-k1TM/TyTIapD_05I/AAAAAAAACUs/o-f693_pEuE/s1600/flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="514" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nwa_Kb-k1TM/TyTIapD_05I/AAAAAAAACUs/o-f693_pEuE/s640/flower.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>That was over two weeks ago!!</b> Every day I look at the flowers and think they'll probably start withering soon, but they're like the Energizer bunny. Look how happy they are in the California sunshine. Does anyone know what kind of flower this is?Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04125779342541236588noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970938478982415162.post-11747742112367882542012-01-21T07:00:00.000-08:002012-01-22T12:13:33.318-08:00The stereotypical artist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lApLEZQ4j4I/TxorCCb-diI/AAAAAAAACUU/ZuxNL_hWIlA/s1600/The_Frustrated_Artist_by_BlotoAngeles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lApLEZQ4j4I/TxorCCb-diI/AAAAAAAACUU/ZuxNL_hWIlA/s640/The_Frustrated_Artist_by_BlotoAngeles.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"The Frustrated Artist" by <a href="http://fav.me/d2a23vb">BlotoAngeles</a></div>
<i><br /></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">"The artistic temperament is a difficult one to deal with...the things that make artists sensitive to beauty and truth are the same things that can make it difficult for them to get along with others. Let's face it: artists are not accountants. Many of them cannot handle their finances, much less their emotions. Of course there are exceptions, but the tortured, angst-filled, manic-depressive artist is a typical character that everyone recognizes in books, in film or in their personal lives."</span></i><br />
-from "Pure Scum: The Left-Out, the Right-Brained and the Grace of God" by Mike Sares<br />
<br />
This does not describe me. I do not have trouble getting along with others. Sure, I'm terrible at math, but I like money very much and I do my best to take care of it. I can be emotional, but no more than the average girl, I guess. Okay, fine, maybe my husband would disagree with that last one but I AM TRYING TO MAKE A POINT HERE.<br />
<br />
When I first went to art school, I expected to meet lots of weird, artsy people. I was surprised to discover that my classmates and teachers are remarkably.........normal. They're quiet. Hardworking. Funny. Perceptive. Kind.<br />
<br />
Exhibit A: my landscape painting class.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-osRl3niM7VE/TxxtiD4kkqI/AAAAAAAACUc/hwzHwUZCFWQ/s1600/P1070904.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-osRl3niM7VE/TxxtiD4kkqI/AAAAAAAACUc/hwzHwUZCFWQ/s1600/P1070904.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
What a bunch of tortured, angst-filled crazies, right? Especially that girl on the far right, she's a real basketcase.<br />
<br />
As for artists not being able to handle their finances, that's just silly. Most fine artists and illustrators work freelance, which requires both creativity and business sense. They need to know how to market themselves, run a website, contact galleries and agents, price their work, and manage an income that varies from month to month. Artists who can't handle money will eventually be forced to work as Subway "sandwich artists." <i>(ba dum ching!)</i><br />
<br />
The one generalization about artists that I would concede to is that they suffer from a sense of insecurity about their work - at least young artists do. They wonder if they're good enough. They feel continual guilt about not working harder. They constantly compare themselves to other artists. They wonder if they should just give up and go back to their cubicle job. I don't know if I've met a single classmate who couldn't identify with this.<br />
<br />
But for the most part, I see this insecurity drive them to work harder. They bravely press on, not indulging depressive episodes with cigarettes or whining about how no one understands their vision. They just get out their sketch pads and keep drawing. Because<i> that's</i> what artists do.<br />
<br />
What do you think? Have you known anyone who fit the "temperamental artist" stereotype? Do you wear a beret?Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04125779342541236588noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970938478982415162.post-40968737865913222672012-01-17T13:54:00.000-08:002012-01-17T13:54:19.233-08:00The abandoned factory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-18dyufZZcOc/TxUoLMfpX9I/AAAAAAAACUM/XINDG9-wV7A/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-18dyufZZcOc/TxUoLMfpX9I/AAAAAAAACUM/XINDG9-wV7A/s640/Untitled-1.jpg" width="588" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Lately I've been interested in industrial styles. So I put together<a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NjM5MDQzOHwxODM4MTk5MTMz/the-abandoned-factory"> this treasury</a>, inspired by the now-defunct twine factory in my hometown.<br />
<br />
If you don't know what industrial means, it means a lot of rusted metal, bare lightbulbs, weathered old carts, burlap fabrics, giant metal letters and vintage glass bottles. It's kind of rough and spartan, sure, but I guess I like the masculine, urban edge to it. I'm sure that a lot of interior designers out there are "so over" the trendy cart coffee tables and tripod floor lamps, but I still think it's awesome.Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04125779342541236588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7970938478982415162.post-88570457463342991432012-01-14T07:00:00.000-08:002012-01-14T07:00:02.479-08:00Amazing Pushpin Portraits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yR-E4FO-T7g/TxEpsXkpkzI/AAAAAAAACTU/BamxAmTASoQ/s1600/daigh_kimberly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yR-E4FO-T7g/TxEpsXkpkzI/AAAAAAAACTU/BamxAmTASoQ/s1600/daigh_kimberly.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Try looking at this picture from a distance. I've found that it appears to become more lifelike as you back up.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Michigan artist <a href="http://daigh.com/">Eric Daigh</a> creates these incredible portraits using <b>ordinary pushpins!!</b> According to his website, between 25,000 and 100,000 pushpins are used for each piece.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jK0bHdlZJKk/TxEqoT82BOI/AAAAAAAACTc/yGI5LnYKcI4/s1600/3987121817_609e3bf9c5_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jK0bHdlZJKk/TxEqoT82BOI/AAAAAAAACTc/yGI5LnYKcI4/s640/3987121817_609e3bf9c5_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ifitshipitshere.blogspot.com/2010/04/artist-eric-daigh-sticks-it-to-us-with.html">via</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NCnU6TuQeeE/TxEqxkaWWoI/AAAAAAAACTk/BYfB-rxhbX0/s1600/Picture+46.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="385" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NCnU6TuQeeE/TxEqxkaWWoI/AAAAAAAACTk/BYfB-rxhbX0/s400/Picture+46.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's the artist and his wife.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bjV2nI_7I0A/TxEq5cR-hAI/AAAAAAAACTs/Xm80o--1Md0/s1600/daigh_process_006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bjV2nI_7I0A/TxEq5cR-hAI/AAAAAAAACTs/Xm80o--1Md0/s640/daigh_process_006.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Crazy, right?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y7xC619Hqus/TxEq6862ZzI/AAAAAAAACT0/pF7GPXZOhP0/s1600/daigh_process_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y7xC619Hqus/TxEq6862ZzI/AAAAAAAACT0/pF7GPXZOhP0/s640/daigh_process_002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I wonder if he's built up a lot of strength in his fingertips?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-27aRJHq5fQY/TxErXWTDp8I/AAAAAAAACT8/Q53-GaYMUNk/s1600/harper.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-27aRJHq5fQY/TxErXWTDp8I/AAAAAAAACT8/Q53-GaYMUNk/s640/harper.png" width="476" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's <a href="http://ifitshipitshere.blogspot.com/2010/04/artist-eric-daigh-sticks-it-to-us-with.html">an interesting article on Eric Daigh</a> if you'd like to see more of his amazing work!</div>Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04125779342541236588noreply@blogger.com2