THOUGHTS and TIPSTER TUESDAY May 1, 2012

FINISHED DESIGN TO CREATING A PATTERN PACKET

Hi my friends, thanks for coming back for a visit.  As mentioned in my last post I promised I would guide you through how I take my finished original paintings and create a pattern packet for you all to enjoy. So here I am ready to take you on my pattern packet making journey.  This is how I decided I wanted my pattern packet line to be developed and my process works for me, but might not be the best way for you.  I am providing suggestions and ideas.  I too have made changes along the way.  Change is good….means we are getting better at what we do.  Or better yet I/we paid close attention to our customers and students.  They are our best critics. 

I have to confess when I developed my very first pattern packet I had no clue as to what I was doing or what direction I wanted to take.  Just knew I wanted to be different.  The following thoughts traveled through my mind as I dove into this new adventure:

• Will my customers or students understand what I am trying to tell them?
• Will my directions be easy to follow?
• What kind of format do I want to use for my pattern packets?
• Do I need to tell them everything, brush size, where, when, how and why?
• Should I worry about how long the directions will become?
• How do I want to package my pattern packets?
• Pricing
• Will they like what I have to offer?

At the beginning I did put together a rough draft as to how I wanted things to look. 

Page layout… fonts… spacing… format… instructions… line drawings

Over time I have made quite a few changes but have never, ever lessened my directions.  I have altered my formatting because it was taking me way too long to type and proof read my patterns.  I was using too many bullets and lots of times I would miss things as I proofread my work.  Now I use the Step 1, 2, 3, etc.  I write the directions in the same manner as I paint each element. 

When I first decided to design and create pattern packets I knew right away I wanted everyone to be able to paint my designs.  Yes I am DETAILED (do you think?!!), it has become who I am.  So with that said, I felt it was essential to make sure everyone was being told how to paint what I did, let them know what brush, and how, when, where or why I did what.  I include a technique guide in every single pattern packet I create so if you just have no clue as to what I am trying to do you can refer to this handy guide.  It goes into a lot more detail of each technical process I use throughout my designs. 

As I am painting my new design I write down everything on a note pad.  I do not go into detail at this point, but just write down what I need to remember. I never, ever rely on my memory and think I will be able to write my directions just by looking at the final painting.  Not a good habit and it will take so much longer to write the directions. It is not fair to your customers or students to miss important steps or skip things just because you cannot remember what you did.  There have been times I have repainted an area just because I failed to take good notes.  I occasionally type my notes on my laptop but I lack table space, so find my note pad serves me well. 

One thing I find important is to write down all the colors of paint that I used within the design.  I actually keep these colors in a container and label it with the project name.  I also place a paint swatch next to each color listed on my note pad.  It just helps to make sure I do not forget to list any colors in my palette supply list or directions.

The past few years I am doing step by steps of all my designs. I just shot the pictures right at my painting table as I go along with my painting.  I know this might sound like a lot of work but trust me it has helped me in so many ways.  Not only does it help in the writing of my directions, but maybe my notes do not make sense and now I have another reference to jar my memory.  Also the step by steps has become good tools in the classroom.  Sorry about the poor picture I shot the picture right from my computer screen. 

My directions are now completed and the proofreading begins.  I print out a set of instructions so I can make all necessary corrections. I check my palette, supply list, preparation, formatting and all else that is needed.   I then go back to my computer and go page by page to type in my corrections.  I proof through my directions several times.  Yes, I am crazy like that.  I am human and after all this proofreading I still can miss something.  It is a good idea to have someone else (preferably another painter) to read over the directions.  They might find something that you missed. 

My directions are proofed and complete.  Now it is onto the inking of the designs.  Before I spray varnish my painting I take the project and place it onto the glass portion of my copy machine. I cover it with a piece of fabric because most of the times I have to leave the lid open.   I then proceed to make a color copy of the project.  Make sure you see all areas of the project on the copy.  Make necessary adjustments. 

You will need a light box.  I have two sizes one to fit 8 ½-in. X 11-in. and 11-in. X 17-in. paper.  I take the color copy and tape it onto the light box. Place a white sheet of copying paper over the color copy and then tape into place.  Best to only tape it down in a couple of spots just in case you want to lift to review the inking process.  I turn on the light box and begin inking.  I do find I have to shut off my lights in my studio so I can see thru to the color copy.  I have found this process to be a huge help in not forgetting any details or areas of the design.  I have a C-Thru ruler handy to make sure all my lines stay straight.  Sometimes I will use a pencil to trace some of the areas and then ink after I remove the paper from the light box.  I find it easier to control my straight lines or a more detailed area.

A few years ago I started inking a base coating guide and this has really been a big help especially during a seminar.  The students do not need to worry about the details at this point and much easier to determine what needs to be traced onto their project.  Also, if you have a beginner student they could just use this base coating guide and forfeit the details until they become more comfortable with their abilities. 

For the base coating guide I ink all the areas of the design, minus the details.  It is like a blocked design, what you would see in a coloring book.  Before I continue on with the next inked patterns I take 2 copies of the base coating guide--will be used for the detail and value placement guide.

I take the copy of the base coating guide and ink my value placement guide.  A little suggestion when I am inking the Value Placement chart, I go back to my completed pattern packet and read each step as I am inking the shading, highlighting, tints etc.  I know I will not miss anything.  I also have my painted project handy during this process.  When complete, I sign and set it aside.

I take a copy of the inked detail guide and follow the same process as above to complete the final line drawing.  This inked design includes crosshatching, dots and final details. Hope my inking process makes sense.  Sounds like a lot of work but it really is not. 

Now time to create my front cover.  I have a template that I have created on my computer so all I have to do is cut and paste.  Easy….but I make sure to change any or all information for the new design.  I like to make each front cover special for each design.  Like to change things up, but can easily just have one design for all pattern packets. 

I am now ready to take my photos.  Oh hum….have to admit this is the most stressful part of the whole pattern packet process.  I give my painted piece only one light coat of varnish.  I never, ever varnish my pieces with several coats of varnish because it will produce poor photos with lots of shine.  However, a light coat helps to pop the colors because acrylic paint has a tendency to be flat.   I take numerous shots at all angles.  I take all photos outside, hopefully on a cloudy day.  I make sure I have a great front cover photo.  Remember that is the first thing customers and students see.  I then edit my photos and select which ones I want to reprint.  I then find a very good photo processing center and have my prints made.  Thank goodness for the digital world.  What a huge time saver. 

Pattern is typed, proofread and completed.  All guides and line drawings are inked.  Photos complete.  Now it is time to copy my new pattern packet.  I use the two-sided process when copying my patterns (saves lots of paper) and then copy my guides and line drawings.  I have selected to place all my pattern packets in plastic sheet protectors.  There are other options. 

Now I am ready to present my designs to the public… Opened my website www.Heavenlyheartcreations.com on December 5, 2011. So much more to be done on the site, but I want to thank you all for your support. 

I attend several conventions throughout the US and I am always so humbled by all of my fellow painters and it is because of you that I keep on designing.

I knew right away that several people do not get the opportunity to paint with a teacher every week, or take classes, seminars, and attend conventions on a regular basis.  I wanted to become that paper classroom and become their behind the scenes teacher.  I not only love to paint and design but most of all I really love teaching.  I told myself I wanted my pattern packets to be packed with as much information as possible.  I wish we all could get the chance to paint with each other along the way.  I am always telling my students, my designs are detailed but they are not hard.  It is the tricks of the trade and learning how I do things and it will be so much easier for you to realize you can paint anything. 

I, along with my fellow designers work so hard at creating something different, unique and interesting to share with the painting world.  It is so important to know what goes into designing just one design, pattern packet, a booklet or a book.  The process just does not happen overnight and hours of hard work goes into a design even before it is released to the public.  We all design these special projects to share with our painting community.  Our world is now so different because we are surrounded by so many things via the internet, blogs, Face book and websites.  But it is important to respect these designers, artists, creators, teachers and writers because we want these creative people to continue sharing with all of us and be our inspiration.  Stay true to yourself and be you!!!!  Stop and think about your fellow artist. 

Thank you all for giving me the opportunity to do what I LOVE… I BELIEVE we all have a place in this creative market and I hope I have given you a little more insight into my design world. 

 Paint always with a Happy Heart,

Kim 

BAG OF DREAMS April 23, 2012

BAG OF DREAMS

Got my PAINTWORKS magazine in my mailbox the other day, did you?  If so you noticed the project I did alongside Gisele Pope, is now up on their website as a free project download.  Bag of Dreams was taught at the Creative Painting convention in Las Vegas as a Special Event.  Thank you so much to our sponsors Loew-Cornell, DecoArt, Paintworks, and Brushes and More.  With your continuous support we were able to present a fantastic class to all the students in attendance.  The event was a huge success, so thank you to each and every one of our students who participated in our event.  It was overwhelming, exciting and plain good fun.  Best way to begin the week at convention.  

I know several of you were unable to participate due to the fact the class was SOLD OUT.  With that said, here is your opportunity to download your pattern for free at Paintworks and paint your own tote.  Click here for easy access to the pattern and design or here for a PDF download. 

The tote bag kits are now available for purchase at our store.  Click here and it will take you to the location.  There is a brief description of the design, a link to the Paintworks free pattern section and information regarding what is included with your Tote Kit purchase.  I will also send along a copy of my original set of directions and a little surprise.  

BAG OF DREAMS Tote Bag Kit (#101-Kit)

Depending on where you live once you check out and I receive your PayPal payment I will make any necessary adjustments on the shipping charges.  At the moment we are experiencing a slight glitch on a single item tote bag purchase and the shipping charges through PayPal.  All refunds on shipping overage have been issued promptly.  Appreciate your understanding in this matter.  Learning curve at the moment and it brings me back to the first time I ever picked up a paintbrush and I knew I had lots to learn.  

We will ship the kits Internationally please inquiry. 

Thank you everyone for your constant support and interest in my designs.  

Grab a tote kit, paint her up and then you will have a place to store that journal of sketches and dreams.  Remember those sketches become designs.  

Be creative my friends and always remember to paint with a happy heart…

Kim

SKETCHES TO FINAL DESIGNS April 20, 2012

SKETCHES TO FINAL DESIGN

I am a day late with my Thoughts and Tipster Thursday post.  I would like to get started with a quote for us to think about. 

I am always thinking and dreaming.  The most important thing for me is to act upon those dreams and do something creative everyday. 

Let us venture into my design world. 

I am asked all the time how did that design come about?  What made you think of that?  Do you always have a plan or subject matter in place before you begin?  Do you design from a set up, from objects in your home, photographs or just go for it.  My response to these questions, are yes and no.  Might not sound like a good answer, but it is accurate.

This method works for me but it does not necessarily mean it will work the same for you.  Hopefully my method might assist you with your creative process.

Before I ever begin designing, I think of a surface that I want to paint on.  I might select a surface I have on hand (I have plenty) or construct something brand new.  Nice to have access to a 24/7 woodworker.  Even though he has a tendency to say to me, “You want what and when?”  I am always thinking different.  A clever new surface makes a new design stand out and I think it is essential to not only think of the design, but its surroundings.  Keep in mind that a different surface will attract student’s and/or customer’s eyes.  Make that surface become a component of the design. 

Next I choose a theme that I want to design and it might be a still life, sampler, seasonal, whimsy, or realistic.  My surface always plays into my selection.  If I decide I want to design a seasonal project then the surface might become interchangeable so I know it is important to think ahead. 

Surface and theme is now selected, let the drawing begin.  A little hint, I generally always have the main object already thought out.  It might be a house, crock, snowman, or lantern (just to name a few) then the design is built around the main object.

For many years I have kept journals full of thumbnail drawings, large sketches, color ideas, quotes or anything else that might lend a hand in my creative process.  I now have 4 jammed packed journals.  I will be creating and painting until I am 100 years old.  Yes I have that much stuff among the pages of these journals. 

It is not imperative to be perfect when keeping the above journals because it is your reference guide.  It is amazing how just a scribble or comment can spark the best design ever.  Lots of times I get the ideas from these sketches and begin my line drawing.  Before the final line is ever drawn on the paper I have made many changes along the way.  Funny, once you get started with your drawing your creative mind begins to work overtime.  I am forever telling myself, “Stop thinking about it, just do it!”

I almost never draw from a set up.  I might look at things for a reference but really never set objects up in my studio.  Not sure why, but have to admit I have a harder time controlling my perspective.  Yes, I do occasionally draw from a photograph I have taken, but my favorite thing to do is just go for it.  With all the rules out there it might not be the best way, but it has always worked for me. 

I have a huge plastic graph (vertical/horizontal lines) and I place it onto my painting table.  I take a sheet of 8 ½ X 11-in. or 11 x 17-in. copying paper (larger if needed) and tape it down onto the plastic graph.  It is a perfect guide to keep all my lines straight where necessary.  I then trace the shape of the surface I have selected onto my paper.  I find this to be very important to make sure the design fits within all areas.  Many years ago I used to only draw the main object onto the paper and then design as I go, but now I design the entire project (minus all the details) and then transfer it to the surface.  Does not mean that I never alter things along the way and trust me there have been many changes once I start the base coating or painting process.   There is times where things just do not fit or work within the design.  Nothing wrong with that, no one will ever know. 

I have to confess the hardest part for me and what I dread the most is the background color/technique and the finishing touches to be done on the main surface (frame, box etc.)  One of the reasons is because I am always thinking different.  It is funny but lots of times I use a very neutral or dark background.  This makes it easier to establish the palette for the design and to select the base coating colors.  Best to think outside the box and I try to move outside my favorite palette of colors.  I keep in mind always; I am designing for you not me.  I like to design a wide variety of subjects.  It makes designing enjoyable. 

Before I proceed to transfer the line drawing to my surface I proof and finalize the entire pattern.  Have to be cautious because one crooked line, distorted object, incorrect perspective and certain elements can throw off the entire design.  Yes, designers are human and errors can be made, but before I sign my name to my work, I take the time to make sure I provide the best line drawing possible. 

Once I am pleased with my line drawing, I proceed to transfer the design to my selected surface.  Now on to my next challenge, the selection of the base coating values.  A very essential step because it is going to set up the feel of the entire project.  I always think medium values when I select my palette.  It gives me a broader range to establish good value changes on all objects.  This is another area that I have been known to change things up if necessary.  As I build my design with paint, sometimes what I thought would work does not.  I have talked about color in a few blog posts and it might be a good idea to re read these posts.  I love color and lots of times I do things through trial and error.  Hey if one thing does not work, I do not give up I just go forward with another idea. 

Starting a couple of years ago, as I paint each step I would stop and take pictures.  The process sounds time consuming but in the long run it saves time.  Once my painting is completed I will then go in and edit my step by step photos and put them in order.  They will become great reference tools. 

I always have the hardest time calling it quits.  I always say, “Oh just one more thing, more details and more color here”.  Without details, my paintings would not be me.  Before I call it quits I do take pictures or place the project onto my printer glass and print out a few copies.  Helps me to determine anything I might have missed and lots of times I can detect areas in a photo that need adjustments.  I paint long hours and lots of times when I have been looking at a painting for an extended amount of time I miss things. 

Lots of times I will set the painting aside for a few days and then revisit it.  If I am happy then I sign it and begin the next step.  I am now ready to put my new painting into a pattern packet.  Come back to visit me and I will share my pattern packet process. 

Thanks my friends for taking the time to read about my design process.  It is because of you that I keep challenging myself.  I appreciate your support and interest in my designs. 

Until next time Paint always with a happy heart…..

  Kim

Surrounded by Color April 12, 2012

THOUGHTS AND TIPSTER THURSDAY

Our everyday life is totally surrounded by color.  Oh how I love the world of color. 

Can you imagine living in a black and white world without color?  As much as I adore photos shot in black and white, give me color any day.  Color makes me smile and my heart sing.  Color truly tells a story in so many ways.  It depicts our style and who we are. 

Whether we realize it or not, color is always on our mind and part of our daily selections.  We base many decisions on color; daily clothing choices, decorating our homes, cooking, setting the table, selecting scrapbook paper, yarn and other craft items, buying a new car and choosing that palette of color to begin your next painting project. 

Source photo card boutique

When my students tell me in the classroom that they do not know anything about color, I stop them and say, “Yes you do”.  I always get a look of surprise.  I tell them, “You get dressed every day, I am sure your home is well put together with an array of carefully selected colors and you have made some great color decisions today”.  I then add, “Color selection is not the problem; it is the rules that go along with your selections”.  Boy and there are many.  Color is amazing and I am still learning about the rules every single day.  I am forever asking myself many questions: Am I using the right color palette?  Do I need more warm or cool colors?  Do I have enough value change and harmony?  Do I need that little extra pop of color?  So on and so on.  Enjoy color do not be afraid of it. 

Every year a new set of colors are selected for the seasons, spring and fall. 

Did you all know that Tangerine Tango is the hottest color for spring?  I have seen it everywhere.  Is it not funny how many colors from the 70’s are creeping back into our lives.  I remember those days of Poppy Orange…Bright Green…Yellow….Brown.  Everything just seems to cycle back to the forefront. 

Pantone Color for Fall 2012

Do all companies base their designing and color palettes on this Pantone of colors?  You bet yeah…take a look at the new colors that DecoArt came out with this year.  See a pattern of similarity? 

If you look all around you in the department stores, home décor stores and craft stores you will begin to see the same palette of colors being showcased.  If you are afraid of color or need a little help open your eyes the next time you venture into a store.  You will be surrounded by the current colors.  The world of color at your finger tips.

I have to admit as a designer I still have a tendency to paint what I like or use the palette of colors that appeal to me.  Not always a good thing and I try to always push myself out of my comfort zone.  We need to realize if our designs or handmade items are not selling via the website, craft shows, Etsy or Ebay that maybe it has something to do with the style or color selections.  As many of you do, I have my favorite colors I like using all the time.  It is so hard to break an old habit.  Keep in mind styles and colors do change and change often.  Be welling to be different and make a change.

When you are selecting a project to paint do you go by the color, style or both?  Do you have the courage to try and change things up to fit your style?  Keep in mind color in an easy fix.  Anything can be changed to suit your needs.  Not sure where to begin, well there is so many resources to help with color selection.  Yarn charts, paint charts, embroidery floss charts, fabrics and scrapbook paper.  I collect it all and keep it stored on my inspiration wall.  Good excuse for all my collections of stuff…but it does come in handy. 

The web and all the social media have opened a wide window of reference.  Keep in mind however that personal blogs, websites, Face book pages, Pinterest sites and any other personal sites hold copyright guidelines and we all need to honor everyone’s hard work.  There is so much talent among us and I commend everyone so willing to share with all of us and to give us so much inspiration. 

Go forward my friends and enjoy being surrounded by color.  Enjoy it and do not be afraid.  Someone once told me during a seminar I was taking, “If you paint from the heart, all else will follow”.  I have shared this often with my students.  Do not be afraid of all the rules…just paint and create….

Open your minds to change, gain the confidence, practice and I BELIEVE that each and every one of you can conquer any fears and confusion you have regarding color. 

Pick up a paintbrush and bring color into your life. 

Paint always with a Happy Heart my friends….

Kim

Change, Challenge and Commitment April 5, 2012

Change, Challenge and Commitment

Welcome to THOUGHTS and tipsters THURSDAY

As I pondered this list below, I realized the truth behind these words.  We can be so hard on ourselves.  So many times when we want to try something new, take on a challenge, and start a new venture we have a tendency to start at the top of this list and never get to the "I DID" section at all. Why you say?

Source (www.goodthoughtsaboutlifejc.com)

It is in our nature to tell ourselves right away, "We won't, "I can't, "I don't know how", and the list goes on.  It is much easier to use these words then to face rejections or failure.  But how do you know you will fail if you never "DID" try.

I always tell my students that everyone has talent, can paint, create and do anything they set their minds out to do.  The word CAN'T, should not enter your thoughts or vocabulary.  Yes, it does not happen overnight and maybe at this very moment it will not be your very best work, but that does not mean you cannot do it or you have failed.  We all have to start at the beginning.  Practice, study and try some more.  Remember the first time you ever got on a bike, I bet you said to yourselves, "There is no way I will be able to control and ride this thing with two wheels down the street".  But lo and behold after many failed attempts you mastered the fate of bike riding.  It happened because you never gave up and you wanted to feel the joy.

Next time you look over the convention catalogs, websites to select pattern packets, chapter or shop seminars start at the bottom of this list and allow yourself to say, "I DID".  Try something new, take from different teachers, move away from your comfort zone and BELIEVE with a CAN DO attitude and not say, "I WISHED I HAD".  First attempts might not be the best outcome and trust me I had many, "Oh my word what was I thinking" moments, but I never gave up.  I am so happy I never gave up, good or bad, because it has brought me to where I am today.  I am still learning each and every day.  Big or small it is amazing how excited I get when I find a new technique, skill, trick or tip.

Spring is here, so think change, challenge and commitment.  Go forward my friends because I know you all have a CAN DO, BELIEVING and I DID attitude.

Happy Easter weekend to all.....

Be creative...

Kim