Spurring Creativity

Although I've had my hands full lately with the invitations, things haven't quite fallen to the wayside on the illustration front. A truly charming commission came along yesterday, and I'm currently working on several gift-wrap designs that I'll be submitting to a handful of publishers, once finished.

But tonight, I'd like to give you a bit of insight, regarding creative inspiration. Though there are many aspects of life that give me a bit of drive, a certain rare, distinguished gift came along unexpectedly today, and I had to indulge myself.

Snow.



Lots of it, for Dallas... early in the afternoon, I measured five inches. It's accumulated since, and I obeyed the clarion call that has possessed a part of my soul since the beginning of 2006. I donned my bikini, and romped in the snow. I was a Coney Island Polar Bear for three years during my time in New York, swimming every Sunday in the winter months, so this was like manna from heaven. Matt joined in the fun, and a snowball fight ensued. We weren't out for long, maybe ten minutes - but it was long enough to feel the rush of adrenaline I crave, and send us back inside at ease with the world.



For me, the experience cleanses the mind, and works out any stress, worries and pointless distractions that block creative energy. I'd forgotten that feeling - and the freedom it brings. Once I finish this blog entry, I'll be continuing work on the gift-wrap design, but with a greater sense of liberty from foolish diversions. The main point? Find your inspiration wherever you may, and embrace it, however fleeting. It doesn't snow like this in Dallas very often - but that can't stop me from enjoying it.

Bit by Bit, it Comes to Fruition!

At long last, our wedding invitations are being processed! This took a tad longer than I'd planned, but nearly every step has taken place in-house - the illustration, layout, printing, addressing, and mailing. I'm very happy with the results:

I decided to represent our union with a decorated Edison "Opera" model cylinder player - Matt and I crave early popular music - and the RSVP card features elements of Coney Island - the Steeplechase pavilion, Parachute Jump and a Traver Circle Swing ride. This is what happens when two old-world nuts get together and make a noble go of it - we know how to throw a captivating party, and create more-than-suitable invitations for it.

Meantime, another Slingers show took place on February 2nd... enjoy the following photos, taken by Thomas Garza (tgarza, on smugmug.com). A gal needs to step away from her drawing board from time to time, after all - no better way to do that than with a Charleston and mooch dance. As well, just for good measure, I thought it would be sensible to include at least one photo of my handsome fiance´ - sporting the aforementioned Odd Fellows Hall hat. You don't put forth the effort of such a restoration for Nothing, you know. As a deeply endearing aside, I should mention that Matt is holding my late father's conducting baton - he has led the last two Slingers performances with it. And although my pop was much more classically-oriented, I'm sure he would have been thrilled to know that his baton is still keeping rhythm. Here's to you, Tom Bennignus...