updates and announcements

Hi everyone. I just finished a new promo postcard. To get on the mailing list, please go to my website and fill out the contact form. Happy New Year!

Stormy Weather

just a little something I've been working on... still a work in progress. I'm experimenting with different AI techniques.

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah everyone.

I really should have taken the time earlier in the season to design some holiday cards. Instead, I sent out a bunch of Edward Gorey boxed cards. So lame. To soothe the guilt- I worked on this illustration and sent it via email to clients.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Product Development Snafu.

Let the cat out of the bag a bit too soon. "Pretty Wicked" photos and illustrations to be posted in a few weeks.

getting hairy.

So this was fun and challenging and creepy. While doing research, I had that constant feeling of bugs crawling on me! Ha! But I have to say, I'm pretty happy with the result. This particular client really pushes me to do better work and I love working with her. If you have any competitive swimmers in the family, you'll want to check out her website: H2OTOOS. This particular tattoo is in development, but there are plenty others to choose from.

I really love my client list right now. Working with good people that make you want to do your best is a gift. In my career I've discovered that these people are few and far between.

"I've Arrived" Birth Poster

I'm currently working with a business partner to launch some new children's gift products. As I've mentioned in earlier blogs- one of our first successful pieces is a Birth Announcement poster. The print is 8x10 in an 11x14 frame with a ribbon handle. For ordering information, please visit the new business website: www.olivitgroup.net
Its very exciting and we hope to add new products after the holidays.

There are four designs to choose from and each print is customized to show a newborn's name, birthday, weight, etc.

We've been getting some great feedback and interest. So *fingers crossed* for continued success. Any advice from my fellow artists on how to get more exposure would be welcomed.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Funny how time changes your opinion of a project. I despised this line when I worked on it 5 years ago. It was a nightmare to create from start to finish- but to this day, I still see it on the shelves in various stores and its taken a long time- but I finally like it. If you begin to hate a project, remind yourself of the big picture and how each and every design will make a really amazing visual timeline in your career. They become part of your designer "growth chart".

Aunt Sonia

In the upcoming issue of Sparkle magazine for girls- this story is about a woman who loses hope until her niece, a cancer survivor, reminds her to "never give up".

I won I won I won!

The fabulous Mr. Baker chose my "Major" illustration as the winner for the Monday Art Day "chicken" challenge.

Thank you!

MONDAY ART DAY ROCKS!

Tuned up.

I keep singing the song "Play Me" by Neil Diamond when I look at this illustration. I was trying some different styles and techniques for a freelance job.

laughing in France.

I was so excited to find this in the mail today! Deborah Mori, Life Without Novacaine sent me a sample of her beautiful work. I am honored and thrilled- and plan on returning the favor! Thank you thank you thank you! Its amazing!

And it's no accident that I'm wearing my fabu new necklace from Blue Moss. I wear it everywhere!!! I love the Eiffel Tower charm- I recently traced my ancestors, turns out my affinity for all things french is deeply rooted in my genes. I discovered the most amazing family names and use them all as pen names!

What an incredible experience this has been for me- I'm new to the blog world, so connecting with all these talented artists has been so inspirational.

oh.my.dog... my new favorite blog.

I think that I am in love. Completely and utterly in love... with a blog named Blue Moss. She just posted some shoes and I am obsessed. Amazing taste this girl has (who am I? Yoda?). I MUST have these shoes. Oh the humanity! The horror! The drama!!! Its like a Lifetime Movie--- "The illustrator and her ridiculously expensive taste" starring Melissa Gilbert and Pierce Brosnan.

rough stuff

Conceptual sketch for a potential project.

Book Covers

I always thought that Book Covers and Wine Labels were my dream project. I spent 10 years in the coffee industry- check, retail packaging (but the cool stuff) - check, did a board game or two- check, but the ever elusive famous band CD covers, really swanky, big budget wine label, and David Sedaris-esque book cover eludes me... until now. An old friend (and my very first date) asked me to design a book cover for his collection of short stories. I was skeptical, but ended up falling in love with it. Please take a look at his website Michael J. Atwood. His words hit home for me- perhaps our strict Irish-catholic upbringing, or our love for all things outside Massachusetts (but still came home)... regardless, it's worth a read. He's just renamed the collection to "Funerals & Baptisms". I've found this design project to be extremely challenging, frustrating, exciting, and difficult- all at the same time. I think I'll veer towards wine labels now. lol. Which cover do you like best? any suggestions?