Day 80: Clarabel

Illustration: Colourways

Detail: Clarabel

3 months into the project and I’m going strong. I’ve posted an illustration for every day of January, February & March 2016. Subjects have ranged from flora and fauna, to vintage birdcages, quotes and my muses Lily & Clarabel. Some days are easier than others and the support and feedback from other members of the group definitely keep me motivated. My artistic style has varied from doodles and quick sketches, to pieces finished in Illustrator and Photoshop. Some days the style has been loose and scratchy, and other days very neat and precise. Throughout this year-long process I hope to hone and define my style, and have enjoyed seeing the work submitted by fellow illustrators. If you’d like to join the project please contact me.

Day 1 of the #illo365days project. The aim is to produce an illustration every day. I’ve started small today, with a rough logo for the project…..it’s great to be underway.

I’ll add updates on my progress here, and daily illustrations will be posted on Instagram using the hashtag #illo365days. If you’re feeling inspired, please join the project and improve your illustration skills. Subject-matter can be anything that inspires: florals, animals, people, patterns etc, from a quick pen sketch to a more intricate finished illustration …..it’s up to you. See you throughout 2016.

Hundreds of designers & illustrators recently took part in the Make It In Design #patterbombing online design event, submitting images of buildings and landmarks decorated with patterns. The finished results from pattermakers included iconic images from around the world.

My particular inspiration was a small piece of Georgian fabric I was given many years ago. The fabric was hand-embroidered by Maria Prouett in 1822 for her going-away dress. I decorated the top half of the Fashion Museum with a pattern inspired by this beautiful embroidery. I juxtaposed this with a brighter graffiti-style version.

Visit makeitindesign.com for surface design inspiration, courses and competitions.