It's St. Valentine's Day on Tuesday and I'll be showing some lovely hearts on the ColorCafe. Come by to see mine and some friend's images of beautiful hearts.
Today, I want to share a quote;
...so true.
some things just need to be said
February 12, 2012
October 03, 2011
looking for the rainbow
As I was walking Paisley this morning, I realized I was doing it again. I have a habit of always looking down when I walk. I've had people point this out to me on more than one occasion. I have no idea where or when I picked the habit up but every once in a while, I find myself still doing it. This morning was one such occasion. We were on the most beautiful part of our country road, situated between a meadow and a pine forest. I was deep in thought about the day's work ahead of me, making my mental lists of business chores and what art needed to be finished today. As I realized I was walking with my head down, I immediately looked up to realize there were 3 beautiful deers just a stone's through from me! I almost missed seeing them!
This makes me wonder - how many times do we get so focused on our daily actiivities that we forget to look up and see the wonder of the unexpected, the new, the different and in this case, the beauty?
And conversely, how often do we focus too much on what other people are achieving without really focusing and appreciating that which is right at our feet?
October 02, 2011
your unique style
It's something many of us struggle with as artists. Maybe you're like me - I'm one of those people who is blessed/cursed with being able to work in many styles. There are days when I want only to do abstract paintings and then there are days which I long to go outside and paint plein-air. And because I'm also a graphic/ product designer, some days, it's typography and package design I'm fixated on. I guess this has served me well, I'm able to meet the needs of plenty of different types of manufacturers from crafting to gift and homegoods, while satisfying my own creative needs as well, which is very, very important to do in order to grow and expand as an artist.
What I've realized in this past year is that my unique vision comes in the form of color. No matter what art I'm working on, for me, color is the message. The palettes that I use are what bind all my efforts together. Whether it's pattern, icons, type, graphic and even jewelry making, color is the most important component to my work. Now I know that. Finally. Gheesh. It's like Dorothy and her ruby slippers, it was there all along. I spent way too long trying to decide my "style". MY STYLE IS COLOR.
I read posts and see images on facebook of many emerging artists, from Etsy and elsewhere, who are basically trying to be someone else in their work. A recent success story of an Etsy artist being discovered by a big gift manufacturer has spurred all kinds of wannabes within that community. This artist has tons of "followers", almost in a bizarre way. The artist doesn't have the years of experience that many of my artist friends have. Nor does this artist have years of business experience. But, because her art hit a note by being at the right time and in the right place with the right message, people want to know her secrets and are willing to pay big, big money. It's an odd phenomenon, really. I wonder just how long it will last? It has a lot of people scratching their heads... including me. I hope they really are getting their money's worth, not a bunch of hype and wishful thinking. Making a living as an artist is HARD WORK. When I meet someone new and tell them what I do, the inevitable "oh how fun!" response comes out of their mouth even before I've finished my sentence. Yes, when you have a big hit, when the money comes (actually, it's more like if the money comes ) there is that feeling of being so blessed to be able to do what you love. I am grateful for this - many people get in their cars and go to a job they hate every day of the work week. sad. But, they know that there is a paycheck waiting for them on the other end. Oh, and benefits like paid vacation, medical, dental, 401Ks. It's awesome to be an artist but don't let anyone tell you it's easy. It isn't.
If you're a new artist, the best advice I can give you is to make A LOT OF ART. A. L.O.T. - fill your basement with mistakes, as I have. Don't worry about being trendy, don't copy others, just be your own true self while learning technique. Look at many different models of success, not just one. Enjoy the process, even though sometimes growth is painful. Learn from it. I've been making art since I could hold a crayon. I've never even considered being something other than an artist. But guess what? I still learn every day and yes, I throw away more work than you will ever know! You've got to let the ugly out in order to get to the beautiful...just let it out.
September 20, 2009
spreading the love...
Here's a cupcake for anyone who has the courage to put themselves out there as volunteers.
Service to others is a mindset, a characteristic of giving people.
For my "team"- Vicki, Linda, Eileen, Lorine, Ann, Phyllis, Kirsten, Katie...thank you for you dedication, your kind and giving spirits, your generosity to others, and for your kind, kind hearts this past week. Those whom you serve will never know or understand all that you do on their behalf. And for the teams who came before, thank you for forging the path.
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Ana and Megan, the Mom and Daughter team of "When Creativity Knocks" host the lovely and talented Designer, Cindi Bisson as she shows how to re-use water bottles to feed one of my favorite bird species, hummingbirds.
Check this out, how inventive and easy, too!
I love going back through the various episodes available in their library. I've been a guest on several episodes and so have a lot of my crafty buddies - here a few of my favorites:
In this episode, my very dear friend Debra Quartermain, whose talents are many, shows how to create a beatiful cuff bracelet. Debra has been crafting "green" for a very long time and continually amazes and delights with her creativity and eye for style.
Here's one of mine- a fun message board made with clear acetate overlays from one of my kits on QVC. You can use any acetate, just be sure to keep it shiny side out. It works great with dry erase markers and is lightweight, easy to hang and easy to make!
Here's a very clever way to use sticky back canvas. Claudine Hellmuth makes this quick and easy no-sew purse in a jiffy. How cute is that?? Love it!
While you're visiting When Creativity Knocks, be sure to click on "Blogger's Bonanza" where you'll find some great crafty links.
And speaking of crafty friends, please listen in tonight as the fabulous Ann Butler is a guest on Inspired at Home Radio She's got a great give-away from Earth Safe Finishes. I hope I win, I've been wanting to try these out for a while now. Here's Ann's blog link- stop in and say hello!
And finally, one of my artist friends, Dr. Andy Mathis now has some beautiful and fun items in his on line store. Dr. Andy does a lot to help animals, above and beyond his duties as a veterinarian. He is involved in an effort "Art helping Animals". Go visit Andy and say hello, he's a great guy with a huge heart.
Happy Sunday everyone! I hope this week brings you joy and happiness in the form of true friends!
July 02, 2009
July 01, 2009
Color – Why not?
This may come off as a rant. That’s ok. This is my blog and I’m a colorist. Some might say I’m a color snob. That’s ok, too. I studied long and hard to get there and honestly, that’s a source of pride for me. When I tell you that the minute details such as 3% more magenta than there should be sometimes sends me over the edge. That color palettes NEED both depth and variety to be functional and interesting, that reds can be powerful or intimidating or sexy or rosy…these are the things that anyone who calls themself a Product or Graphic Designer needs to get. And I mean, GET. phew….I’m already feeling a bit better. So why then, do some designers and artists insist on not using color to promote themselves? Are they afraid of commitment? Of insulting someone who doesn’t appreciate, say, orange? The really nice thing about color, especially in the new world of internet promotion is that it is easily changed. “Wallpaper” is not removable only by excruciating, laborious hours of scrapping and peeling. In a website, you can swap out orange for pink in a heartbeat – I know, I do it all the time as anyone who has followed my blog for any length of time will tell you. It’s been almost every hue imaginable, with the exception of grey. I understand the desire for black, it’s dramatic, it’s mysterious and colors show up stronger in photographic content. Although, black is the hardest background (non) hue to read so if you’re offering considerable written content as opposed to lots of pretty pictures, then you should consider the readers and opt for an easier on the eyes combination. (Don’t even get me started on those awful dot backgrounds showing up on blogs– maybe that’ll be my next point of contention.) One exception immediately comes to mind – viewing color palettes is best done on a true, neutral grey– read on; I know what you’re thinking….but Brenda, what about my branding? Well, as a Product or Graphic Designer, why wouldn’t you want to show how you can incorporate a variety of hues in with existing branding. Afterall, as Graphic Designers, we are in the communication business. As product Designers, we must know how to use color to get the product sold, not just looked at. Let me repeat that, sold, not just looked at. Our job is to communicate through a variety of means including color and to make it work with the unyielding branding established long ago by our clients. (unless they’re Google who playfully alters their branding for holidays and such, one of the first big companies to boldly do so). I’m going to stop here, I’ve probably hit a nerve or two. That’s ok, those are nerves that need to be hit. In summation, if you call yourself a Designer, I strongly suggest you get on the program and learn the most important tool in communication arts and in product design – color – it’s meanings, it’s origins, it’s history, it’s geographical significance, it’s nuances and how it affects us emotionally. If you’re not a designer, do whatever you want. have fun. Just don’t call yourself a Designer when you choose to promote your design services or expertise, with shades of grey. walk the walk. ok, now I’m done. Here are some fun ways to use grey as a neutral base or accent.COLOR…WHY NOT?
I understand people who lean towards grey. I’m married to one, he’s an engineer. Grey works in his world. Sometimes I wear grey – mostly on a day when I need to have zero color reflection as I work in order to maintain an unbiased assessment of my color choices for my work. But grey is the color of non-commitment. It’s safe. It says, “don’t look at me”. It’s white noise at best. By itself, it’s usually hard and cold (true 50/50 grey, that is). Grey works for companies such as aerospace, technology, etc. It’s a great base to play other hues off from, say, hot magenta or lemon yellow or a bright turquoise. Always remember, color is perceived according to what is next to it. When you view green for example, it appears more green if it sits next to a red hue, tint or tone (it’s compliment). If you want a tiny bit of yellow to show as larger, put it next to or in with a purple, it’s compliment. The yellow will double in visual impact, appear brighter and more saturated.
As opposed to
May 02, 2008
March 21, 2008
Brenda Pinnick
Brenda Pinnick Designs, Inc. Artist, Designer, Teacher, Speaker and Color Guru
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