#11 Scampi

Most of the experimenting with illustrations was actually just work lately. And that's a good thing. I already feel I have a pretty nice job, doing what I love. But I wouldn't really call designing magazines  and newspapers a 'hobby'. But this, the whole illustrating thing.. well, that kind of is. And it is starting to grow into a bigger part of my day to day work. I have been drawing little piglets and (big ass pigs, too) for AD magazine, the weekend supplement of a Dutch national newspaper.

Talking about food... I was featured in the Belgian 'Libelle Lekker!' in the beginning of March. You may have heard about that (I was pretty happy about it...). And it is actually generating customers for my illustrated recipes. I've been drawing them for the belgian market past month. The latest one is about scampi. And that's what I wanted to show you here.

Illustration Experiment #11. Scampi. Hand drawn with pen and ink. Coloring in Photoshop.
(plus a little hand lettering)

Must-have for interior-change-junkies

Every now and then I see something on Pinterest or wherever and I just can't get the idea out of my head. This was one of them. Not this one exactly, but the clipboard, used as a photo frame. It's kind of perfect for interior-change-junkies such as myself.

Almost a year later, I finally acted on it. I knew how I wanted it. Pretty wood, pretty clips and something extra. Scandinavian style. Basic and pretty. Nailed it, right?

They will be for sale at Stoffer + Blik soon. I just need to make a few extra, because I wanted the first ones for myself. Each one will be different, since the geometric shapes are handpainted and I like to vary in shape and color. You'll see.

#10. Spring!

#10. Experimenting with different styles and changing textures.

The 'orginal' sheep I drew for a job I'm working on was a full pencil sketch, no watercolor clouds. For my own amusement I changed it around a bit and made it into a sweet pink, fluffly sheep. For spring, since the sun has done a little sneak preview of it last week.

#9. Watercolor Tags

#9. Watercolor gift tags with handlettering

I really love how these turned out. They are all completely unique because of the watercolor doing its thing. I am thinking about making a couple of sets for the Stoffer + Blik shop. That would be a nice addition, don't you think?

#8 What I ate....

You see those 'what I was wearing' illustrations on (fashion) blogs a lot. Creative people who can draw and look fabulous every day. I don't think my daily outfit will inspire you, but I can draw and I love to cook. So I'll do it my way. 

Now don't think I'll be posting one of these every day. But it might be a returning feature here. For now it's just the ingredients. If you're interested in the recipe itself as well, let me know in the comments. 

This one I tried for a dinner party I'm having next week. Turned out perfect very first try. Yum. 

#8. What I ate...

#7. Some People...

#7. Some People... Pen & ink, edited in Photoshop.

A little museum

A few people mentioned lately that my house is like a little museum, so much to see: old and new stuff, souvenirs and other things with a story. And the 'collection' is growing. I found this gorgeous set of mounted butterflies in a little shop nearby. I love the typewriter names, the discolored paper and the slightly faded butterflies. And yes, it is also an inspiration. A while ago I was already a little obsessed with butterflies, remember these? And now I feel like starting a new series. I just need a few extra hours in a day...

If you like butterflies, like I do, you might be interested in these cards in my Stoffer + Blik shop. Handdrawn, handpainted in aquarelle!