Art by Jenny, Artist and Graphic Designer - Design, Illustration and Publishing Services plus Art Workshops

A post all about me... Jenny James aka Art by Jenny. Its been a while since I wrote in my blog, since Easter in fact, but with time flying past so fast and so many things I want to get done each and every day, I kept putting off the blog (I've a folder on the desktop with loads of examples and notes) until I had more time. But time is something I need to learn to manage, not wait until it stretches into more time or go slower.

So...

To start off my blogging momentum (again), I thought I'd start with who I am and what I do. While chatting with friends I've found that what I do confuses people, so here it is, clear as mud!!!

Its that fairy illustration again! I know, I keep posting her everywhere, but she's gorgeous! I'm so happy with how she turned out. This fairy was digitally hand painted using Adobe Photoshop. I love how her wings turned out... and the butterflies, hair and flying teddy! Visit www.redbubble.com/people/georgiegirl to see the whole painting.

'Art by Jenny' is here for all your graphic design, publishing and illustration solutions ... local and worldwide!

- Illustration and design
- Business and personal stationery
- Publishing services (books and ebooks - cover design, book layout, whole book design, publishing)
- Logos (get your business image looking professional)
- Business cards (these should be handed out to anyone and everyone like lollies or sweets)
- Websites (design, development, management, or just help whenever you need it)
- Wedding invitations (designed or handmade, also birthdays, engagement and any other occasion)
- Oracle or tarot card design
- Newsletters (need help with Mailchimp? call me!)
... there's lots of other stuff too, but these are what I like to design :)

My website and portfolio - www.artbyjenny.com.au - designed and developed by me! I'm happy with it and hope you like it too. On my todo list is to redesign it to be more mobile friendly and not so green... if you have any ideas on what you'd like to see stay or go, feel free to give feedback.

As an accomplished artist, I also love to share art and craft techniques with everyone and anyone... so an afternoon every Saturday has been dedicated to 'Something on Saturday', whether its Me, Myself and I or a group of friends... its a day of art.

"Something on Saturday" - workshops all about Art

Book today so you don't miss out!!!

Something on Saturday is an Art Workshop held in the Art by Jenny Studio at Christie Downs. Every Saturday at 1pm. My workshops are fun, relaxing and inspiring... with no more than 6 in a class.

Hello! This is me, Jenny. Here I am at a mosaic workshop taught by my bestie Donna. We had such a fantastic day breaking tiles, making a mess and creating a beautiful stepping stone.

For only $60 you discover new skills and have fun in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere (max 6). Don't bring a thing (unless you have fave tools you want to bring) - just come along and have fun!

Workshop info - www.shop.artbyjenny.com.au/pages/whats-on-in-the-artbyjenny-studio

- Mixed media
- Art journaling
- Rubber stamp making
- Using stamps with watercolours, inks, acrylic paint
- Stencil making
- Using stencils
- Watercolour pencil techniques (Derwent Inktense)
- Drawing, tangling (just for fun)
- Colouring with Copics (techniques and tips)
- Painting (watercolour, acrylic, folk art)
- Gelli Arts mono printing
- Tim Holtz craft techniques
- Off-the-Page craft projects
- Sculpture with Fimo and other clays
- Cardmaking (postcards, greeting cards)
- Scrapbooking
- Papercraft flowers

Arty Tuesdays are a day of creative freedom - you are welcome to pop over and have tea, coffee, lunch and/or a chat! Or not :D Its up to you. I do recommend you msg me before you arrive, you don't want to see me with Mad Hatter hair!!! Its frightful :D lol

Where to find me online

I can be found many places in our virtual universe... if you see my Georgiegirl cow on her new purple background, you've found me. The following are my main places...

REDBUBBLE ... Check out my online art gallery and shop - www.redbubble.com/people/georgiegirl. My artwork is sold worldwide!

There is a wide variety of artwork and photography at Redbubble... so many clever and talented people all in one place. Redbubble organises the fabulous, high quality products for us so we don't need to worry about anything except creating art or taking photos. There are many amazing writers (authors and poets) floating about RB too, so check them out. There's something for everyone!

MY ONLINE SHOP ... hosted by Shopify (they do a great job with the SSL, encryption data and other high tech stuff that creates the little padlocks and keeps all our private data safe).
I've also got an Etsy shop... it echoes abit at the moment from lack of goods but stay tuned for its virtual shelves to have amazing handcrafted artworks and wooden creations.

The link to my online shop is - www.shop.artbyjenny.com.au

At the moment, there is a boutique sized collection of art supplies and craft products... including Darkroom Door stamps, Distress Inks, Graphic 45 papers (some) and a collection of Readymade (Pre Designed) Logos.
Soon to be added are quality artist paints, brushes and supplies by Liquitex, Windsor and Newton, Reeves and Jasart and lots of other awesome arty goodness. Plus more products from Tim Holtz, Ranger, Dina Wakely, Dylusions' new colours and so much more.

I've got so many ideas and things make (and then add to the shop) - original artwork, handcrafted rubber stamps, stencils and more artwork plus Wood'n Marbles has delivered a huge stash of his gorgeous wooden creations... fairy steps, nursery rhyme plaques and an amazing sailing ship.

FACEBOOK ... www.facebook.com/ArtbyJenny.GGofRB. Feel free to 'like' my page and share with your friends (thank you!).

PINTEREST ... pinterest.com/georgiegirlofrb/ a place to share and find inspiration for life, art and everything inbetween.

So I don't do much really, do I? Could be why I seem to keep running out of time each day! lol But I live in the slow lane and eventually I want to do will get done... and my dream art shop and gallery by the seaside is getting closer every day.

Happy creative day!!!
:)
Jenny

Sam Gets Two Homes ... a Book for Children

Hi everybody,

Its been a while since I wrote because I've been flat out drawing and colouring 32 pages of illustrations for a children's therapeutic storybook written by Donna Mahoney.

I really enjoyed illustrating this story and can't wait to do more! I designed the cover and book layout as well and now that its finished, I am looking for more books (or anything else for that matter!) to illustrate and design (hint hint!!! hee hee).

Here's a small preview of the book...

"Sam Gets Two Homes" is a story about two children who arrive home from school one day to discover that their father has moved out. The story takes the reader through the rollercoaster of emotions that are felt when families break apart.

Without spilling the beans, it has a happy ending with a few questions at the end to encourage the children and their parents or carers to chat about their feelings.

Although aimed at a younger audience, this book is perfect for adults as well - reading about other families who go through similar circumstances is comforting for everyone.

"Sam Gets Two Homes" is out now as both a printed book and eBook at the Lulu Bookstore. Ask to borrow it at your local library (give them the ISBN (9781291740356) and they can add order it and to their catalogue) or buy it direct from Donna Mahoney's online shop at Lulu.

I'm back to posting more regularly now and have nearly finished an Adobe Photoshop tutorial about how to draw vector shapes, so watch out for that in the next few days.

Happy Creative Day!!!
:)
Jenny

Designing and Creating Unique Logos

Every designer has a different view about what a logo should look like... after all, an image or icon designed just for you should be different. It should reflect what you sell with your (business) colours and style.

This is how I go about designing a logo... roughly anyway. Each and every single design I create, whether for a logo or website, has a different journey.

Firstly, I start with the words... and have a think about a few things (with the help of my client!).
- What is the name of the business?
- What is the slogan?
ie, "graphic design solutions for you and your business"
- Is it to be a text only logo or are there images involved?

On a personal note, the thinking shouldn't take too long and the words need to be typed out asap to show the shapes of the words and get the creative juices flowing.

When talking or thinking about thinking, I end up having funny thoughts about Winnie the Pooh and Dr Seuss. Usually quotes from the book "Oh The Things You Can Think" and images of Pooh Bear saying "think think think" as he sits confused on a log.

So on we go... you now have your words, lets get some style ideas.

Styles include (but not limited to, as the list is endless) the following (and samples below)...
- shabby chic (Art by Jenny - that's mine, above)
- nostalgic (like my fairy painting with the butterflies that I keep showing off everywhere!)
- strong feminine (Creative Ability Network)
- calm and secure (Your Budget Solutions)
- child friendly and crafty (Natural Fun)
- modern strong (Ristal)
- modern fun (Save a Kitty SA Inc)
- grunge and/or arty (Together Artistry)
- colourful (Robyn's Craft Cave)
- feminine and crafty (Angelarts Studio)
- feminine creative (The Fabric Thread)

I didn't design the Ristal logo but used this logo for the banners I designed for their stand at their last trade fair. Its a good representation of a modern logo.

 

  

 

Questions used to nut out these styles include...
- What does the business do?
ie, make or sell toys, advise about finance, enhance people's wellbeing.
- What sort of toys or product is made or sold?
ie, pool accessories, Tonka trucks or baby dolls.
- Who are the customers?
ie, men or women, young newly weds, older (often wiser!) people, teenagers.
- What are the clients likes and dislikes?
ie, types of animals, flowers, books, anything at all.
- Are there any illustrations or diagrams needed?

And of course, next is colour...
- What colours does the business use or would like to use? I usually ask what are their three favourite colours and go from there.

The wording, images, style and colour will tell me what fonts to choose and I while I state in my quotes I'll design at least three different samples, I always make more and send you the ones I like the most.

Just as a last 'for instance'. This is my logo created in two different ways, both in purple but one with white text and one with dark purple. The white wording banner also has an embossed edge, making it look raised off the page. See how little changes can make it look so different?

The most important thing about creating a logo or image of your business is that you like the finished design and that it makes you smile. If it does that, then it will make your customers smile too!

Well, that should give you a start. If you have any questions whatsoever, simply ask. I'm only an email away!

hee hee... I was inspired by watching Shrek2 the other night (again! its one of my favourites) where the Fairy Godmother would say, "I'm only a teardrop away!"

Happy Creative Day!
:)
Jenny

Let Me Introduce to You ... Kathie Holmes

Hello everyone :)

Its Sunday, and day 4 of the 30 Day Blog Challenge.

Today I want to introduce to you a wonderful person who's made a big difference to my life and business. She's taught me about navigating the ways of business, networking, finance, how to balance, hop and juggle, and so much more. 

This incredible person is my friend and business mentor, Kathie Holmes of the Creative Ability Network.

The logo I designed for Kathie

Kathie has amazing insight to people's skills, and while the name suggests the skills are about creativity, they're not. Its about nurturing your own abilities and creating a business that you love. My abilities just happen to be creative... and producing and teaching art, craft and design is what I love most!

With the fantastic amount of support from my Mum, Dad, son and Kathie plus all of my wonderful friends, I am working and creating at the same time :) Its just totally awesome... Thank you to all of you! 

Kathie has a variety of clients under her wings and has given us all places to chat, laugh and network, as well as an easy to follow online course for starting and maintaining a business. She is a multi skilled and talented person who gives so much of her time and energies to all others. 

How many other mentors and teachers have you met who give so much of their time for so little? And at all hours of the day too!

So visit Kathie's website, the Creative Ability Network. and see for yourself what Kathie can do for you!

Happy Creative Sunday!

:)

Jenny