Astrid Mueller's creative blog

how to start out as illustrator

2010-06-23T12:00:00.004+02:00

I've been repeatedly asked by illustrators how I started out. I'm sure much of this has been said before, but here are a few suggestions from me from my learnings.

Design what you love, not what you think the market needs. You’ll find a market for it when you have the portfolio. If you only do what the market wants it probably won't make you happy. Of course some design jobs may not inspire you creatively but pay the bills. We've all done those. My recommendation is that you don't lose sight of your passion. Life is too short.

Have fun in school! Use the school time to play in all kinds of media and techniques, keep an open mind, and go crazy! This is the time where you can find yourself and discover what you love doing. Going freelance isn't always easy - you will need to be passionate about what you do to make it through the tough times. So find your passion!

How do you find your style? This was a major riddle to me when I started my design studies. But I shouldn't have worried - I didn't have to find the style, the style found me. Just design what you love (and sometimes something you hate!), and the more you design, the more your work will become "your style".

Should you have one style or many? This is an ongoing controversy. I would say this depends on the needs of your target market, but also on your business model. I know of a successful illustrator who is extremely versatile and works in many different "looks". His clients are advertising agencies, and they love to hire him because he is so flexible and versatile (advertising agencies pay rather well too, by the way). I also work in different illustration techniques, but all of my work can be recognized as "my style". I love to work this way because I essentially always illustrate in a look that comes naturally to me and that I love - at the same time I can offer different illustration techniques to clients. This allows me to recommend a design technique to them that works best for their particular project and target audience.

On the other hand there are super successful illustrators out there like Jason Brooks who clearly have their signature style. Some of such illustrators are in the business of licensing, and became very famous and successful this way, and with their signature style. So there is no simple yes or no to the style question. You have to look at the big picture, and at you particular business.

To sketch or not to sketch. I am such a bad example for this. I have a million sketch books, but never really perused them much. BUT. And here comes the big "but": practice makes perfect. I started out with about a year of school and initial experience in drawing and painting from that time, which gave me some drawing experience to start out. After this, I have refined my skills with years of client projects, which have also helped shape "my style", and how my lines flow today.

When I work with clients, I definitely work with sketches. In my case they are all digital though (I work in Corel Painter). I involve clients in every step of the way. I find this is important to avoid misunderstandings and unnecessary corrections, and I want to make sure they are always happy, and on board with everything. Not everyone can visualize an idea in their head without seeing a sketch - submitting sketches is not only helpful but often required by clients.

Learn about business while you are in school. Unfortunately there are still schools out there who don't teach the business aspects of being an artist. Even if you are a fine artist, you will have to make a living, don't wait until you graduate to think how you will go about it. If you have in mind to become a commercial illustrator, take some business classes, start meeting people in your favorite industry, do internships, make friends in companies you'd love to work at, speak to other designers and so on. Finding clients and getting your name out there takes time. Don't wait until you graduate.

Is freelancing even for you? Starting your own business needs a lot of passion and energy. It comes with a lot of benefits and freedom, but also bears risks and uncertainties. Not everyone is cut out for it. Speak with other designers or read books about this topic to see if you want to try this path. I was employed for many years and never dreamed about going freelance. One day however, I stumbled across a class about opening my own business. I learned the basics of being on my own, made a business plan, weighed my risks and realized that I had a portfolio and not much to lose (financial security for about 4-6 months). So I dared to jump. I love it, and never looked back!

Think about who your dream customer is, your dream design projects, and what your dream-industry may be. Is there a niche that you absolutely love? What type of business may benefit of your art? The more you specialize, the more likely people will remember you as the specialist in (insert your specialty). "Be a big fish in a small pond", as the famous saying goes.

Write a business plan. Every business owner who wrote a business plan is statistically much more likely to succeed. If you're serious about your career, do it.

How to get customers? Many companies will try to sell you advertising space. Not everything that is expensive however, will lead your dream clients to you. Targeted marketing is the key When I started out, I literally met magazine art directors personally with my portfolio. Today I either advertise on portfolio platforms like theispot.com, or send out my portfolio as pdf upon request. For my new wedding illustration business AstridMuellerExclusive.com I am submitting exclusive content to wedding blogs, which brides frequently peruse as inspiration. Where would your ideal customer look for your design service?

Never ever leave your house without a business card – you won’t believe how many business people I’ve met who don’t have a card on them. Too bad, I may have recommended them and brought them business otherwise...

Make a customizable portfolio that can be geared toward each individual customer (pages can be shuffled / taken out). Make it nice, make it count, only show your best work, and show only work that is interesting to the particular client you are about to meet. Always research your clients before you meet them, by the way! I learned this the hard way. Nothing more embarrassing than not being up to date on their magazine or business needs. The more you know about them, the better you can consult them on how you may help them.

Consider carrying a small portfolio with you at all times – I have mine in the form of business cards! The back of each business card shows another illustration. Other ideas are small laminated cards on a key-chain, fit into every purse. I’ve gotten jobs from this before – you never know who you meet at a coffee shop or in the train!

Have an online portfolio that is clean, user friendly, and up to date. If you don't have time or money to start a professional website, work with a portfolio site like photobiz.com or start a blog.

Make friends. Take every chance to meet people, tell everyone what you do – a lot of jobs come from people you know. Network with other artists, with business professionals, potential clients, friends, people on the train... everyone you feel comfortable talking to. I've gone to conferences before and it turned out the person next to me was the owner of a big corporation. You never know - the person next to you may actually need your services.

Read and learn. Marketing books, business books, design books, art and business magazines, podcasts, audio training tapes – there are learning opportunities everywhere, you can never learn too much. Some of the websites that I visit for general illustration inspiration are Drawn.ca If you look for motivational business training, check out tapes from Brian Tracy or Jack Canfield. Sean Low writes regularly about The Business of Being Creative. Make sure to indulge in the industry or field that inspires you - in my case I've become obsessed with gorgeous wedding blogs!

If you want to grow, consider getting a mentor or a business coach. Be careful though, as far as I know the title "business coach" doesn't necessarily require a certification. Make sure your mentor or coach is an expert in the field you need guidance with.

Attend design conferences – stationery fairs etc. which pertain to your industry and the field you love.

Become part of business associations – have a look around, in almost every bigger city there are associations that help new businesses, many of which are free!

Believe in yourself and reach for the moon and stars :-) One of my favorite quotes. Don't listen to negative voices. It's good to listen to feedback, but don't let it drag you down. Learn from it and move ahead. Stay around positive people, not negative people. Visit my blog every weekend to see the latest inspiration card that I posted!

These are just a few thoughts... there are many many tips out there. Further interesting articles are tips by illustrator Nate Williams or the blog living the creative dream More tips on how to market yourself as a designer on Businessofdesignonline.com to just name a few.

Hope this helped! Wishing you fun and success in everything you do!
Astrid

She's alive!

2009-03-10T01:07:00.010+01:00

For all of you who were wondering - I'm still alive! Sorry for not posting for so long. I've been super busy - with building my new company! Everything is starting to come together, slowly but surely - I officially incorporated my new company in the USA this week! Champagne Promises LLC - modern, romantic wedding invitations with my illustrations!

And check this out, I just branded my iphone! Hah!!!

my branded i-phone and my brand new business cards!

Greetings from New York everyone!

Happy Weekend Inspiration Card 17

2008-11-28T20:10:00.005+01:00

When we give to others, it makes us happy in return! This is my inspiration for this weekend. Why not surprise a friend with an unexpected gift? We'll both share a happy moment. Hmmmmmm, what can I give to whom?

The illustration also fits the IllustrationFriday.com theme 'balloon' - we can't see the balloons, but they will be at the birthday party she's going to!

Happy Weekend!

PS: I created this illustration for DIESEL, for a store anniversary promotion

Happy Weekend Inspiration Card 16

2008-11-09T08:26:00.005+01:00

Work like you don't need the money.
Dance like no one is watching.
And love like you've never been hurt.
~Mark Twain
One of my favorite quotes!

The illustration you see here is a glimpse of a design that I created for the German magazine DECO. Can you believe it, there's a gift service that sells Yodel lessons in the alps! That's what my illustration was for. I wonder if earplugs come with the package ;-)
Astrid

Happy Weekend Inspiration Card 15

2008-10-18T01:01:00.013+02:00

Photographer Critsey Rowe from Couture Boudoir photographs brides-to-be in a very sensual way. The brides then often give the art photos as a wedding gift to their grooms. Great photography, very classy - compliments Critsey! I'm not a feminist - but let's just muse for a moment: why are women always the ones who have to be sexy? How about some role reversal? (smile)

In this illustration that I created for LAURASTAR SA - one of the world's leading producer in ironing systems - the guy is topless, and he is also doing the ironing. How sexy is that, ladies?

By the way, if you're interested in buying the illustration, it is available on a limited edition ironing board cover - only 3000 pieces sold worldwide. More info on www.laurastar.com

Happy Weekend Inspiration Card 14

2008-10-11T01:39:00.007+02:00

Feeling tired, strung out? Exercise is always a good remedy to revive your spirits. Illustration Friday inspired me to this card, by asking for submissions to the word "strings". Strings...strung...strung out - there you go!

I created the illustration for the German magazine LISA. I worked in Corel Painter, using a thick and thin ink pen, coloring areas with the fill tool, then adding a chalk-like brush on rough paper for texture, and airbrush for the cheeks.

Happy Weekend!

Happy Weekend Inspiration Card 13

2008-10-04T00:52:00.009+02:00

Illustration Friday asks for illustrations to the topic "sugary" this week - and here it is! Does this remind you of a sugary romance or what? Smile. This is a glimpse of the illustrations I created for the inner bride tool, which is now online on theknot.com. Check it out - it's fun! You can create your own bride, and email it to friends...

I've been in the shoes before where I almost chose a love that wasn't the real thing. Everyone has to judge for themselves, and everyone has different needs, so there's no one recipe. But what I wish for everyone out there that we all wait for the "real thing", the one shoe that fits. It's not always easy, but it's definitely worth it.

Happy weekend everyone!
Astrid

Happy Weekend Inspiration Card 12

2008-09-27T01:54:00.007+02:00

"A woman can never be too packed with shopping bags!". Laugh. Well that's kind of absurd, and not very deep. But hey it fit's with today's Illustration Friday theme "packed"! For all fashionistas out there, the stylish fashion blog www.almostpacked.com also inspired me to post this inspiration card for this week's Illustration Friday theme.

I created this illustration for German magazine LISA, to an article that was wondering if shopping is in a woman's genes. How superficial. Of ourse it's not. Right?

Laugh. Have a great, happy weekend everyone!

Happy Weekend Inspiration Card 11

2008-09-19T20:51:00.015+02:00

Illustration Friday asks us creatives this time to illustrate something to the topic "clique". I created this image for Radio Energy Zurich, Switzerland, for a casting show: seeking a "Heidi" from the mountains that wants to come to the city and moderate a radio show. In any case, I feel the illustration fits to the topic well. It shows an important aspect of cliques that immediately came to my mind: We still have to listen to ourselves, even if we are in a clique. And sometimes this may mean that we have to leave the group.

When I was younger I was strongly influenced by what others were doing for a while (I was a teenager, what can I say). While that was good for me at the time, I started feeling stronger once I started to listen to my heart more and follow it. Duh - you may say. Yes, I know, it sounds so logical doesn't it? But it's not always that easy, sometimes we have to be brave when we want to follow our hearts. That doesn't just count for teenage cliques, but also for later in life. Sometimes we're stuck in a situation that's very comfortable to be in, but not necessarily following what our heart is saying.

That's what this weekend inspiration card is for: to give us power to be brave and always follow our heart.

I received "I love your blog" award

2008-09-15T21:10:00.005+02:00

I'm so excited - Senta gave me the "I love your blog" award! Senta, thanks so much, it's an honor to be nominated - especially by you: your illustrations are very nice! For everyone who hasn't seen Senta Plyer's blog, have a look, and see for yourself!

The rules for this award are:
1-Display the logo on your blog
2-Link back to the person you received the award from
3-Nominate 7 other blogs
4-Put links of those blogs on yours
5-Leave a message on their blogs so they know they've been nominated.

Here the seven nominations of blogs that I love:
Brooklyn Bride
Hostess with the mostess
Erin Skipley Makeup-Artist
Glamour This Wedding Inspiration
Decor8blog
Marguerite Sauvage's blog
art of the masses, by Emily

Wedding Invitation and caketopper figurines

2008-09-15T20:28:00.010+02:00

For customers of a high-end Swiss wedding planner, I developed a stylized illustration of the couple and a design concept, which were both being used throughout the wedding: on "save the date" cards, invitations, the menu, and as a unique extra, as caketopper figurines. The caketopper ornament was produced on plexiglas, and not only complemented the styling of the cake, but now serves as beautiful keepsake for the couple.

Happy Weekend Inspiration Card 10

2008-09-12T21:20:00.009+02:00

I have to admit, things work out so much smoother when we face challenges with a solution-oriented, positive attitude... but isn't this a challenge sometimes? Even this Buddha seems to think so (smile). I created this icon along with 4 other attitude Buddhas for the 2008 fall issue of Girlfriend Getaways Magazine, New York.

Happy Weekend Inspiration Card 9

2008-09-05T21:14:00.014+02:00

These days, I'm working on a new business endeavor. I read and learn as much as I can from successful business people. One thing I hear time and time again is that we have to dream big to achieve our dreams. If we hold ourselves back and don't dare to believe, don't even dare to have small goals, let alone big ones, we won't get there. So this is one of my credos these days, one that I keep repeating to myself. DREAM BIG!

Thank you for this inspiration Brian Tracy, Napoleon Hill, Leili McKinley, thank you Jon Goldman, thank you my friend Gabriela, thank you Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Martin Luther King, and countless others.

Being that I'm from Switzerland, I have to internally fight against our culture a bit. Back home, when one is too proud, too go-getter, it can have a negative image, people may call you arrogant, caution you to be careful and go slowly. It's such a pity, this can hold people back from living their dream! Just because one dares to live their dream and believes in it, it doesn't mean one is arrogant.

Another thing that can hold us back from dreaming big and achieving our dreams is clutter. This week's Illustration Friday theme "clutter" reminded me of this - thank you IF! Indeed, if our mind is cluttered, as opposed to clear and strong, we don't dare to dream big! So here's a wish to us all. Let's go for it! Let's get rid of clutter in our minds, find our dreams and dream big! Let's turn our dreams into goals, our goals into baby steps, and start walking.

Happy Weekend Inspiration Card 8

2008-08-29T21:04:00.022+02:00

Today, IllustrationFriday.com asks for submissions to the topic "memories". This led me to create this inspiration card.

Many psychologists, philosophers, buddhist leaders, and other successful people have written about "staying in the present". Lisa Smith-Batchen is a world class athlete and successful coach, whose athletic achievements have appeared on the covers of The NY Times, The LA Times, The Washington Post and Winning Magazine. She writes on her blog:

"You know what's interesting - I've been reading a lot of Buddist literature and books lately - it talks a lot about staying present, focused, here and now, positive etc. I notice when I run if I stay focused on the step I'm taking at the moment - not the last or the next one- and if I keep a positive attitude my energy level increases - now this isn't that surprising - but - I also notice - if I start to think about resentments I have or people I don't like in a negative way- I actually start to get weaker- and if I than re-focus on something positive- or reframe the resentment to understanding I immediately begin to feel stronger..."

Here's inspiration from the political arena: Today, Gov. Sarah Palin, who's serving her first term as Alaska's governor, made the nationwide news. Not only is she the first woman and the youngest person to hold the state's top political job, but now Sen. John McCain chose her as vice president! Go Gov. Palin!

Do you think she would be this successful if she often dwelled on her past? No way! So let's not dwell on the past, but focus on the now, and we'll have a future to look forward to.

This blog post is also dedicated to a friend of mine who still is being bothered by her past (and a very obnoxious, psycho boyfriend who can't let go and keeps bothering her). Girl, try to focus on the present. You left him, be glad! Try to ignore his efforts to still make you feel bad - focus on the now, on what you can and want to do for yourself, and work on your future.

Happy Weekend Inspiration Card 7

2008-08-22T23:37:00.006+02:00

This week's inspiration card is for all you hard workers out there! It is also my contribution to today's Illustration Friday illustration theme "routine". Let's not lose sight of what's really important - let's remember to take a step back and see the bigger picture. It's so easy to get lost in everyday routine, isn't it?

I remember when I was still employed (as opposed to having my own business now), it was so easy to get busy busy busy, and just go from one day to the next, from one task to the next. Today, I enjoy working a lot more - for my own company. It still happens to me sometimes to lose sight of the big picture. Not so much regarding what's important to me personally, but regarding my business and all the things I want to accomplish. Here, I have to send a big thanks to my coach, Leili McKinley from www.soaring-phoenix.com - she really helps me to focus on clear goals now. Thanks Leili!!

I created the illustration in the card for Swarovski. Maybe you recognize her: she's "Stella", the fashion magazine editor who has her own column on www.swarovski.com!

Happy Weekend Inspiration Card 6

2008-08-15T20:41:00.006+02:00

I'm dedicating this weekend's inspiration card to Illustration Friday theme "detach", and to one of my friends. She just left someone who treated her really badly. You go girl!!! It's not okay and there's no excuse for mistreating a woman (or anyone for that matter), be it verbally, mentally or physically. I feel with all the women out there who are stuck in relationships that aren't good for them. Hopefully this card reaches out a little bit, and inspires more women to be strong. There are really great, good men out there. Don't be fooled into believing it's as good as it gets if someone treats you badly. Be a princess, walk away!

Have a great, happy weekend everyone.
Astrid

Happy Weekend Inspiration Card 5

2008-08-08T23:20:00.008+02:00

This weekend's inspiration card is a playful approach to a very serious topic. Jilian Curtis from blog-me-til-midnight.blogspot.com invited me to create an illustration for a home-schooling project that she was doing with her children. She was building a small Holocaust memorial in their front yard, to help the kids remember all the Jews that lost their lives.

Jilian's invitation made me recall a speech that I was able to attend recently, by Holocaust survivor Gerda Weissmann Klein. The lecture hall was extremely full, people were sitting in the aisles, standing in every free spot, and listening intently from the crowded entrance. Her lecture transfixed the entire audience, you would have heard a penny drop. Instead of seeing a defeated elderly war-survivor telling horrifying stories from the war, I was baffled to encounter a still very good looking, warm-hearted, positive woman on the stage, with a big (though sometimes sad) smile on her face. I was fascinated how a woman who had lived through such atrocities could be so positive! I left with some of her inspiring words resonating in my mind. This is a part of her speech that I remember (not her words, but mine, recalling): "Imagine wanting to go home, but not having a home. Not having a passport. No money, no own clothes, no rights. In one of the camps I was at, there was hardly enough food for us. A large pot of soup for too many people, with maybe one potato at the bottom. If by pure coincidence one day you received this one potato, the happiness you felt was unbelievable. I lost my father, mother and brother, I was deported to work. This happened to me and many others. When I was freed it was a miracle. I was given my life back. I feel extremely lucky that I was allowed not only to survive, to be rescued, but to be able to marry, and live a long happy life with my later husband in the United States. My message to you is that we should all be happy for what we have. Let's enjoy every day and everything to its fullest. We have it so good. Let's appreciate every little thing we have."

Mrs. Klein has written many books, won an Academy Award, and founded the "Gerda and Kurt Klein Foundation". Her speech, wisdom and attitude to life is a great wealth of inspiration to me. The topic Holocaust is also almost overwhelmingly complex to boil it down to a small inspiration card. But I had to choose. While this inspiration sentence doesn't reflect any core reason of the Holocaust, it reflects a contributing factor (that was missing in Germany at the time), and one of Ms. Klein's missions with the "Gerda and Kurt Klein Foundation": to be tolerant and respectful of others.

Happy Weekend Inspiration Card 4

2008-08-01T23:52:00.006+02:00

This week's inspiration card is one to remind us not to take life (and ourselves) too seriously. Thank you Denise for that suggestion! If anyone has an idea for a future inspiration card, please don't hesitate to email me: astrid(at)PotatoMammaDesign.com

The illustration also fits well to this week's illustration friday challenge "poof!".

Wishing everyone a weekend without accidents! Hope to see you back on my blog next weekend for the next inspiration card!

Happy Weekend Inspiration Card 3

2008-07-25T18:55:00.007+02:00

Here it comes, my third inspiration card. I thought it would be too crazy to always have positive cards. It's totally okay to NOT always have a 100% happy mood. We all need some down time :-)

Lucky coincidence, I just realized this post also fits well to this week's illustration friday theme "canned". Hey, if I was canned, I'd be crying too ;-)

This little fellow is one of my "mopies" characters. They're all always having a bad hair day. You can buy a lot of fun products with "the mopies" in my online store.

Have a great weekend!
Astrid

Happy Weekend Inspiration Card 2

2008-07-18T21:28:00.005+02:00

Wow, thank you everyone for emailing me your positive feedback, and for making suggestions! There's a lot of inspiration within all of us, I see!

As it happens, this inspiration card also fits very well with this week's illustration friday theme "enough". Enough is enough with feeling bad about ourselves!

I've decided to make this one for all us women out there. For the days when we think our hips are too wide, our nose is too long, our chest is too small, our feet too big... FORGET IT ALL! We're gorgeous like we are! :-)

Happy weekend everyone!
If you have a suggestion for next week, I'm happy to hear from you! astrid(at)PotatoMammaDesign.com

See you back here next weekend with the next inspiration card!
Astrid

New: Happy Weekend Inspirations by PotatoMammaDesign

2008-07-12T11:43:00.012+02:00

Who doesn't need inspiration and motivation every now and then? I sure do! 2 days ago, I made my own screen saver with inspirational cards - each with one of my illustrations or patterns and a power-boosting message on it. I ended up really liking them, and suddenly thought that this may be interesting for others too.

This led me to start a motivational card series here on my blog. From now on, I'll post a new inspirational illustration card every weekend. The cards are for everyone out there who needs a cheer-up (geared towards women, because I'll use a lot of my fashion illustrations). The cards shall make everyone happy, and give you all power to reach for the stars!

My first inspirational card: reach for the stars!

This project is not just for me, it's for everyone who likes the cards! So I'm inviting everyone to give me feedback and make suggestions. Do you have a motivational quote or saying that you'd like me to use on a card? The words of wisdom can be sassy, fun, silly, or serious, whatever you like - they just have to be short, and they have to cheer people up. Send your suggestions to: astrid(at)PotatoMammaDesign.com

See you back here in a week!
Now have a happy weekend!
Happy Potato Greetings,
Astrid
PotatoMammaDesign.com

They want to take our copyrights!

2008-05-07T01:48:00.003+02:00

Call for all artists and people who want to help us!

It looks like big companies are about to implement a new legal bill in the USA that would deprive artists of their copyrights!

The extremely successful artist Mark Simon wrote a detailed article on the subject, and tells us how we can help. Everyone tries to skip long articles. But this one is worth it. Please, everyone, read it and help us artists! On page 2 you'll see what we can do (write to Congressmen etc.).

Read his article here: You Will Lose All The Rights to Your Own Art!

Thanks!
Astrid

2008 PotatoMammaDesign Birthday Contest

2008-04-02T14:11:00.003+02:00

Hello friends!

On April 1st, my company turned 2 years old. Celebrate with me, and take part in the 2008 PotatoMammaDesign Birthday Contest! Tempting prizes, and taking part will only take you 3 1/3 minutes. Precisely. Just go to:
www.PotatoMammaDesign.com/news , download the word document, and email it to me (instructions within)

Submit at the latest by April 30!
Good luck & Happy Potato Greetings,
Astrid

Windy voyage

2008-03-26T09:26:00.004+01:00

This illustration is the result of me playing with a new kind of oil pastels I just came across. Pretty fun! They look like rouge make-up containers, and have make-up utensils within the same box: little smear sponges. Love those paints! And I kind of love the illustration too, I wonder what story it has behind it?

These are my first steps in children illustration, feedback welcome!

Pencil, oil pastel on cardboard

Scared Rabbit

2008-03-26T09:22:00.004+01:00

Except for the paints (I accidentally got the cheap kind of gouache!), this was fun! I don't know how I came up with this illustration idea, but I sure feel bad for the scared rabbit now.

These are my first steps in children illustration! Comments are welcome! (As with all other posts too of course)

Pencil, Gouache, Ink.

IF - Garden

2008-03-09T22:25:00.004+01:00

Here's my submission for this week's Illustration Friday theme "garden".
It's an older piece, but it fits the topic!

Oil Self-Portrait in Corel Painter

2008-03-09T21:46:00.015+01:00

Corel Painter offers so many brushes, it's near endless. I've decided to try a new field: oil paints. Here are step-by-step visuals of a self-portrait I created. I don't do self-portraits commercially, there are artists specialized in that. But it was an interesting experiment, to familiarize myself with the oil paints in Corel Painter!

I used only 3 brushes: wet brush, dry brush, and grainy blender. If you hold the pen down while using wet or dry brush, you can use them for blending too.

Step 1:
Using a photo as reference (try quick clone, you can blend it in and out), I lay down the basics.

Step 2:
In this case, I decided to change the colors, and I worked out the color areas some more.

Step 3:
Starting to add a backround with a large brush.

Step 4:
I made the background more loose, making sure I keep large hand movements. This gives the image more movement and makes it more interesting. I also added more details: the eye had much more subtlety than the rest of the image. I therefore decided to add some fine brush strokes of similar quality on other areas of the painting, to make it more harmonious and interesting. I also adjusted the color areas in the neck and face, adding more rose-pink tones. This not only picked up the background color (which would be a natural light-reflection, and making the overall image more harmonious), but it gave the skin a warmer, softer color.

Step 5:
Usually I use Photoshop to adjust colors. It has a wider and more professional choice of adjustment tools. In this case, I tried using a tool from painter to make the colors more vibrant. Effect - equalize gave me a stronger saturation, so I think I'm happy with this result.
This would be my final painting.

how to keep projects coming

2008-03-09T21:38:00.005+01:00

I found this inspiring link on BODO (business of design online). For anyone who is bored and doesn't have client requests coming in... here's inspiration that will get you going again!

Posted by: Neil Tortorella
Staying Afloat In A Tanked Economy

I got interviewed

2008-01-28T22:22:00.001+01:00

The graphicdesignblog.co.uk asked me to contribute tips and tricks on freelancing. You can check out my interview here:

graphicdesignblog.co.uk/freelancer-focus-25th-january-2008/

It's a pretty cool site, it contains many more useful resources for designers. Have fun!

I've been tagged...

2007-12-31T05:03:00.000+01:00

Frizz from Illustrator Group Soup tagged me! She asks me to tell 5 things about myself here, and then to tag another person in another blog. Hmmmmmm.

ONE
I loooove potatoes – for anyone who doesn't know yet. I could live off just veggies, cheese and potatoes. Actually I have, over longer periods of time. THAT's the original reason for my business and blog name – no fancy deep meaning behind the name "PotatoMammaDesign.com". Sorry to disappoint you :-)

TWO
My friends know me a mile away by my laugh. At one of my last jobs, the cleaning woman would hear me laugh all the way down to the parking garage, and that's when I had my office in the second floor. Second floor in the European sense, meaning we don't count the exit level as a floor, you walk up 2 levels and THAT'S the second floor. That's either impressive or embarrassing, HAHA.

THREE
Yes I'm Swiss, but no, I don't ski very well. When I was a teenager it grew too embarrassing for me to ski because I never got the sexy hip swing down and remained scared I'd cross the tips of the skis and fall. I can snowboard, but not very well either, grin.

FOUR
No, I'm not a lesbian, even though I do prefer to illustrate women. Women are just cool and elegant – so easy to draw them in style. How do you do that with a guy? Lol.

FIVE
One of my dreams is to become rich and live in a house with my sweetie pie with view on the ocean, a great window front, and a porch with a jacuzzi with sea view! Very modest, I know.

Let's see... I'll tag Michelle Lana!

PotatoMammaDesign in custom52 contest

2007-10-31T19:30:00.003+01:00

Custom52.com is featuring a card deck contest for illustrators. The illustrators who get the most votes for their card submission(s) will be published, plus they'll win a set for themselves!

Winners are evaluated by voting right now. I also submitted for this round.
If you like my designs, I'll appreciate your vote! :-)

Retro Beauty
by: Astrid Mueller, PotatoMammaDesign

Zoe
by: Astrid Mueller, PotatoMammaDesign

See all custom52 designs in the contest here

For all you illustrators out there who will participate, I wish you best of luck!

found a christmas card contest, win 2000 $

2007-10-27T14:19:00.001+02:00

Check this out: submit an illustration or holiday photo, and win 2000$. Just saw this when browsing the really cool moo products.

Got stickers?!! Yess!

Details on the holiday contest here.

Good luck!
Astrid

PS: I have nothing to do with the contest, I'm just forwarding the information to anyone interested.

Illustration Friday "Halloween"

2007-10-27T09:49:00.002+02:00

This is a Halloween picture I started for the german magazine LAURA, then played with it on my own time and added the watercolor mood and touch. Happy Halloween!

new illustration technique

2007-10-22T01:37:00.001+02:00

Here's a new technique I developed for a customer in Sweden, with a classy hat and purse business for the woman with style. Check it out, done all-digital, but it looks like watercolor on paper with ink! Or do you see the difference? Tips and feedback welcome :-)

back from my vacations

2007-10-07T15:28:00.002+02:00

Hello! I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while – I was on vacations! And before that it was hectic like crazy :-) Fitting my current mood and situation, here's a recent illustration I did for the German magazine LISA. It visualized a known problem we all have after vacations – what will we do with all our digital photos?? 1500 in my case (and I was gone for just 3 weeks!?!)

Hope you like the illustration,
Astrid
PotatoMammaDesign.com

call for entries in a digital magazine!

2007-08-17T21:48:00.001+02:00

Interesting for you illustrators and artists out there? On coroflot.com (portfolios and jobs for creative work), I was contacted by the group VectorMagazine, who is looking for artwork submissions.

Check it out, many types of artworks can be submitted, and for free! I don't know anything about the magazine yet, but I submitted illustrations – what can I lose?

Good luck!
Astrid

PS: on the recent post about the contest on gizfolio.com, I won 2nd prize (gold portfolio membership for 1 year). Can you imagine!??? Yay =)

neat treat: found an easy contest online

2007-08-04T23:55:00.002+02:00

Hello fellow illustrators!

I came across a little contest on gizfolio.com which, as it looks, is easy enough. Just send artworks via email, and one can win a 2 year's worth of an online portfolio site. Watch out, deadline is August 10th!

Good luck!
Astrid

Glimpse of Children Picture Book Dummy

2007-08-04T02:19:00.002+02:00

On August 1, I submitted my contest entry for the children book contest www.der-meefisch.de. I was contacted by the author of the story, who asked me to illustrate it for her. Since the market custom doesn't seem to welcome the submission of illustrated stories (unless the author is the illustrator), I agreed to "just" take part in contests with her, creating a dummy for her (Of course I will later also submit the artworks to art directors). Here, you see a small glimpse of the dummy, as well as a preview of the finished illustrations. It's my first children book illustration project! What do you think? Questions, thoughts and comments welcome! (Click the images to enlarge).

Astrid
astrid@potatomammadesign.com

Illustration Friday "Discovery"

2007-07-13T21:24:00.002+02:00

I did this illustration for Swarovski online, where the Stella illustration – that's her name – appears monthly to her fashion column. I thought it fits okay to the topic "discovery", wonder what she just discovered? Bear with me if I didn't create a brand-new illustration =)

Happy Potato Greetings!
Astrid
PotatoMammaDesign.com

gelaskins rock!

2007-07-09T00:22:00.002+02:00

Okay this is not a hidden advertisement, but I truly love gelaskins - illustrated covers for ipods and laptops. And I'd love even more if one day I might get to illustrate for gelaskins. One of my dreams on my list...! These are a couple of suggestions that I submitted to gelaskins for consideration. No new artworks, I just used existing illustrations at this point. So far, truly great artists have been published on gelaskins, quite intimidating almost. Wish me luck, and good luck to you too, if you like to submit samples too.

illustration friday "signs"

2007-05-20T20:25:00.003+02:00

Recently, I've started to do illustrations and graphic design for the wedding market. Looks like there is a demand out there for custom tailored illustrations by artists who are published in magazines (you artists out there should try it out =)). This image here is in a style that I've never done before: the couple asked me to make them recognizable. I strictly don't do portraits, and don't advertise caricaturing (my deepest respect to all the portrait artists out there, I think this is so HARD!). Somehow I managed to make them kind of look like them, and the clients were happy (I'm not posting their photos for privacy reasons). The customers gave me a clear briefing and their photos, and put this image on the front of their wedding invitation card. They were not the pretty in pink wedding type, and asked to be portrayed on a tandem, travelling through Tuscany with their cat, following a sign that says "20 km to the registry office".

I'm posting it to the illustrationfriday.com theme "signs" because, well, it has a sign ;-) Hope you like it, even though it's different from what I usually do =)

Greetings! Astrid

The Little Bird Project

2007-05-13T21:28:00.001+02:00

I was asked to contribute to the good cause project "The Little Bird Project". Illustrations of birds will be printed on a poster, sold, and the profit will be donated to UNICEF, to support their work against child labor.

The project still runs until May 30, check it out and take part! You won't get money, but they list artist's reference and website. More information here.

I did one illustration with background, and one without (no background is their requirement). I kind of like the one with the dreamy sky better though. Or does the belly get lost in the sky where it's pink? What do you think?

illustration friday "citrus"

2007-05-13T03:44:00.001+02:00

Something enTIRELly different for once! I created this illustration specifically for the IF topic "citrus", so it's not commercial, but just crazy. Seeing the word "citrus", I instantly got an image in my head of a woman biting into a lemon. I started playing around in Painter, then Photoshop, and look what happened. You tell me!

illustration friday "neighbor"

2007-05-06T10:50:00.003+02:00

Hi everyone! Okay this post is a little far fetched to the topic "neighbor", but I thought I post it anyways. The women are neighbors on the beach, and, in the case of the left one, very critical ones at that.
The drawings are done in a new style! I combined vector with Corel Painter drawing additions (fabric detail and swirls in the hair), plus airbrush-like shading. The 2 illustrations are part of a series of 6 drawings done for a swimwear special in the magazine Femina, Switzerland. I kind of enjoy this new style, more easy-going and friendly than just vectors - what do you think?

Astrid
PotatoMammaDesign.com

illustration friday "remember"

2007-04-28T15:26:00.001+02:00

This is one of my character designs, Stella. She appears monthly on the Swarovski website, where she gives styling and decoration tips for the latest Swarovski glitz. I posted her to the topic "remember" of illustrationfriday.com, because she kind of thoughtful here.

We're currently in the process of modernizing her image, and giving her more lightness, fashion feel, give her attributes of the term "transparency", and a less rigid, but more sketchy illustration feel. Left is the current style, right one of the suggestions for the new direction. Which one do you like better?

Curious what you think!
Greetings, Astrid
PotatoMammaDesign

vote for illustrations and win!

2007-03-30T20:35:00.001+02:00

On April 1 2007, "PotatoMammaDesign" turns 1 year old!
Celebrate with me, and win one of 5 great prizes! Elect Miss PotatoMammaDesign 2007 in the PotatoMammaDesign birthday contest!
Enter now: first 3 entries win a surprise gift
deadline for last votes: April 23 2007

(to get to the contest click here)

Good luck!
Astrid
-PotatoMammaDesign

my current favorite

2007-03-19T17:18:00.001+01:00

This illustration was one of the suggestions for a manufactuer of gift products for the teen and young twen-market. They were looking for fashion-inspired, feminine imagery to print on articles like stationery, diaries etc. The artwork has not been published yet.

Astrid
-PotatoMammaDesign.com

illustration friday "crash"

2007-02-11T09:41:00.001+01:00

Here's a little fun idea I did for illustrationfriday.com. Shall we call it the sweet revenge of all birds? (Click image to see larger). Greetings to you all!

Astrid
-PotatoMammaDesign.com

free publicity wanted?

2007-02-08T20:58:00.002+01:00

Dear illustrator friends!
Via the great illustration inspiration source drawn.ca, I recently came across 49sparks.com. It's an artist collaboration community and free portfolio opportunity. I also got lucky: as soon as I posted an image, they asked me for an interview, which was even more free publicity.
Go to the interview on the 49sparks.com website, or click the play button twice to listen

powered by ODEO
I hope I have a few tips in there that are interesting to some of you. I'm only just starting out in the business (opened in April 06), so bear with me. If you have more questions or suggestions, feel free to comment here, on 49sparks.com, or to send me an email. I'd love to hear from you.
Greetings from an illustrator colleague,
and good luck to you all!
Astrid

illustration friday "sprout"

2007-02-04T22:40:00.001+01:00

It has been a while since I last actually created an illustration for illustrationfriday... I finally got around to it again! This is a quick idea I created, to the topic "sprout". Hope you enjoy it, despite my minimalism ;-) Greetings! Astrid

happy winter season!

2007-01-24T08:29:00.001+01:00

I know, Christmas has passed... but Christmas CARDS are being produced year-round! This is a pending greeting card design that I did for my agent. All was done in Adobe Illustrator CS2, with gradients for shading, and shapes that are set to "multiply" mode as shadows. Okay, and now let's hope for springtime =) Greetings! Astrid

illustration friday "peace" #2

2006-12-26T23:30:00.001+01:00

And another illustration that kind of fits the theme "peace". Lack thereof it is, in this case, or calm before the storm! Anyone know a good way out of the situation for the poor fellow? ;-) This was my holiday card I sent out to customers and friends this year. Hope you like it! (click to enlarge)

Greetings,
Astrid

illustration friday "peace"

2006-12-26T23:23:00.001+01:00

Happy Holidays everyone! This post is a little belated, sorry, got caught up in work =) I create these angels for the German magazine "Laura", to add a festive touch to their end of year editions. I tried a totally new style here, done in the program "Painter", with oil pastels. Isn't that program fun? (Click to enlarge)

Holiday Greetings to you all,
Astrid

illustration friday "might"

2006-12-08T12:23:00.001+01:00

Might? This creative topic from illustrationfriday.com left quite open, which illustration one might post... ;-) I went for "I might buy this, or that, or that...." This illustration was done for the Swiss consumer magazine MIGROSMAGAZIN, to an article about going shopping for the new baby.

illustration friday "clear"

2006-11-10T16:28:00.001+01:00

This is my contribution to the Illustrationfriday.com topic "clear". Background to the picture: it was an editorial illustration to a brief text on something crazy that happened. Apparently a true story, in Mexico, once the local policemen were not "clear" about the current situation: they mistook the firemen that were extinguishing a fire for burglars, and they arrested them! Guess they could have used a clearer job description? Or brighter policemen ;-) Hope you like the illustration =)

illustration friday "smoke"

2006-11-03T17:51:00.001+01:00

This was just a quick sketch and testing out of the programme "Painter". I love this program, the possibilities are endless! Don't know if you still recognize the person, but the image inspiration was a shot of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Hope you like it!
Greetings, Astrid

illustration friday "smitten"

2006-10-13T19:35:00.002+02:00

This is "Zoe", one of my character designs. English is not my mother language, but I think she's smitten, right? Comments are always very welcome, thanks! =)

You can find "Zoe" on various products in my online store: http://www.cafepress.com/potatomammashop.

illustration friday "trouble"

2006-10-08T00:07:00.001+02:00

That was a fun project I did at the beginning of this year. I think it fits well for the topic "trouble" though, doesn't it? ;-)

illustration friday "phobia"

2006-09-22T22:15:00.001+02:00

What a fun topic! My contribution of this Friday's creative challenge of illustrationfriday.com.

illustration friday "change"

2006-09-16T20:05:00.001+02:00

This illustration was created for a Swiss woman magazine. Even though I didn't specifically create it for IllustrationFriday.com, I think it doesn't fit too badly. What do you think?

illustration "match" (Zoe)

2006-08-19T00:48:00.001+02:00

This will be my contribution for this Friday's topic of illustrationfriday.com! I didn't create a new illo this time because I'm travelling, but I thought this one "matches" not too badly! The girls match, they like the same stuff, look the same, and dress in matching colors... The character is "Zoe", a potatomammadesign creation. To see more about her, and buy products with her, visit my shop at www.cafepress.com/potatomammashop. Have fun!

illustration for good cause

2006-08-13T23:04:00.002+02:00

This is my contribution to the campaign "Art against female circumcision". A very serious topic for once! The campaign collects images from female artists all over the world for a good cause: It's a unique project which is just being put up in France, Belgium, the USA and Germany, to make a change in the cruel fates of young girls and women, especially in Africa.

To all female artists who want to support this campaign and submit artwork, more information here:
http://www.io-home.org/news-facts/diverse/fulda-mosocho (scroll down for English)
deadline is August 24th 2006!

potatomamma store now open!

2006-07-31T23:16:00.001+02:00

On July 29, 2007, the potatomamma online store has officially opened!

You find a great selection of products there, all with potatomamma illustrations! Gifts and useful objects for ladies *and* guys - check it out! Comments and suggestions are welcome!

go to potatomamma shop

illustration "clean"

2006-07-30T10:32:00.001+02:00

www.illustrationfriday.com suggested the topic "clean" for an illustration, so here is my contribution! This lady in the bathtub is not only clean but pulled a living mini mermaid out of the bathtub! Nothing's impossible in illustration, right? ;-)

illustration "opposites"

2006-07-22T09:46:00.002+02:00

This is an editorial illustration I did for the German magazine "Maedchen" (a teenage girl magazine). Topic: the difference between girls and guys - in this case asking the question how guys and girls would picture "the perfect day". The text was not 100% serious about all details, so don't take the illustration offensively ;-)

illustration "sacrifice"

2006-07-15T10:10:00.001+02:00

Okay, a lot of us women have been there: Tempted by all the devilish good stuff, those sweet looking, wonderful smelling treats that scream "eat me eat me!!". The big question is, do we sacrifice the sweet short pleasure of those treats to the Hollywood dream figure? I say, heck no! ;-)

"dusk in a faraway land"

2006-07-08T09:11:00.001+02:00

This artwork was done to the topic "skyline", posted as an illustration topic on "illustrationfriday.com". Now I only need someone who will write my story to it... Anybody know an author ;-) ?
Greetings, Astrid

illustration "sticky"

2006-07-02T12:16:00.001+02:00

A quick illustration for 'Illustration Friday', to the topic "sticky". Character copyright by potatomammadesign.

illustration "fashion escape"

2006-06-26T06:57:00.001+02:00

This illustration shows a sophisticated, very fashionable lady, who is running away from the rain. Pun intended.

If you'd like to see more potatomamma illustrations, go to http://www.potatomammadesign.com. Thanks for your interest!

Astrid aka Potatomamma