Michelle McBride: Illustrator/Designer/Crafter

I've been wanting to blog about Illustrator and good friend Michelle McBride for so long now and finally the time has come. Michelle and I met at our last full time job where we illustrated for years together creating many images of snowmen, santa clauses and reindeer (as well as some children's books and a very savvy set of CD covers... remember those michelle?). Michelle is simply brilliant at Adobe Illustrator and knows not only the program inside out but can create vector artwork like nobody I've ever seen before. She's fast, trendy and her colour palettes are always at the height of trendy. She's been a teacher, illustrator, designer and even one of only two bridesmaids at my wedding (yes, we're this close!).

Michelle has always amazed me with her multi-talented guru skills (yup, you heard me correctly). She took up silver smithing, jewlery making, crafting and lately sewing her own creations/plush toys. It seems whatever she puts her heart into becomes a fabulous, quality product that anyone would be proud to own. The pair of us have decided to put our crafting skills to the streets and have signed up for the Downtown Farmers Market. You will be able to visit MIchelle in person on August 18th at our booth. I'll give you more information as the time comes closer.



Here's the interview (michelle's comments in ALL CAPS).

Michelle just spent the last couple years living in New Zealand as an illustrator. I'm curious to know whether this move has helped or hindered her professional life and how a big move such as this can affect creativity/her views on illustration.

1. How does the Kiwi Illustration world differ from the North American world and how has living abroad changed you professionally?

BEING THAT NEW ZEALAND IS SUCH A SMALL COUNTRY, IT IS DEFINITELY EASIER TO FIND THE ARTISTIC COMMUNITY. WITH SITES SUCH AS, www.thebigidea.co.nz, YOU ARE ABLE TO LOCATE CREATIVES ON ALL LEVELS. WHETHER IT BE A GRAPHIC DESIGNER, JEWELLERY DESIGNER, OR A LANDSCAPE ARTIST. IT IS A COMMUNITY WITH ALL FACETS OF CREATIVITY. FINDING WORK SEEMED HEAPS EASIER THAN IN NORTH AMERICA. HERE, IT SEEMS A TREND TO NOT ADVERTISE YOUR POSTING AND THAT WORD OF MOUTH IS THE ONLY WAY TO HEAR OF NEW OPPORTUNITIES. WHICH I FEEL IS VERY UNFORTUNATE, BECAUSE BOTH EMPLOYER AND ARTIST ARE MISSING OUT ON GREAT RELATIONSHIPS.

AS FOR THE ARTISTIC WORK BEING PRODUCED, I FOUND NEW ZEALAND WORK TO HAVE A DELICATE EDGINESS TO IT. WITH INFLUENCES FROM THE PACIFICA ISLANDS AND THE MAORI CULTURE, I FEEL THERE IS AN ORGANIC-NESS AND A WARMNESS TO A LOT OF WORK. NEW ZEALAND ALSO HAS A FREEDOM THAT I FEEL NORTH AMERICAN COMMERCIAL ART IS LACKING. THEY HAVE AN EASY GOING ATTITUDE, AREN'T AFRAID TO SAY ANYTHING, AND HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOUR REMINISCENT OF THE UK.

I LOVED BEING IN NEW ZEALAND, I FOUND IT REFRESHING AND IT REALLY REVITALIZED MY WORK, LETTING ME EXPLORE NEW PATHS IN MY ARTISTIC VISION. I THINK EVERYONE SHOULD LIVE ABROAD IN THEIR LIFETIME, OR AT LEAST TRAVEL WHEN YOU CAN. I FOUND THAT I BECAME VERY ISOLATED IN MY ARTWORK, AND (HOW CAN I PUT THIS?), MY WORK FELT STRICTLY INFLUENCED BY NORTH AMERICAN CULTURE. GETTING OUT AND SEEING NEW STYLES, NEW INFLUENCES, NEW CULTURES AND DEFINITELY SEEING WORK FROM A DIFFERENT COUNTRY'S BEGINNINGS, REALLY OPENS YOUR PERSPECTIVE AND AWAKENS YOU TO EXPLORE NEW IDEAS.




Michelle owns a company called Miss Dishy which currently encompasses the great realm of Michelle's craft and creative line/products which you can view by clicking on the title of this blog. Her products speak of high quality, creativity and of course safety.

2. What's on your horizon and what do you see your new company, Miss Dishy, becoming?

WELL. I CURRENTLY HAVE 8 CHILDREN'S BOOKS ON THE GO. I FOUND MYSELF WRITING A LOT IN NEW ZEALAND, AND CAME UP WITH MANY STORIES THAT I JUST ADORE. I HAVEN'T FOUND A FULL TIME JOB YET, SO I AM JUST CONCENTRATING ON MY ILLUSTRATION AND OF COURSE MISS DISHY CRAFTS. IN THE VERY DISTANCE FUTURE, ONE OF MY GOALS IS TO BECOME A MARTHA STEWART TYPE. I LOVE MANY THINGS BEAUTIFUL, AND I HOPE TO INSPIRE OTHERS THE WAY SHE INSPIRES ME. IF YOU HAVEN'T BEEN TO HER MICHAEL'S CRAFT AISLE, DEAR LORD GO! I LOVE CREATING SOCIAL STATIONERY, AND I LOVE ILLUSTRATING, SO, MY FUTURE HOLDS A LOT OF GLITTER AND SQUIRRELS I THINK. MISS DISHY REALLY IS A MISHMASH OF EVERYTHING THAT I LOVE, AND WHATEVER INSPIRES ME THAT DAY. FROM SEWING TO JEWELLERY MAKING, YOU'LL SEE MANY THINGS THAT I LOVE. NOT TO SAY THAT I AM UNFOCUSED, I JUST WANT TO MAKE IT ALL.



I admire your work ethics. You have always been so quick at designing such beautiful vector illustrations and now you're moving back into a more hand-made world. Do you see yourself moving more of your efforts in the future to designing toys, house hold objects and the like?

HAHA. I AM ADDICTED TO VECTOR! BASICALLY, I WAS FORCED INTO THE HANDMADE WORLD. WELL.. A LITTLE INSPIRED TOO. I MET A FASHION DESIGNER IN NEW ZEALAND WHO WAS WRITING A CHILDREN'S BOOK. BASICALLY, SHE DREW EVERYTHING BY HAND, SCANNED IT IN, THEN OVERLAID COLOURS, PATTERNS AND TEXTURES. SHE REALLY LOVED HER ORGANIC PENCIL LINES, AND NEVER TRACED OVER THEM. I REALLY LIKE THE IDEA OF THAT, SINCE MY ILLUSTRATIVE BEGINNINGS WERE REALLY JUST, SKETCH IT, TRACE IT, COLOUR IT, SEND IT. I WAS FORCED TO RETURN TO MY HAND MADE ROUTES WHEN I DIDN'T HAVE A WACOM TO DRAW WITH ANYMORE. I DIDN'T HAVE A MOUSE EITHER, SO TRYING TO DRAW ON A LAPTOP TRACK PAD WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. BUT NOW I AM REALLY EMBRACING MY REGRESSION BACK TO HAND MADE. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. MY LINES FEEL FREE, AND MY OTHER CREATIONS FEEL MORE PERSONABLE. I PUT LOVE INTO ALL MY WORK. LOVE AND PERFECTION... I'M A LITTLE BIT OF A FREAK. LIKE I SAID, I WANT TO DO IT ALL. I LOVE CREATING THINGS, AND WHERE EVER THAT PASSION TAKES ME, I WILL FOLLOW EAGERLY.

You and I are going to dabble in the world of farmers markets & art/ craft fairs. Our first confirmed show is August 18th, downtown, for their summer weekly farmers market. I have to say that your line of plush toys are so adorable and original! What sorts of inspiration helped you create these quirky characters?

WOW. YOU KNOW... I CREATED A MONSTER CHARACTER ONE NIGHT, AND THOUGHT, HEY, THIS WOULD BE GREAT TO SEW. MANY OF THE INDIE CRAFTERS ARE VENTURING INTO THE PLUSHIES REALM. WITH SOCK MONKEYS IN THE LEAD I THINK. THERE IS A REALLY FANTASTIC GIRL IN NEW ZEALAND THAT MAKES THESE WONDERFUL HANDMADE DOLLS (HER WORK IS OUTSTANDING!) www.geekfreeks.com SHE REALLY INSPIRED ME TO CREATE EXTREMELY WELL MADE PRODUCTS. WHEN I WENT TO SEW MY WEE LITTLE MONSTER, HE NEEDED LARGER EYES, AND POOF! MY LITTLE GUYS WERE BORN. I'LL NEVER SELL THE FIRST TWO I MADE, FOR SENTIMENTAL REASONS, AS WELL AS THE FACT THAT THEY ARE HORRIBLY MADE.HAHA.




What else will you have at your table?

I LIKE TO HAVE MY HANDS IN ALL POTS. I MAKE A LOT OF JEWELLERY BECAUSE I AM DYING TO BE A SILVER SMITH. UNFORTUNATELY I DON'T HAVE ALL THE TOOLS, SO IT'S A DREAM I HAVE YET TO FULFILL. I 'LL ALSO HAVE MAGNETS, GREETING CARDS, PLUSHIES, COIN PURSES, FABRIC BRACELETS AND SOME NEW ZEALAND WOOD NECKLACES.

You mentioned on your blog that you have 8 children's books in progress. Can we have a tiny sneak peek on what they are about or see a sketch?

HAHA. HMMM... ANOTHER ARTIST KEEPS THREATENING TO STEAL MY BOOKS... SO I AM A LITTLE PROTECTIVE AT THIS TIME. BUT I WILL HOPEFULLY HAVE ALL MY COVERS COMPLETED THIS WEEK, OR AT LEAST HAVE MY CHARACTERS FULLY DEVELOPED.

(She has promised a jpg of her characters which I will post very soon)

What's been your biggest challenge since graduating from University?

HONESTLY, MY BIGGEST CHALLENGE WAS TO BECOME LESS EMOTIONALLY ATTACHED TO MY WORK. WHEN YOU ARE YOUR OWN CLIENT, LIFE IS BLISS. (WELL SOMETIMES, I FIND I AM VERY HARD TO PLEASE.) BUT WE ARE IN A BUSINESS PROVIDING A SERVICE, SO, MANY TIMES I HAVE HAD TO LET MY EMOTIONS SIT WAYSIDE, TO KEEP A CLIENT IS SATISFIED. ONE THING I HAVE LEARNED SINCE MOVING TO NEW ZEALAND IS TO KEEP ALL EMOTIONS AT THE DOOR WHEN DEALING IN BUSINESS. WE WORKED AT A COMPANY THAT REALLY UNAPPRECIATED AND TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THEIR STAFF, AND I FOUND THAT VERY DIFFICULT TO NOT GET UP IN ARMS ABOUT. NOWADAYS, I PICK MY BATTLES AND LEAVE EMOTIONS OUT OF IT. IT DID, HOWEVER, HELP ME UNDERSTAND THE VALUE OF EMPLOYEES AND HOW TO KEEP WORK ENVIRONMENTS POSTIVE AND INSPIRING. SOMETHING I WILL ALWAYS KEEP IN THE FRONT OF MY MIND.

What is your favorite illustration medium to use and why?

HMM.. I STILL LOVE MY VECTOR. I HAVE A STRANGE EMOTIONAL ATTACHMENT TO IT. I THINK IT IS BECAUSE IT IS FAST, AND NOT PERMANENT. BECAUSE I HAVE HAD NO FORMAL TRAINING IN ILLUSTRATION, I'VE MERELY DABBLED IN WATERCOLOURS AND ACRYLICS. BUT I LOVE TO DO BOTH, SO THEY WOULD BE MY SECOND.



Are there any inspiring illustrators out there you follow?

OH! SO MANY. KIRSTEN ULVE (www.kirstenulve.com) AND JIM PAILLOT (www.jimpaillot) WERE THE FIRST TWO ILLUSTRATORS I STOOD UP AND TOOK NOTICE OF. SOMETIMES I FEEL I CAN BE VERY SELF INVOLVED IN MY WORK, AND SINCE WORKING WITH YOU, I ACTUALLY HAVE REALLY GONE OUT AND LOOKED AT OTHER PEOPLE'S WORK. NOW IT'S A HOBBY. I LOVE FINDING NEW ILLUSTRATORS AND SEEING THEIR SUCCESSES. KATE SUTTON (www.sleepycow.com) IS REALLY TERRIFIC. I'D HAVE TO SAY ANOTHER PLEASURE WOULD BE CHICKEN GIRL DESIGN, JANNIE HO. (www.chickengirldesign.com) SHE HAS QUITE THE INSPIRING RESUME.

Best Illustration gig/client ever:

I DID HAVE AN AMAZING JOB BEFORE I MOVED TO NEW ZEALAND. IT WAS A JOB THAT LAUNCHED MY CAREER TO WHERE IT IS TODAY. UNFORTUNATELY IT DID HAVE SOME NEGATIVES, BUT I CHALK THAT UP TO A LIFE EXPERIENCE.

What blogs are you addicted to?

HMM.. I HAVEN'T REALLY BEEN KEEPING UP MY BLOGGING SINCE I MOVED HOME. BUT I LOVE ANYTHING QUIRKY AND FUNNY. I'VE BEEN HANGING ROUND HERE LATELY:
weewonderfuls.typepad.com
katesutton.typepad.com
illosaurus.com
jeffvictor.blogspot.com
boygirlparty.com
nutandbee.com
feltclub.com
thesmallobject.com
danger.uk.com
....etc...




Last but not least if you could have a super power what would it be?

TRANSPORTATION (NOT LIKE, CARS OR TRAINS) BUT THE ABILITY TO TRANSPORT FROM ONE SPOT TO ANOTHER. THEN I CAN GO TO NEW ZEALAND WHENEVER I LIKE, WITHOUT HAVING TO TRAVEL 36 HOURS.


this was a little bag michelle made for me! Isn't it darling?


Thanks for the great answers michelle! Look forward to seeing more of your work as your career progresses.

Life lessons

I wish I had some shots of my latest hand made projects to show off but I've been too busy! With my Educational project getting wrapped up (one more illustration to go), getting cards and bookmarks ready for a wonderful store/greenhouse just outside of Agassiz, British Columbia owned by my Aunt & Uncle (with the lovely name of Limbert Mountain Farm, visit their website here: http://limbertmountainfarm.com/index.html), of course creating handmade items for some upcoming farmers markets/craft shows, trying to get some moments in painting and the craziest lately working as a bartender for one of Albertas largest Country Music Festivals. It was strange throwing myself back into the service industry after being gone from the world for so long (I waitressed back in 2001). I am so unbelieveably happy that my freelance career has been going so well and I have been finding such wonderful work and clients. People in the service industry take so much attitude and odd behavior from others with a smile for the companies and people they work for and at such a fast pace and I am so grateful to them. There are so many people that work for so little and bartending this weekend reminded me of just how small our "art/design world" is. How important it is to always be kind to people, to work hard for what you make and to never forget that each person you see, no matter how fleeting, has a life and a soul that deserves respect and patience. That rule goes for either side of the "counter" you are on. As I came home each night, near 5:00am, covered in spilt beer with the ghosts of loud music still ringing in my ears and my knuckles bruised by the liquor dispensor I could hardly wait to skip downstairs to my basement studio and pick up my quill again (after a long sleep). That's just the thing about freelancing, owning a house and having a wonderful family: you'll do anything to keep the good things in your life. Happiness in your marriage, security in a home and an amazing, life changing job that continues to help me grow in confidence, craft and spirit. I am thankful for what I have seen this weekend and what I have experienced. It has only pushed me to work harder and has given me yet another reason to illustrate.

Edmonton's Reuse Center

I finally broke down and bought an unlimited "pass" to Edmonton's ReUse Center. If you have not yet been to this amazing place you simply must go (this is a must for crafters, quilters, junk collectors and treasure hunters). It's chalked full of amazing fabric, buttons, binders, magazines, books, cardboard odds&ends, baskets, jars, clothes pins, magnets, pins, seashells and so so much more. It's free to donate items and it's only $2 for as much as you can stuff into your car (or as little) or $20 for a year of unlimited, take all you want pass. I found a book with patterns for stuffed animals in it and it's darling (I also found fun fabric to make these items... hmmm, should have taken some buttons for the eyes, oh well). I found a working music box, some fun pins for my bulletin board (i use pins, not push pins for my bulletin board), thread and a strange looking dolphin floaty thing for my fish tank (no crafting required).

The reuse center is located at 10004-103A Ave (in front of the CN Tower). See the hours and list of items that are found/can be donated by clicking on the title of this blog.

Happy crafting!



*photo from reuse center website*

Wood Burnt

I wish I had some photos to post (my husband has my camera at his work, plus he's my photographer) but I've been working my regular 9-5 on the Royal Alberta Museum project and then going on to work until sometimes midnight on my woodburning projects (which I am going to sell I hope during an August farmers market). They're really turning out great. I bought all of these pin backs to make "orginal mini art pins" (no two alike and all that jazz) but then my sister told me she wouldn't want to lose her's and to make it into a magnet instead (she's already claimed three of them). Just wondering if any of you out there had an original piece of art on a mini pin (one inch circle) or a magnet or as jewlery, which would you prefer?... Other than that I'm burning up a storm with wooden bowls, a beautiful mailbox (the wood it's made from is such beautiful quality), wooden spoons and even a little bit of wooden crosses. I'm having so much fun but I also have several ugly burns on my fingers (ouch!).

Drug Facts

This sketch is for an article titled "Dealing with Parents" for a drug facts booklet. It's my second "stab at the chicken" as they say (or do they?) for a contest under Maple Leaf Publishing. I'm working on the "dad" in the picture a bit more as he isn't as cleverly sylized as the "mom". However, the real trick will be to ensure bright, nauseating colors which are sure to print clear as a bell on newsprint. Until another day!

Passport to Tunisia

Here's a little taste of a b&w line drawing series I'm currently working on for the Royal Alberta Museum of Alberta. For all of you teachers out there interested in renting an "Edu" Kit about Tunisia (a country in Northern Africa) contact me and I'll give you some more information on how to rent this educational/fun set.

And a little site note to those of you who, like myself, feed off of the creative writings of J.K.Rowling: you shall not be disapointed. This installment is packed with adventure and will have you at the edge of your seat biting your nails. At moments you'll weep while others will have you laughing and rolling on the floor. I'm not afraid to admit that I am already on my second read of the book... WOW! There are some great surprises in the end of the book.

Moon Farmer

Coinscidentally I blogged about this piece a couple of days ago and now it fits nicely with the ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY topic: Moon.



This is what I wrote:

I've decided to make cards for the farmers market (in august) of paintings I have done that recieved lots of laughter during the artwalk. One such design is the "moon farmer" which I completed in college for an acrylics techniques class. As it will be given a new home this week (tomorrow!) I have done a good scan of it to post here. Good bye little farmer!

Sunburnt, Fabulous but certainly NOT a professional driver...

My first day at the artwalk was much hotter than anticipated. I was ready for wind and rain but the heat seemed to go right through my umbrella onto what I now like to call my tomato face. Other than the sun, however, the day was amazing. People came from all around to visit and stopped by for a chat (thanks everyone!) and I met a wonderful group of artists living in the city (once again making me feel sure you can make a living doing what you love to do). My friend came and bought a group of us fruit smoothies which hit the spot like you'd never believe while another came and bought up a stack of cards... and retrieved some needed change for me.

The artwalk is so far about discovering the true bond of friendship and generosity among artists. We are not shy it seems to lend one another a hand or to tell our trade secrets to each other. With over 200 artists competing for business I could never feel more than the exact opposite about the experience. I am enriched by this experience already.

But the sad news is I didn't prebook a ticket to harry potter and so had to drive my sisters standard back to my house. Stalling, cursing and wondering which pedal was which (the clutch is on which side?) I'm just hoping I didn't give the poor little car a one way ticket to the garage...

Thanks everyone for coming to the artwalk thus far to visit! (I'll remember to bring my camera tomorrow so I can post pictures).

Melt your little heart

I first watched this video on fellow illustrator Jared Chapman's blog. Couldn't resist posting it myself!

SOLD!

I am currently bouncing off the walls with the excitement of my life! My very first original painting sale happened today, four days shy of the artwalk (well besides the paintings that were sold at Doctors and Derrieres for charity). I couldn't be happier. Really! A client of mine asked to see what I had for sale so I invited him (and his family) to my studio to take at look at the display I was creating for this years Whyte Ave artwalk. I almost cried when they left my house (with pure happiness). My little paintings could not have found a better home. Truly.

Here are the paintings (Spring Lady will still be available to view only at the artwalk if you'd like to see her before she goes to live at my clients home). :)

YAHOOOOOO!!!!!

-Crystal

Anette Heiberg

Illustrator Anette Heiberg is a person who greatly interests me. Her painted children's illustrations reflect an innocent and happy world chalked full of brilliant colored children and animals. They are exactly the type of paintings that will make even the biggest sourpuss smile. She lives and works in Norway and has a growing number of clients from the United States which proves that you can be an illustrator from anywhere in the globe as long as you work hard enough to develop your skills and business relationships. Her website is fantasticly easy to navigate and this morning I just discovered in the "about me" section under studio the most amazing sketchbook/journal in the world! I'm wriggling with jealousy.

Here's the interview:

1. What is your current favorite piece from your portfolio?

- I love the acrylic paiting I made of a girl climbing a tree. I love the colors and I like the look of the girl and the cows. The fun thing about this illustration is that it's based on my childhood. I used to climb my grandmother's trees all the time, so I guess I feel at home in this piece. (Shown Above)

2. What defines your unique style?

- I think my background in graphic design helps me in my illustration work. I also learned a lot by experimenting and trying different techniques when I went to art school. My happy and (sometimes) wacky characters is a result of my personality.

3. What is your ultimate dream client/contract?

- I would like to get my own picture books published. It would be great to hold a book in my hand and know that I have made the whole thing - both text and illustrations.

4. Your favorite medium? I noticed you use both watercolor & acrylics & digital!

- I love working in watercolors, but I really like the painterly feel I get from the acrylics, so I'll have to say that acrylics is my favorite at the moment.

5. Do you feel the need to move to the US or is having an agent something that remedies that?

- It would be easier for me if I lived in the US, because it's very hard to work as an illustrator here in Norway. I like living here though, so moving is not an option. I'm happy that I have the opportunity to work with foreign clients through my art rep, Maggie Byer-Sprinzeles.

6. One strange childhood memory.

- I used to pet the bees because they looked so soft. Fortunately I never got stung.

7. One amazing childhood dream that you accomplished.

- I've been drawing all my life, and I'm proud to have followed my dream and made a living out of my hobby. I thought it was pretty amazing that I got to illustrate a book last year. That makes me feel that I'm moving towards my goals.

8. Last question: One amazing childhood dream to still achieve.

- To get my own picture books published. I have always loved books.


Thanks so much Anette!

*image used with permission of the author, copyright anette heiberg all rights reserved. please do not use without permission. thanks*

Illosaurus.com

I've come across a rather interesting site for illustrators tonight. It's chalked full of ratings of different online portfolio sites, sourcebooks, mailing lists, printers, a list of links for pricing and other guidelines and of course is a great place to make friends/contacts with other illustrators from all around the globe. Not to mention it has a really great logo... what a beautiful font! Reminds me of something the Veer team would be able to put together.

Update on the website

Just a little note that I've updated my shopping section on my website in preparation of the Artwalk. I've made a pegboard carry around backdrop for my table (fits in my car) and have started getting some originals framed and/or matted for the show. I'm so excited!

Artwalk 2007

The last few days have been a blur. My sister has come home from living abroad for nearly a year and my best friend has also returned from New Zealand after living there for what she describes as "20 months". I've been wracking my brain in my latest role as "fine artist" rather than illustrator to complete paintings I think might sell at this years Artwalk put on by the Paint Spot on Whyte Ave. Sitting on my parents deck on the farm I grew up on I couldn't help thinking what a crazy great job I have to be able to paint wherever I want...

I have recieved my vendors permit and I'm going to be situated at the Varscona Theatre (or Walterdale??). The event runs from July 13-15 so stop by the farmers market and then come by for a chat (this is Edmonton for those of you who don't know where I live) as I'm right across from it. It'll be a one of a kind event for me because I've never actually sold my art before! This entire time I've been deeply involved in illustration where the client "borrows" the scanned image but I'm quaking in my boots to think of someone taking home one of my paintings! Oh I just hope they do. Otherwise my halls will be lined up like crazy with bright pictures of girls sipping wine.

Rates Calculator

I stumbled apon this great rates calculator for freelancers (link above). As it turns out I am charging almost exactly what I should be to live on. The only thing that really got me was the question "what is your billable hours percentage". I figure I'm only at 50% right now which means I'm still spending more time than I'd like to be marketing and looking for clients. Of course, this will all come in time and honestly the entire adventure of it all is very rewarding and fun! Meeting new people, discovering the world of fine art (which as it turns out is indeed different than illustration afterall) and signing contracts for new jobs...

The last couple days I've been setting up my studio outside on my deck. Painting under my new umbrella (bought for the Artwalk this July) with the birds at my bird feeder and the sun pouring around me... I swear this is my dream job in every aspect.

Prints For Sale

This weekend I am doing an artwalk preview on Whyte Ave in Edmonton, Alberta (starting at noon). Look for me right outside of the paintspot where I will have select prints (including some limited edition) for purchase as well I will be painting something on a new canvas!... not sure what yet (stay tuned I guess). If you can't make it out this weekend either wait until July 13-15 and see me live on Whyte ave, click the link above to purchase through my online store, or email me asking for a print (artist@crystaldriedger.com).

Little People

I'm currently working in my sketchbook every minute I get as I'm trying to develop a solid look for my "little kids". Just thought I'd post some for funzzies.

Illustration Friday: "SUIT"

This is a little sketch portraying "diving" suit. I also thought of "swimming suit" but as I havn't looked through the links yet I'm sure I'm not the only one!

New Look

As Greg (my husband) so rightly put it yesterday, "I feel the winds of change a blowin". Maybe spring is in such full force that everyone is reexamining their lives or perhaps it's just everyone that I know, however, it seems so many amazing things are happening to the people around me. People are making hard decisions to better their lives, or at least in the hopes of. Perhaps it is in this spirit that in the excess hours of my day (late at night) I decided to update my website to something a little more "me" as they say. It features bigger pictures and less "gobbly gook" on the sides. It's very simple, not too flashy, and yes, I am aware that I need to work out a couple bugs (*not all the buttons work... he he he). You can log onto my website via the title of this blog.

Featured in Ed Magazine (Edmonton Journal)

Today was absolutely perfect. My husband and I took the day to have a picnic outside in the park where I sketched unicorns (silly silly me) and absorbed the great weather that today surrounds edmonton. I stopped to buy the Edmonton Journal and flipped through to Ed Magazine to see if my article had been published yet... and it had! It's written wonderfully by Jason Halbauer and photographed by Bruce Edwards. It was such a fun experience having these two fine people in my basement studio to talk about my current life, how "going freelance" was and what plans I have in the future. I don't think a better article could have been written and I'm absolutely flabbergasted by my emense luck in getting interviewed in the first place. If anyone is interested in reading the article, pick up todays (Saturday) Edmonton Journal or read the article online, (link above).

Here's the first page of the article.