Listen and tweet

How rubbish have I been? I definitely need to blog more, I've been working really hard on launching my new website which is taking up alllll of my spare time! I'm panning on launching a site which enables my customers to easily commission me for wedding invitations, favours etc, through online templates which i have! As well as an online shop with my prints and cushions! It's taken a while and I've changed my mind so much... But I think I've finally settled on an idea,
I'm just so excited to start making some cushions, I have lots of ideas, I just wish I had the money for all of them, ha!
Recently I attended the company magazine music gig party! It was SO much fun, the foundation bar in Covent garden is so lovely, I'm a big fan of interior design, and this didn't disappoint, if you're around there you have to pop in. It was also a great opportunity to meet some of the team, who are so friendly! I was really nervous to meet them but I'm glad I did.
In relation to the music gig party, a new column in company has just opened called #listenandtweet featuring readers song suggestions, and new acts to look out for.
I currently can't get out of my head

Jai Paul - BTSU
Róisín Murphy - overpowered


Any suggestions?

Graphic eyes

As well as illustration, i do have a passion for graphic design, i chose to use a few of my illustrations to create a page layout and small article about some of the trends i've seen emerging and want to try out myself.I wanted a loose arty vibe to the drawings so i incorporated a doodled background and a smudgy border for the eyebrow drawings. I really love a collaged page layout, it reminds me of scrapbooking for college projects.





I added a splash of watercolour do add a bit of depth around the eyes, I wanted them to look a little messier and less pristine!


Anyway, I hope you've enjoyed looking at my little project, could you see this in a magazine? Any advice, comments? 

Shopping

It's a dreary day, and it's snowing again!

 I popped into town today and spotted these shoes, i fell in love with them straight away and needed to get them, i couldn't believe they were only £12 and from Primark! there are also some lovely wedges too, but as i already have lots of those i thought i'd take the opportunity and grab some proper heels instead! 

They'll be perfect for my mums party in a few weeks, so i've been window shopping and looking for outfits for it to go with, Asos is my favourite online shop, especially because they have a petitie section, I just wish the oversized Navy dress was in black! Oh well.

Cushion Designs

As i'm setting up my shop soon i've been spending my spare time getting new designs together, i'l be taking them to craft fairs with me so i can get some feedback and responses so i'll only be printing a few metres at a time!

These will be digitally printed, as the fine detailing and colours wouldn't be something a screen printers would want to take on, I've just ordered a sample swatch of the Cat print with a plain background, as i've mentioned before i'm a little wary of using too much colour as customers are wary of their colour scheme at home!

I'd really appreciate some feedback on these so get in touch!
Nat x 

Illustration work

I've been experimenting with different ways of incorporating fashion illustration in an interesting way!
I decided to play with a repeat pattern and some darker colours, as usually i use quite light colours and washes. I love flamingos, however I did struggle with the hues and colours within the piece, but turning certain elements into greyscale really improved the look, so I'm a little happier with how it looks now! (Reference by Rankin)

I'm also planning a new website with a shop, something a bit different to my illustrative work which puts a focus on the stationery and print side of things, I've been using my camera a bit more as I'm going to have a few banners which I want to be pretty and inviting, below is an early view of what I'm playing with.

I borrowed my mums flowers and arranged my wine bottle labels and matchbooks within them,


My desk! I love my mac but I may invest in a large screen for home! I do miss working with two screens. As I mentioned in my previous post I've been looking at interior design magazines, I love clean and minimalistic spaces, my room has cream tints in it at the moment but I'm keen to lighten it up with white, especially white wooden floors (ooh)

Company magazine illustrations

Woah, nothing wedding related Natalie? That is a shock!

 Considering most of my followers are more likely to be interested in my illustration work, i think i should probably post about it, I'm currently sat on a bed eating American candy, flicking through Company and wondering what to write..

I couldn't find a paper copy of Company today so I bought it on my Ipad which i've never done before, I'm now hooked! i love having a magazine when traveling, but having them all digitally saves me loads of space and i can indulge without feeling too guilty, (they're loads cheaper if you want to buy a years subscription)
However working in printing I do enjoy flicking through pages and.. at the risk of sounding like a loser I do love having a hard copy now and again,  plus my Grandma always wants a version, bless her

I was asked by Company to illustrate three ladies who are quite influential in the music industry, i really enjoyed the project and tried to incorporate things that were mentioned in the article that related to each girl.

One of my favourite illustrations was for Sarah, she mentioned how making a good impression was vital, making cups of tea for the right people is something everyone has to do! I drew a few cute little cupcakes and pots of tea to link in with the interview.
I can relate to the tea making, however as a non tea drinker please be aware if you want a drink from me I've had bad feedback ;) I'm more of a Hot chocolate girl,

Perry from little mix was another little illustration featured within the larger one of Anya (Syco A&R)
 I loved using watercolours in this and partially shading her hair, i'm going to explore this style a bit more i think..


I've also got an Illustration in the #Readitandtweet section, I'm looking for a nice new book to get addicted to as i've just finished the Hobbit, What are you reading?

Anyway, what do you think? I'd love to know if you liked the feature, for anyone looking to get into the music industry it's really worth a read, networking is they key
#GirlPower

Matchbook Commission

Love In Bloom
With
Sweet Pea Seeds

I was very excited to start this project creating 125 Matchbooks in Coral and Mint for Angus and Bec, an Australian couple who have ordered these matchbooks from my Etsy site, As Australia has very strict importation rules I'll be sending the Matchbooks with empty envelopes so Angus and Bec can fill them with lovely sweet pea seeds when they arrive!

My table was covered!

They're nearly ready to send off, so I hope they Love them when they arrive!