Thursday, September 15, 2011

Back to the Drawing Board

I'm doing an illustration for a sewing pattern for a little girl's embellished corduroy jumper this week.
I thought it might be interesting to post photos of the process in progress.
By the time I thought to document the work, my ink-line drawing was complete, and some of the watercolor base applied.  Here is my crazy cluttered desk, with my reference garment and computer printouts of the fabric print I am to use.  This client (Patty Reed for Simplicity Patterns) designs the fabric as well as the garment, but nothing has been manufactured yet, so I just have prototypes to work from.
Watercolor base complete.  Next, I use colored pencils to add the print and make it come to life.

It was fun to go back to familiar territory: illustration for the home-sewing industry, my bread and butter income over the past 25-or-so years.  Except that the last few years have really been s-l-o-w for me.  I used to get hired to do maybe 8 to 10 illustrations a month, sometimes more...now I'm lucky to get a few jobs a year! The industry is changing, relying on quick and cheap photography more and more, plus there is just a decline in home-sewing in general.  But I still love to do the artwork when I get the chance!

10 comments:

  1. I hate to hear that about your business, but it is the same with a lot of art. There is nothing like an artistic, hand done touch, its so sad to see it being replaced by technology. And to know that women are not taking the time to make things themselves either, too much is manufactured overseas.

    Your work is just beautiful!

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  2. Your work is so gorgeous Maggie!!! I'm sure I've bought SEVERAL of your pattern illustrations! I've always loved their precious expressions ~ wishing you a great weekend sweet friend, hugs and love, Dawn

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  3. karla and dawn, thanks for stopping by. You are two of my blogging heroes, both sooo inspirational:-)..........maggie

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  4. I LOVE your illustration. You are so talented! I would buy this pattern (and the fabric) in a minute! Love, Linda

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  5. WOW!!! How talented you are!!! I only wish I could draw/paint anything that looks sooooo great. Thanks for sharing. LOVE IT! YOU ARE BLESSED GIRL!
    Charlene

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  6. I miss the days when I could look at one of your drawings of adult women and fantasize that you had used my body as a model. hah! but margy, I still love seeing your "take" on the world shine through your drawings.

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  7. I love your artwork!
    Thank you for visiting my blog today. I am glad you enjoyed the "poke sack" story. What a sad story you had about watching all those treasures go into the trash when someone might have wanted them or could even use them. Grief certainly affects the decisions and I suppose he just wanted it all out of sight.

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  8. I love the whole process. Your art blows my mind. I haven't been by in so long, now I'm going to dig around all over your blog and beyond over coffee this morning. Thanks for the retreat from all my to-dos!!

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  9. It's beautiful!! You do such nice work, Margy. My but you have been blessed with amazing talent.

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  10. She is just gorgeous Maggie! I love the way how you've created your illustrations.

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