I Love Commissions

Some calligraphers I know will not take on commissions - it scares the bejeebers out of them. While I admit that some requests have induced a certain level of fear in me, it is usually only when I am requested to do something I've never done before - e.g. lettering on a motorcycle (turned out to be an OCC, so good thing I didn't know!), working with Native American pigments on deer hide, lettering on pottery, etc.

I like to bring happiness to people - and it's no different with clients. I want them to be more than pleased - I go for the "Wow!" reaction, but will settle for the speechless tears of happiness, too. It's those moments that make life as an artist so rewarding.

Enough drabble...here's my latest commission, waiting for matting and framing...

Playing with an Idea

I started working on a commission - when, it's hard to say, as my process begins with thoughts - cooking up an idea. From that point, I may search through clippings for inspiration for a layout I like, may doodle on a tablet, but I always begin with a pencil rough.

Yesterday, I just started writing, not aiming for great lettering, but just a feel I wanted. By the end of the day, I had the layout I liked, and I'm ready to proceed with adding a watercolor wash (to a fresh sheet of paper, of course) and the calligraphy in deeper shades.

The client wants blues and purples, but I may throw in something like a deep magenta or red for accent - "may" is the operative word. I know I will add some touches of gold - a little glitz goes a long way!

Here's the 2 roughs, in order of progression:

Greeting Card Designs

Wow - I can't believe this is my first blog since returning home to Minneapolis! Life needed to be re-organized, re-prioritized, and re-examined - but I was still creating...just creating my life, too.

That reminds me of a quote I really like: "Life is not about finding yourself; it is about creating yourself". (Unknown author).

One project I finished was that of tweaking and finalizing two accepted Xmas greeting card designs for The Printery House. (I am only showing one, as I have plans for the other design beyond that of a card). You'll just have to wait - drama, suspense, cool artwork - all right here in one spot!

All kidding aside, here's the design: