Rainbow Connection: Pretty in Pinks
Every artist needs pinks in their repertoire – everything from the palest pastel shades to old roses to vibrant, in your face raspberries and corals. It can be difficult to get a pink right. Too much into the red or purple zones and you’ve lost the lusciousness. Well, here are a pair of pretty in pink palettes to help you out (RGB colors, not CMYK, since that’s what GCU uses). All things girly and sweet, here we come. Enjoy!
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Design Spotlight: Silvina De Vita
We’re putting today’s Design Spotlight on artist Silvina De Vita – really love her illustrative style!
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I always wanted to be an illustrator. Since I was little I loved to paint and draw things anywhere, on friend’s diaries, walls (my mum was not grateful).
After graduating as a Graphic Designer in Buenos Aires I started to work in different areas, book publishers, magazines, newspapers, agencies. It was nice but not very fulfilling.
I always knew that my dream was to work with children illustrations and be a painter. So when I got pregnant, as a kind of therapy I started taking painting lessons again, and it was there that I discovered my true passion. I decided that I want to try to make a living from my art and illustrations, and since then I’ve been lucky that I’ve been able to do it.
Moving to London was a big change for me, this city is absolutely amazing and you can find inspiration everywhere you look, it is full of exhibitions and exciting stuff. Working part time in between taking care of my son gave me more time to start developing my art, and to continue studying at the same time. I started an illustration course at Putney School of Art and an MA in Art History at Birkbeck University that I’m currently finishing. As well, I started doing illustrated e-books for children, and a whole new world opened up before my eyes.
Discovering GCU was fab because it allowed me to give cards to my friends with things that I love, and it is a great way of personalising cards. It all started because a friend of mine told me, “you should do cards” and now I am fan of the site. There are so many fantastic artists here which I really admire.
I think my favourite of my cards is “Welcome” which was the first card I did for a friend, and the one that gave me the idea of developing my illustrations into cards. It is one of the most popular now. It is also very significant because all of this developed with the arrival of my first son Rafael. That was my “key experience” that motivated me to put my energy into art, a way to say Welcome to this new life of being a mum, and trying to find time to develop my art at nights when my kid sleeps. And I love it all immensely.
So if you ask yourself, when does this woman sleep? Well, I do when something is not in my mind kicking very hard to get out and be put onto paper.
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Dash of Inspiration – Out of This World
A Dash of Inspiration, A Cup of Creativity by Doreen
Out Of This World!
Once again I was inspired this week after viewing an amazing ‘exhibit’ of true Digital Manipulation art, one of our newest recognized art forms. While viewing these amazing creations I was reminded of the tremendous talent it takes to create this type of imagery. I’m not referring to the type where a pre-made filter has been applied and now it’s called a watercolor, I’m referring to those talented digital artists who blend bits and pieces of many different photographs to create imagery only found in their imagination.
Many years ago, when digital software first came out and before digital cameras were in everyone’s homes, I began a series I call “Endangered Planet” using a program called MicroGrafx (later bought by Corel). Each of the four in my series were made of many different photographic elements to create the vision in my mind. Sadly, I never finished this project because digital tools of that time were not sophisticated enough to allow the blending I needed to do in these images. Now that the tools are available, I may get back to this project . . . some day.
In the meantime, I am always fascinated by the creative minds of the pros in this medium. True Digital Manipulation takes a tremendous amount of accuracy, a highly advanced knowledge of the ‘tools of the trade” and hundreds of hours of practice to pull off a true work of art; one which is seamless in it’s blending of elements and in it’s viewer believability. I’m thrilled with how far this form of art has come, offering creative minds who were not talented in traditional methods the tools to create imagery purely from their imagination without ever putting brush to canvas and without limitations; just like the masters of old.
I’ll share these 50 Stunning Examples of Photo Manipulation Art from Noupe.com for inspiration and appreciation of this award-winning medium, and below are some tutorials to get you started on an ‘out of this world’ creation of your own!
See you next week!
3-Part Photo Manipulation Tutorial by FlewDesigns
35 Superb Photo Manipulation Tutorials by Top Design Magazine
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Critique Clinic – May 5-6, 2012
How does it work? For three days a week (Friday-Sunday midnight), I will open the clinic to any artist who wants an honest peer review and critique of a card which gets plenty of clicks but no sales, so something’s probably not quite right, or you’ve got a new design you want to test drive, or you’re unsure about the marketability of a card. Or perhaps you’re a newbie who isn’t sure if a recently submitted card is up to a marketable standard. Anyone is welcome to participate. In fact, I encourage everyone to at least look at the cards in question and read the critique comments – you may learn something. The purpose of the clinic is to help artists improve the commercial appeal and marketability of their cards.
THE RULES
- ONE card per artist only.
- Card must be for sale at Greeting Card Universe.
- We will take an unlimited number of artists, including those who have submitted recently, HOWEVER I reserve the right to close a clinic for the day if the submissions become overwhelming. If the clinic has been closed, and you submit a card, your comment will be deleted.
- To submit a card for critique, post a link to the card at GCU in the comments section of this clinic post. Allowances will be made if you’ve had a card declined, or made a new design you’d like advice on. Give us the link where we can see the card, such as your private gallery, Flickr, etc.
- Any artist is free to comment and/or give a critique of a submitted card. HOWEVER, post-and-run comments like “great card” or “you suck” will not be tolerated, nor will abuse. Criticism should be constructive, not destructive. Play nice or you will be banned.
- I also won’t tolerate temper tantrums if you decide your “artistic integrity” is being stepped on because you asked for a critique, and someone told you the photo you’re using isn’t in focus. If you can’t take honest criticism, don’t submit. Once gets you a warning; twice and you’re banned from submitting in the future.
- Artists who critique may do so by giving their opinion, posting an example of another card, or pointing the submitter to a video, on-line article, or other helpful suggestion.
- Don’t forget that artists who are giving you tips and helpful advice are volunteering their time and trouble. Be nice. A link back to their store on your website or blog is appreciated (but not mandatory).
- You are free not to take any advice offered. There’s no guarantee any card will be a bestseller, so don’t come into the clinic with unrealistic expectations.
- Rules may change as we go along and we see how things turn out, okay?
So without any further ado, I declare this week’s Critique Clinic open!
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Design Contest: Mum’s the Word – VOTE!
It’s time to vote for your favorite Mother’s Day card in our Design Contest: Mum’s the Word! Choose one from the list below and cast your vote today.
Voting begins today, May 4th, and will continue until May 9th. On May 10th, I’ll announce the winner.
Submitting artists, don’t forget to promote yourself on social media like Facebook, Twitter, etc. Every vote counts! The winner will receive a marvelous prize: $10 gift certificate to either Amazon.com or MyFonts, OR 5 free card credits. Drum up the votes and you could be a winner!
And now for the nominees…
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Inspiration Station: Color Trends
I love new colors to play with and I also love knowing the hottest new colors and palette trends to use in my card designs. It’s too easy to get into the slump of using the same color palette all the time.
Did you know, for example, that the ever popular blue/red/white combination is still going strong, but darker blue/sunny yellow is starting to make itself known? And seafoam green is hot, hot, hot? Time to refresh your color batteries and get inspired with these color related sites.
Color Trends 2012
Exactly what it says – the hottest trends in colors for clothing and interior decorating, easily adaptable to your greeting cards. This lens is frequently updated as new information is released.
Pantone Fashion Report – Spring 2012
From the folks at Pantone, who ought to know a trendy color when they see it. You’ll find links to other fashion color reports on the side.
Hot New Color for 2012
Tangerine Tango is it! I can see this hot, spicy color paired with cream, pink, mustard yellow, cranberry red, navy blue, turquoise, and other shades. Check out this mood board for inspiration.
Top Ten Wedding Color Combinations for 2012-2013
Designing wedding invitations or bridesmaid’s invites? When it comes to today’s brides, you need to be on the cutting edge. These color combinations are so hot they’re smoking.
Color Combos
Lots of palettes to play with, many color combinations – go here if you think you’re getting a little stale when it comes to your color choices. You’ll find inspiration, I’m sure.
The Perfect Palette
While mainly intended for the wedding crowd, you can still find all kinds of cool palettes reflecting trends in color styling. Your new most favorite color will probably be found here.
So there you have it – lots of resources for finding new colors to use in your designs. Have fun!
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Design Spotlight: Dreaming Mind Cards
Today we’re focusing our Design Spotlight on Heather at Dreaming Mind Cards – thanks for giving us some insight into your fabulous creations!
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I am a self taught Canadian photographer, graphic designer, and artist and like most artists here, I have always looked for ways to do what I love for a living. Thanks to GCU and the confidence setting up shop here has given me, I can now say that is true.
I started on GCU at the end of May 2009 and growing my shop here, and now in other markets, has been one of the most rewarding professional experiences of my life. Dreaming Mind Cards is now a family enterprise as my wonderful and talented spouse was able to join me in our work last year which has been such a great experience and really is the motivation to grow and develop the shop, spending time doing what you love with those you love the most. The community here is second to none in terms of allowing artists to learn and grow and discover new possibilities for their art to become more than just a much loved hobby.
My favorite card and one of my most popular as well would have to be this mother’s birthday card. It is a mix of my own photography and graphic design and represents my style well. I designed this card for my mom originally and decided after she liked it so much to add it to my store and I’m glad I did because it seems others have enjoyed it as well. This card is very special to me because my mom is not only my biggest fan but she’s my hero and inspiration in life and there is no way I would have the confidence to succeed as an artist without her.
Thank you for the opportunity to share a bit of my story and thank you to all the many artist here who are an endless source of knowledge and inspiration.
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Rainbow Connection: Get Fruity
Here’s a fruit filled palette that’s great for spring and summer with a lineup of the freshest colors: lime, lemon, watermelon, tangerine, and cherry! I see luscious florals, tropical settings, picnics, summer camp, the beach, the hottest girls’ dresses, cupcakes, and lots more. Have fun!
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Dash of Inspiration – What’s Close to Your Heart
A Dash of Inspiration, A Cup of Creativity by Doreen
What’s Close to Your Heart
This time of year, I put my business and personal life on hold for a couple weeks and volunteer my time and expertise to my local Humane Society.
They have a big Whiskers & Wine Dinner event which raises funds for their five big programs such as; Feral Rescue, Pit Bull Rescue and Special Needs Animals. For the past seven years, their annual funds for these programs has been raised at this event through a DVD of photographs, statistics, quotes and music for each program which I put together and after each section is shown, they have an auction.
So my job is to create imagery that evokes the ‘ahhh’ factor and makes those guests take out their wallet and give to the animals! Over the years evolving from this project I created a book and collection of cards called “Stray Muses . . . A Language Unspoken” and 100% of the sales of this collection are donated to my local HS every year.
So this week, needing to keep it short for my own time constraints, I thought it might be inspirational to share what organizations we help support through our art and I leave you with these 50 Superb Examples of Animal Photography since that’s what is close to my heart – enjoy!
“If you haven’t any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble” Quote by: Bob Hope
What’s in your heart?
See you next week!
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Critique Clinic – April 28-30, 2012
How does it work? For three days a week (Friday-Sunday midnight), I will open the clinic to any artist who wants an honest peer review and critique of a card which gets plenty of clicks but no sales, so something’s probably not quite right, or you’ve got a new design you want to test drive, or you’re unsure about the marketability of a card. Or perhaps you’re a newbie who isn’t sure if a recently submitted card is up to a marketable standard. Anyone is welcome to participate. In fact, I encourage everyone to at least look at the cards in question and read the critique comments – you may learn something. The purpose of the clinic is to help artists improve the commercial appeal and marketability of their cards.
THE RULES
- ONE card per artist only.
- Card must be for sale at Greeting Card Universe.
- We will take an unlimited number of artists, including those who have submitted recently, HOWEVER I reserve the right to close a clinic for the day if the submissions become overwhelming. If the clinic has been closed, and you submit a card, your comment will be deleted.
- To submit a card for critique, post a link to the card at GCU in the comments section of this clinic post. Allowances will be made if you’ve had a card declined, or made a new design you’d like advice on. Give us the link where we can see the card, such as your private gallery, Flickr, etc.
- Any artist is free to comment and/or give a critique of a submitted card. HOWEVER, post-and-run comments like “great card” or “you suck” will not be tolerated, nor will abuse. Criticism should be constructive, not destructive. Play nice or you will be banned.
- I also won’t tolerate temper tantrums if you decide your “artistic integrity” is being stepped on because you asked for a critique, and someone told you the photo you’re using isn’t in focus. If you can’t take honest criticism, don’t submit. Once gets you a warning; twice and you’re banned from submitting in the future.
- Artists who critique may do so by giving their opinion, posting an example of another card, or pointing the submitter to a video, on-line article, or other helpful suggestion.
- Don’t forget that artists who are giving you tips and helpful advice are volunteering their time and trouble. Be nice. A link back to their store on your website or blog is appreciated (but not mandatory).
- You are free not to take any advice offered. There’s no guarantee any card will be a bestseller, so don’t come into the clinic with unrealistic expectations.
- Rules may change as we go along and we see how things turn out, okay?
So without any further ado, I declare this week’s Critique Clinic open!
GCU Community 