Some Bunny.

Some Bunny, Q. Cassetti, 2011, pen and ink.Rain predicted for today. The boys have the day off…I am back at it…trying to close down some projects to be able to move forward in the work.

The dinner we attended the other night was remarkable. It was an annual recognition and review dinner for the Trumansburg Fire Company as well as the EMT/ Ambulance Corps. Why was it remarkable? Well, the sense of commitment, the pride in the work and the community of people who shared a common belief in giving for the greater good. The fire chief, Jason Fulton, gave an amazing presentation of statistics which really need to be made more public—parsed into layman’s terms to depict the gift of service that our fellow townspeople give annuallly that many take for granted. Not only that gift, but the amazing stripe of people from High School students through to retirees engaged toward the same goals…complete familes,  from grandma to grandchild…all involved and giving. The dinner was fabulous and delicious, the company wonderful, and the little touches and presentations of recognition were memorable. I am honored to have been able to attend with Rob.

We are so lucky to live in this little town which has so many little communities within communities—music groups, service groups, literature groups, school related groups, sports related groups, church related groups…overlapping circles that move and change as we all move and change. In a bigger environment, these circles are harder to see, harder to find. However, in a place as small as our little village, the overlap is broader, and the groups are more visable. I am delighted in this embrace that this little place gives us.

And now for the work.

No rest for the wicked

These dollies need new eyes, Q. Cassetti, 2011, pen and ink, digitalNeed to fire up the computer to get going on the yearbook scanning and more of the needlepoint, stitchery style patience of noodling in words of text, and improvements. I am making slow work of it, but it is progressing. A few hours this morning and all day tomorrow will help.

Rob is off with the fire company to see a volunteered house burned for the experience. What fun! We have the pleasure of the annual fire company dinner tonight where I must be Madam Commissioner….trying to hide under the tablecloths. I welcome the event and the opportunity to mingle with the pride of Trumansburg. I admire these people so much. They take on so much with life, emergencies and some, jobs as well.

These silly beestung ladies are for the Mother’s Day for Peace poster. Though I like their stunned look, I dont think it communicates a friendly event…and will probably alter the eyes for a better expression. I had a lot fo fun with this easter-y palette of gold and purple, blue and green which seems to be poking up out of the winter leavings. A crocus palette.

More later. Just wanted to say hi.

More Corn, Q. Cassetti, 2011, vector, Adobe Illustrator CS5Grinding away. Getting some things off the top of the desk, but it just keeps coming. Waiting to hear from the big pub insofar as the image I submitted was good…to go. Then, I think I will crank out a little postcard to send out to my friends with the image and the boasting that goes along with it.  

Waiting is hard…but it will be over (at least I hope end of day today). Knocking down a tabloid sized pub (redesigning a few spreads as the positioning of these articles are becoming clearer). We are updating the new branding files that were released last week…and starting to redesign things in the new format that we were trained on last week.

The Entourage thing is not working for yearbook. So guess who is laying out the current one? InDesign, Yeah! No problems, just another kooky deadline.

Kinneys Drug store have some glorious big rose bushes for $5.00 with big fat canes that I snagged as the deer cannot bear thorns…though that is the only thing that keeps them from eating the plants. I took easter baskets to the Yearbook class, which went over real well. Candy holidays are the best…everyone loves it, and one size fits all. Need to fill a basket for little Alex full of peanut butter and chocolate yummies and bandanas. That is his weakness. I have a little quelques choses for Kittybit…that maybe we can deliver next week-ish.

Head down...running at it.

COX, PALMER. (1840-1924). Canadian illustrator best known for his “Brownies” characters. CS. (“Palmer Cox”). 1p. 12mo (card). Brownieland, May 28, 1901.A charming pen and ink drawing of a Brownie pointing to Cox’s signature. IAm liking the hair thing in my illustration due Thursday. Am needing to tweak this a.m. as its due tomorrow. Hair was fun as its all drawn vectors and a few vector  brushes to do the more curly, fun hair. Close. Close…closer.

Have a chicken illo due soon. I have Mother’s Day for Peace, the Triathlon, and two new illos for a new exhibit at The Corning Museum of Glass (a pattern /texture derived from a type of glass and a redraw of a brownie (old school). Interestingly, in trying to find you a little reference on the Brownies, it turns up that the illustrator, Palmer Cox (1840-1924) created these characters, Cox’s Brownies, were wildly popular, with product endorsement an merchandising. They were early leaders in product linkage to this little line of characters.

Wikipedia goes further:” Not unlike fairies and goblins, Brownies are imaginary little sprites, who are supposed to delight in harmless pranks and helpful deeds. Never allowing themselves to be seen by mortal eyes, they are male, drawn to represent many professions and nationalities, all mischievous members of the fairy world whose principal attribute is helping with chores while a family sleeps.”

Kodak named their Brownie camera after these little critters that my mother, grandmother and I grew up with. The brownie cake, “Baked Sunday Mornings” cite that:

“And did you know that Sears is credited with publishing the first known recipe in the 1897 Sears, Roebuck catalog.  Most sources say that recipe was actually for molasses candy. The candy was  called brownies. And that name “brownies” honored the elfin characters featured in popular books at the time by Palmer Cox.  The Eastman Kodak Brownie camera was also named after the elves. Somewhere along the line the “brownie” name became associated with these tasty morsels of chocolate.”

Eye on the details.

Portrait detail, Q. Cassetti, 2011, vector, Adobe Illustrator CS5Churning away on the deadlines. We have amendments of files, we have new work, I have a chicken and boy to illustrate. From the fire to the fire. I am so happy I took Saturday off as a day of peace. At least I am not as rattled as I have been. I am feeling guilty about going to get my haircut today, but hey….it isnt like time time is not being put in.

The image for the big publication has been approved. It was an interesting back and forth. Rob was right…give em the “big ear” (the sketch one does that says to your client “I hear you”—before coming up with options/insights you as the illustrator/designer have on this project.  The big ear won…so away we go. Put in some time until 9 p.m. when Alex was home from Community Chorus and Rob home from the Village Meeting. I am thinking of submitting the illo with a few enlargements as I look at what was approved and the detail/ it could be a bit more interesting.

I learned a bit about a new twist on fonts yesterday. I guess its not really that new, but for me, a Rip Van Winkle, it’s new. I guess the world has finally transcended the simple selection of browser fonts from Verdana and Ariel (etc.) that browsers select for websites (simply). However, there are  far more choices out there and a great resource, Typekit. This is how Typekit talks about themselves: “Typekit is the easiest way to use real fonts on the web. Built around web standards, our service gives designers and developers a subscription-based library of hosted, high-quality fonts to use on their websites. We have over 250,000 customers including some of the largest sites on the web today: The New York Times, Conde Nast, IGN, Twitter, and many others. We are also actively integrating Typekit into hosted platforms—such as WordPress, TypePad, and Posterous—so that anyone with a website can use real fonts.” Pricing is fair for the ability to ratchit up the look and feel of your page. It will allow designers to really design with type…barebones beautiful. Take a look…and know that type comes back on the list of options for websites…beyond the tedious Verdana etc. Max price is $100 a year…min $25. to go from boring to wonderful.

Farhad Manjoo details @font-face on his great article for Slate:  “Down with Verdana (07.13.2009). I think this is a good primer of where this is going>>

Work awaits.

New Week

Fruit of the Field, Q. Cassetti, 2011, vector, Adobe Illustrator CS5Got the big pub work last evening—to be on the Art Directors desk first thing this morning. I took the image through the paces re composition and crop and looked at color or black and white. I hope its okay….and if its not, I will certainly find out (soon!). Plugging away on all the other stuff on our roster. Tons. Phone calls to make, people to talk to, projects to complete. If I just keep chipping, chipping….maybe I will at least keep the pile from growing too high.

We went off to Felicia’s last night to hear Amy and Ward Puryear in Double E. The music was great! and there were people dancing, chatting and drinking the delectibles that the Felicia Tribe dreams up and delivers. Nice crowd—particularly for a Sunday night. Then off to hear a swing band at Maxis with Alex and Rob. So, despite there was work yesterday, we had a little outing to at least suggest we were weekending.

The phone is about to ring with a scheduled call…so I need to go.

Sunday Study Hall

Corn, Q. Cassetti, 2011, vector, Adobe Illustrator, CS5More from the Illustration CSA. Loving these quickies on veggies. Decorative, an area I havent tried yet…and very eyewashy.  The curiousity on this one is a corn brush (in illustrator)—which will allow me to make corn swirls, corn waves, the world of corn. Much of it pretty corny. But the purpose of this exploration is just that…to play with brushes, explore illustrator and the new features.

Speaking of illustrator, I spent some time this morning during the coffee time, reading illustrator tutorials (what a nerd I am) from the articulate and engaging, UK designer, Chris Spooner— and learning some new stuff. Here are the ones that rocked my world:

> How to create a Vector Heart Illustration (path offset is the new add to my digital mis en place).

>How to create a  beautiful vector portrait in illustrator (can you say “vexel”?)

> How to create a trendy seamless pattern in illustrator (love the way he defines the repeat and works with it…more of a creative part of the process versus MATH).

Chris also has a premium program (a fee of $7. a mo.) to gain access to his tutorial files, get discounts and freebies from his pals, and considering the savings and freebies, $84. a year could be made up just in the services and connections. I am thinking about it.

Just a moment to talk as I am once again up to my elbows in alligators…not bad stuff…just busy. I got an email from a major, national publication looking for me to do a portrait for their publication with sketches due tomorrow and final due Thursday. This is a “dream” publication, and a real boost for me as it means that my first editorial job for pay is the BIG TIME. If it happens, if my work is accepted and all goes well, you all will be the first to know. I am just breathing deeply and thinking about my progression of work, how I can get them all they need, some good thinking and choices, and then the final that will work. The size is nice (4” x 5”) and the model they liked (Kitty’s portrait).

Rob has a presentation tomorrow he is engrossed in. I also have yearbook hanging like the sword of damoclese. Brought it on myself….

News: 3x3 Magazine on the Newstands later this month

Cover: 3x3, Issue 16, Q. Cassetti, 2011, pen and ink, digitalCharles Hively captures this on his 3x3, The Magazine of Contemporary Illustration magazine:

“We’re happy to announce that the next issue of 3x3 has gone to the printer’s—a tad bit late as usual but I think you’re in for a tasty surprise.

We’re marking a milestone as we begin Volume 6 of 3x3 and to celebrate that occasion we selected three stellar female artists with di-verse backgrounds and cultures.

Q. Cassetti has spent the better part of her life as a graphic designer but chose to move into the world of illustration, first exploring that prospect at Syracuse University, and then on to a master’s degree at the University of Hartford. Her design and illustration clients include Steuben Glass, the Corning Museum, Tiffany & Co., Estée Lauder, T. Rowe Price and FreeRein Wines. Her work has been honored by Communication Arts, Illustration West, American Illustration, 3x3 Magazine and the Society of Illustrators. Thanks to Ursula Roma for her insightful article.

for more>>

I also want to take a moment to thank Ursula Roma, fellow Hartford Art School student in writing a wonderful article and Jason Koski, friend, photographer, musician and fellow Tburger for his magical photographs. Keep your eyes out for this publication!

Back

Allium alora, Q. Cassetti 2011, vector, Adobe Illustrator CS5I saw the first robin of Spring this morning. I think we need to declare that Winter is done (though they are predicting snow today!).

The last few days were a blur albeit fun as I got a chance to put a face to a name with many of my virtual clients that I have worked for for years. So, that was great. The Branding session was exciting, informative and we played games like Jeopardy (done successfully with powerpoint slides), bingo and lots of worksheets. Of course the travel part of things was tedious with deadlines that were tight, traffic nuts and long waits on the runway. However, all in all, it was a fast few days filled with all sorts of interesting people, places and things.

Key New York/ New Jersey fashion observations: Long, long blond hair on older women….We saw lots of blondes with big hair streaming golden waves down to the middle of their back or longer. High Bodice Ripper Fashion complete with  the requisite scary high heels, and tight tight black suits with fluffy blouses underneath. It’s kind of a porn star vision of looking professional. I find it hilarious to see the numbers of these middle aged Barbies at the airport, posing and preening. Another fashion thing that is very encouraging….at least for me. It appears that the corporate culture has swung back to a less intense look at meetings…the requisite business suits— all spit and polish—seems to have swung back to a more formalized business casual.  And for me, as a “creative” I felt, for the first time in my life, felt comfortable in my own skin, looking as a “creative” versus having to blend in. I figure as long as I am viable and “cool”, so be it. I was inspired by the other creatives in the room and the way they presented themselves. Big personal move forward.

Its mop up time today. Time to get stuff moving and out of here.

Honor the Radish

Honor the Radish, Q. Cassetti,2011, vector, Adobe Illustrator CS5Yesterday was publications incorporated. Today is publications incorporated. I finished up a big pub yesterday and amended the mini annual report that I cranked on Sunday. Today I have a brochure to layout based on an idea from the client…but no copy yet. They want it printed by May 1….so its a speed job too.

Erich and I are going on the road for a day—to get trained on a new branding initiative which should be fun, fast and informative.  Rob will be back from the Museum gathering in Buffalo which from the short chat I had with him yesterday, seems like it was fun.

I am vectorizing and pretending I am a Provensen. I really need to crack open one of the Provensen books so I can be a stepchild or great niece once removed. Love the cookbooks they did…and Animal Fair. Or I can be the stepniece of Mary Blair? These veggies are fun. I am thinking of eggplants and tomatoes, peas and basil leaves. They become so homey and comfy—and can be relatively abbreviated  as we all know what they are. I created a “corn brush” and probably make another one with tapering kernels from the top to the bottom so I can brush a corn cob for fun. CS5 has all sorts of nice adds with the width adjuster to rules/lines, the add/subtract feature and all the wonderful ways to select, create libraries and color.

OMG: I was just looking out the window. It’s snowing.

I give up.

Pouring

Leek Frieze, Q. Cassetti, 2011, vector, Adobe Illustrator CS5So, its raining, its pouring…and the old man is at a business meeting. Thunderboom!

Rumor has it that Alex has a tennis tourney today—I hope its inside at Cornell (!).

I sent a postcard to Bargain Basement Printing —5” x 7” cards, 500 quantity for $36. The postcard is to promote the 3x3 article coming up crediting the editor, Ursula Roma and Jason Koski’s hard and beautiful work. Gotta get the labels from Barb…so I can get going on this. Anyway, the cards came back in a week (fast!), color pretty true and ready to roll. Am delighted with this new resource and am thrilled that getting big cards for a little price is great. More mailings, I think…for this year!

More prep for t he meeting this week. Erich and I get on a plane tomorrow evening, the next day back later in t he evening and then back to the fire…as the rollout for employees is in a month, so more work is on tap to get this rolled out.

I am surrounded by sleeping pets. It makes me sleepy just looking at them…and there is no time for me to relax. More later.

Breathe.

Radish, Q. Cassetti, 2011, vector, Adobe Illustrator CS5I am tired of walking lightly around the idea of vectors, of digital, of all things “non-traditional”when it comes to identifying my work. If one did a picture in pencil, one would cite it as graphite, or pencil in the naming convention of the image. If one worked as a screenprint artist, your work would be identified as serigraph or the process of serigraphy. Same with photography—only one might get jiggy with the type of print or process one used to identify the end product. However, when it comes to the world of illustration, we skirt the word digital or even (as I am planning now to do), or the program and process much like our friends the photographers do. Instead, we try to make digital seem better…”its kind of like gouache…” What is the deal? Is it that we traditional illustrators cannot embrace a new medium (lets align ourselves with photography)—where it a tool to help create or even create an image that our hands might not be equipped to do. Must everything stem back to the old masters, Howard Pyle, and the painters who trained us to think of illustration as a viable art expression, as a communications medium as a way to visually tell a story?

Rob has gone off to Buffalo for the Museumwise Conversations conference. Alex has a friend over. I am in my lair working on a speed pub for my big client. I am itching to do more pix of vegetables as I am using is as a way to learn more about brushes in illustrator. Tres fun.

Gotta go.

Springing into April?

Work in Progress, Green Beans, Q. Cassetti, 2011 digitalThey are saying 6” of snow between now and end of day tomorrow. Wow. Maybe this is the “last gasp” storm that we always have at the end of the season—heavy snow that breaks branches, stresses the poor willow trees and leaves as quickly as it comes.

Things are still wild here. However, I am starting another illo (above) in a new way. I need to get a picture of some sort of produce for Edible Finger Lakes Magazine done soon. So, I have decided on green beans. I love the vines and the curlie little greenery, the bean blossoms, and the green bean thing. So, I did a big line drawing that I was planning on inking and doing the “Q” to it. However, looking at the line drawing  made me think. I had it designed and had the shapes where I wanted them…so why not finish it in illustrator using my new favorite tool (the variable line tool (shift W)) to help me out with the more calligraphic things. As I got into laying the color in, and fiddling with all the illustrator toy tools, I figured why not open up some old brushes and see what I could do with the scallops, tiger teeth and lovelies from my personal brush set. I will keep you abreast of where this goes as it is fast and furious (the image above took about an hour to do). I need to take the eraser to the blob brush curlies to give them a bit more thick/thin. They seem too clunky.

We had dinner at the Rongo last night with the wonderful Long John and the Tights playing. Great music…and lots of fun with Bruce and Rob and local news. It was good to get out and take a little time out. Alex played a bit in a tennis tournament…and had lots of physics and the like to do. He is busy but will have a nice evening on Friday with the “bros” (I am making chili) and Saturday as a date for the Senior Dance at the Clarion Hotel.

Gary Redmond, Founder of the Regional Access and a civic leader, passed away on Tuesday. (for the Ithaca Journal Obituary>>)Gary was an amazing man who moved the needle with local food—getting it our hands and in New York as well. He was known for inspiring foodies and producers in Central New York to engage in creating the best food from the best local ingredients. I did not know Gary but his reach and influence was tremendous. He will be missed.

From the Regional yesterday:

It is with a heavy heart and an incredible sense of disbelief that I write to share the news that our founder, mentor and patriarch, Gary Redmond, unexpectedly passed away yesterday.

From those who knew him well from his many years of diligent, smiling commitment to the work he loved most, to those who may have only recently made his acquaintance-my condolences go out to you as well, for Gary’s touch and vision were both singular and enduring.     
 
In this time of mourning, I am thankful for that vision and for all of the opportunity Gary created, both within our immediate community and the greater region that he so deeply believed in.   His ability to connect producers with markets and to forge fast friendships through a common belief in great food has, and will continue, to impact us all.   
 
Please know that I, along with my incredible Regional Access family, will be striving to uphold, strengthen and grow Gary’s clear vision of creating a sustainable regional foodshed for the Northeast.   
 
For those able to attend services, they will be held at Greensprings Natural Cemetery at 293 Irish Hill Rd in Newfield, NY this coming Saturday, April 2, 2011 at 2pm.  Please wear seasonal attire (it’s 10* colder in Newfield and it’s really muddy!).   

Live from the Regional today:

Regional Access started 21 years ago at the old Grange League Federation building in Trumansburg, NY.  This building was the heartbeat of Regional Access for many years and also home to Gary.  One of Gary’s dreams was to build an outdoor brick oven at the old warehouse.  We are planning a project to repair some things at the old warehouse and also to build that oven!  Of course our immediate priorities are supporting Gary’s family through this difficult time. As the oven project is finalized in the coming weeks, we will be able to offer more details on how you can help. 

Will keep you abreast of all of this. A sad time for the greater Ithaca area.

Another thing to do today (last day) is to sign up for either the Fiction Project or A Million Little Pictures Project from the ArtHouse Coop in Brooklyn. These were the same folks that brings you the notebook project I am involved in. A Million Little Pictures is a photography project that everyone engages with a disposable camera—shooting on a topic you pick from. The images will be part of a Photomobile exhibit and a book. Alex, Kitty and I will be doing it this spring. However, The Fiction Project looks like fun (though time consuming) This is what The Art House Coop says:

“Send your stories on the road.

We’ll build a library with your words.

The Fiction Project offers a new way to channel your creativity. Combine text and images to tell a tale. When you’re finished, share your hard work with the world. We’ll make sure you stay contacted with your book as it tours the country and after we catalog it in the Brooklyn Art Library’s new fiction archive.”

Today is the last day to sign up for either the photo project or the fiction. Doing the Sketchbook Project was a great kick in the booty for me—a creative jumpstart. Now, I  have web presence, and a homepage through this group and my sketchbook is on the road going across the country in this show. I hope that doing the photography project with Kitty and Alex will give them a boost too. Should be interesting.

 

I have lots of changes to make and need to figure out how to drop a YouTube video (or a link or something) into a Powerpoint presentation. Its a grey day…soggy and it seems like a good thing to just camp out behind the monitor and see what I can sweep away.

2011 Pantone Color of the Year: Honeysuckle

Yes folks. The Pantone color of the Year is Honeysuckle! I totally missed turquoise from last year. At least I have time to get with the program this year!

From the Pantone site:

“While the 2010 color of the year, PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise, served as an escape for many, Honeysuckle emboldens us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor. A dynamic reddish pink, Honeysuckle is encouraging and uplifting. It elevates our psyche beyond escape, instilling the confidence, courage and spirit to meet the exhaustive challenges that have become part of everyday life. 

“In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Honeysuckle derives its positive qualities from a powerful bond to its mother color red, the most physical, viscerally alive hue in the spectrum.” 

Eiseman continues, “The intensity of this festive reddish pink allures and engages. In fact, this color, not the sweet fragrance of the flower blossoms for which it was named, is what attracts hummingbirds to nectar. Honeysuckle may also bring a wave of nostalgia for its associated delicious scent reminiscent of the carefree days of spring and summer.” 

Honeysuckle is guaranteed to produce a healthy glow when worn by both men and women. It’s a striking, eye-catching hue that works well for day and night in women’s apparel, accessories and cosmetics, and in men’s ties, shirts and sportswear. Add a lively flair to interior spaces with Honeysuckle patterned pillows, bedspreads, small appliances and tabletop accessories. Looking for an inexpensive way to perk up your home? Paint a wall in Honeysuckle for a dynamic burst of energy in the family room, kitchen or hallway. “

Pantone goes on to tell us that you can get paint, wedding apparel and yes, a Pantone Visa Card (I mean, why not!). All of this points, for me, that the end of the world is coming. I mean, a Pantone Visa Card? I guess we don’t have enough to do beyond work and the antics of Snookie and the Situation so shopping with our pink card (maybe only buying honeysuckle, energized products?) is there to fill the time!

flying flat out.

two trees, camo birds, Q. Cassetti, 2011, pen and inkSunny promising a spring day with glints of light on the melting snow. Mandy is here, leaning into moving the needle with this big house, painting, organizing us, sorting the building detrius that somehow never seems to be gotten rid of. So we are seeing clean, clear spaces, empty recycling rooms and primed bathrooms. She is a wonder. Santa Mandy!

We are eating down the pile of work. It feels like we can get through this. There is some talk about planning for the summer, time to travel, time to look at colleges, time to entertain and see people, time to swim (at least that is my hope).  I need to get my head wrapped around Alex, what he needs to do, what would be fun for him, what would move the needle. I am thinking some sort of outward bound type experience might really work.

Friday is Karen Brummund’s installation on Sears Street in Ithaca. Karen sent out a request for artwork to be projected on this house—similar to her work at the chapel on Waterburg Road . I submitted a red floral, a grisaille skull and a few more illos cropped to the house shape. The skull works well as does the patterns. Bruce B. submitted some images too. I should have submitted a QR code too. Would make a great cell phone picture! Rob and I are planning a date to include Felicias and the house viewing. Should be a nice break from the hamster wheel I am trying to stay on.

The work detrius is piling up around my ankles as I talk to you. Need to go. Sorry again for the rush.

Guilt Incorporated

Springtime!, Q. Cassetti, 2011, pen and inkI have been swamped so much that even my little window of time to talk to you has been stolen. However, I am taking a moment today to say hello. Its been literally nights and weekends solid….and not a moment but time to make dinner and go to sleep. This little spate of business is almost behind us…but none too soon for this girl.

So there are slide shows in the mix, posters, table stands, publications (4 of them in the works from a 60 pager to a few 24 pagers), a logotype, and some illustration. I also have lots of the freebies coming to the trough with sudden require-
ments that have burdens attached. Oy Vei. 

Alex is busy with Tennis and physics. Rob is over the top with work and his public responsibilities.
Its going to be a screamer of a week.

However, we went to a late show of the movie, “The Illusionist”  which was magical and hand drawn in an extrordinary way. The way the figures move, the automobiles speed, and the sense of space and location is transformative. Its one of those animations that I find myself reflecting back on, impressed and charmed. Jill was not a dull girl for those 2 hours this past Saturday. I am ready to be charmed more this spring. What with my cherry trees coming and my dozen leek seedlings….charm is coming in the mail….and speaking of plants, the hellebores are on the way. We have snowdrops peeking through the melting white stuff.

Back to the hamster wheel.

Top of the Cake

Top of the Cake, work in progress, Q. Cassetti, 2011, pen and ink, digitalHere is the top of the cake. I am beginning to work in the details and didnt have much to share with you, so I figured I would slice off the top just to say, “its coming!”

I am revelling on where this can go, and remembering that yes, indeed, I love every part of the illustration process from the thinking to the doing—its all fun, fun, fun. I like the palette. It is feeling a lot like Pushpin…so I am pretending I am a member of the Push Pin Studio and asking myself, what I would be doing if I was part of the Pushpin Studios. The cake and candles will be on a white field, but I am thinking of tinting the corners and of course, putting bees in  (as this is a sweet cake for a sweet sixteen. How could I not resist?

Last night, we went to Atkins Farm (Amherst, MA) and look at the cakes prior to taking Kitty and a friend out to our favorite Mexican place in Hadley, Mi Tierra. Atkins Farms was filled to the brim with everything  spring and Easter. They had bunches of pussy willows outside ready to take home along with flowers, elegant candies and the honey for this bee, wooden Easter eggs. So, to my delight, for the second year running, I got some eggs to add to the three from last year….commemorating Kitty’s time at Hampshire. I think I will give them to her after she graduates  for her Easter decorating….or maybe not. I do love them. I have a few years to ponder that big idea.

We also oogled the wine, hard cider and beer selection for the design and ideas that are happening in Western/Central Massachusetts. First off, they have a complete area of just growlers available. There are a few ice wines, but apple ice wines offered. I took a bunch of photos and this prompted a conversation about where a future (near) project could be going. There is packaging involved—a logotype, and we need to really think about the positioning as this sort of thing is not happening in our region too much, so we could be a thought leader insofar as our approach. I do not think the rough and ready approach like , The Peoples Pint will work….but using Ommegang, from Cooperstown/Oneonta, might be a good point. Bottle profile, label shape, strong typography, color signals all working together with some little illustrations might be great. Soon.

We got up early in Amherst to get to Cooperstown for Rob. It was a white out, with slushy snow making the trip a little less than fun, but the landscape and the lovely little New York State towns charmed us both. I am sitting in the Cooperstown Public Library waiting and working while Rob has his board meeting up at the  New York State Historical Society. The Public Library is a big stone structure on Main Street that is old-fashioned, but neat as a pin…which charms me to no end. I would say the style is georgian, with lost of fancy woodwork and door trim but coupled with functional metal bookcases and heavy oak tables. No Barnes and Noble here…I am in the way back as the nice librarian pointed out their wireless was not working, but one could pick up a signal from a neighbor here. I am catching up on email and thought I would say hi while I had the chance.

Hi there!