Inspiration

Funny how I thought I’d be posting so much more now that I don’t work at my full time job? Well I’m actually busier than ever! It’s definitely a good thing but I miss talking to all of you on my blog!! I love reading all your comments and visiting your blogs. But I can’t really say that I’m complaining that I have a lot of wonderful work :o) There isn’t much I can show you right now but in the next few months, I’m hoping to make some posts on what I’ve been up to!

I try my best to keep up with all my favorite blogs. One blog that I discovered not too long ago is Gustavo Pinela’s. He’s my inspiration pick for this week! I love reading his blog because it’s full of delightful illustrations. He has such a playful, fun, and emotional style that really catches my attention. He often posts about his process or projects he’s working on. He’s made all kinds of wonderful products with his illustrations - from mug designs to calendars - the guy has so much going for him! Take a few minutes to check out his amazing blog. It’s not in originally English but there is a translation option on the right side.

I’m hoping to be back with another submission for Illustration Friday this Friday! Hope you’re having a great week :o)

I’m finally somewhat back to my normal life! The move went very well and things are really starting to come together :o) Once the house isn’t such a mess, I’ll post some photos! It’s so nice to have a brand new house. My hubby and I have been in teeny apartments for so long that it’s quite the luxury to have all this space.

I plan to start my regular work week on Monday and will be continuing my Illustration Friday posts starting next Friday! In the meantime, I thought I’d share an artist I discovered with you - Samuel Ribeyron. He has some absolutely incredible work on his website and has illustrated several beautiful books. His site is in French so I don’t understand much of what is written, but his work needs no explanation! I love the flower/pattern details, beautiful use of colour, and exquisite composition. Each illustration is incredible! I’ve only posted a few here, but you must take a look at his portfolio to see all of his work - there are so many wonderful pieces!

I’m excited to get back to my art and look forward to chatting with you all this coming week! Take care!

Wow I can’t believe I’m already into my second week at home! Time flies when you’re having fun! :o)

I’ve really been wanting to make more posts/fun illustrations during the week but things have just been so busy - but don’t worry, I’m right on the ball when it comes to Illustration Friday ;) I guess I’m just catching up from all the work piled up while I was working a full time job. My hubby and I are also moving into our brand new house at the end of the month! So I’ve been packing and planning in my spare time. This is our first house so it’s pretty exciting - the construction started last year, so we’ve been waiting a while to move in! Click here to view a few progress photos.

On another note, now that I’m a new mama-to-be, I’ve been browsing the internet for cute baby stuff. There is so much darling stuff out there, I think I might go broke on softies alone - hehe! My mom told me she bought some cute little booties from a company called Kaloo. She said they were soo soft and cute, and she just knew I’d love them. I immediately googled them to come across their website. What a lovely company! Their toys and furniture are not only gorgeous, soft, and precious but also so inspirational! I love being inspired by softies - I’ll just have to design my own line one of these days. I’ve attached a few photos below, but feel free to browse their website - and they also have a fun games section!

This week’s Illustration Friday topic is Fail. Well, even though I was wwaaaaayyy too busy to complete the topic this weekend, I figure it works for me anyway - I ‘failed‘ to complete it. Does that work as my submission? Hehe ;o) I promise I’ll be back on my toes next week!

In the meantime, I really wanted to post another inspirational artist. Claudio Degliuomini is an incredible illustrator from Argentina. Her work is very unique, whimsical, fun, and colorful. I love the way she’s developed her animal characters. Her compositions are wonderful and I adore her beautiful aesthetic! I just wanted to share her with anyone that hasn’t already been exposed to her incredible work. I’ve added some of her illustrations below, but you can also visit her blog or website to view more of her work!

I have a little Easter gift for all of you! I’ve decided to allow you to use my illustrations in your blog banners! That’s right, all of you that once asked permission - the answer is now yes! I’ve thought long and hard about it and decided that I don’t really see any harm in doing so. I’m flattered that many of you want to use them, and I understand the need to keep your blog looking fun and fresh. So feel free to browse my sketchbook images and use any illustration you want! I’d like to clarify that I am giving you all permission but in other cases, it’s important to ask any artist to use their personal work in such a way. I am giving you permission and hoping that my illustrations bring a bit of joy to your online spaces!

I simply ask that you follow a few simple rules:

1. Make sure you give credit for the image by leaving my copyright/website on the image or re-writing it yourself if it’s not clearly visible. (© Rachelle Anne Miller Illustration | www.rachelleannemiller.com)

2. Do not alter the image in any way!

3. Use this image for your blog banner ONLY. Please contact me for any other use.

4. Write me a quick email or make a comment on this post, letting me know you’re using it (make sure to include your blog address) so I can keep track of where my images are located!

Hope you all have a wonderful Easter!!

Yay! Kathy Weller over at Wellerwishes just awarded me the ‘You Make My Day‘ award and I couldn’t be more flattered! Thanks Kathy - you’ve just made MY day… corny but true! :o)

So to continue the trend, here are the details:

1. Write a post with links to 5 blogs that make me think and/or make my day.
2. Acknowledge the post of the award giver.
3. Display the “You Make my Day Award” logo
4. Tell the award winners that they have won by commenting on their blogs with the news.

I follow so many wonderful blogs that it was hard to choose only 5 recipients! I pass on this wonderful award to the following uber-talented, inspiring illustrators that always make my day:

Jannie Ho | Paige Keiser | Kathleen Rietz | Penelope Dullagnan | Anette Heiberg

I just recently discovered the work of Il Sung Na and fell absolutely in love with it! Il Sung Na is a Korean children’s illustrator. With intricate detailing, beautiful but subdued use of colour, and charming characters, this illustrator has become a true inspiration! Na is a mixed media artist who has recently illustrated the book ‘ZZzzz’ A Book of Sleep.

Click here to view more samples of their work.

Sophie Griotto is an incredible artist from France. I have always admired and been inspired by her work. She’s a fashion illustrator who has an incredibly unique and beautiful style. She works digitally, as well as with natural materials. With light washes of colour, intricate line work/detailing, and beautiful silhouettes, Sophie is one of my favorite current artists. I hope you are as inspired by her as I am! Take a look at Sophie Griotto’s website for more samples of her work.

My mom called from Australia yesterday and raved about the cutest mother and baby bunny she saw at the store. She was dying to buy them for me (since I have a serious obsession with ridiculously cute stuffed animals) but they were rather pricey and she wasn’t sure she could justify spending $100 on ‘toys’ for her 23 year-old daughter ;)

I searched the name of the company and stumbled upon a world of precious delights! I am so happy I found this site. I imagine if I ever decided to design stuffed animals - they would look just like these!

“Three little caterpillars, eternally gleeful with their rosy cheeks surrounded by their cheery pals. Gorgeous little dolls in sweet colours. A gentle and poetic imaginary world…” (Quote from Website) There are also tons of lovely illustrations on the site as well. The company also sells beautiful baby room furniture. You can access their catalog here (you’ll have to fill in some details to view it).

If anyone knows any Canadian retailers, I’d love to hear from you!

I’m going to start making some more frequent ‘inspiration’ posts. I wanted to set a particular day of the week to do this, but I’d hate to miss a day because of my busy schedule. I think I’ll just post inspirational links as they come :)

* VISIT MOULIN ROTY *

I’ve always been very inspired by this quote from Nick Meglin, from his book Drawing from Within. Just thought I’d share it with you! I’m super excited for Illustration Friday tomorrow!!

“In our society we have become so achievement-oriented that we measure our efforts by results rather than by our own feelings of satisfaction. We have been encouraged to succeed through imitation rather than expand upon the individuality we naturally possess…All too often…artists interfere with that natural response and become concerned with outside considerations, especially this desire to achieve. This misdirected path usually leads to compromise, imitation, and contrivance and, ironically, actually prevents true artistic ‘achievement’…Satisfaction in any art form doesn’t come from achieving perfection, since perfection doesn’t exist in art. Satisfaction can be found instead, in the experience of aspiring to an internal form of perfection that’s measured in ‘fun’ and not some external measure, i.e., ‘Best of Show.’ ” -Nick Meglin