I had taken these photos a while back of the two page spread from the Spring into Action article in Rhode Island Monthly.
Mid Summer Camping
Two weekends ago, Tom and I got away with his family and family friends to New Jersey's Swartswood State Park. It was my first legit camping trip, ever. When I was really little, like first-grade-little, my family partook in an RV camping road-trip adventure, but we never slept tents. So, to say the least, this weekend really put me out of my comfort zone. You may have seen some snaps on my Instagram, but I was hoping to share some more favorites. If you don't mind, I'd love to share a few pictures.
Cooking some dogs and onigiri, my favorite!
Grilled corn.
Smokey the bear is so iconic and made me nostalgic, which is weird, because growing up in Ohio, I only saw Smokey on commercials.
I'm in a tent. And Miss L is showing me yoga.
Also received an awesome braid by Miss E.
Yum! I ate way too many of these.
Thank you for letting me share! Where do you like to go camping? Enjoy your weekend!
Honeymoon Essentials
Hey! I just got married and we went on our honeymoon!I tried to pack light and found certain items were in constant hand's reach because they were so helpful, useful, or just a plain necessity! 
If you are going on a vacation to a tropical area or looking for packing tips, here are some items I thought were super helpful while traveling! Starting from the top center and going clockwise...
-Feel cute and chic in these sunny shades by Illesteva, the Leonard style via The Dreslyn. -The cutest hat from Banana Republic protected me from the sun and has this great 90's Blossom vibe. Sorry, I purchased it a few months back! -A collection of sunscreens, lipbalms with SPF, and deet-free bugspray for skin protection. I really liked Coola lipbalm and mango sunscreen, Neutrogena Clear Face, and Natrapel bug spray. -This net bag from Pearl River helped keep the sand out and stuff in. Just be sure to pack your small items in a larger bag. I used Baggu small 3d zip bag for keeping all my personal items together and keeping sand out! -Keep it easy and pretty when walking to and from the pool with this coverup by Band of Gypsies. -These gold Lillien JCrew wedges actually were my wedding shoes that I bought last minute. Really easy to fancy up an outfit for going out to dinners on vacation. -To keep our medicines together we used Baggu Medium 3d and Large 3d (not illustrated here) helped store a pair of shoes. -An old, peppy JCrew lobster scarf helped make a beach hair-day look pulled together. -I was influenced by a co-worker to take the plunge and try out an SPF protecting rash-guard. I found this cute and classic striped one from Old Navy. -And last but definitely not the least, I kept my jewelry simple by just bringing my wedding band and a simple gold necklace. It was better to keep stuff at home to limit the possibility of losing any!
These articles were so helpful to me, I hope that they can help you too when you are packing for any summer trips!
Got Print Interview
Awhile back, print company Got Print, reached out to interview me for their blog.They were interested to talk about how I use their business to create my own products, which in turn helps me with my business.
If you are in a reading mood, you can check out the interview here! I especially liked how they asked about how one 'creates' their drawing style.
The below link is a vine video of me opening a fresh box of notebooks by Got Print: https://vine.co/v/bj1AelLBT9l
Valentine's Day Gift Round Up
Valentine's Day is this Friday! I always love this holiday, so I rounded up some of my favorite items that I have been eying. Valentine's day gifts don't always have to be gag worthy ;).
1 / Leather Pencil Pouch $30
2 / Victoria's Secret So Over It tee $35
3 / Boden Stripy Henley $54
4 / NIXIN 14k gold knuckle ring $75
5 / BKR glass heart water bottle in milk $34
6 /Staub heart Dutch oven $150
And if you're in a blog reading mood, here is one of my past blog posts that has more Valentine's day ideas. xo
2013 - A Recap
The entrance of 2014 has pushed me to set some new goals for myself. One of them being to get back into blogging more. Whether it be about new illustration work or things I have been up to in New York City, I am trying to push myself to share more content with you folks. But before I jump into new goals for 2014, I wanted to thank you for a great 2013. To everyone who liked a post, every single person who bought something from my Etsy shop, and to the new friends I have made this year, I wanted to thank you from the rooftops!
And to recap the year, I decided to highlight 10 things that happened this year. Some things I posted here on the blog, some on my Facebook page, and some on Instagram, but a few I have kept pretty private.
To start off...
1 / I started the year off drawing A Car A Day.
2 / I went to the Westminster Kennel Club in February.
3 / My highschool interviewed me.
4 & 5 / Tom took me to Japan. I met his family and we got engaged in Okinawa.
6 / I took a trip to the NYC flower district.
7 / I illustrated my first map.
8 / I took a trip to the Fete Paradiso on Governors Island.
9 / My illustrator's feature was published in Uppercase Work/Life 3.
10 / My first illustrated map garners me a commission by Jamie Magazine.
Thank you for letting me share my illustration work. Your support means so much to me!
Work/Life 3: Personal Objects
To wrap up this week, I thought it would be nice to end on a personal note. I thought it would be fun to share some of the actual items that I included in my illustration. I love that they're now memorialized as an illustration.
A few items I was able to have from my maternal grandfather was his Kodak Dakon and his lovingly worn camera strap. I always use his camera strap when I take trips and photograph my surroundings.
For some reason, these glasses are sentimental to me. I can't wear them anymore because they hurt my ears, but I keep them. I bought them the very last day I had a fulltime job (during my lunch break) before everyone at our company was laid off. To me, they symbolize an item I bought during a time of stability (fulltime/health insurance) right before I entered a time of instability (freelancing).
When my late grandparents moved out of their home and into assisted living, my uncles needed to downsize their items. I was given a few sets of my grandmother's teacups. I love them.
For good measure, a few llama's I spotted in Harajuku, Japan.
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To round out this week, I also wanted to share some other fab illustrators that I enjoyed seeing in Work/Life 3. First one is Amyisla McCombie from the UK. Check out her work here. I love her handwritten type and pencil-drawn details.
Also, illustrator Sue Jean Ko's work. Sue Jean blogged about the silkscreen process with her Work/Life 3 illustration. I love the playfulness in her work, especially her cards that she sells in her Etsy shop.
Congrats to Amyisle and Sue Jean and to the other illustrators in Work/Life 3!
Thanks again for checking in this week to read all about the book process. I hope you had fun reading along.
Work/Life 3: Illustration Process
After completing the online questionnaire, Janine supplied me with my illustration brief. Each illustrator would create a custom illustration specifically for Work/Life 3. The following brief was sent to me:
Your Car A Day illustration project was a terrific self-initiated project. I think art directors will be really drawn to its graphic appeal, of repeated similar object isolated on a white background.
Gather a number of significant objects from your personal history and illustrate them. Why are they important? What do they mean to you?
I initially thought sweet, but then I was a little stumped. I did not want the items to be randomly laid out without a sense of relation to my respective age. Story telling was my main priority for this illustration, so I wanted to put some order to the miscellaneous items from different times periods.
To satisfy this desire of storytelling, I decided to make the illustration a map or an info-graphic of sorts that showed a timeline of my life.
My normal process with assignments usually starts off with drawing different on-topic objects. I started to draw all the different items that were important to me. After scanning all of the items in, I started to arrange them according to time.
I was fresh off of my trip to Japan and was majorly inspired by the backdrop of power lines and their street infrastructure (street signs, road lines, turning lanes, etc). I was able to incorporate these items and push the illustration to be more visually interesting.
View from the monorail that runs between Enoshima and Ofuna, Japan.
My initial sketch to get all the items laid out chronologically.
The final piece.
The illustration was submitted in April and by the time July rolled in, I as surprised about how much time went by. In the background, the Uppercase team was busy laying out the book, writing articles, and all the mysterious things that publishers do. So, I was happy to receive the first round of layout proofs in July. After adjusting a few things here and there, I approved the below spread.
And ta-da, there you have it! I hope you can take a minute and read the little notes in the illustration. To wrap up this week, I'll be back tomorrow sharing a few of my significant objects from the illustration. Also, I'll be sharing some other fab illustrators that are featured in the book as well. Until tomorrow!
Work/Life 3: Interview
* Much love to the city I love so much today. I hope all those that still mourn will feel a warm embrace from our city and our world today *
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With the third installment of Work/Life 3, Uppercase publisher & editor, Janine Vangool, interviewed 100 illustrators via an online questionnaire. A broad span of questions inquired about the ins and outs, ups and downs of illustration.
Here is a sampling of the questions that helped formulate our personal bios:
What is your life story in one paragraph? How and why did you become an illustrator or artist? How would you describe your illustration style? What is your creative process when working on an assignment? What is your favourite thing to draw? What is the best thing and the worst thing about being an illustrator? Has being an illustrator affected your personal life?(ie the choice of where/how you live?) How do you maintain a balance between your work and your life? (or not?) Where do you work? Do you have a studio at home or somewhere else? How is your workspace enhance or hinder creativity? What would be your dream illustration assignment? What is your benchmark for success as an illustrator? Please list up to ten clients or companies that you'd love to work with.
From my answers, the below biography was written. I am really pleased with the inclusion of my family history, how it influences my work habits today, as well as what I try to achieve in my illustrations.
Lindsey Balbierz knows the value of hard work and a good education, attributing this appreciation to her mother who raised Lindsey and her two elder sisters as a single parent. “My mom put all three of us girls through private school and college while she was putting herself through graduate school. I think that is where I learned my work ethic and learned to always set goals.”
Leaving her Cleveland childhood behind, Lindsey set her sights on New York City and attended Parsons’ illustration program. Now, as a freelancer working from her apartment, a daily schedule lends routine to what can be an unpredictable profession. “My fiance and I used to share our second bedroom as our office. I since have moved to the front of our apartment where I can spread out and work amongst my books, sketchbooks, scanner, paints, pencils and inspiration board. I really like to be by myself when I draw so that I can get into my drawing zone. I like to make my studio like a cocoon.”
Lindsey loves getting lost in her work, paying attention to the small details. “I naturally gravitate towards capturing details. I tend to dive into making my pieces really intricate with little narratives going on at different places in the image, creating hidden stories that people have to discover.” This ability to observe and concentrate is exemplified in a recent self-directed project in which Lindsey drew a portrait of a car every day for a month and posted them to her Tumblr. The result is a quirky collection of cars— and documentation of an up-and-coming illustrator with a lot of drive.
Thanks for letting me share the interview process with you. Tomorrow, I finally (!) will share the illustration process from assignment to digital proofs. Hope to see you back here Thursday!
Work/Life 3: Photos
Soon after the excitement of being accepted sunk in, my excitement turned into a mild freak out. I realized each illustrator had to supply their own photographs. Fortunately, Tom has the photography chops I needed. Being engaged to a creative partner has it's benefits! The week after we returned home from Japan, Tom photographed my studio as well as a snaps of myself working. I thought I could share some out-takes as well as some more detail shots that didn't make it into the book.
A working studio shot not used in the book:
And some outtakes. It's hard to get a good portrait. Praying for a decent shot.
I see you.
In the end, I supplied a few shots of my studio, my inspiration pin board, my headshot and my handsewn ornaments.
My inspiration board that has little bits of stuff from throughout the years. (Including pieces by [all!] women artists, Lauren Simkin Berke , The Small Object, Jasmine Wigandt, Jensine Eckwall, Adrienne Slane and Laura Berger)
My desk is never this clean. ;)
An Ikea Carrot and a T-Rex. I took the T-Rex from my old job just a few days before we all got laid off.
And that's a wrap for the photo tour. Big thanks to my man, Tom, for making me look presentable. If you would like to buy the book and check it out for yourself, it's available here. Hope to see you back tomorrow when I talk about the interview process.
Work/Life 3 Week: Intro
This week, I thought I would share my process in the development of the 2 page spread featuring my work in Uppercase's illustration directory, Work/Life 3.
photo credit: Uppercase
Last year, I had stumbled upon Uppercase's first two Work/Life directories. I loved the illustrators represented in them. I thought, "Wouldn't it be wild if I ever made it into their next illustration annual?" That crazy notion crossed my mind, but I was quick to put my nose back into creating more work.
Fast forward a few months to February 2013. I read about their call for entries on Twitter. I immediately entered to be considered for their curatorial process. To my surprise, I heard back that very night that I had been accepted. Not only was I surprised that I was accepted, but I was so impressed with editor, Janine Vangool's, promptness and thoroughness with preliminary book information. I knew right away that Uppercase was a publishing house that was incredibly professional and would be an honor to work with.
To describe the book, I'll use the words Uppercase has released:
With the third edition of the UPPERCASE directory of illustration, we are pushing the personal nature of Work/Life to a new level. This edition's theme is "An Illustrated Life" in which we explore the ups and downs of illustration and what it takes to stay creative 24/7. Each participant offers their unique take on this theme and have created an original illustration based on a bespoke assignment specific to their interests and story given to them by UPPERCASE editor Janine Vangool.
Unlike awards annuals or traditional illustration directories, our publication is personal. One hundred artists from around the world were individually interviewed about their creative focus and artistic technique as well as their inspirations and aspirations. Additional imagery (sketchbook pages, studio shots, inspirational objects) are integral to each participant’s spread, allowing the reader to take a peek into their entire working lives.
All other Photos Credited to Tom Takigayama
I'm looking forward to sharing more about the process with you readers this week. Everyday, I will post something different, the interview, the photos, the illustration process, and I'll even share the personal items I represented in my illustration. Hope to see you back tomorrow.
App Illustrations
Earlier this year, I was asked to redesign assets for math app company, Slate.I had a really fun time working on this. Unfortunately, the illustrations were never used, but I still wanted to share them. I especially had fun "designing" my ultimate teenage boy room, pizza rug included!
Thanks Noel for his project!
Thank you for reading!
NYC Flower District
This past Friday, I went with my best friend Adrienne to New York City's flower district. I don't know how it took me a full 9 years of living in the city before experiencing the morning flower rush.
We got there bright and early, around 8:45 am, but still later than their 5 am open time for the trade. It was a really great trip to take for color and display inspiration. We took our time and walked down one side of the street first and then switched over to the north side of the street. It was really great to see all the great flowers the city imports from all over the world.
I felt like we were walking into a Great Gatsby-esque scene with every shop we entered (extra cheers for the ice cold air conditioning at every shop to keep their blooms fresh in the 90 degree heatwave).
(photo credit: warner brothers)
I was especially happy to finally buy my first, and probably, my only bunch of peonies this season. (They were always looking sad at the bodegas on Bedford). Adrienne and I stopped for lunch and then went back to my place to arrange our fabulous blooms.
Overall, I would recommend checking out the district and be inspired! And don't wait 9 years to go! PS. You can read Adrienne's personal account of her time at the Flower District on her blog here.
Japan Trip Part I : Japanese Illustrators
It's been 2.5 months since we returned from our Japan trip. It's about time I wrote about this rich cultural experience! One thing that I really wanted to take advantage of while I was there, was to meet up with Japanese illustrators/artists that I admire. I reached out to a few illustrators before we left New York. To my surprise, many of them were so happy to meet up. I was really intimated to reach out to them since I didn't want to appear too eager or creepy, but I am really glad that I put myself out there. Putting aside my nervousness allowed me to make some great connections with illustrators around the world. Plus I feel that no matter what culture you are in, illustrators are generally super nice people.
On our first day in Japan, we were majorly jet-lagged and awake at 5 am. I was eager to make our trip from Enoshima (where we were staying with Tom's family) into Tokyo. It is about a 1.5 hour train ride there. Kinda like commuting into New York City from New Jersey or Connecticut.
We commuted in and met up with Tatsuro Kiuchi. It was really great. He has a studio space under the name, Pen Still Writes. Tatsuro also works alongside 2 fellow illustrators in the studio, Hiromichi Ito and Kanako Okamoto.
(l-r: Hiromichi, Kana, Tatsuro, Me)
We chatted over some green tea and discussed what each illustrator was currently working on. Tatsuro was preparing for a trip to Augusta, GA to illustrate a job at the Masters Golf Tournament. Very Cool!
This is a beautiful print of Tatsuro's artwork that I purchased.
A flower shop just down the street from their studio.
While we were visiting Pen Still Writes, Tatsuro mentioned his artwork was being shown at a bookstore in Ginza. Tom and I had some spare time later that night and found the huge bookstore where the show was being held. It was really great to see the work out in a different context.
Thank you Tatsuro, Hiro, and Kana!
About 2/3 through our trip, I met up with Masako Kubo. I have long admired her work and she is as sweet and humble as they come. We shared a lunch in Omotesando Hills.
(photo and illustration credit: masako kubo)
Since both Tatsuro and Masako studied outside of Japan and work with international clients, I inquired about the differences between American and Japanese clients. The main take-aways from our conversation were: 1. Japanese clients tend to let illustrators have more free-reign on their work, whereas, American clients have heavy art direction. And 2. The rates for illustration from American clients are generally higher, and less from Japanese clients.
Overall, it was really great to meet new people who are doing what I am doing, but on the other side of the world.
Towards the end of our trip, Tom & I were able to meet up with Yuko who is a screenprinter. I first found Yuko's work through her Etsy shop, PataPri, many years ago and have been following her work over the years. She prints in a beautiful home in Yokosuka, a beach town that has gorgeous views from her studio of the water. Tom and I met Yuko at her house where I was able to purchase a beautiful baby blanket and tea towel. Yuko also was so kind and gave us some freebies. After she showed us around her studio, we took a long, beautiful walk along the coast to a restaurant for lunch.
(l-r: Ryan, Yuko, Tom & Me)
We had a delicious lunch at Engawa.
Since we've been home, this baby blanket has been on constant rotation between my work chair and our couch.
Thank you Yuko!
I gave all my illustrator friends an omiyage, or a gift, of my new illustrated taxi notepad and some Mast Brothers Chocolate. I thought they both are good representation of Brooklyn.
I am so happy that I was able to reach out to people with whom I admire and share common professional practices, although we come from different cultures. The short glimpses into their work and studio practices left me a deeper appreciation to connect with artistic people on our trip. I am so glad that I was able to meet them all!
Peony season
A new piece for summer. I love seeing peonies at the farmers market.
E-Coupon Addict
I did a piece for The Globe and Mail's Facts and Arguments page. The article was about a woman's addiction to purchasing e-coupons. Read the article here (click on the read more button below for the active link).
Thanks AD: Matt French for this assignment.
Wedding Season
Before I left for Japan, I completed a quick-turn-around job illustrating a sign for a wedding.Sam, the bride, was a previous co-worker of mine at American Eagle. I was so humbled when she asked me to illustrate something for her big day!
Sam was looking for an illustrated sign that would sit on the favor table and would tie back to their handmade granola favor. The granola recipe was her mother-in-law's, so Sam wanted to make sure her MIL was mentioned on the sign. I think it is a cute idea and gives a nod of appreciation to her new in-law.
Congratulations Sam and Nick!
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It's the start of wedding season! If you have an idea for your wedding that includes illustration, I would be happy to bring it to life!
Out of Office
I will be out of the office on my first trip to Japan. Woohoo! Yay!I will be back and available for work starting April 18th.
In honor or my trip, I drew 2 fabulous landmarks in Japan. We are trying to get to Shuri Castle while we are in Okinawa.
Sayonara!
St. Patrick's Day
Although my last name says otherwise, I am definitely Irish. I loathe the public drunkeness that seems to go hand-in-hand with St. Patrick's day, but I look forward to this day every year! Everyone is in a good mood (whether alcohol induced or not), and the sun seems to always be shining.
So, in honor of this great day, I made a St. Patrick's day treat guide. I really need a classy green t-shirt for this special day and included 2 below. Enjoy!
