skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Hooray! A print! Finally, everything that I've been working towards the last 5 months has paid off. I actually got a halfway-decent print in my screen printing shop yesterday.
This print is taken from my 3.5 minute screen I posted earlier. It's not perfect, but it gave me something to compare future test prints. And I was happy to see that even though the linework is slightly blown out, I was still able to achieve pretty good detail in my illustration. For comparison's sake, I burned a 4-minute screen last night to test, hopefully later today. My hope is that the detail will be crisper.
I can't tell you how relieved I am that I got this big step out of the way. And even though it had been 5 months since my last class, once I got started in the process, everything came rushing back - to think I was worried I had forgotten everything.
The last couple days I have been brainstorming Fuzzy screen print ideas. My plan is to apply for the Renegade Art fair next month, submitting not only Fuzzy stuffed creatures, but Fuzzy art prints, too. I'd like my entire booth to be Fuzzy themed, with something for everyone. And now that I actually have a working screen printing shop, I feel like the Fuzzy art prints are feasible!
Woo hoo!
e
Last week, while I was waiting for my appointment at the Apple Store, I decided to sketch people as they walked by me. This was a bit challenging, since I only had a few moments to capture their identities before they were gone. Plus, I didn't want to look too obvious, staring them down.
This was a lot of fun, and gave me another opportunity to examine the subtleties between everybody. And then, of course, I had to translate those details onto paper. Once in Photoshop, I added a quick hit of color to differentiate them even more.
e
Yay for screen printing day! Today I FINALLY started the printing process after months of preparation. I'll be honest - I was pretty nervous. I've invested so much time and money into this, it was all coming down to today. Plus, it has been 5 months since my beginner screen printing class, so I felt that I was slowly forgetting everything I had learned with each passing day. Thankfully my teacher has been awesome about answering all my questions the last few weeks, so I was about as prepared as I could have been.
The big question remaining was how long it would take my light box to expose a screen properly. I decided to make a ghetto exposure guide, where I would expose a long print incrementally at 30 second intervals. Here is the long stencil I was going to burn:
The printing underneath has the minutes/seconds; plus I thought it was a good test for type. Then I had a complete fill, a checkerboard pattern, and an example of some of my illustrated linework, since that's what I'll primarily would be printing. I wanted to see just how detailed I could get.
The emulsion I purchased was different than what we used in class, so I decided to follow the directions on the bottle, and coated both sides of the screen (in class, we just coated the bottom side). Well, that was a bust. As you can see above, after exposing, it all washed out in a globby mess. Attempt #1 = FAIL.
My second attempt went a bit better. I only coated one side, but during the exposure process, when I was testing in 30 second increments, I did a bad job of keeping the screen in one place, so the image shifted a bit. Even though it wasn't a perfect exposure, I got enough information to narrow down my exposure time to the 3-4 minute range.
I decided to forgo the incremental test print and just expose the next attempt for 3.5 minutes. This one actually turned out pretty well.
It's still not perfect, but I am getting close. I think I'm going to try a 3:15 print and a 3:45 print and compare the three. I am so anxious to start printing "real" art, but I know this step of the process is key, and will be necessary to ensure quality prints from here on out. I just have to continue being patient, and it will all be worth it in the long run.
Stay tuned!
e
I apologize for the lack of posts this week - my computer started acting up on Sunday, so I took it into the shop on Monday to nip the problem in the bud. Unfortunately, I was told it needed a new logic board, so they took it away from me for repairs for 5-7 days. Though I knew it would need repairs, I wasn't expecting them to take it from me immediately. I was completely unprepared, and didn't even have a chance to say good-bye! I almost cried...I wasn't sure how I was going to cope without my computer for a week, much less telling my clients I was out of commission for a while. Thankfully everyone was very understanding, and I tried to look at it as an opportunity to do non-computer things. Stephen teased me Monday night because he caught me staring blankly, clearly out-of-sorts without my precious computer.
Needless to say, the folks at the Apple Store finished it early, and I got it back yesterday - woo hoo! No harm done, I guess. So last night I got to work on colorizing one of my illustrations, just in time for today - Earth Day! I love the idea behind Earth Day. One of my fondest memories growing up was every year on Earth Day, my family would plant a tree in our yard and sing "Happy Earth Day" (to the tune of Happy Birthday). That small act instilled the idea that celebrating our earth was so very important.
Today I was thinking of all the things my family does to contribute to a green lifestyle. Here are some examples:
1) Recycle! We've been recycling cans and plastic for a while, but ever since we've started recycling our paper, it's amazing how dramatically we've cut down on garbage - our family only goes through 1 bag of garbage per week.
2) As lightbulbs burn out in our house, we've been replacing them with CFL bulbs.
3) We use non-toxic or homemade cleaners whenever possible.
4) When shopping, we bring in tote bags instead of using paper or plastic.
5) All of our small kitchen appliances are unplugged when not in use.
6) Instead of plastic water bottles, we use stainless steel bottles.
7) And if I don't finish the water in my bottle or glass, I use it to water our houseplants instead of dumping it down the drain.
8) We buy local whenever possible. We're fortunate to have a grocery store that stocks local foods, and an amazing farmers market. Our family also participates in a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) for our produce during the growing season.
9) We also have our own veggie garden!
10) We've adopted the "If it's yellow, let it mellow" rule. Meaning, only flush the toilet when there's a #2...
11) Our clothes get washed in the cold cycle - it still does a great job!
12) Walk or bike to do errands whenever possible.
Even though I feel we do a really good job minimizing our carbon footprint, I still feel there is more we can do. Here are my green goals for this year:
- Start composting our waste
- Collect rainwater in barrels to re-use
- Install a clothesline to dry clothes outside
What do you do to help the environment? Happy Earth Day, everyone!
e
It has been a slow week here, creatively. Other than the catalog, I haven't had a lot of time to make stuff. Which is unfortunate, because I really need my creative outlets to keep me going. Hopefully, when life settles down again, we'll fall back into our routine, and the projects will start flowing again.
This morning I picked up the scarf I started knitting 4 years ago. I left it in such a way that I could *in theory* pick up right where I left off. Unfortunately, I could not remember how to knit. So I picked up a couple books from the library, and was able to knit 2 more rows! I feel like I'm all thumbs, but hopefully that will come back to me once I practice some more. The impetus to knit again is because I'd like to make Stephen a felted yoga mat bag. There is a woman at the gym who has one, and when I asked her if she'd make one for us (we'd pay her, of course), she basically laughed at my face. So, I guess it's a good reason for me to figure out knitting again, eh?
Above you will see the Fuzzies I've completed over the last couple weeks. I changed my owl slightly, so now it has actual wings and long spindly legs. I think it's kinda cute!
e
So all of my hard work over the last couple weeks came down to today's meeting with Schwinn. Even though I was as prepared as I could possibly be, I was still pretty nervous. It was my first phone presentation, so I wasn't sure how well that would work. Thankfully, after just a few minutes of slight stumbling and a couple "ummm...s", I settled down and everything went smoothly. I didn't even need to consult my notes too much. You'd think after years of working with the company, I wouldn't get nervous, but that's just how I roll, I guess. At least I was under the cover of my phone, and they couldn't see my prolonged blush.
And after all that, I think the presentation went well. I showed 4 concepts, and it sounds like they liked all of them. (yes!) I have now been challenged to revise a couple of the product pages to meet their complicated demands. Can I live up to the pressure. I believe so.
Above you will find a sampling of some bike imagery I found on weheartit while I was researching the catalog concepts. These photos are so beautiful, so inspiring. Don't they make you want to grab your bike and go for a ride?
e
Guess who got home yesterday? Yup, Stephen and Stella - yay! It was so nice to have them home. Even though the ample work time was great, it really was lonely here without the whole family.
The Schwinn catalog concepts are due tomorrow, so I've been spending a lot of time tightening up that project. I didn't have a lot to work from, so hopefully the ideas I'm presenting will be on target. It's always a little nerve-racking, dealing with such a significant piece - what if the 25+ hours I've spend on these concepts do not suffice? It would be such a wasted effort. But, I can't think that way. I have to stay positive - they're gonna love 'em, right? Right.
And of course, another JCrew illustration. I enjoyed this drawing, because I want her sandals really, really bad. I'm thinking I'm going to start winding down this exercise. I really like doing these drawings, but I need to start focusing on illustrations and ideas for screen printing. Maybe just a few more...we'll see.
e
Hello! Today I FINALLY set up my screen printing shop. Taking advantage of the family's absence, I figured it would be the perfect time to set my mind to it, and just do it. I took some photos documenting the process. Here I am, getting my work on, sporting the fabulous goggles.
After drilling some large holes in the 2x4, my Dremel came in handy. I forgot how much I love this tool. I used it a lot in college, cutting my wood block prints, but it's been gathering dust for a few years. Welcome back, old friend!
Here is the curtain rod...
...which will hold the curtain for my ghetto wash-out booth. I didn't take any photos, but I also cut a short hose to attach to the faucet. Unfortunately, our faucet is in pretty bad shape, and I'm not sure how long it will be able to keep up with me. I should probably make friends with a plumber...
My vampire coffin...I mean exposure box. (Stephen teases me about the coffin in our basement). My wonderful dad helped me build this over Christmas. It is about 2' x 4' and houses 8 fluorescent tubes which will expose my screens.
Here is the exposure box open, with a screen resting on the glass.
I need to get a better work table, but for now, this'll have to do. The shelf above the table has empty containers for mixing ink, the ink and other miscellaneous fluids.
Here is my printing station. It's pretty clean right now - that won't last long.
The drawers will hold other supplies, such as tape, paint brushes, my squeegees and scoop coater, and rags. I also have a couple buckets for clean up.
I really like mason jars, therefore, I took a picture of one.
I realized that I lost my sheets of mylar for my flop, so I'll have to get a new one. Other than that, I think I'm set. My only question now, is regarding my clamping system. Once I have my screen in place, there is a 3/8" gap underneath my screen from where the wood frame rests on the clamp. I don't think this is right, so I'm going to have to figure out how to make it flush with the work surface. I'm a bit perplexed.
But, yay! I'm almost there! I know I keep saying this, but it's true. I cannot wait!
e
Well, it continues to rain here, and for tomorrow they're predicting snow! Gotta love the Wisconsin weather. I figured today would be an appropriate time to post one of my illustrations from last year - the raindrop.
And here is another JCrew illustration. I have to say - I'm not a huge fan of this outfit - and that makes it hard to draw. But I finished, and peeking ahead, I'm really excited for the next outfit!
I've been gearing up for the weekend, mainly because it's going to be a screen printing extravaganza! I can't wait. I've been racking my brain, trying to think of any little details I may have forgotten. Our house smells like vinegar, because I've been soaking the utility tub faucet in vinegar to get rid of the calcium and lime deposits. I am going to have to attach a hose to the faucet for rinsing, so I want to make sure the threads are clean enough to create a tight seal. We're almost there!
Stay dry,
e
As I write, it is storming and hailing against my window. So awesome. I love all this rain. Everything has been looking so lush and green. It is so inspiring - I can't wait for flowers so I can draw them!
Unfortunately, though I've been very busy this week, I don't have much to show for it. This explains why my posts have been a bit scant. I figured, though, this would be a good opportunity to finally unveil the animated commercials I did a few months ago for TDS Telecom. It was an unexpected project which ended up being a lot of fun. I've never had the opportunity to do anything like this before, so it was a learning experience as well. After completing the simple line drawings, Tilt Media worked their magic and pulled the animation together. There are 4 commercials, which were shown nationally on NBC. I didn't get a chance to see them on TV, but I think that would have totally blown my mind to see my illustrations on television. Seeing these little video clips is crazy enough!
I hope everyone had a great Easter. Stella and I traveled up to my parents' for a nice, long weekend. I still got some artsy time in: sewing with my mom, coloring with Stella and drawing in the woods. Now I'm tired and ready to hit the sack.
g'night,
e
Wow. I can't believe it's April already. Though, with today's weather, it may as well have been the middle of summer. It was so warm! We slept with the windows open last night, and waking up to the birds singing has to be one of the best things.
I'm especially excited about summer this year because Stella is finally able to play outside. Seeing the world through a toddler's eyes is going to be just amazing - I can just feel it. Yesterday she found her first bug. To us, that's nothing. In fact, we'd probably never notice it. But to Stella, that little crawling creature could have been the only thing on the planet, for all she cared. She eventually ended up smooshing (sp?) it, but up until that point, it was super cool!
Back to the art. This week I started researching concepts for the Schwinn catalog. This project will encompass a lot of my time over the next few months, so I won't have anything to show for it. In my down time, though (ha!), I'm still going try to draw, sew and screen print. Here is my latest JCrew drawing. I have to say, it's probably one of my favorites so far, probably because of the hat. It's my first fedora, and thankfully I ran across this link earlier this week, so it was very helpful!
We're leaving tomorrow for a long weekend, so there won't be any posts for a few days. Have a hoppy weekend!
e
Hooray! A print! Finally, everything that I've been working towards the last 5 months has paid off. I actually got a halfway-decent print in my screen printing shop yesterday.
