Out of the archives

I dug these images out of my archives and thought I would share. This was one of my very first projects using Adobe Illustrator. I traced this jpeg of a plant and did all of the coloring and shading by hand to make it as realistic as possible. I was really proud of this illustration!

This little guy's name is Ezra

Owls seem to be everywhere. I don't know if it's just that time of the year or perhaps they are the new, hot "thing". Here is my digital version of an owl. I can't decide if he looks annoyed or pensive. You decide!

Ode to the Columbine

The columbine is the state flower of Colorado. It's a mangy looking shrub but it produces exotic looking blooms. I traced the images below in Illustrator. This is a great example of how the gradient mesh tool can add a realistic nature to a vector image.

Happiness is...

... a smiling little girl! Enjoy.

Shameless Self-Promotion

Last week, I opened up a store on Etsy. For those of you who don't know, Etsy is a website where regular folks like me can sell handmade items. If you've never been there, you must check it out now (I'll wait): http://www.etsy.com . My store will feature digital designs (web banners, logos, business promotional items, etc.) and my own line of stationery.

Be sure to mark my store in your favorites! http://www.jennifertodd.etsy.com

Love,
Jen

Matryoshka Madness

Matryoshka dolls have been around for a long time but they seem to be enjoying new interest recently. I had a set of these dolls as a youngster myself and this graphic brings back fond memories. I drew these dolls myself in Illustrator and my 6 year old just loves them. With various color schemes and apron illustrations, there is an infinite variety of these girls. Enjoy!

Welcome to my corner of the web!

These initial posts are always a bit awkward. Let me start out by introducing myself: I'm Jen (Jennifer or Jenny, depending on how well or not so well you know me). I'm 35 but I don't feel a day over 24. I'm not currently working, but instead I'm pursuing and degree in Graphic Design. I have two daughters, 6 and 3, and my husband serves in the Air Force. We live in Colorado Springs.

The purpose of this blog is to share my latest work, exploits, opinions and various mundanity (I know that's not a word, but it sounds cool, right?!?!). Anyway, stay tuned for more in the life of Jen....