Oak Creek Printworks

Type as background provides TEXTure for artPosted by Georgia Lange on February 16th, 2010

by Georgia Lange

The trend of using text as a texture in art is one that is increasing in popularity. There are many different ways in which to incorporate this technique, and it can be applied to many different trades, including fine art, illustration, graphic design, and digital photography. One of the most interesting aspects of this technique is that it can be manipulated to suit just about any artist’s style. One method, which is most commonly used amongst graphic designers, is to use text to fill or create a shape. Another method, one of the most popular, Read the rest of this entry »

Greeting Cards: Simple, Fun, Classy and Budget ConsciousPosted by Stephanie Ferguson on February 11th, 2010

by Kimberly Foster

In today’s economy, every penny counts.  Making classy, creative, expensive-looking greeting cards, invitations, place cards, bookmarks, and envelopes to match, will fit into any budget.   All you really need are 3 things to get started, and chances are good that you already have them: paper, glue and scissors.

You can actually create your own cards and envelopes with any type of paper you choose, but if you just want to dive right into decoration, you may want to start out with ready made blank cards and envelopes. Blank cards are a perfect way to get started making professional looking cards even if you are just beginning.  They truly leave you little room for error!

So, once you’ve either purchased or made your blank cards, it’s time for the really fun part. Read the rest of this entry »

Papercut design leads to Louie Award winning cardsPosted by admin on February 11th, 2010

by Nancy Haberman

My fascination with paper cutting and paper crafting began in the 70s at an exhibition of Jewish folkart at the Skirball Museum in Los Angeles. To be honest it probably began in kindergarten when I was given a pair of scissors and colored construction paper, but then that would be a different post.

I suppose an attraction to the graphic nature of paper cuts is not uncommon given that many religious and cultural traditions have used paper cutting in their folk art and marriage documents for centuries. I saw a lot of this kind of art on the walls of friends and family – they are part of my earliest memories.

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Simple paper cutting makes colorful jewelryPosted by Stephanie Ferguson on February 4th, 2010

by Kimberly Foster

A single piece of paper can create several pieces of beautiful, hand-made jewelry. The paper you use should be relatively thin and pliable; other than that, the possibilities are endless.  Use anything from decorative hand-made paper to old magazines and scraps you’d normally throw away!

Other supplies:

Artist medium or white glue
Strong jewelry cord or dental floss
Large needle or toothpick
Paper cutter or scissors

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Valentine Day contest for budding designersPosted by Stephanie Ferguson on January 28th, 2010

Free software – limited time offersPosted by Stephanie Ferguson on January 26th, 2010

Whether you use a computer for business or personal use, we think you will be interested in these limited-time offers for free software:  QuickBooks, Data Recovery Wizard, GIMP Graphic Software, and EASEUS Partition Master Pro. Check out these sites, then write about it on your blog – your readers will thank you!

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RECYCLING ART NOUVEAUPosted by Georgia Lange on January 26th, 2010

It is always interesting to see how certain historical art movements come back into fashion decades or even centuries after they have reached their zenith. Take for example the style of Art Nouveau, meaning “new art”. This was the name given to an artistic movement in european art in the late nineteenth century. Much of its inspiration came from natural formations and asian art and design. Some of the most popular artists from this era include Toulouse-Lautrec, Aubrey Beardsley, and Alphonse Mucha. Recently, many of the stylistic trends originally set forth by these masters have been resurfacing in many of the current art movements. “Art Nouveau” has found a new home within the pop-surrealist community, particularly among the ladies. Some of these artists include Audrey Kawasaki, Stella Im Hultberg, and Sylvia Ji.

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15 Websites and Magazines for ArtistsPosted by Georgia Lange on January 19th, 2010

As an artist it is important for you to keep informed about what the market is up to and where you fit in. Develop a strategy that will allow you to keep abreast of current trends and events. Subscribe to magazines that appeal to you. Subscribe to online newsletters that let you know what is happening in your area. Get yourself on as many social networking sites as you can. Here is a partial list of sites and magazines to get you started:

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Market and network like the prosPosted by Georgia Lange on January 19th, 2010

If you are serious about being an artist and marketing your artwork, you want to be taken seriously by curators, collectors, and other artists. It is vitally important that you pay attention to what other artists, collectors, and curators are up to. Artists learn by looking; it is simply indispensable in the profession. However, you would be surprised just how many artists there are out there who skip the necessary steps to get their feet through the right doors.

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