Ni's Creative Blog

Self-belief and Fear

2012-01-27T05:06:00.000-08:00

Ones self-belief isfundamental if you are to succeed at anything.

I’m more than pleasedto share the link to my fully live and functional website. www.nyhagraphics.co.uk

This is a personal victory, its beenyears of procrastinating, re-designing, self-assessing that made this a “to do”which never got completed.

I am totally aware Iam my own worst critic. A practicing perfectionist, the perfectionist trait isa total handicap especially for an growing illustrator; as you and your style are alwayschanging and growing.

Perfectionism is even more detrimental if it is dictated ordriven by fear. For me it was the fear of not reaching my own expectations ofthe perfect illustrator. The illustration business is so competitive and withthe Internet you get bombarded with images of what you should achieve or whatyou should be better than.

In a frustrateddiscussion with a dear friend she said “it would never be perfect just get it done! You can alwaysupdate it and improve it, just get it done!” which of course is totally right.It was time I stop holding my self back and just do it. I thoughtI was too close to the project so I accepted the kind offer of help from a great website designer Gary Stevens. Gary was wonderful and let me have total creative control, he was focused and his dedicationdrove my project to completion.

This year I’mcontinuing my "Feel Fear the Fear and Do It Anyway" campaign. This is step onecompleted.

I wish anyone having asimilar problem good luck, I know it is hard, but I know you can do it, now you need to believe that too and here a nice quote.

"It'slack of faith that makes people afraid of meeting challenges, and I believe inmyself."
Muhammad Ali

Illustration Friday_Prepare

2012-01-18T04:48:00.000-08:00

Thank you for you comments, I really appreciate it.

Be prepared forsunshine and rain. Could be the black and white outlook. I like tolook at things in a multi dimensional way… some days are sunshine bright andbeautiful and you can clearly appreciate what the world has to offer. Some dayshave clouds or fog where you may feel in a funk of its “just” okay nothing butgrey. Other days can be dark and filled with rain. But these days surely will pass – clouds have silver liningsand when the sun shines through the rain it makes rainbows.

There are so many waysthat the world around us tries to echo that things will change and / or getbetter.

In my illustration Blessing Over the Rainbow (designed originally for acancer support trust) I try to use this thinking: Butterflies for new life andchange; A rainbow for a wish; Yellow for the sunshine, vibrant and positive. SoI say be prepared for sunshine and rain, but try to see the rainbows.

Illustration Friday_Grounded

2012-01-10T11:56:00.000-08:00

Thank you all for you lovely comments last week.

When I saw this weeks IF challenge I immediately thought of one of things that keeps me grounded and it is my little sis, we are only 18 months apart in age and we grow closer everyday. She my best friend and is the best thing that ever happened to me. She is my biggest supporter, loudest cheerleader and sometimes has a bittersweet honesty which you can only get from a sister, a real firecracker and I really appreciate her. So I wrote and designed this card with her in mind. It is available as a card at women to women greetings, larger image on my FB page.

Illustration Friday Hightlight

2012-01-05T10:44:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone and fellow illustration Fridayfriends. At this time of year many of us reflect on the highlights of last yearand look forward to making new goals and plans.
A few of my fav creative highlights are • Open CueB exhibition showing Show Jump and selling loads of prints • Increasing my Etsy Sales • Selling in Things British, Carnby Street • Selling out of Rude Robin Cards • License deal with Hudson & Brown, Texas and there are many more so I'm thankful and very happy.

My illustration Make a Wish was done for W2W Greetings card Stop Worrying! I’mthinking of what I want to achieve this year, there are lots of goals (as usual) so I’mrefining it and making sure all goals are attainable and fun too. Very exciting, I thank the Most High for all of 2011 and that I have the opportunity to be the ruler of my own destiny the possibilities are endless.

So my firstwish is….I wish you all the best for 2012, lots of love, lots of laughter andendless creativity. 2012 is the perfect time to make a wish, what's yours?

Illustration Friday_Brigade

2011-12-05T15:58:00.001-08:00

Hello peeps, hope you are all getting festive and enjoying the Christmas energy flowing around. I've been doing some Christmas craft fairs, drinking warm mulled wine and eat mince pies :o)

One of my close friends told me he didn't really like Christmas, he feels its not always a fun, cosy, family affair it can be a time of loneliness or feeling like you are left in the cold. My dear mate has decided to not mope around feeling lonely this year but he is donating his time to a homeless shelter. And his act of kindness will be a ripple effect of love - supporting others, will fill him with pride, love, joy and worth. This illustration is dedicated to my mate... you don't a fire brigade you got me always.

This illustration is part of the woman to woman range I am working on and is available on their website where you'll find lots of support and positive cards. Here in the UK we don't have fire hydrants so I had to dig out my old sketches from when I was last in the US and did lots of research to get a good representation of one...how did I do?? I'm told the only difference is that they no longer have hearts on the front.

Woman to woman greetings are doing a $50 giveaway for every 50th person to register to their website so please pop by and win, win, win - good luck.

Illustration Friday ROUND

2011-11-29T06:22:00.001-08:00

Meet Louie and friends, a new character I'm developing for a new card company, which I'm working with on various projects. The first to launch is a fabulous new card range called Woman to Woman Greetings written by, designed by and for all women with a aim to enlighten, inspire and empower women. Check out there website www.womantowomangreetings.com.

I’m very proud to say yours truly designed all the Sista to Sista range. It been so fun and challenging. I have been able to develop my style while working on a project I believe in and for a real client. All feedback is welcome I'll be showing you all the full illustrations weekly so you can have a closer look, but here is a thumbnail view.

http://www.facebook.com/nyhagraphics

Illustration Friday Vanity

2011-11-22T06:07:00.001-08:00

“Love is that enviable state that knows no envy or vanity, only empathy and a longing to be greater than oneself” by Joe McMahon

Hello one and all,Thank you very much to everyone who visited my blog last week and all those wholeft lovely comments…very much appreciated. Above is my Illustration Friday submissionMistletoe and Wine which is indeed part of my pack of 6 crimbo cards. Sales aregoing really well, I’ve had lots of help promoting from my friends and family,I’m adamant not to be left with any stock this run of cards…wish me luck.

My Rude Robin cards havefeatured on a beautiful blog - Card and Gift Blog, this blog is such a sourceof inspiration to me and I visit regularly so it is a real honour to befeatured, thank you Charlotte.

So this week I’mgetting ready for my Christmas stalls and designing some new products. I’ll besure to keep you posted.

Stay creatively bless.

Illustration Friday - Silent

2011-11-14T04:16:00.001-08:00

My illustration submission this week the word silent. For my crimbo cards this year I decided to focus on all the lovely festive carols and songs of Christmas which added a spot of nostalgia to my illustrations. I love my bird characters to have a lot of expression and humor - so you'll often find them dancing, singing, a little tipsy or just in love.

Thanks for popping by,
Ni

Winter Promo Leaflet

2011-10-28T12:43:00.001-07:00

Wanted to share this with you guys...not too much chitter chatter as I will post Illustration Friday work tomorrow. Finally all cards are up on Etsy and notice boards...so fingers crossed. Have a good weekend, love from Ni

IF Fuel

2011-10-24T17:32:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
No post for ages, so sorry... if you miss me you can find me on my FB page
I have been busy illustrating my butt off, I have been licensed to do a range of cards for a new publishers which is launching soon more info will follow very exciting times. I was worried I hit a dry patch when getting back to my own range of cards and gifts but thankfully, happily and joyfully I'm still enjoying it and creating some work I'm really proud of.

Here are my first batch of Christmas cards...yep I have two sets this year - one set (6 designs) in my main style and other (set of 4) is to fuel my pleasure for drawing robins I'll post these when they come back from print. Please let me know what you think, they are indeed for sale via etsy or simple email me info@nyhagraphics.co.uk

Stay creatively blessed,
Ni

Swell Time Illustration Friday

2011-08-18T11:54:00.000-07:00

My late submission for illustration friday's - word swell.
This is new called Bird Tango illustration, which is also on a pocket mirror I love drawing my little pigeon characters. These two are featured over and over again doing different things, mainly just having fun together.

First time was a valentines card - Bird Serenade

Looking back makes me laugh the characters have differently grown, in detail and confidence. On Beer and Cheer I tried to take the characters one step further, adding a little more detail, expression and keeping eye on my composition.

Bird Race illustration was requested by the Scouts, Be Purple http://bepurple.org.uk/shop-naomi-c-robinson.html for their fund raising T-Shirt shop, very pleased. Goes shows that these pigeons definitely have legs and hopefully will go far. Swell!!

Imperfect Illustration Friday

2011-08-07T14:51:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted for a little while, been busy illustrating some really exciting new work for a new card publisher. Such fun can't wait to show all my followers. I have been sending a lot of time on my facebook fan page so if you miss me you can always LIKE me there too ;o)

I have donated some illustrations to the Scouts Association Charity for their Be Purple fund-raising campaign, please check out and if you are feeling charitable buy one, all the money goes to charity.

For Illustration Friday peeps tomato and tomahto, no ones perfect. I just finished this illustration which I'll print as part as a new range I'm doing for my Nyha Graphics giftware range...maybe tote bags me thinks.

I'll keep you posted. Ni

Free Shipping Discount Code on Etsy

2011-07-18T10:41:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone,
For this week only I have a fabulous FREE SHIPPING discount code for you all so tell your mates and share the love etc. The code is WORDUP
Enjoy
Ni

IF: Stay creatively bless and positive

2011-07-14T13:22:00.000-07:00

I have nearly finished promo and sales season...Phew!! Although I've been marketinghardcore, luckily I have still been able to create some really nice new pieces. I thought you might like to see how some of my illustrations look (naked) before I start to clean them up and design them. Finished products are on my http://www.nyhagraphics.etsy.com

I'm soexcited about my next sale this Sunday (17th July) as part of the ShoreditchFestival 2011,
I'll be selling my arts and crafts at FiFi's Contemporary Craft Market @ TheRag Factory, London off Brick Lane http://www.fifismarkets.com/#!next-market
Hope to see some of you there.

Stay creatively bless and positive.

Etsy, Selling and Promo Update

2011-06-22T10:36:00.000-07:00

I updated and refined my Etsy store this week, I had to reduce some prices because I haven't seen much sales but thank goodness for my Linkedin forums and helpful advice from fellow creatives... I haven't thrown the towel in yet. My first two craft sales really help moral and gave me a good chance to check my pricing and which products are winners. These were my TOP 5 sellers Breast Mates Print, Show Jump & Build It Card Bundle, the NEW keyrings & magnets, the cupcake magnets and my Doodle Bee card.

I've been doing lots of new art because I'm planning on getting a few new products printed. As for my facebook fan page its fun to connect and build a relationship with my audience, but no real sales, or commissions from it yet...but totally early days and I'll keep you posted.

Stay creatively gifted,
Ni

Summer Craft Fairs 2011

2011-06-15T11:28:00.000-07:00

Just finished designing my flyer with details of where I'll be selling art this year.

Swept_Illustration Friday

2011-06-10T08:28:00.000-07:00

A whimsical illustration for Illustration Friday swept.

I get swept away with the billion ideas, thoughts and images that cross my mind. A nice place to be, I remember when I was in Primary school my teacher wrote in an end of year report “Naomi would do much better in my class if she spent less time looking out the window and day dreaming”

So if your child is a daydreamer she/he could be a creative genius in the making…nurture it! I dedicate this to the young daydreamers.

Ni's Update

2011-06-03T12:21:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,
Hope you are all well and enjoying the spring and summer sun, London is nice and warm. Really gets me motivated all these bright days. Made some new products - keyrings, more magnets, a few new prints and bookmarks, which will be on Etsy Monday / Tuesday so keep and eye out and feel free to LIKE me and say hi on http://www.facebook.com/nyhagraphics

Heads up next FB giveaway will be for your children and will be sometime next week.

Here is my Illustration Friday submission, word Shadows. Here are some quick page layout sketches of my monster Hurbert. Which composition do you think is best?

I have been quite busy with my cover designs view here and I'm currently preparing for my summer craft fairs...I'll keep you posted with which ones I'm attending soon as I know :o)

Have a great weekend.
Stay blessed and creative.
Ni

Journey, Happy Birthday Mush Mush

2011-04-15T12:15:00.000-07:00

My little cousin is 1 today so just finished her birthday card.
A she continues her journey and brings lots of joy I wish her all the best the world has to offer. I do a few personalised / custom-made cards as well as my standard everyday and blank cards. I really enjoyed designing and illustrating this one as I love my Doodle Bee character. The Doodle Kidz characters card range will be put on Etsy this weekend.

Have a great weekend.
Stay creative,
Ni

Illustration Friday_Duet

2011-04-14T16:45:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,
Quick update, above is my illustration friday duet, I'm running a week behind. The colour version is on my flickr.

My facebook page it proving a great promo and networking tool. My postcard give-away was very rewarding and I sent lots of free postcards out to those who LIKED my facebook fan page and emailed me there address... lots didn't want to give personal details which is fair enough, I totally understand. I'm very trustworthy person and any personal info I receive remains confidential, I hate spammers and junk mail too. My give-away continues this week.

I sold a few more things on Etsy... finally! I was over the moon can't wait to get my feedback.
Everyone is happy with quality and vibrant colours my prints, magnets and cards etc.
I'll be doing some more print buying this weekend...so just finishing up some more illustrations.
Very exciting.

I'm drawing/sketching Blue Tit birds at the moment happy its spring :o) will upload soon.

Enjoy your weekend.

Stay creative,
Ni

Duet - Illustration Friday & Postcard Giveaway

2011-04-01T11:12:00.000-07:00

“Marriage should be a duet-when one sings, the other claps.” - Joe Murray

This week I have been having fun setting up my Etsy shop and working on promoting my card range and prints. I have to say my drive for selling is not that hot but luckily I have great, helpful friends and the great tool of "word of mouth".

Postcard Giveaway

As a drive to my Facebook fan page I'd like to give the next 30 people (which I do not directly know) a free postcard, all you have to do is LIKE my page and comment. The first 30 people should email me their name and address and I'll post you your postcard, simple as that.

Good luck and stay creative,
Ni

I promise not share any of your personal details with anyone else and I will not send you junk mail.

Cultivate_Illustration Friday

2011-03-24T13:07:00.000-07:00

As human beings that's what we are always try to do cultivate - grow and nurture a life which is happy, great and of our dreams.  

For me life is about growth - personal, emotional and creatively. Sometimes it gets quiet hard with all the constant change and learning we have to deal with. But I find, like most it is totally worth it!  
If it didn’t work first time we are lucky enough to have opportunity or option to change tactics and make it better. My change of tactics is focus, focus and focus with a little personal ultimatum. 

I have been a busy focused bee, main focus is to have my website up by mid-end April and I have been working towards that. I want the design nice, clean and simple for now.

I tried this layout first but thought it maybe a bit much for slow browsers, with all the backgrounds.

This was my second layout idea

But I prefer design below more space for me to work with and I find the buttons on the side are clearer than the version previously, which could look cluttered.

What do you think?
I have set up a facebook page for all things me and nyha graphics another adminy promotion tool, hopefully doesn’t take to much of my "creative time" as all I want to do it create great art. The more people that know about art, the more encouragement and support the merrier.

New Character's

2011-03-11T08:08:00.000-08:00

So my show is back up and running, I've had a good rest and I'm back to working like a crazy women. Been developing a few new characters for my folio, drawing a few illustrations/spots for my websites and laying out website design PHEW!!

I watched a great podcast-workshop about goal setting and change, which is set in real-time so you can follow it right there and then. I realised I may have been stuck in "decision paralysis" for a few months. This great workshop guided me to write my goals out, make 'to do list' that are realistic and reward myself - definitely worth a watch.

Watch live streaming video from etsy at livestream.com

GREAT NEWS

I sold 3 of the Show Jump prints in opening week!! which is amazing and I've started designing my website which is exciting. I'll be able to do some hardcore art/illustration this weekend so I'll blog again next week.
For now here are some recent character work.

Have a creative weekend.
Ni

Naomi Exhibits at CueB Gallery

2011-02-21T07:43:00.000-08:00

I’m pleased to announce that my illustration Show Jump has been selected for Open Cue 2011 at the Brockley Mess.

The exhibition will run from 23rd February - 17th March 2011, my Giclée print will also be for sale. I hope you can make it down to see it.

I came up with the caption while journaling my way out of my procrastination and art fear. My illustration is also featured on a book cover for relationship skills, I'm very proud of it and I've got my copy of the book this week.

Chicken's_Illustration Friday

2011-01-21T04:31:00.000-08:00

Children's Illustration Course De-Brief

2011-01-12T09:14:00.000-08:00

Children’s Illustration Course Visual Update & Resolution

I’ve finished and passed my short course in children’s illustration at City Lit…who woo.

It was such a pleasure to do something I truly love and get feedback and direction.

The projects were fun, teacher inspirational and encouraging and I meet some talented and interesting people.

Homework / coursework summary:

Children - sketching, research and create characters
Monsters - collage, sketching, research and create monster for different ages
Animals - field trip (zoo/back yard); develop characters, illustrate for Cornelius story
History - children's book illustration,
Working on final spreads for exhibition

See my flickr for more images.

I wanted share my final project and final character studies. For the final show/project I focused on a story/fable called Cornelius by Leo Lionni. See below, feedback or comments most welcome.

Click to enlarge images.

Panda's Tea Party

2010-11-25T09:08:00.000-08:00

Sketched this illustration ages go (back when I was working on the Picture this Competition) and didn't get round to posting it!! My style has changes a lot since doing this...so will do it again, possibly. Thought it be nice to share for Illustration Friday's SNEAKY as the little ants are trying to run off with a cake, maybe for their own tea party?!?

Monster Race - Illustration Friday

2010-10-28T11:28:00.000-07:00

Been so, so, so busy...what's new! Flat searching which has taken 4 long months, I had to stop my card selling and marketing :o) and was getting me down and demotivated.

Luckily I started a children's book illustration course in October at CityLit one evening per week for 10 weeks. Been great to get hands on and keep illustration flowing. My tutor is Dee Shulman and we are currently working on Monsters and collage. I love mixed media so created loads of monsters will do some character develop if I think any have potential.

I like to push and develop myself but sometimes I can't balance everything at once. I need to learn be more easy on myself. At this moment in time this proverb made a lot of sense. It's not a race one can only do what one can do.

Notting Hill Carnival - Business and Pleasure

2010-08-27T12:28:00.000-07:00

Hope you all have a nice bank holiday weekend. I will be heading down to Notting Hill Carnival Sunday. I grew up in Notting Hill and love the carnival, there are not many vendors which sell souvenirs, so I designed a nice little set of badges to sell.

Very limited edition, if goes well I'll print more next time. So I'll be Jammin' having lots of fun down Ladbroke Grove - Notting Hill Gate and if you see me say Hi and buy a badge :o)
Stay creavitly bless.
Ni

Illustration Friday - Atmosphere

2010-08-24T10:16:00.000-07:00

Very busy this week but wanted to share one of my fine art paintings. I choose this piece for Illustration Friday because I think I really capture the atmosphere and feel of calm and peace. This was just one of the amazing views from the (Red Sea) beach on my first night in Nuwebia unforgettable and my fav colour :o)

Sunset are so beautiful and something I love to paint. Hope you are all having nice creative week. Blog soon, Ni

Naomi in Kisses Over Babylon Exhibition

2010-08-19T07:28:00.000-07:00

Some of my illustrations will be showing for a week at an event called Kisses Over Babylon held at the City Arts and Music Project, Old Street, London

Tonight is the launch night of Kisses Over Babylon here will be live performances, spoken word, singing, live music. All welcome from 7pm.

http://www.thecamplondon.com/

Kisses Over Babylon Exhibition launch party 19th August 2010 // 6pm - late

Exhibition 20th - 25th August 2010

Illustration Friday - Star Gazing

2010-08-13T12:20:00.000-07:00

Reaching for the stars and daring to dream are things we should never stop doing. Think big & dream big…. No one is stopping you dreaming is there?

I've been a little artistic loner for many years but I’ve recently discovering how important encouragement from friends, peers and loved ones is and how equally important it is to surround yourself with like-minded people.
People who's aim in life is to do better for themselves and others; people who want to develop their mind; body and soul, people who see possibilities not walls; people with hope and a positive outlook.

I’ve taken on a big challenge with my new business and I am happy to push on all by my lonesome most of the BUT every now and then I need a word, a shoulder and nod from my crew, my peeps, my compadre’s that I’m doing well, keep going and you will get there in the end. On that note I’d like to thank Barbara T, Analu, Natasha G, Lauren W, Janice, Kim, Saidt and Tamara for their kind words that picked me up this week.

I will continue to daydream, create and reach for the stars.

Quote by Pamela Vaull Starr, illustration from my Doodle Kids range.

Illustration Friday - Artificial

2010-08-04T12:44:00.000-07:00

We all love cupcakes, don't we?!
Well this is my IF submission and one of my fav illustrations from my "Gorgeous Cupcakes" card range. It has lots of artificial sprinkles and lovely sweet bits.
This weeks blog is just a nice quick update to let you know my Etsy stall is slowly but surely getting up and running woo whooo!
Check out my progress http://www.etsy.com/shop/nyhagraphics

Also my stall on Portobello Market went really well and it was such a buzz to meet new people, get feedback and see the happiness on buyer's faces. The magnets are little winners and i sold loads of them - I made a cute gift pack which had 2 postcards, 4 magnets and with a little bio about me. I'd like to thank everyone that came down to support me.

I have also managed to get a few (36) of my best cards in Notting Hill's Tabernacle Shop so hopefully they sell and they ask for more stock. I'll keep you all updated on Etsy.

Stay creative,
Lots of love Ni

Mini, Midweek Update

2010-07-28T04:32:00.000-07:00

I have decided to sell some Cards and Art at Portobello Art & Design Market for a few Saturday's and you're all invited.

Greetings Cards, Fear And For The Love

2010-07-23T13:27:00.000-07:00

Hi guys,
This week I got a nice big batch of cards back from print along with the envelopes and cellophane.... think I’m gonna be very busy packaging these little beauties ready for sale. There are 30 designs 750 cards in total... hmmm.The selling is scary and when the fear, fun, rejection, frustration mix comes in. I’m totally just bouldering though any fear I feel – I never done any of this before, Last year I had a fear of showing my work and still have trouble with that sometimes, like all artists. But everything I’m doing now is a personal challenge and it feels exhilarating, exciting and bigger than me. I mean if a few shops say that my cards are not for them it may knock my pride but it will not kill me.My aim is to fulfill my true potential, which will be success to me.
The cards will be sold on a few stalls I’m doing this summer – Notting Hill’s Portobello Art & Design Market, Merton Abbey Mills, Brick Lane, Camden Arts and Craft Market Hall – all this and full time work :o)
All advice, feedback welcome. Have a great weekend.
Ni

Ilustration Friday - Diary

2010-07-12T09:46:00.000-07:00

Hi ya,
Here is my diary design for 2010 my motivational quote was

"Think it, write it, say it, work it, feel it, do it and live it. Remember you are blessed and HE will do the rest. - Naomi, Visual Extraordinaire, 30".

Thankfully it has been a busy year so far with lots of progress.

The Charity Summer Fete I organized last week was extremely successful. We jointly made £357.60 and the company I work for donated a further £200. Amazing!
I sold 7 prints 3 London Ladies, 2 Bug Love and 2 Cupcake Illustrations (not online yet) and my magnets sold like hot cakes. What a buzz, I'm addicted to selling now and the confidence in my products is sky high.

I went into a few gift stores to see if they would be interested in stocking my magnets, greetings cards and postcards. Good feedback and a few possibilities. I'll follow up with them and let you know when my merchandise is on the high streets...hmmm (small stores) My products are still not on Etsy or Ebay yet just getting it all photographed - nearly there.

Stay Creative,
Ni

Summer Fete

2010-07-06T11:04:00.004-07:00

Hi one and all,
Been working hard on organising a charity arts and craft sale. Collaborating lots of creatives which work in my company... the big day is tomorrow. Here is the poster I illustrated and designed. It is for to amazing charities...so wish me luck.

Also been doing some market research at primary school fairs also got the opportunity to selling some of my stock and start a mailing list. Was nice to get some face-to-face feedback.
Love it. Here is some of my stick baby range.

I will let you know how I get on.
Stay creative,
Ni

Yeahie! They've Arrived

2010-06-30T10:28:00.000-07:00

Hi guys,
I'm so exciting…I just got my first batch of products for my Summer Fete charity sale and ETSY. They have come back better than I could imagined or expected. I found a nice friendly, helpful and flexible printer, which offered small quantities with multiple designs. Just what you need when you are a new freelance illustrator with a small budget testing the market.
I love them! Can’t wait to print more but have to sell these first.

I found that a few of my illustrations had been used in inspirational/”that’s a nice image” blogs (even though I was not informed).
http://vectronaut.ivanizm.net/inspiration/saturday-inspiration-17-retro/
http://artist-news.com/me-equipment/
A bit of a worry…thankfully I was accredited in most cases and haven’t found anyone selling my illustration unlawfully (PHEW!). It is a risk having your work online, when all you trying to do is promote your skill and business.

I try to protect myself with low-res images, tagging my images in Photoshop and copyright all images that go up. What do other illustrators do to protect themselves? Watermarks etc.

I’ll be setting up my ETSY store, getting my gift tags, stickers and postcards back from print next week…so keep an eye out and spread the word if you are a fan :o)

Stay Creative,
Ni

Naomi's Magnets & Pocket Mirrors

2010-06-21T10:31:00.000-07:00

Busy Busy Bee. Forgot to post!
Last week was mayhem, I'm currently organising a charity arts and crafts summer fete which will be held in July. We will be raising money for The Sickle Cell Society and The Fire Fighters Charity. The Fete will showcase pieces of art and handmade goods donated by creative people that work at SAGE Publications. I'm selling some prints, greetings cards and illustrated magnets & pocket mirrors. Last week I was sending the magnets and pocket mirror artwork to print. It was fun designing the packaging (below is the packaging artwork). Nice to see my illustrations/designs as viable products/ranges and it will be great to sell them too. Once the magnets & pocket mirrors are back from I'll photograph them to show you all.

Stay creative,
Ni

Ni's AOI Portfolio

2010-06-12T09:21:00.000-07:00

Hi Chaps and Chapettes, 
Just finished loading my AOI folio. Very pleased been on my list for a while now so nice to tick it off. DONE! 
Please check it out and post your feedback.
I recently went to a business focus group this week called Blue Banana and it was very informative. The meeting has really helped focus my thoughts on what I need and want I to do with all this creative energy and how I can finally make some money. So have finished a few "lingering forever" tasks. I have decided to get serious with my targets, take a few more chances and I will have to step out of my comfort zone to promote and sell my trade.  I'll keep you posted. 
Stay creatively blessed, Ni

Ni's Website Progress

2010-06-04T12:02:00.000-07:00

Hi to all,
Had very productive week, designed my landing/under construction page this week...YEAHIE. Very excited...one step nearer to getting full site up and running.

This is what it looks like so farhttp://www.nyhagraphics.co.uk
I been reading Breaking into Freelance Illustration, Holly DeWolf and been thinking a lot about branding and what says Naomi C Robinson/Nyha Graphics. Difficult to combine the two but now I have started to commit to an illustration style and I do design daily I think my brand and style is coming together naturally in both graphics and illustration.

I'm aiming to get my online illustration folio on to the AOI next week.

Wish me luck,
Ni

BIG Team Scribble colouring book NOW OUT

2010-05-30T10:09:00.000-07:00

The Big team Scribble colour-in-zine which features over 100 doodlers including me is now available for purchase, a portion of every sale will be donated to UNICEF. www.etsy.com/listing/48184995/big-team-scribble-colouring...

(Above colour image) I was commissioned to make a custom made illustration for a little girl called Macy, very fun commission.

Early Birds and Worms

2010-05-27T11:29:00.000-07:00

Totally not an early bird with this post.
My first visual ideas for this Illustration Friday were “early bird catches the worm” - but having a reluctant worm which was refusing to get caught… maybe with a speech bubble saying “that’s what he thinks” or “not!” or “not to day chook”
After showing my mum she suggested me to see the flip side of this proverb. So she found this answer/proverb “even a worm will turn”…. Which suited my illustration perfectly. Thanks mum!

May still include speech bubble but don't think it needs any further text...what you think?

Proverb meaning - even the meekest most subservient person will fight back if pushed too far.

My Equipment

2010-05-20T03:09:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,
This weeks illustration friday's word is equipment. So i thought it be nice to show you what i use for my illustrations. I'm a mixed media addict and some may have noticed an artist with style commitment issues. Which I'm working through while trying to keep my creative spontaneity and enthusiasm.

A few components which you will always see in my style - no matter what medium i use or how stylized my illustrations get...

I LOVE: to draw; a dominant line; lots of texture; complementary colours; shapes and composition.

The red stars are my favs, the things i could not live without.
Extra materials which i love are acrylic, brown paper & PVA glue.

Thank you so much for visiting,
Ni

Relaxing and Eating Chocolate

2010-05-14T11:33:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone,
 It has been a very busy, creative, productive week.  

Design side of things:
 Made great progress with my cover designs, head of design & commissioning editors liked designs so selected designs will be going to big editorial board meeting for sign off. So fingers crossed the board like them and do not change too much.
Also done some bog standard templated marketing work such as banners, vouchers and a brochure.
Here are some of my fav cover designs from this week, which do you like?

Illustration side of things: 
Finished some greeting card designs… which I drawn already (when doing mother's day competition) - they were just patiently awaiting colouring and text layout.
Chillax is my fav at the mo, what do you think?

I’m going to have a relaxing weekend…a little sketching but no computer work until Monday.

Hope you all have nice weekend too.

Fearless

2010-05-10T09:34:00.001-07:00

I’m currently working on some more cover designs and as usual I am trying to encourage SAGE Publications to use an illustrated image instead of stock photography. The illustrated designs I create do not always get through the extensive sign off procedure of: commissioning editors, art director, sales director, marketing managers, the editorial board and finally the author. Occasionally they do. This illustration I’m working on is for a Relationship Skills book. The illustration is all about risk, courage, trust, fear and taking the leap.

The caption reads "The show cannot begin until you jump" I tried to highlight the show jump but hope it is still readable as a sentence.

I thought a pleasant entry for Illustration Friday’s FEARLESS too.

A Cocoon of Thoughts

2010-05-05T13:38:00.001-07:00

I was looking at different quotes for this weeks Illustration Friday word cocoon. There were some very interesting ones and many I could relate and visualize to.

Cocoons are a place of safety, healing or a place you can transform.
A place were beautiful things can happen or be created… a creative mind is an amazing ‘cocoon’. As artist/illustrators we can and should create and set free for others to enjoy - our personal little butterflies.

The quote I illustrated was by James Russell Lowell:
"The mind can weave itself warmly in the cocoon of its own thoughts, and dwell a hermit anywhere.”

Getting Ahead - Illustration Friday

2010-04-24T06:44:00.000-07:00

This is my illustration Friday post for Ahead. Been working hard on my portfolio and staying focused on my dreams. I like to stay positive and I'm always finding new ways of doing this. Most recently i have been listen to some handy motivational i-tunes podcasts which help encourage and get me in the right head space. Favs are Creative Independence, Escape From Illustration Island and MorningCoach.com : Personal Development | Self Improvement to name just a few.

For me getting ahead means forward thinking and focusing on my dreams of beings a successful freelance illustrator. Success means different things for different people. But I believe as long as you be true to you and what makes you feel fulfilled you are going to win. Keep creating your art, illustration, fun, life and happiness surely come.

2010-04-24T06:40:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone,

Not blog for a while been very busy working on my portfolio. I’m a Association of Illustrators member (AOI), the AOI are brilliant for giving freelance illustrators advice and guidance on pricing, copyright and portfolio advice.

I been trying to get my money’s worth and utilize their help to the fullest. I recently went to see Fig Talyor their in-house portfolio consultant, which was very informative. Some of the information I had heard her say word-for-word in her seminars but when she did focus on my folio she did give some good advice.

Here's what i got out of it.

Good points:
• liked what she saw especially the ice-skating & dancing penguins;
• does not see me having any trouble getting work as long as i target the right clients, she suggested editorial and education areas and I will need to do research of who I think my work would suit and go for it.

Other points:
• wished she when back to looking at content of folio a bit more, give more feedback instead of repeating things and scenarios she had explained in her seminars; I think i was after "do more of this" or "get rid of this" etc.
• Fig Taylor also suggest I focus and commit to on style a bit more ( I agree)

The best advice was that it is obvious I can do a lot of styles and that lends well to the fact I do graphic design and illustration and it works well working in different styles for different projects…BUT if I am to succeed as an illustrator I need to be a specialist not a jack-of-all-trades. So I should focus on one of my styles for a while (i can always change in future). One style will help clients to know when they hire me they will get XYZ not ABCDEFG or Z.

Above is how I’m getting, i wanted to see all the stuff i have done this month on one page:
some of the card ranges I’m working on, some of the characters I’m developing. To see how my chosen style is improving.
Let me know what you think and if you have any suggestion etc…feel free to comment.

Illustration Friday - Perspective

2010-03-04T10:23:00.000-08:00

This is a quick illustration for illustration friday, been working on the perspective of the ice cream van. Which was tricky, but like this version.

Super Long Train

2010-03-03T02:31:00.000-08:00

I participated in The Scribble Proj ect’s BIG team scribble of a super long train carriage, lots of illustrators and artist were invited to decorate and fill a templated carriage, in black and white for a colour me in zine, sold on ETSY and proceeds go to UNICEF. Here is what I submitted. I like first one having loads of fun with these little characters, which are for a card range launching in the summer.

Introducing Stick Baby & Doodle Scraps

2010-02-25T09:24:00.000-08:00

Stick Baby, which originated from one of my million doodles, which I save, scan and re-visit. He's a little gem don't you think so simple, the stories and adventures are endless. Made first mini comic, yesterday what you do think? Wanted to keep him black and white but gave his features a little more expression so i can play with the characters emotions a little more.

Higher resolution version of stick baby and panda and Stick Baby

I'm working on Miss Autumn top left. Blog as soon as she done.

Illustration Friday - Fast

2009-10-29T08:39:00.000-07:00

Another sketch cook break out.

I doodled this a while back and developed for illustration Friday. I noticed that when I doodle I tend to do a lot of stick men – 6 ways to climb a tomato, let go/balloon and share. These illustrations are just thought bubbles and random images that pop into my head stay a second and fly out as quick as they came. That’s why it’s always good to have my sketchbook and pen near.

I re-draw them in illustrator and keep them simple. Most of the images I choose to develop have hearts or promote love, but flicking through my sketchbook there are some deeper thoughts, which have poems. I may develop those soon.

Illustration, Thinking Positively and Moving Forward

2009-10-13T03:26:00.000-07:00

Haven’ blogged for a while. A little de-motivated, and frustrated with current leaving situation, as I do not have a studio and I can’t get all my art equipment out to create any art work. So everything is SO digital at the moment. Not the route I wanted to take as trying to get a consistent style, but it has it pro and cons.
I’ve been urged to use this time as a year off but feel that I’ve had enough years off my illustration work and building confidence in your own work and artistic style is a extensive journey with valleys and peaks. Having fun along the way and focus is the key.

I’m a full time Graphic Designer for a publisher, I design marketing and book covers. As my goal is to get more illustration commissions I’ve been pushing my illustrations on my cover designs instead of using stock imagery. Not always successful but some is better than none.
The latest brief I got I gave the Commissioning Editor nothing but illustrated options… fingers crossed.

Qualitative GIS and Making Schools Different are my first published illustrated covers…. Hooray!

Now I Know Better

2009-08-11T10:16:00.001-07:00

I done these for a first time author and a small time publisher who had a book coming out and wanted me to design and illustrate the front cover. (Sept 2007)

Brief young black women – modern, trendy but ethnic, with dreads, wearing Ankh.
Background estate in Brixton - Barrier Block, nice car, crime, mother with pram etc.

Unfortunately these pieces were one of those commissions that end badly… no pay; another artist copying my concept, artwork and composition; official letters from the AOI to client and a total waste of my time.

Good things that came out of it – I started illustrating again and learnt more about contracts, copyright and I have had commissions coming in.

One Minute

2009-07-15T13:13:00.001-07:00

This is for my Illustration Friday submission - HOLLOW

Definition: Feeling hollow – empty.

In a job without real worth.
Job seekers go to employment agency when looking for work... but sometimes the whole experience can be an real downer... especially when the staff that work there are lethargic, tired, or simply don’t want to be there and can't be bothered to help. Anyone that is currently looking for work my heart goes out to you. Good luck on your job searching.

Sketch Book Break Out!!

2009-06-24T09:20:00.000-07:00

I was meant be working on TigerPrint Competition, but got totally side tracked and worked on these. I figured the sketches had been in the sketchbook far too long. I’m happy with the end results and still down the greetings card route.

Drifting Illustration Friday

2009-06-23T12:12:00.001-07:00

My entry for Illustration Friday Drifting.
I'm currently working character development for Olivia & Maurice, they have been on the back burner for so long. Luckily I was in a flow and produced this and it ties in nicely to IF.

I'm totally loving these characters and so excited to see them finally coming to life. Although I didn't win Pictures This competition I'm not too upset, the competition has help my Character Development, which I had never done before then.

I'll upload character sketches this week.

Illustration Friday Unfold

2009-06-23T12:01:00.001-07:00

Late entry for Illustration Friday's Unfold... Done it in sketch book and did not have time to finish it in time... but better late than never hey :o)
This little guy is based on my mate John Duncan-Browne.... he said he had a blonde curly afro that could not be tamed, greeny eyes and freckles - this is how i imagined him to be.

I'm back on track this week... next post is Drifting and can not wait to upload.

Mr. Men Inspiration

2009-06-17T08:21:00.000-07:00

I loved the Mr. Men when I was little and still do. I recently made some Mr. Men inspired cards for my boss who is on maternity leave and my dear mate Neil’s husband. I drew all characters, accessories and backgrounds in illustrator…. So fun and inspiring, to re-create a style so simple but effective. It really reminds me not to over do it with visual info… keeping illustrations colorful, clear; bold with a strong line is important to me.

http://www.mrmen.com/uk/
http://www.mrmen.net/

The Mr Men where originally created by Charles Roger Hargreaves in 1971, he made 46 Mr. Men books and 33 Little Miss books with sales over 100 million worldwide in 15 languages.

Craving_Illustration Friday

2009-06-08T11:48:00.001-07:00

My entry for Illustration Friday, I had doodled this in blue Biro on an envelope about a year ago... finally scanned it in and re-drew it in illustrator. I kept the blue color because i think it worked nicely, with the edition of complementary colours.
I can totally relate to having something and wanting something different.
I think that's just life.

Picture This Waterstones Competition

2009-05-19T12:12:00.000-07:00

My mate found this brilliant competition, a chance to illustrate Julia Donaldson's next children's book Freddie and the Fairy. Great story so decided to participate, little did i know how much work it would be, in such a short amount of time. Nevertheless i totally enjoyed it, it was a real challenge and here is what i created. Fingers crossed.

Developing my Doodles

2009-04-16T11:33:00.000-07:00

I do my doodles on everything napkins, notepads; cup coasters and I save them if I really like them. I have been re-visiting some of them and adding colour etc. Here are the latest illustrations.
Chicky the chicken may be developed further...not sure yet.

Celebrations!! My first major group exhibition. YIPPEE!!

2009-04-08T03:37:00.000-07:00

I’m pleased this is my entry for the aoi's competition. London Ladies has been selected for 'A View of London' Exhibition. 18th May – 14th June 2009 at the London Transport Museum. I’m SO PLEASED, I wish I could bottle this feeling of complete joy.

More info on http://www.ltmuseum.co.uk/whatson/default.aspx

Recent article http://culture.bitchbuzz.com/a-view-of-london-from-the-capitals-illustrators.html

Poise_Illustration Friday

2009-04-01T04:52:00.000-07:00

Apple Joe stood with poise.
Apple Joe is a doodle that I am now developing as for a short story.

Subtract_Illustration Friday

2009-04-01T04:45:00.001-07:00

This is the post in weeks for illustration friday. Been moving, which brought all the stress and upheaval and disruption as predicted. Not much space to create organically in current place. So I’ll be doing drawings, scanning and adding colour digitally. Go way to work on colour schemes and more freedom to manipulate but nothing beats paints, pens, inks, paper and glue.

Illustraion friday - FLAWED

2009-02-03T14:13:00.000-08:00

Cassia had lots of dolls, but she loved Penny the most.
Penny had her flaws: a broken leg; cracked joints, an eye that popped out and half a shaven head. All of which did not matter to Cassia, she thought Penny was beautiful and played with her every day.

Climb - Illustration Friday

2009-02-03T06:02:00.000-08:00

Please click illustration for larger image.

I was SO busy last week I did not have time to complete this illustration on time. This Monday and Tuesday London has been blanketed with THICK SNOW. All transport is up the creak and it is ciaos. I'm snowed in and have nothing to do but illustrate (YIPPEE). So here is my late submission for IF - Climb, I had so much fun creating.

Pale - Illustration Friday

2009-01-19T17:24:00.000-08:00

"The moon's an arrant thief, And her pale fire she snatches from the sun"
- William Shakespeare

Mixed media illustration, pastel, ink and pencil.

Similar

2009-01-14T06:34:00.000-08:00

This illustration was a late entry to Illustration Friday... i had a few more ideas for this topic but this was my favorite.

Contained - Illustration Friday

2009-01-12T04:50:00.000-08:00

"The Herring family got some new pets, and Little Junior was so happy."

2008-12-01T04:48:00.000-08:00

This is Olivia and her pet frog Maurice.

One day at the park Olivia’s dad brought her a nice, shiny, big, yellow balloon.

Unexpectedly there was a big gust of wind and Olivia, Maurice and the Balloon floated up, up, up and away. Olivia held on tight to Maurice bucket and the balloon. They floated high above the park and could see all the houses and even her school.

Olivia thought wow, this is wonderful… but all of a suddenly they had stopped and got stuck in between the branches of a tree.
“Help! Help!" Olivia yelled.

Opinion

2008-11-28T09:24:00.001-08:00

"Opinion has caused more
trouble on this little earth than plagues or earthquakes."

- Voltaire (1694 - 1778)

PRETEND

2008-11-20T07:39:00.000-08:00

Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

The story behind my idea... its a old time fable

According to the fable, a hungry wolf came upon a sheep's fleece lying on the ground in a field. The wolf realized that if it wore the fleece, it would look like a sheep from a distance. That would enable the wolf to sneak up on a flock of sheep and steal a lamb for its supper, before the shepherd noticed his presence.

The wolf put on the fleece, and went off in search of a flock of sheep. It spied a flock of sheep just as the sun was setting, and approached the flock. Just as it was about to pounce on a lamb, a shepherd came by, looking for a sheep to slaughter for supper. Thinking the disguised wolf was a sheep, the shepherd quickly grabbed and killed the wolf.