Running Around in Circles while Rambling.

Ah you guys! I'm in an odd mood lately, nothing negative, just...odd. I have tons of stuff that I could and want to talk or write about, but as soon as I sit down to write a post, I tend to wander away with my mind and I end up doodling something or just doing other stuff. I have a bunch of drafts now. So instead of coming with one of the many ideas that I have floating in mind for a post...I will just ramble and show you pictures ^_^.

So what have I been up to? Well, last few weeks have been crazy with arranging commissions. I say arranging as I need to keep my admin aspect in mind as well. Then I also have to actually work on them as well, but that is the fun part haha. You can still commission me though! Just e-mail me if you want to have more information. Next to that, I'm also working on my own little projects and seeing what direction I will head in for now. I'm dabbling in Fashion illustrations...dabbling in kiddies illustrations, cupcakes and monsters and I don't know what else. Have to say that the monsters and cupcakes got a life of their own and I'm working on something that I don't want to share just yet, need to think a few things through hehe.

But I do have to say that I feel...a tad all over the place at the moment. With the art fund being completely discarded, I started to re-think a lot of things and doing a lot of things. So many things, that I kinda lost track of what I want to do. So I took a few days where I was less behind my laptop and did some thinking as I definitely need a focus point for myself. I can't completely stop networking or sharing my doodle peeks (I'm addicted to my doodle peeks on Facebook). Let me just tell you that this...is...difficult. Most of you know that I love to do so many things *head desk*. And as much as I love to aimlessly wander around, this is not realistic. But I do have a better insight in what I want now, but times like this where I simply want to sit in a corner and stare are a tad annoying. However I'd annoy myself even more if I did nothing though.

Funny thing about the ink I used for the inky ladies. I absolutely disliked the fact it wasn't waterproof, while it says so on the bottle. After playing around with it for a while, I love the way it "bleeds". It creates an instant depth, so I don't need to mess around with washes of grey. Only thing is, I can't add a whole lot of color as the lines will bleed again if I add too many washes and the painting can result in a piece of...ehm...annoyance.

Can't curse as I probably scare people away.

And you know what else? I've been postponing the giveaway as I wanted to ponder a bit longer about the price and now my 3rd Blogoversary is almost here! Can you believe it? The third year will start soon. Never thought I'd be rambling to the World for three years in a row now hehe. The regular readers knoooooow that I always do a giveaway, so I'll wait a bit longer and do a giveaway in June ^_^.

 

Ah Pirate Cupcakes. How I love theeeee!!

I'll end my rambling now. Till next time everyone!

Not The End of the World, but it still Sucks!

Hey Everyone!

Don't you just hate it when things just don't go as planned? Last week really wasn't a good week for me. Such an annoyance.

First I had to deal with a stupid virus on my laptop. I had a lovely schedule and WOOSH it went out of the window as the virus decided to take over. If you saw a pretty paper with a ribbon flying around...it was my schedule and to-do list.  Rude, I say! Luckily, I could do a final back-up of my files, before little bro completely reformatted everything again. So now...it's fixed and my laptop is all new again. It's funny, I really missed posting my daily updates on FB and I realized all over again how often I use my laptop and how much information I've stored on it. I still need to install a few things to do my work easier.  So that's why I haven't updated you all with new Etsy items or the FB Giveaway. Just keep an close eye on this blog or my FB Page as it will happen soon. People who are expecting an e-mail from me...stay tuned please!

Okay. Second thing that happened. I believe I mentioned a while ago that I applied for an Art Fund, well I got the news that I didn't get it and the only reason that I didn't get it is because I didn't study Art. Formality in a world where creativity plays the main role...it seems like such a contradiction. There was a chance that this would happen, but I really wished they would look at the other requirements, my motivation and my art, but well no. Like I said in my title, it is not the end of the world, but of course a part of me did hope for positive news as I put so much time and effort in my report and with the money I'd get, I could do some things a bit easier.

Ah well. I was really bummed for a day or so, because the waiting was nerve wrecking! Sheesh. Understatement of the year. However, it's their loss and it's a closed chapter now. So I'm just focusing on my other projects :D.

The illustrations in this post, the originals will be in my Etsy soon! Ah I love the pretty colors. Yes. I am a huge Color Nerd hehe.

Fancy another read by me? Then Get Ready To...Ramble!! This is my latest column ^_^

Ciao Ciao! Till next post!

First Ramble of 2012

Hey Everyone!

How’s the New Year going for you so far? This post is a bit of a ramble. When I was still studying I always dreaded the months after Christmas and New Years. Time always seemed to go soooo sloooooow, but now, I really had to take days off for the holidays and the new year started quite busy! I did (and I'm still doing) a lot of reflecting and organizing and it's funny (sort off)...I thought I got things pretty clear in my head regarding my blog, but I realized I wanted to switch things up again.

I mean I have two blogs now. This one and TJ on Illustrations. The people who follow me on Twitter and Facebook know I’ve been sharing my older columns on a new writer’s site called Expats Post. I’ll tell you more about this site another time! My second blog is like a diary where I let you all peek in my brain and give some insight in how I perceive and experience the Illustration World. It's really focused on the writing element, whereas this blog...this blog is a true arty ramble blog. I like to keep it that way.

I’ve been pondering what I want to do with my blog and how to keep it interesting for you and myself. Well, the cupcake tutorial and ‘appelflappen’ recipe got a lot of great feedback, so I will be adding more recipes and simple tutorials. Fun times! Next to that, I’m also discussing a side project with my sister. We've been planning to do something for quite some time now and we're finally setting things in motion. Fun times again, but more on this soon!

You know, ever since I have my fanpage, I started to draw even more. I've increased my drawing by adding a doodle or two each day on my fanpage. Usually sketch work, but it keeps me drawing every day, no matter how little the drawing is. I was thinking to upload it on my blog as well, but I don't want to be all spammy and otherwise I'll be spending my entire day uploading and promoting my posts! So every now and then I will add sketchwork here (like I did in this post), but do follow me on FB as well, if you want more frequent little bits of art by me ^_^

I'm working on a series of paintings that I can hopefully show you over the next couple of days as well. Plus! My Etsy will be up and running! I can't say 'again' as I never used my Etsy store, but this shall change soon.

See? The year started busy, busy! Is there something you'd like me to share my thoughts about? Questions you'd like to ask me? Just let me know below or in an e-mail.

End Ramble ^_^ 

Ciao!

TJs Ramble: Just Checking in.

Hello Everyone!

Goodness. Time flies! I seriously thought only a week had passed since my last post. Err...sorry about that!

First of all, a big hello to all the new followers! Lovely to see you here. Don't be shy to share stories, thoughts or ask questions. Second of all, big Hugs to my sweet & awesome friend Tricia from Tershbango. She got married last weekend. I'm so happy for her!

Now...what have I been up to? Well a bunch of things haha. There are a few packages on their way to their owners and I'm still in the process of updating and organizing a lot of things, so to update you all with vague rambling would only confuse you. Once I've organize my mind and the illustrations arrived safe and sound I will write a big update post (maybe two...)! Are you getting scared...? Hehe.

Things like new projects, new illustrations that I need to edit and to share with the world and so on. Keep an eye on this blog please! Some of you are more on Facebook and if you want to stay updated there, do visit my fanpage (if you haven't already hehe). I update my page with quick sneak peeks, notes or questions, so for quicker updates that's the place to be! Everyone is welcome to share thoughts, ideas and ramblings as well. Looking forward to see you there ^_^

This was a sneak peek on my page. 

It's now edited and the original plus prints will be up for sale soon!! Excited!

I have a question: What are your favorite elements about Halloween? The parties? dressing up? cats? ghosts? pumpkins? Scaring people? I will do a poll on my page as well, but you can also comment below if you want to share some thoughts regarding Halloween. I'd love to hear it and see what I can incorporate in new illustrations. So please put your Witches & Wizards Hats on ;)

Yes. My mind is already drifting towards the upcoming holidays. I can't help it. I caught myself singing Jingle Bells & Dashing through the Snow several times already...

Hope you're all doing well and to everyone who lives in the area where Irene passed by...hope you're safe and got through it okay!

Till next time everyone.

Ciao!