Pregnancy Book and Journal

This is a more resolved packaging design for the pregnancy book. I included some pockets that will hold the stickers, greeting cards, envelopes, and the measuring tape for the belly chart. I am currently working on it. I will appreciate any suggestions you may have to do the adjustments necessary to the design.
The book is almost done. I Will post some pages for you to see the type choices I made.
Thanks for the time to see my progress.
Luisa

Ornament Update

Okay, so I've finished sculpting the first ornament, but my next step is to paint this one. I'm really happy with the way this one is turning out, though I'm not sure how well I'm going to be able to keep this whole gift a surprise for my husband. He's around me all the time at home of course and I can't really hide what I'm working on too easily. We'll see...

Jessica <3

Thank you again for coming to Ringling to do the workshop. I had such a great time, and I'm very happy I was able to participate in the workshop this year. (Also sorry for the delay in posting, I was having posting difficulties). Now that I am engaged I have certain social responsibilities...and that's what I used for my concept. Lately my fiance and I have been invited to many barbecues, which always end up being a bit fancier then what I except a BBQ to be. So why not go all out! I would love to have a cheeky parody BBQ some day...by making it ultra-high class. I played around with the idea of butlers, His and Hers apron sets, hot dog charms for the wine glasses, and ketchup mixed in with booze bottles. Theres still much more to do, but so far it's all been lots of fun. :)

Still excited!

Hi guys! First of all, again, thank you, thank you, thank you for the awesome time at the workshop. I really learned a lot and had a great time. I really hope to get to do it again next year! I'm still really excited about the special occasion gift concept, and have already begun work in making it a reality. My concept was to create a dream chest for my husband's and my first anniversary that would have two sections: "Dreams" and "Come True." It would contain Christmas ornaments that I've made to represent dreams that we've already accomplished together, and the ones that we have for our future together. This would become a tradition for our family to create new ornaments/dreams together as our lives progress, and as they come true the compartment that they would be kept in would change. My husband will really like the idea of having a family centered activity for a tradition and much less of a focus on gifts, because the commercialization of Christmas really bothers him. I decided to change the container from a chest that would most likely be put away, to a display style case that could be hung in our home all year round. My husband is a glazier and could build the physical case for me with nice glass doors, this way he can be involved in making the gift for me too. The rest would still be kept as a surprise, and I plan to also use his work's resources to sandblast the imagery I've planned as a border on the glass. It will feature a roller coaster theme with the two of us in our cart together on this "ride" of life. It will hold the ornaments on either shelves or hooks, I have to see which is more practical still. I've begun work on one of the ornaments representing our wedding, as just the two of us in a romantic bent over kiss. I sketched another of us in Cinderella's coach (we were married at Disney) which I may create as well. Other ornaments I plan to make are for our graduation together from high school (where we met), film reels representing our love for movies and our job at the movie theatre together in high school, a book that can open to read the poem that he wrote for me that was published. And for future dreams of ours I plan to make one representing all of the places we've been and would like to go, one for my diploma from Ringling, "the yellow house" represents our dream house, something to represent his desire to go into and study for ministry, as well as a little oven that opens with a bun inside it for when we decide to have our first child. So sorry for the long run on sentences, and explanation, but it's pretty involved! I love challenges like this though! ^_^ Anyhow, thanks again, and I'll definitely be posting updates and results! Our anniversary is June 10th, so I suppose that's my deadline!

Jessica Willett

Hi!

In the workshop I came up with this kit in the shape of a military trunk, of things that would help a little girl deal with and understand her parents deployment in the military। The outside of the box is a advent like box that helps her to count down the last month until her dad comes home. Inside each drawer would be a little toy or piece of candy. Giving her something to look forward to each day. Inside the box there is a map, that she could draw on and mark up that shows her where she is and where her dad is. To the right of that is a place where she can put picture of her and her dad or of their family. There’s also a place for pre-made post cards that she can draw pictures on. Some of them have sentence on them such as “look at our home!”, “this is our family”, “look at what I did today!”. All typical things that a little girl would draw about as well as a couple or cards with more than one page in them so that they can have an on going card between them. The last thing is a tape recorder and some blank tapes. This way she can send the tapes to her dad and he can listen to them and hear her voice. He can reply back to them and then she can hear his voice whnever she likes.

During the workshop, I wanted to create something special for my sister- in-law which is currently expecting my brother’s first baby. In the process, I decided to create a pregnancy book & journal. Thinking about today’s working women, and knowing my sister-in-law’s busy schedule, I wanted this book to be helpful and easy to use. One page will include family information, and important dates like the expected delivery day. This book will include a customized calendar to keep track of her doctors appointments. A section for a belly chart and collage page to include pictures of her belly as it grows. It will also provide pages for her weekly entries, pictures ,and sonograms. It will include facts on the fetus development on a weekly basis.
The Box will lay flat when opened, and it’s cover will hold it together when closed. The interior of the box will provide pockets to include small greeting cards, and scrap booking items like adhesive, and stickers. I look forward for the project to continue to grow from here. I will design the greeting card to announce whether it’s a boy or girl, and the items for the baby shower including invitations, booklet and more.
Once again, I want to thank you for the opportunity to participate in the workshop and dedicating your time to us. It was a great creative environment.
Luisa Lizarralde
llillustrations@gmail.com http://llillustrations.blogspot.com/

Hiya!

Thanks again for coming and doing the workshop. I think the pre-assignment was very successful.
I have to admit, though, that I am double dipping in a way on this project. I wanted to help my brother with his show but I wasn't really sure how to do that, and I also wanted to give him a graduation gift because he's been at school for six years now. He's struggled a lot with self promotion and getting himself out there. In doing this project, I ended up creating a sort of identity for his DJ Cutlet alias, and I really want to get as many of these ideas created as possible, and give it to him as a graduation present before I leave here - perfect timing, because I am flying to New York to see his show right after I graduate. He's seen the poster because he needs to go ahead and get them printed and posted up - he loved it. :)

So, here's my finished poster and project suite-



I'll keep you posted as I get more of it done!

No dump trucks :P

For my concept I wanted to make something I would give my boyfriend after we got engaged. It would be a set of three books. One a cookbook (all handmade by me) with some recipes, room to write the experience of the recipe and then space for new recipes we use, find or create together. The second book would be a spice book,containing the most common used spices, what to do with them, shelf life and some fun facts and history. The third book will be about herbs and along the same lines as the spice book. Also I will give him the actual spices in magnetic tins that go on metal bars for the kitchen. On the back of the tins I will make labels for a quick reference for that spice, what dishes to put it in and all that... I really enjoyed the workshop and all the creativity!! Thank you again!

Hello > Goodbye!

Hello and goodbye both! The workshop has ended, so I feel now is a super-ultra prime time to introduce myself!

I'm Kate, a senior illustrator, and it was nice meeting everyone new and seeing old faces both--the workshop was a valuable experience and I am glad I got to share it with all of you!


My influences are quite simply anything fun and bright--I love monsters, robots, science, and children. Or some combination of the above! I hope to see everyone again, and I certainly hope to see more in our workshop projects posted to this blog!

If for some reason you ever need to track me down or want to check out more art stuffs, here we go : katedwiggins@gmail.com and http://katedwiggins.blogspot.com/

Hi!

Hi my name is Dustin d’Arnault and I am very excited to work with you this week.

My inspirations run from illustrators like Robert E. McGinnis, Sam Weber and Sterling Hundley to sequential artists such as Mike Mignola, Paul Pope and Alex Toth. I look forward to seeing everybody at the workshop.

Take care,

DD

you can see more of my stuff here

Hiya!

Hello everyone! My name is Tiffany Bogus and I'm a senior Illustration major at Ringling. I'm really looking forward to this workshop, I think it will be a fun and valuable experience. I enjoy working in a whimsical style and am often inspired by cartoons and children's books from the 1950s and '60s. If you'd like to see more of my work, please check out my blog at http://tbogus.blogspot.com/.

Thanks, and see you soon!

Hi

Hi, my name is Kristine Russ. I'm a senior graphic designer. I'm really looking forward to the workshop and getting to learn more about Hallmark and what you do! My interests are in print and packaging design. I also have a growing interest in motion graphics. 

Here is a link to my blog:

 http://kristineruss.blogspot.com/

Hi everyone!

Hi, my name is Luis Espinosa, and I am a senior illustrator. I am really excited about the workshop, and I can't wait to learn more about Hallmark. I know it will be a lot of fun. My inspirations are Victorian floral patterns and textures. I am also inspired by ancient Mexican art and artists like: Lane Smith, Ragnar, Audrey Kawasaki, Jeff Miracola, and all my friends at Ringling.


To check out more of my work click here.

Hello!!

Hey everyone! My name is Robyn, and I am a senior illustrator. Thanks for putting up this blog! I am really excited for this workshop and can't wait to get started!

My biggest inspirations are Grimm's fairy tales, vintage photographs, and high fashion. My favorite artists are Arthur Rackham, Edmund Dulac, and Lisbeth Zwerger.

See you all later!

How do you do?

Hi! My name is Jane Radstrom, I'm a senior Illustration major. Thank you for the opportunity to learn from you guys! This should be loads of fun.

Some inspirations: loose and painterly artists like Whistler, Sargent, and the Russian Impressionists; Graphic Design - I love to look at type; I better throw in the culinary arts, too, seeing as my thesis is writing and illustrating a cookbook. My favorite ways to unwind are to curl up with a good book, paint landscapes outdoors, or bake something yummy. Some more work is posted on my blog: janerad.blogspot.com

Nice to meet you, I can't wait to get started!

getting started

It's kinda cool to see the blog come to life with all the new materials you've added. Thanks. It's helpful to see your work and read the comments. You're a very talented group of students and this years workshop should be great.
Well.......... the workshop begins next week and we want to give the first assignment so you have some time to work on it.

The assignment: Concept three different ideas for celebrating or sharing a special occasion for a meaningful person in your own life. Consider using any media form. Be very creative. Think “blue sky”, anything’s possible. Concepts should reflect the nature of your relationship and shared connection.
Thoughtfulness matters.

This assignment is all about your ideas. A sketch or concept board should be enough for review. Just do enough to get your concept across. We will critique the work on the first night of the workshop.

Even though this is a Hallmark workshop do not limit your concepts to greeting card solutions. In fact we are more interested in new and different ideas that are meaningful to you.

Have Fun.

Hello Everyone!!!

Hi, my name is Oliver Dominguez and I'm a senior illustrator. I’m really excited to get this opportunity to be in a Hallmark workshop with highly professional artist. My inspirations are Howard Pyle, N.C. Wyeth, Norman Rockwell, and living artist that I meet that really inspired me with their knowledge is Sterling Hundley, Jon Foster, and Mark English. I look forward to seeing everyone in a couple of weeks.

To see more of my work visit:
www.artoftalon.blogspot.com

HI

Hi, my name is Gail Veillette and I'm a senior illustrator. I can't wait for the workshop. My biggest inspirations are children's books from the 50s and 60s, Mary Blair, Miroslav Sasek, and Charley Harper. I look forward to seeing everyone in a couple of weeks.

To see more of my work visit:
http://gailk.blogspot.com
www.gailveillette.com

Hello, I am Luisa Lizarralde, a Senior Illustrator.
I am really excited about participating in the workshop for the first time.
During the last two years I had a growing interest for surface designs and illustrations targeted to children. I am looking forward to gain some knowledge from this great learning experience.
I will see you all soon!

To see more of my artwork vist www.llillustrations@blogspot.com

Hello everyone, my name is Andrea Bowman a junior Illustrator, and I can't wait for the workshop, I know it will be so inspiring! I'm so excited and grateful to be given the opportunity and can't wait to start. I am inspired by pattern and simplicity.

Here is my blog to see more of what I do: andreabowman4.blogspot.com

Thank you again

let's be friends

Hello everyone. I'm Erin McGuire, I did the workshop last year and had a great time! I'm a senior illustration major, I drink lots of tea, don't eat enough vegetables, and I work/prettymuchlive in the library on campus. As far as inspiration, my big three are Lisbeth Zwerger (whom I got to talk to on the phone and she's awesome), Paul Pope, and Tadahiro Uesugi. I like to pull inspiration from a lot of sources, and incorporate strong design whenever possible.

And here is a link to my blog.

I look forward to seeing you all in a few weeks :)

-Erin

good times

Hi, my name is Trish Tatman and I'm a senior graphic designer at Ringling. All my roommates were in the workshop last year, so when I heard it was opened up to the graphic designers this year I jumped at the chance. This is just a smattering of some recent work, along with a collage from a past sketchbook. Personally, I'm inspired by lots of things, but lately I've been really into vinyl toys, 50's advertising, and fashion design. Can't wait to meet everyone at the workshop!

Oh yeah, and you can find my blog right here.

hi!

Hello, I'm Sarah Watts and I'm a senior illustrator. This blog is a really good idea! This will be my second time attending the workshop, and I am excited to go again.

I am inspired by all of the crazy people in this world and their many
surprises. Aside from that, I like new experiences, antique shops and I
love watching The Office.

Click here for my blog. Thanks again for visiting us at Ringling.

Hello ^_^

Hey everyone, my name is Jessica, and I can't wait for the workshop! I feel so blessed to have been given this opportunity. I left a comment before about this, but here is the address to my web album if anyone's interested: http://picasaweb.google.com/jessicanaved
I am inspired by the 2 year-old girl I babysit, all things Disney, God's creations, especially the sky and intricate trees silouhetted in the sky, and pretty much just cuteness in general.

Thanks so much again!

Jessica

Hi!!

Hi Everyone! My name is Abby and I am a Junior from Sarasota. I can't wait for the workshop to start, it's going to be so much fun! Things that inspire me: fabric, old children's books and pretty paper. I also like to look at artist's blogs more than what is considered healthy. Good food is inspiring too. To see my thoughts, process and other work visit my blog:
http://rsadarmadillo.blogspot.com
Looking forward to meeting everyone!

Hello! I'm Arrolynn. Thanks for putting together this blog, I'm really excited about the workshop! I missed out last year and I'm glad I can participate this time. I love and collect children's books, and have recently started a collection of greeting cards. My blog site is http://arrolynngw.blogspot.com/. Looking forward to seeing everyone!

Hello!

Hallo, thank you for inviting us all to this blog! I got to do the workshop last year and I am really excited to do it again. I'm Sarah C. (or Cateris) from Texas. Things that inspire me (other than standard artists) are movies by Miyazaki, blips of overheard conversations as people walk by, and Ren & Stimpy.
More of my work is at my blog, which is here.

Thanks again and see you soon!

Hey everybody, my name is Daniel Miyares. I've been an illustrator at Hallmark for just over five years now. I'm also a Ringling alum. The workshop's going to be great. We've been blown away by you guys in the past. I'm really excited about it. Above is a few pieces of art I've done for various product here at the mothership. Looking forward to meeting everyone. See you in March.

YAY.

I'm Samantha Grasso (Sam). I graduated from Ringling in 2005 and I've been at Hallmark for 2.5 years. I'm really looking forward to doing another workshop with you guys - I was really impressed and inspired by the work I saw last time. Here's some of my recent work!

H E L L O

..... My name is David Pjecha and I've been with Hallmark for XXI years................ in Roman reckoning. I've done a couple of these workshops in the past and I really enjoy working with you guys. Here are a some examples of my stuff. I like going to new places and trying new things creatively....my work is always changing.

The Hallmark creative workshop is set for March 13, 14, and 15. This year we will be developing visual content for a variety of product applications. It should be fun, challenging and informative. Mark your calendars.

We want to take this opportunity to get to know you. If you are going to be joining us in the workshop, you will be receiving an invitation to post to this blog. Take a little time to tell us about who you are, where you're from, what influences you creatively, your goals and anything else that describes you. Post some of your work. If you have a link to a personal site or blog you could post that too.- We're curious.

We're looking forward to working with you all.

David, Sam, and Daniel