Playin' with Style

I feel like I'm still working out my illustration style. I've drawn pages and pages of eyes trying to understand how the shape. size, position, etc communicates the character's personality and emotions. It's funny how two little round circles can say a lot. Here's one I've finished recently that will be available once I'm ready for the grand opening of my shop

Willow

I'm trying to find a good local place to do my prints. Sure, I can order them online but I'd love to give a local shop the business. PLus then I won't have to wait a week for my prints to get shipped to me. But when I do get it figured out, you'll be able to buy this one in my shop. Hopefully later this week : )

"On Golden Pond"

This is my most recent set design at Marblehead Little Theatre--"On Golden Pond". The cyc (backdrop) was lit with changing colors to suggest dusk, day, dawn, and night. The floor is just painted to look like an old hardwood floor. The fireplace stones are cut from homosote and then textured with plaster and paint. We had a great cast and crew that pulled off a very successful three-week run. Fun stuff! I'm now working on the set for the next kids' show so look for pictures in June.

First Buy(s)!

I'm having fun sketching up some different characters. It's fun to watch their "personalities" develop as I sketch their features, clothes, posture. Wonder what this lady is daydreaming about?

I was really encouraged to sell two cards within 12 hours of my store opening to people I don't even know. I've got to get crackin and get some other stuff in my store. I can't get too excited and neglect my other design responsibilities--a couple website designs I've got lined up, another set for Marblehead Little Theatere, etc.

Etsy Shop Is Up!

My shop is up and running at http://www.arian.etsy.com. I've got more pieces coming soon but there are a few things to look at there now. In May and June 25% of my Etsy sales will go toward a trip thay my husband and a group of high schoolers from our church will be taking to Mississippi in July to help with Hurricane Katrina relief. So check back often for new work.

Fair Play Fest

Some of my postcards will be for sale this weekend at the Fair Play Fest at Rohs Street Cafe in Cincinnati, OH. The proceeds from my cards and the event will go to support their project in the village of Santa Maria de Jesus, Guatemala. In partnership with their roaster, La Terza Coffee, Un Mundo Cafe and the farmers of the village, they are "helping build a community of economic sustainability, cooperation and pride." For more info on the event go to http://www.rohsstreetcafe.com

Coming soon to the shop coming soon..

First Blog--Welcome!

Hey! Welcome to my first entry on this new blog. I've been debating whether or not to combine my studio blog (where I will post my latest work and work of some of my new favorite artists) and my family blog (where I post pictures of my son doing silly cute things for the grandparents to see). In the end I decided to keep the two separate.

But just a little intro to those who are new-- My name is Arian. I'm married to a super talented, warm, funny, strong product designer named Daniel whom I met in drawing class in college. And I have a two year old son, Hudson, who I hope will someday grow up to be a lot like his dad.

I spend most of my time being a wife and mom but any chance I get, I love to design/draw/illustrate/create. I've done a handful of websites and a bit of print design which you can see on my portfolio site--http://www.arianarmstrong.com. I also design sets for Marblehead Little Theatre. Now I am in the process of get an ETSY store open where I will be selling some of my illustrations. Hopefully I'll be able to point you toward it soon.

Here's a preview of one of the prints I'll be selling in the shop soon. Please check back often for new work!



Peace-
Arian