Evolution of a Designer

Inventory of Stock Content for FREE!

2010-09-24T11:58:00.001-05:00

A time saver for anyone that needs images quickly is to have a good stock library to fall back on. Maybe this means just using an image as a placeholder or parts of the image at least you have a bit to work from. You can spend hours/days/weeks finding the perfect image for a client but what if they don't like it and you spent so much time finding that one image and less time DESIGNING. Of course you want to have the perfect image but sometimes you need to get the design going to get the full look and feel.

Here are some tips at getting a FREE stock library:

• Every week istockphoto.com has free images/video/audio/illustrations to download

• Stock Xchange is amazing and has a very LARGE LIBRARY

• The Library of Congress is an amazing resource for multiple image downloads www.loc.gov

• Nasa

• Free vector illustrations at Vecteezy

Two Pillows for $5.00 in under 30 Minutes!

2010-08-31T18:59:00.000-05:00

I browsed through the clearance section at Home Goods and found some wonderful quilted place-mats. A set of four RECYCLED place-mats made from left over fresh fabric cuttings from India for $5.00.

I placed two place-mats together with the wrong sides together. Something about pinning I hate and I'm just a beginner when it comes to sewing so I skipped pinning thus saving me tons of time. I just sewed them .25" from the edge, knowing that what I'm sewing is the inside of the pillow so the wobbly stitch doesn't show too much. I sewed three sides together and left the fourth open to fit the pillow form into. (SEE BELOW)

Stuff your pillow with old stuffing from an old boring pillow or you can also purchase a pillow form at any craft or fabric. I was lucky enough to have leftover stuffing and some muslin to make a pillow form at NO cost. Last step was to hand stitch the fourth edge close.

Then repeat all steps on the other two place mats.

Then add it to the family of pillows you already have and wallah....a $5.00 set of beautiful pillows in under 30 minutes!

Inspiration Pad

2010-08-05T14:43:00.001-05:00

Amazing way to think outside the box in this notebook by TM Shop.

Geometric Past, Present or Future?

2010-07-16T15:37:00.002-05:00

I've fallen in love with Geometric patterns. I can stop myself from sketching them and the fashion I drool over. I'm not sure if this was a fast trend the sparked my interest in Spring that's stuck too long or if this geometric pattern thing is here to stay. Regardless I love it! I recently went the the Museum of Modern Art in Chicago and saw the amazing Alexander Calder exhibit and was inspired to make more sketches. I'm currently making them into screen prints.

I can totally make that!

2010-07-16T15:09:00.001-05:00

I came across this amazing Etsy store the Thief & Bandit with this T-Shirt necklace. I love handmade stuff and always support handmade stuff, but my budget doesn't allow for me to purchase this lovely necklace for $42. So instead I will be making one myself with used t-shirts I have at home. See this link for DIY tutorial on how to make the basic shape at Two Kitties.

Also a great tutorial on how to remake an old T-shirt into an awesome handmade piece at This Old Dress.

Customized Clothing Under $100!

2010-07-16T14:54:00.000-05:00

I came across the website www.eshakti.com where you are able to customize the clothes to best fit you!! The have a huge range of clothing options where you can find some real jems.

The policy at Eshakti is amazing:

• Offer trendy, comfortable styles in clothes in a selection of fabrics.

• Provide the full size selection from 0 to 26W. We also offer custom sizes.

• Empower the customer by providing the option to change the styling to suit her body.

• Simple, no hassle, money-back guarantee on sales returns.

• All items, including custom orders are shipped in 3 days or less and should arrive at your door within 7 days.

I haven't had the pleasure of doing business with them yet but certainly hope to do so soon.

Its been a really long time......I miss you

2010-04-09T15:58:00.001-05:00

I miss you blog, its been a long rough road the last year and I've neglected you in the process. I've been updating my work and really really searching for that dream job. I'm working harder than ever and it feels like a backwards journey at times. Creativity needs an outlet and you are it! I'm going to make a promise to update you at least once a week. I hope we are still friends?

New Etsy Store!!!

2010-01-30T21:23:00.003-06:00

Truely Amazing Photography

2009-10-17T12:44:00.001-05:00

04.26.09, originally uploaded by Corey Holms.

Not only amazing photography but the color construction is beautiful! Prints are available for purchase please check Corey Holmls out!
http://www.blanka.co.uk/Photography/Corey_Holms/Klaatu_Barada_Nikto/Neary

I love Google Reader!!

2009-08-28T09:33:00.002-05:00

I love google reader! I have 24 design blogs set-up on my google reader and couldn't be happier. My only complaint is why I hadn't heard of this Google feature earlier.

I feel like being informed of current trends and new and upcoming artists and art is the most important thing I've learned thus far in my career. I'm officially addicted to art and design of all types. I can't seem to think about anything else in life. I've been hoping for this moment for a long time, it reinforces my extreme passion for design. I know now that I choose the correct path.

Thank you Google Reader for helping me realize my correct choice.

Argyle Flower

2009-08-12T11:55:00.004-05:00

How fun it is to make pattern swatches and brushes! I've been experimenting in argyle for a project and making pattern brushes and swatches is really fun. This was an accidental flower from a circle. I applied an argyle brush to a standard empty circle shape. Voila! Argyle Flower!

Would be a great wrapping paper pattern. Please email me at:
lindsaykrobertson(at)gmail(dot)com if you would like this argyle flower to make your own pattern.

LOOSE BUT RIGID

2009-08-10T16:13:00.005-05:00

Who said you couldn't have loose and rigid at the same time?

I'm Back and Bucking up!

2009-08-10T15:22:00.004-05:00

I've been of ill heath for sometime so I've neglected the things I love most, my blog and Graphic Design. I'm back and feeling great and starting off on a good foot! I've created a motivational poster for myself and you! It was a quick exercise on my Wacom to get my design juices flowing. If you would like a free high quality download of this poster please email me at lindsaykrobertson(at)gmail(dot)com.

Yudu machine!

2009-06-14T17:48:00.003-05:00

I received my Yudu a few weeks ago from HSN and was very please with what all came with it. I sold my Gocco to purchase this Yudu, a safer non-toxic and a much larger screen printing area. I've used it one time and in the middle of the second right now. The first time was great! Everything went well. The T-Shirt print was perfect! I watched the video tutorials on http://www.whatdoyudu.com/ at least 5 times while making the first one. This was why I had success and no mistakes.

I was to nervous to try other supplies so I stocked up on Yudu at a hefty price. The forums say to buy in bulk to save money but where? My boyfriend convinced me to try Speedball ink so we did and it work GREAT! I'm eager to try some different emulsions to save money. But all in all this machine is really easy to use and the transfers are crisp and clean.

TIPS:

Watch the tutorial online a bunch of time so you know the process thoroughly and don't make any mistakes.

The dryer doesn't always dry it completely so use a blow dryer, especially with the emulsion.

Buy Speedball ink in large containers to save money. Use a Dick Blick coupon to do it.

Yudu says they will be coming out with higher mesh screens for better quality so keep the designs simple for now and wait to make those more complicated designs for the 200 mesh screen.

GOOD LUCK!

Here is a sample of my next shirt illustration, the colors are still in process. "Perascope" ©2009

New opening page...

2009-05-15T23:21:00.002-05:00

New opening page for my website....

www.lindsaykrobertson.com

Screen Printing with Gocco!

2009-03-20T23:20:00.004-05:00

My website is up!

2009-03-15T21:43:00.003-05:00

I'm excited to announce that I've published my first website. I've been neglecting my blog due to my website. Please take a look and comment! I'm still working out some kinks and thinking of ways to have the wooded circles interactive. But other than than that it showcases my work and some new items I've not published on my blog. Please enjoy!

www.lindsaykrobertson.com

Garden Club Logo

2009-02-08T15:13:00.002-06:00

I've started branding for a garden club in Des Moines, Iowa. I'm trying to get a stylized illustration of the items they wanted then create a logo from that. I'm just in the beginning stages of illustration but the process has been great.

Branding Exercise Two

2009-02-07T18:43:00.003-06:00

A 10 minute exercise to help with the development my branding. I recently upgraded to CS4 and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! Its amazing and the work flow seems to work much more smoothly. Thank you so much Adobe for listening to my needs.

Marketing Me!

2009-01-29T22:19:00.010-06:00

A media kit idea that sprang into my mind while riding the train home from work. I feel like art and design is encompassing my entire life and I love it. I just can't get enough of creating and designing. I come home from work and I find myself wanting to create even more, ideas keep flowing. I feel I've found a groove and don't want to leave!

Before Bed Quick Challenge

2009-01-20T22:24:00.003-06:00

I'm challenging myself with a quick design exercises to help in the creation of my personal logo development. I've decided to create a new design everyday (or so) that evolves my new branding. Each challenge is completely different than anything I've done with my personal identity and is meant to exercise my creativity. Here is the first challenge:

Design inspired by
Hermína Týrlová dětem, 1966 movie poster

2008 Crue Fest Postcard Series

2009-01-10T15:21:00.006-06:00

I recently came across some freelance work that I really enjoyed doing in early 2008. The trip was themed around Motley Crue.

Mustache Cards

2009-01-03T13:02:00.006-06:00

I feel thoughtful gifts at Christmas mean the most, but getting a thoughtful gift under $5 is a challenge. I embraced the challenge and created "Mustache a Series" note card set. In 2008 there was a niche market phenomena of mustaches. Could it have been Brad Pitt and George Clooney's doing I don't know, but what I do know is that it was a source of great laughter in my office.

First on the to do list: make a logo for stationary

New Save the Date Project

2009-01-02T21:04:00.005-06:00

This couple was engaged in Paris under the Eiffel tower and wanted to reflect this in the Save the Date cards. I chose to use a layered, textured contemporary screen printed look through digital manipulation. This is seen in the Eiffel tower illustration. The font is a reflection of the brides elegant, whimsical style. This will be printed on a beautiful Luxe White textured paper. This paper is my favorite for invitations because is has a very soft luxuious feel and gives the artwork a letterpress look without the lettepress cost.

This sample is a postcard with a small envelope adhered on the back to contain the additional magnet reminder.

Wish List

2008-12-06T23:03:00.006-06:00

I've complied a list of gift idea's for designers. Its always a hard time of year for me since my Birthday is two weeks before Christmas and I have to make gift lists for both. I've always been one to buy everything I want and need for myself so when it comes time for the holidays I have a hard time.

$100 (for the "green" designer that loves their iphone)

http://www.miniot.com/miniot/iphone.htm

$21.95 Indie Publishing
How to Design and Produce Your Own Book by Ellen Lupton

$15.00 Concealed Bookshelf

http://www.momastore.org/museum/moma/ProductDisplay_Conceal%20Bookshelf_10451_10001_46531_-1_11548_11549_null_shop_

$65.00 Lomo Diana Dreamer Camera

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?itemdescription=true&itemCount=10&startValue=1&selectedProductColor=&sortby=&id=14548796&parentid=A_ENT_MUSICCAMERAS&sortProperties=&navCount=15&navAction=poppushpush&color=

23 FACES

2008-10-19T19:28:00.003-05:00

I'm working on my first collage art. It is in the beginning stages of it but I think I have something going. The concept surrounds the idea that women where all kinds of masks figuratively and literally.

Charming Wall Gallery

2008-10-04T16:49:00.003-05:00

Charmingwall is a New York gallery specializing in the selection of very unique fine art prints. They have a collection of diverse illustrators and artists. What I found most exciting was the website itself. Its flash animation is beautiful and very unique at each selection there is a very different animation. I absolutly love this website I've gone there a handfull of times this week just to see the animations between sections.

What a Week...

2008-09-25T19:33:00.006-05:00

This week as really tried my patience, in which I have huge amounts of. Its been a week of defining moments in my short career. I've decided to make a five year list of goals to pursue in my career as a Graphic Designer. I feel I have a more clear understanding of what I want to do and paths I want to take in design. This all comes from a very complicated work environment. Even though this week sucked I still feel grateful for the experience because now I have a direction and goals to achieve.

Just as the week is wrapping up I came across this T-shirt on the Design is Mine blog. Love it! Buy this T and many more hipster items at The Giant Peach.

Gemini Studio

2008-09-18T20:39:00.006-05:00

A great local artist find this week! Gemini Studio's Stephen Fowler. His use of typography juxtaposed with collage is beautiful. A great example of a self starting Graphic Designer with a successful launch of artwork. He has an excellent etsy store in which you can purchase all his artwork at a very reasonably price.

"Gemini Studio Art is a new collection of my work that I began to create in January of 2008. Experimenting with my original designs inspired by poster-style artwork created in a vintage textural style, I have created a growing number of pieces ranging from Chicago themes, Cats & Dogs, Typography, and Food & Drink."

1 project a day for one year!

2008-09-15T21:36:00.004-05:00

Michelle Romo is celebrating her 25th year by creating 1 art project per day starting November 21st, 2007, ending November 21st, 2008. Each month will have a different conceptual theme. There will be limited edition products (25 of each item only!) made each month. The end result will be 25 handmade books, and an art show. Since I'm 25 this year I thought this was a great and memorable idea. I just can't image making something has beautiful as this everyday. She truly is an amazing illustrator.

http://crowdedteeth.blogspot.com/

Green Porch-Lights Prints

2008-09-15T21:26:00.004-05:00

This I found on Etsy at a store called Green Porch-Lights Prints (And Other Neat Things). A great store that has Gocco, Paper Source materials, royalty-free clip art, and some cute little puns, along with other odds and ends. What a fun way to keep a journal.

Ready-Made Mixed Paper Scraps Art Journal

The Bridal Market

2008-09-13T21:02:00.006-05:00

My most current adventure outside of my 9-5 is wedding invitations. I've jumped into this market with no idea of how much fun it would be. With two brides down and no hiccups in the process I've thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I've decided to use the opportunity to explore paper, unique graphic applications and illustration. My last client was open to unique and creative ideas. I choose to use a sewn bound card, a fun take on "sowing new seeds".

Roadside Projects Jayme McGowan

2008-09-13T20:45:00.012-05:00

Jayme McGowan, an artist living and working in Sacramento, California creates three dimensional illustrations with paper collage. I came across Jayme's work in the most recent Small Magazine and were captivated by the world she's created with her three dimensional paper art pieces. The pieces bring you right into the story. It makes me have an overwhelming erg to get out my x-acto and dig right into my large paper collection. Please visit her wonderful blog Roadside Projects where she demonstrates the process.

Lilla Rogers Studio

2008-09-11T14:08:00.001-05:00

This website is beautiful and is full of amazing illustrations. Color choices are whimsical and fun. What a great place to find inspiration for illustrations. http://www.lillarogers.com/about

Illustration Wendnesday

2008-08-27T14:35:00.001-05:00

I absolutely love this artist and all his illustrations.
http://www.neitherfishnorfowl.com/

2008-08-27T12:18:00.002-05:00

Amazing books & works that defy categorization. by SabrinaWardHarrison.com

Art Print of the Month Club!

2008-08-22T13:03:00.000-05:00

Art Print of the Month Club! "Each month you will receive a top secret art print from one of our super talented select artists." What a great gift of someone! Indie Fixx has some great gifts for yourself and someone who loves good design. You can pick up some good inspiration as well.
http://shop.indiefixx.com/

Evolving in a Graphic World

2008-08-22T12:40:00.000-05:00

The journey that I have traveled to find my passion for design has taken many turns. I’m currently a Graphic Designer working at my first entry level position after finishing college in March 2008. I’m a Midwestern farm girl that now lives in downtown Chicago. A short but interesting path to the arts has created a lasting love of design. This blog has been created to communicate my journey through the incredible world of design.