Saturday, January 12, 2008

Illustration Friday: Stitch

Hey! This kitty is stitchin'. Made this just for IF this week.

The style / size I used for this is the same 'template' I've been using all week on a project I completed. I illustrated many 2" x 1 5/8" greyscale illos for K workbooks. I tell you, sometimes, there is just nothing better for the work itself than being under the gun while doing it. (I'm not kidding...)

Working under the gun forces me to work quicker and therefore take some chances that I normally might not. It forces me to come up with solutions that WORK, and FAST!!! Working out a fairly complex composition quickly (and making sure it is done WELL) is really great exercise. Having deadlines honestly really helps with this. I know that that might sound very Type A of me, but it's the honest truth. (I love deadlines. There. I said it.) A sense of urgency can be a very good thing. This project let me flex all of those creative problem-solving muscles in the framework of a tight deadline. It's refreshing to work in that way sometimes. Just to do something quickly, and work with it. You're present all of the time - no time for daydreaming.
It's also kind of neat as a graphic designer to utilize those creative problem solving skills for design purposes, and then also see how they translate in the illustration part of the brain.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy.

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Made me smile!

Roberta said...

Type A is good! Really cute!

Margarita Nava said...

so tender!!

Lindo!!!

Unknown said...

It turned out great, it such a cool look, it's amazing the things you can discover when you're pushing yourself a bit.

Digital Scott's Illustrationblog said...

My life is better with deadlines. All hail deadlines. Your illustration is great!

roz said...

How sweet! Love all the textures.
I agree, deadlines can be so productive in many ways.
I find the same thing. I grow so much under pressure. Otherwise I sort of just putter along second guessing everything.
=o)

Unknown said...

Hi Kathy...

what a sweet illustration....the texture is amazing and I love the fact that the kitty has a cup of tea...very soothing...

Have a wonderful day!

Cheers,
Diana

Jannie aka Chickengirl said...

hey Kathy, your kitty so so cute as usual!!! I totally need deadlines too, or else nothing will get done! I think blogs are a great motivator in genral to get things done, because its great to show things off! :-)

Anonymous said...

Oh I just love this little kitty, with her tea and needlepoint! I need deadlines too, pressure situations tend to make me more efficient than something open ended!

Kathleen Rietz said...

Oh yeah, very cute. Looks like Kitty has mastered the art of Relaxation. Noted. : )

Willie Baronet said...

What great texture!!

valerie walsh said...

I wouldn'tmind being in this picture! It looks so cozy... i am with you on the deadline thing, i think it makes you stretch more than you normally would do. Charming piece, i love it!

Archie and Melissa said...

Hi Kathy!

I absolutely LOVE this kitty!
You are amazing!
:) Melissa

lil kim said...

yes great texture and coziness. I like deadlines because they at least make me FINISH things!

evelina rajninger said...

Little sweet kitty! So cute! I like your style! Nice stitch!

claudine hellmuth said...

kathy

this is sooooo cute!!!
Please send me your email so I can talk to Bernie about your generous offer of helping her with the Animal Rescue grant. yay!! you are the greatest!!!

Anonymous said...

well sounds like you are off to a great start with all your wonderful firsts for the year! wanted to stop by and say hello and wish you well....you can always email me with a licensing question if you need advice...just keep doing what you are doing..best wishes.

carol eldridge

sketched out said...

That is an adorable illustration. That kitty is killin' me.

I think most of us designers, although we complain about them, know we need those pesky deadlines. I know I do my best work under the gun as well.

Catnapping said...

adorable! i want a cat who can sew for me!

Unknown said...

Hi Kathy....

I have an award waiting for you on my blog....I really enjoy my visits here...just wish you would post more often...lol

Have a wonderful day!

Cheers,
Diana