Artwork and Videos and Facebook oh My!

Hello my fellow feline friends hope your holiday was wonderful!

Sally & Drew’s Wedding
Tomorrow is my bestest friend Sally’s wedding. To Sally and Drew I wish you the best! A few months back you may have heard me mention that I made their wedding invitations which used this image. Also as a bridal/x-mas/b-day present I made her this.


Holiday Art
I finished my Holiday art in time but wasn’t able to gift it to people because my printer decided to have issues. After many hours of work yesterday we came to the conclusion that it was not the printer but the image that was messed up. I’m going to try re-exporting it to see if it helps. On the bright side my printer now has its updated drivers. I have also complied this evolution of and image for you.


Kat in Videos
I was in the background of this music video they shot at the Dickens Fair can you spot me? Hint I’m the one in the shop in the background right above the left girls shoulder. I’m wearing my new second costume it has a black jacket and periwinkle skirt.


What's the Use of Won'drin'? -Amanda Palmer & Vermilion Lies- from Amanda Palmer on Vimeo.

I was also in the last bit of this documentary in my Bo Peep costume. If you’re never had a chance to come to the Dickens Fair this is what it’s like. In case you’re wondering I’ve played little Bo Peep in the Nimble Light enchanted Toy Parade every weekend during the holiday season for the past 4 years.


Kat on Facebook
I am now on Facebook! If you want to see cool photos of my friends, me and places and events I’ve gone to please stop by and feel free to add me as a friend. If you’re in one of my photos please let me know as well.(search Alicia Kat Dillman)

KatGirl Studio at WonderCon
If you missed this announcement here it is again!
KatGirl Studio is going to be at WonderCon (Feb 27, 28 and March 1) along with Lost Graphics in the Artist Alley at table AA041. I’ll have new art and new items for you my fellow feline friends to take home with you.

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays my fellow feline friends! I hope you all have a wonderful time and I wish you safe travels. And here it is straight from me to you this year’s Holiday Gift Art! Enjoy!

Art-a-thon
Today’s piece is my Holiday gift art for my friends, family and fans.

Art-a-thon #26 Holiday WIP

I spent all day painting my Holiday gift art. Tomorrow I have to finish it up, print out and package up some prints and wrap presents. Hopefully I can get it all done in time. After that I have to finish Sally’s present and move on to some back logged portfolio pieces I need for the new year. As well yesterday I was contacted by a client to do some more shirt design work. Looks like 2009 will be a busy year.

Art-a-thon
Today’s piece is the WIP for my holiday gift art.

Art-a-thon #25 Holiday Color Study

Art-a-thon
Today’s piece is a color study for my holiday gift art.

Art-a-thon #24: ShyOShea and Cloud & WonderCon

KatGirl Studio is going to be at WonderCon (Feb 27, 28 and March 1) along with Lost Graphics in the Artist Alley at table AA041. I’ll have new art and new items for you my fellow feline friends to take home with you.

Art-a-thon
A present for my friend Sally, her WOW characters ShyOShea and Cloud.

Art-a-thon #23: Cloud Sketch

Sorry about not posting yesterday I was gone for most of the day and unable to finish this piece till past 1 am this morning.

Art-a-thon
Cloud, my friends pet in WOW and the second half of this piece. Blue lead on Canson tracing paper.

Art-a-thon #21 & 22: Holiday Sketch & Drawing

Sorry about the non-post yesterday I'm been feeling under the weather and fell asleep before posting. This is a Holiday piece I'm working on for friends and family.

Art-a-thon #20: Zoo Poster Sketch 2

Been working on the holiday piece and getting the Christmas cards ready to send out. As well I spent a good portion of the day re-calibrating my monitor and printer. I also got a piece of equipment that might make making jewelry here at the studio possible, so you might see some new wearable art in the New Year! I also saw The Day the Earth Stood Still today it was really good.

Art-a-thon
A poster design left over from a wildlife illustration class. Blue lead with mech. pencil on Canson vellum.

Art-a-thon #19: Seal Woman Sketch

The original sketch for the crane woman. Blue lead on Canson Vellum.

Art-a-thon #18: Raven Sketch

Been working all day on a piece to gift my friends and family for Christmas. I will probably post my sketch for it tomorrow. My Christmas cards came today, they are a little dark but they’re ok enough to send out so tomorrow I’ll be working on that before continuing on with my gift art.

Art-a-thon
A sketch of a Raven drawn at the Oakland Natural History Museum. Graphite in sketch book.

Art-a-thon #17: Night Elf Sketch

Art-a-thon
A present I'm working on for my friend Sally of her WOW character. Bleu lead on Canson tracing paper.

Art-a-thon #16: Zoo Poster Sketch

Spent most of the day cleaning the studio but I also found some time to get some work done on a present for my friend Sally. She getting married at the end of the year but her birthday is also coming up.

On a different note, on Saturday one of my friends at Dickens told me that his daughter at her young age can’t tell the difference between Dickens fair and Disneyland. To her they’re the same and thus to her I (as Little Bo Peep) are essentially a Disney princess. But with my big blue cake dress and big stuffed sheep who could blame her. Hearing this put a smile on my face all day. If you want to see the dress you can find it here

Art-a-thon
A Zoo Poster sketch left over from the Wildlife illustration class I took.

Art-a-thon #15: Sand Piper Sketch

Quick post before running off to a holiday party hope your weekend is fun my fellow feline friends.

KatGirl Studio Holiday Sale!
KatGirl Studio is having a store wide Holiday sale! If you’re looking for someone special to give this year why not a piece of art? Even better, the first 20 people get a free print in their order! So scamper over to katGirl Studio my fellow feline friends.

Art-a-thon
A sketch of a Sand Piper drawn at the Oakland Natural History Museum. Graphite in sketch book.

Art-a-thon #14: Little Kitty in the City page 22

KatGirl Studio is having a store wide Holiday sale! If you’re looking for someone special to give this year why not a piece of art? Even better, the first 20 people get a free print in their order! So scamper over to KatGirl Studio my fellow feline friends.

Art-a-thon
Today’s piece is page 22 of Little Kitty in the City.

Art-a-thon #13: Mermaid Shirt Design

The project was scrapped so I’m out a few days pay and I still can’t post my work until/ when it gets published. This has happened to me for the 3rd time and I’m tired of it. From now on I’m only going to work for those who value my skills and respect me as a professional and I refuse to work without a contract.

I was reading journals yesterday and I came across one with a post about the blatant disrespect of illustrators and artists as professionals that seems to be running ramped these days. It’s very obvious that some people do not understand or respect the skill and training involved in illustration. If you’d like to read the journal as well it’s here .

Art-a-thon
This was a shirt design that wasn’t used.

Art-a-thon #12: Little Kitty page 19

Still working on work I can’t post but its progressing well and is an interesting project.

Art-a-thon
Today’s piece is page 19 of Little Kitty in the City.

Art-a-thon #10 &11: Shirt Designs

Opening weekend of Dickens was fantastically fun. On Friday I realized a little too late that my Bo Peep costume was unwearable. I finished my new skirt but not my shirt and none of the vendors had shirts I could wear for sale so I borrowed my friend Sky’s velvet Jacket. Friday night I fixed my costumes and the rest of the weekend went smoothly. I love all my friends at Dickens some of them I only get to see there once a year. I also adore all the patrons who are so excited to get a picture with me (as Little Bo Peep) it makes me feel like one of those Disney princesses. When I finish my new Dickens top I’ll post pictures.

I’ve been working on a piece for a client which I can’t post yet put when I can I will. I sent off the sketch today I hope they like it. Because of the past holiday weekend it has a really tight deadline.

Art-a-thon
A shirt design for a client. Blue lead with mech. pencil on Canson Vellum with Illustrator. On Friday I spent the whole day thinking it was Saturday so here's Fridays piece another shirt design (though this one was not used).

Art-a-thon #9: Stalking the Elusive Quetzal page 11 & Happy Turkey Day

Happy Turkey Day Everyone!

Art-a-thon
Today’s piece is page 11 of Stalking the Elusive Quetzal.

Art-a-thon #8: Stalking the Elusive Quetzal page 9

Not much to say today but I hope you have a Great Thanksgiving tomorrow!

Art-a-thon
Today’s piece is page 9 of Stalking the Elusive Quetzal.

Art-a-thon #7: Stalking the Elusive Quetzal page 32

Sorry about the late update, I’ve been so busy with work and my new Dickens costume I hadn’t realized it had gotten so late. Still working on my costume and a new project which I can’t share with you at the moment but when I get the ok in a month or so I’ll post it.

Art-a-thon
Today’s piece is page 32 of Stalking the Elusive Quetzal.

Art-a-thon #6: Stalking the Elusive Quetzal page 7, Wedding & New Dickens Costume

Wedding
Yesterday I went to my friend Heather (Scott Aleric’s little sister) and Sean’s wedding. It was the first wedding I’ve gone to as an adult and the first wedding I’ve gone too in 10 years. It was a really lovely outdoor wedding with some funny surprises. The music was awesome and the food was even better. Most of all Heather looked beautiful and I wish her and Sean all the best in the world for their new life together.

New Dickens Costume
Saturday I drove around town picking up patterns and fabric for my new Dickens’ costume so I can spend the second half of the day walking around as a “normal person”. I’m my case it will be a visiting French artisan. I found a nice periwinkle silk and they were even having a sale so it was $40 less than I thought it would be! Today I hand washed (in my bath tub) my Bo Peep costume since it’s never been washed and after a couple years of wear (this will be the 4th year) it was looking a little dirty. After it dries I’ll make the needed repairs (just a few stitches here and there) and it will hopefully look fresh and new. After washing my first costume I set to work cutting out the new costume’s top pattern pieces which will be modified to look like my friends awesome costume. After that I measured out the right amount of the blue silk for the skirt and cut that. It’s actually just one big 7 yrd. rectangle. Currently I’m sewing on the pleating tape but I stopped to post this. Hopefully I can get the whole thing done by Friday and if I do I’ll post pics of it next week for you all to see.

Art-a-thon
Today’s piece is page 7 of Stalking the Elusive Quetzal. Still working on The Color of Snow painting as well.

Art-a-thon #6: Stalking the Elusive Quetzal page 15

Went to see Twilight last night, it was awesome except for the hundreds of squealing 12 your old girls. It was odd really because it was a school night and my parents wouldn’t even let me do that when I was 17. On another note I’ve been working on The Color of Snow cover all day you can check it out here.

Art-a-thon
Today’s piece is page 15 of Stalking the Elusive Quetzal.

Art-a-thon #5: The Color of Snow cover wip

Applied for a few art positions and built a vision/inspiration board today. I’m going to see Twilight at midnight with my family. I have to admit I have not read the books yet or know what happens (I like to be surprised).

Art-a-thon
Here’s there piece I promised would be posted today. It’s the cover color study/wip for The Color of Snow.

Art-a-thon #4: Stalking the Elusive Quetzal page 5

Sent out a packet to Realms of Fantasy magazine yesterday and the RSVP so one of the weddings. Also got CS4 installed on my computer (took forever!) Also got some other things I will need for the weddings. When I got back home before installing CS4 I started painting The Color of Snow cover and I’ll be posting the wip/color study tomorrow.

Art-a-thon
This is page 5 of the children’s book I’m working on Stalking the Elusive Quetzal. I have almost all the pages drawn then I just have to trace clean copies onto vellum and paint a few before sending it to a publisher.

Art-a-thon #3: Little Kitty page 17

Yesterday I spend the day scouring the mall in search for a nice dress that was not black. I have to go to two weddings and since they’re day weddings, no black. Found a dress I really like after trying on a ton of them. First weddings on Sunday so still things to do and get.

Art-a-thon
This piece is a sketch for page 17 of my Little Kitty in the City book which I will most likely start working on again after finishing Stalking the Elusive Quetzal.

Art-a-thon #2: Mural

A teacher from a first grade class in PA emailed me over the weekend about a wonderful project their class works on each year. The project consists of them writing (emailing) 100 Authors and Illustrators to ask them to share what their favorite children’s books were as kids so the class can read them. As well they ask for one fact about where you live to share with the class. I am shocked but honored to receive such a letter (email) because even though I am in children’s books I have yet to have published a book. I haven’t a clue how they found me but I’m glad they did.

Art-a-thon
I came to the conclusion the other day that I have a ton of art that still has not been uploaded to the internet. Here is one such piece a mural design I was working on for someone.

Art-a-thon Challenge

I’ve decided to challenge myself to upload a new piece here and on my DA every weekday and see how long I last. I have an issue with allowing others (other than my studio mate and clients) to see my “unfinished works” so I tend not to update as often as I should or update a big stack of things all at once. So to become more comfortable with this I pledge to upload something new every weekday. But first lets define what I mean by “new art” sometimes it may be a drawing or sketch or a color study or a finished piece.

As well I’ve created a new blog for the Art-a-thon Challenge and you can join too!

http://art-a-thon.blogspot.com/

New Art

Been working on some new art and character designs for a web comic I hope to do in the near future. I was going through a rough patch in my life but it seems to be getting a little better so that means more art! Was contacted for a project but that fell through, such is life I guess.

APE and Halloween

Halloween was fun. I went to the Illusive Comics Halloween party again and for once there were a ton of people I didn’t know.


APE
Ape was wicked awesome except for the rain. It was raining buckets in the city when we got there and we had to walk a couple blocks to the event. Umbrellas did very little because it was also blustery and the rain was practically raining sideways. So when we got there the whole front of my clothes from head to toe was soaked. First thing we did was eat lunch and then we saw Jennie’s table so we rushed over there. I brought her a goody bag of candy and stuff I had made and we chatted with her for awhile and I got some awesome pins and a sketch form her. You should check out her web comic www.thedevilspanties.com it’s really good. After that we started in one corner and walked down every table which took us till the event closed.

Other cool people I met were:
Shelly Wan whom I got a large beautiful print from because she’s one of my fav artists.
Camilla d’Errico who is the artist of Nightmares & Fairy Tales. I almost cried when I saw her there because I hadn’t brought my book for her to sign.
Amanda Turnage whom I got a cute kitty shirt from.
Sheatiel Sarao of Binary Winter whom I also got an awesome shirt from
Brittney Lee who gave me some cool book marks.

Me ans Jennie Breeden
Camilla Taylor and her cool plushies

Portfolio Prep

Still plotting along and trying to keep my head up. Trying to finish some work before heading to Folsom for the last faire of the season. I have to send out my items for the sampler on Monday and go into the city to drop off my portfolio for a review.

Here’s some more pieces from the project I was talking about the other day.

Moving Along

Sorry about the lack of blog last week life sometimes gets in the way. I had an extremely hard week and I’m trying to move past it and continue on with my life. I really don’t want to elaborate so let’s move on.

I went to the Cartoon Art Museum on Saturday to see the Totoro Forest Project Exhibit. I was amazing to see the sheer amount of pieces there and to know that’s only half of it. They even have an original signed Hayao Miyazaki hanging among the other amazing works. Sadly the books for the show had sold out before I got there and I was tragically sad. The rest of the exhibits were cool too, I got to see original Bill Watterson (Calvin & Hobbes) and Charles Schulz (Peanuts) comic pages. While I was in the city the Blue Angels were zooming around because it was Fleet Week. It’s very disturbing to hear the sound of jet planes bouncing off the tall buildings.

I’ve been working on some knew portfolio pieces for my environment and character design section. Here are some environment studies for Stalking the Elusive Quetzal my story project featuring Xcaret the Margay.

SiliCon

Thanks to all of you who came to see me at SiliCon I really enjoyed meeting you! I also got to meet a lot of fellow artists some of which also went to the Academy. My panel and workshop went well and people seemed to find value in what I was talking about. I hope to do more panels and workshops in the future.

I also got to meet Peter S. Begal again hopefully my camera won’t eat the picture this time. As well I got an out of print children’s book illustrated by K. Craft. She’s one of my favorites and not only was the book signed but was hand decorated on the inside as well which made me very happy. KatGirl Studio helped raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes fund and Alzheimer’s Aid Society by donating some of my art to the charity auction.

I don’t know if we’ll be at any other events this year since currently we are on waiting lists for a few and you know how that is, so I will leave you with invisible cup tennis.

SiliCon

KatGirl Studio will be at Silicon starting today! I will be at my table in the artist’s colony when I’m not giving my workshop or in a panel.

Meet the Guests
Friday, October 3rd, 2008
7:30 pm - 8:00 pm in Siskiyou Ballroom/Donnor Pass Ballroom

Standing out in a Sea of Awesome: Marketing for Artists
Saturday, October 4th, 2008
11:30 am - 12:45 pm in Monterey Room
One of the most important things for artists is getting your name out there but how do you do that and what on earth are art directors looking for? This workshop covers how to make mini promo books, promo sheet, post cards and why their important.

Digital vs. Traditional Art
Saturday, October 4th, 2008
2:30 pm - 3:45 pm in Monterey Room
Some artists are doing all their work digitally. Others work with paint and canvas and/or air brush. Most use some combination of tech and techniques. Working artists talk about what they like and what they use.

I’ll be offering the same images that are in my store at SiliCon so if you’re planning on attending save yourself the shipping and just pick one up there. If you are attending the con and want one of my images as a print and it’s not one of these please email me and I can see about making one for you. I will also be offering some buttons and maybe a few other goodies as well. So come by and ask me whatever you like or just say hi.

Today’s Feature Artisan
Zygopsyche
In need of a cute furry face to brighten up your office desk or con table? Why not stop by Zygopsyche.
Over at Zygopsyche cute little bunnies and guinea’s stare up at you from round fluffy faces. Just staring at them makes me smile but I’ve always had a soft spot for plushies and have many adorning my studio. Zygopsyche’s creatures are crafted out of plush faux fur and are stuffed with a super soft down alternative polyfill to make them extra hugable. So if you’re in need of a Friday pick me up why not pick one up at Zygopsyche.

Designs, Packets and SiliCon

My new packet lists are done so there are more packets to create and package in the near future. I’ve been working on designs for a client and wedding invites for a friend. As well SiliCon is this Friday so I have to get everything ready for that. All and all, its busy busy busy here at the studio. I’ve switched the artisan feature to a Monday, Wednesday Friday schedule for the time being though in the future we may go back to a 5 day a week schedule.

Today’s Feature Artisan
Funky Friends Factory
Feline Appreciation day is just around the corner (Oct. 8th) so why not make you beloved feline friend a special handmade treat?
At Funky Friends Factory you can get patterns to make your own soft toys, be it lambs, elephants or kitty toys. Giggles the Goldfish, Mishka Mouse and Baby Bird come straight to you in the form of easy to follow pdf pattern. The Catnip toys can easily be made of scrap fabric or something special you pick up at the store. Pauline, the creator of Funky Factory Friends, says her patterns a very easy to follow even for beginning sewers and children. So why not try sewing your own Funky Friend or cat toy today?

Packets Away

I’ve been working on the list for the next set of submissions packets for children’s magazines and other publishers. I also have to finish pieces for a client and write out my workshop notes for SiliCon this weekend! Aside from that I have a few projects I’m working on in my spare time which may end up posted here.

Today’s Feature Artisan
Le Collezione
Need a little feminine charm for that new outfit?
Sometimes deceptively simple is simply beautiful. The creations at Le Collezione are simple yet stunning, old world yet creative. For example this lovely treasure called Midnight moonlight features a genuine cultured Biwa Fresh Water pearl embellished with an antique oxidized filigree bead cap suspended from a delicate antiqued chain. So if you feel like adding a little delicate charm to your wardrobe? Then stop by Le Collezione.

Submissions in Route

Dropped off submission packets today and now I’m starting on creating packets for children’s magazine publishers. As well I’m looking into other places to send my work before starting on back logged studio projects.

Today’s Feature Artisan
Little Love Blue
In need of a little kitty to add to your holiday fun or a soft felted face to greet you at work each day?
Cary, of Little Love Blue, crafts wonderfully playful kitties, bunnies and so much more in her Brooklyn studio. All her stuffed treasures are lovingly crafted from hand felted wool fabrics, soft natural washed wool and hand detailed with sweet little faces. She strives to make them all of superb quality, creating beautiful display pieces that are durable enough to actually be played with. So if you’re in need of a little holiday decoration or a handcrafted treasure for you or a loved one check out Little Love Blue.

Designs in the Works

Been working on the designs for a client while waiting to send out my packets. There was a problem with my stamp so they’re making me a new one to pick up later today. Which reminds me, if anyone is in need of design work or illustration services I do have time available.

Today’s Feature Artisan
Betsy B
In need of a stuffed friend to decorate your desk, home or car? Then stroll over the Betsy B.
Betsy B creates adorable llamas from reclaimed materials along with other interesting items. Each Cloud, the Earth Friendly Fluffy Llama is hand crafted from her own pattern on a vintage sewing machine while the details are lovingly hand sewn. If just getting your hands on one of these treasures isn’t enough she also offers kits and patterns to make you very own Cloud Llama. So if you’re in need of a stuffed friend that good for the environment as well why not stop by Betsy B.

Samples

Here are some of the samples I printed and cut yesterday that are going out to publishers. Currently I’m just waiting for the custom stamp I had made to mark the back of each sample before I can send them out. Yesterday the sister of a lady I had met at and Art & Wine festival called me up about doing some design work for her so that next on my project schedule. After that it’s back to work on my new pieces for the shop and working on my workshop for SiliCon.

Today’s Feature Artisan
Birdz N Beez
Into old world wonders or steam punk creations? Then why not check out Birdz N Beez’s beautiful jewelry.
There is something truly fascinating about the mixing of rigid clockwork and delicate curving designs which Susan Scherer of Birdz N Beez’s masterfully pulls off in her pieces. Birdz N Beez’s unique jewelry features antique silver plate, aged brass and vintage watch movements embellished with vintage glass beads, Swarovski crystals, semi precious stones and pearls. With so many beautiful pieces I just couldn’t choose a favorite, so if you’re heading to Steam Punk event or just looking to add a little time piece to your outfit check out Birdz N Beez.

Mini Promo books

Still fighting a cold and trying to get these packets out and on their way. Found the answer to yesterday question but can’t find the size paper I’m looking for so I will have to cut my own. Here are the new mini promo books going out in each packet.

Today’s Feature Artisan
Kreativlink
Are you a fantasy lover, gamer or aspiring writer or artist? Then check out Kreativlink’s beautiful handcrafted books.

In this day in age with e-blogs around every corner sometimes putting pen to paper just feels better. Renate Ikinger, Kreativlink’s creator, hails from beautiful Austria where she creates gorgeous hand bound and embellished journal/sketch books. The pages in each book are hand torn and stained with tea to give them that old world look. While the covers are either soft colored suede or thick acrylic felt but are always hand painted with interesting dream evoking designs. At its small size Kreativlink books are perfect to tote around on all your daily adventures.

Submissions: Take Two

Came down with an awful cold so I’m still in the process of gathering/making the items for the packets. The same question still stands: When sending out sample images to publishers do you only put one image on a page or a few? If anyone has info on the subject please leave a comment.

Today’s Feature Artisan
RockLove
Where breathtaking beauty meets old world glamour.

After an apprenticeship in Florence, Italy, designer jeweler Allison Hourcade, the creator of RockLove came to NYC to start her indie jewelry label. RockLove’s jewelry breath’s new life in to old world style with gorgeous hand carved and cast nickel-free sterling silver and breathtakingly beautiful photos. If you’re in need of a little old world beauty to add glamour to any outfit why not check out RockLove.

Submissions

I’m in the process of sending out submission packets to publishers but came to a snag in deciding what “samples” actually means. When sending out sample images to publishers do you only put one image on a page or a few? If anyone has info on the subject please leave a comment.

Today’s Feature Artisan
The House of Mouse
In need of a little house mouse to keep you company at work or home? Why not scurry over to the House of Mouse and adopt one.

Anna of The House of Mouse brings to life our favorite characters, singers, & people in mouse form. I had a hard time choosing a favorite mouse because they are all so wonderfully crafted, so I chose Indiana Jones Mouse because something about a little mouse going on Indi sized adventures is unbelievably cute. Each house mouse is individually hand crafted and comes with a complete outfit and props to fit their theme. You even get a signed and wax stamped certificate of authenticity and a surprise goody as well. Not only do you get an awesomely cute house mouse to come live with you or a friend, but a portion of the proceeds also benefit the British Animal Welfare Charity to help wonderful recue animals find good homes. Every kitty companion I have ever had was a rescue and so I fully support this. So if you’re a little lonely or just in need of a few more laughs why not pick up your own House Mouse and benefit animals everywhere both real and crafted.