Inspiration #19

'From Up North' is a fantastic site "focusing on promoting and inspiring creatives all over the world. [They] deliver inspiration within Graphic Design, Advertising, Photography, Illustration, Web Design, Motion Graphics, Print & Packaging just to name a few."

Just one of their posts fueled my 4 out of 5 inspirations for the week:

1. This is something I would/could do

2. Love that the trees together form another shape

 3. Great 3D/geometric design

4. Owl Doodle Poster

5. This is a rug! (found on Pinterest)

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All images copyright of Bernadette Moke 2014

Artist v. Crafter

Just a few random thoughts today:

A friend called me a crafter today. When did I become a crafter rather than an artist? Can you be both? 

Yes, I make craft things to sell on Etsy, but I also have some art prints on there too. Yes, the crafts sell more frequently than the prints. Does the fact that I sell more crafts make me a crafter?

According to the internet, crafting results in something useful, and art serves no utilitarian function. But my crayon letters serve no utilitarian function, and they are still considered a craft. 

I must be an artist at heart if I feel like being called a crafter makes me a sellout and lesser of an artist.

How can I just walk away from all the money I make as a "crafter"? Is it worth it just to be an "artist" again? 

No. 

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All images copyright of Bernadette Moke 2014

Tattoo Update #5

My friend sat for a fifth session on his tattoo I designed for him. Here is his progress:

Part 5

Part 4

Part 3

Part 2

Part 1

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All images copyright of Bernadette Moke 2014

Very Cool

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but I think inspiring someone is more gratifying. Imitation or inspiration, I'll take either. I'm just happy when my art reaches someone... anyone!

So when I came across this girl's blog I was so honored! She doodled on a Starbucks Eco Cup and made a tea guide for the baristas, adding her own flair to it. 

Check out her full blog post (here) to see the doodles on the front! 

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All images copyright of Bernadette Moke 2013

Inspiration #18

I guess I'm on a black and white kick this year (so far). This week a pinterest user's (neilcmitchell) architettura board was particularly interesting to me. Here are a few of my favorites. I urge you to follow this board if you like what you see.

1. unknown (pinterest)

2. Zaha Hadid (pinterest)

3. unknown (pinterest)

  
4. Sanatorium, Yalta (pinterest)

5. Wuzhen Theatre, Zhejiang, China, 2013 | Kris Yao, Artech Architects (pinterest)

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All images copyright of Bernadette Moke 2014

Snapshot Saturday #10

Doug + Michelle + Twins
August 2012
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All images copyright of Bernadette Moke 2013

Inspiration #17

This week black & white (& grey) stock photos ... err patterns inspired me!

1. Complex take on the popular chevron pattern. (shutterstock)

2. So beautiful! Triangles of different shades of grey mixed up to form this elegant pattern. (shutterstock)

3. A simple modification of the popular chevron pattern. (shutterstock)

4. Organized chaos. (shutterstock)

5. Another pattern with grey triangles. (shutterstock)

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All images copyright of Bernadette Moke 2013

A Doodle a Day

Since it is a new year, I decided to create challenges for myself instead of resolutions (well, maybe I will still have resolutions, haven't made a final decision yet). Each month I will pick a new topic/subject for a doodle a day. I won't do my traditional doodles, I am going to challenge myself with different things like Celtic designs as well as typography (letters, quotes, sayings, etc). I'll update you, blog readers, twice a month with my progress, but feel free to follow along on Instagram (@downtowndoodler) and on my Facebook fan page.

January - Celtic Designs

7/365

(fail)

6/365

(metallic silver gel pen fills in the negative space) 

5/365

(copied from the book... my favorite though!)

4/365

(an original design, too boxy!)

3/365

(middle is copied from something, the rest is original)

2/365

(one of my favorites, an original design)

1/365
(middle is copied from something, the rest is original)

Some of my lines are rough and the designs can be forced, but I love them all because I'm learning. Also I should note some designs are original, some are copied and/or inspired from a Celtic book my friend is letting me borrow.

Have a monthly "topic" for me to draw this year? Let me know!

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All images copyright of Bernadette Moke 2013
5/365

2013 Resolutions Recap

I honestly had zero time to make any progress on my 2013 resolutions since my last update on December 2nd. December was filled with crayon letters and Etsy orders and very little sleep. Definitely no time for visiting galleries, working on my website or working out (what is that?!).

I guess I'll have to do better on my 2014 resolutions... post to come. I also realized that from 1/1/13 to 12/31/13 my priorities and goals changed drastically. So not only will be my resolutions be more obtainable, they will also be a little looser to match my ever evolving style/goals.

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All images copyright of Bernadette Moke 2014

Snapshot Saturday #9

Doug + Michelle + Twins
August 2012

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All images copyright of Bernadette Moke 2013