We’re still so far out from the 2020 elections that I’ve gone out of my way to avoid politics. Over the past couple of months, @pete.buttigieg has changed that. As a gay man, of course his journey resonates with me. Of course I want to see a member of my community succeed. But that wasn’t enough to convince me that he deserved my support - especially this early. Then I researched his background. I learned about his education, his service in the armed forces and his time as an elected official. I listened to him speak. I was continuously impressed with his composure, thoughtfulness and with his ideas. I followed his hilarious husband, @chasten.buttigieg, on Twitter. All of this to say: I’m in the race. I believe in Pete’s vision of an inclusive, united country focused on moving forward. I know politics are divisive. I’m from the school where I believe we can agree to disagree if we see the world differently. But I feel strongly that we need a change in 2020. I believe that Pete Buttigieg is the change we need. (My only complaint: like the @myfavoritemurder ladies say...spell it like you say it.) 😊
Notre Dame Tribute
It didn’t seem real watching the footage of the fire today. What a loss to Paris and the world. Sending love from Oklahoma, USA to the people of France tonight.
National Unicorn Day
Happy National Unicorn Day guys! I’ve never drawn a unicorn before (and perhaps it should have stayed that way). 😆🤷🏼♂️ It’s been a minute since I’ve posted so I just wanted to stop in and say that you’re magical and your butt looks great in those jeans. Sending you all love!
Cathrineholm Tea Kettles
I am dragging guys! My day job has kept my hopping this week. I’m also fortunate enough to have a lot of illustration work coming my way (PRAISE!) so I’ve been going nonstop and it’s pretty great. But I’m beat!
Here’s an illustration I made of the Cathrineholm Lotus pattern tea kettles. You know I gotta animate that ish.
And here are the still images just for fun.
Alrighty, I am off to bed. Night, friends!
Fuji X100F Doodles
The year was 2005. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire was dominating the box office. Mr. and Mrs. Smith had just come out and the world was on the verge of being introduced to Brangelina. Carrie Underwood was on her way to becoming an American Idol.
And I was about to fall in love with photography.
My first “real” Camera was a Canon Rebel XTi. with a 50MM lens. I wasn’t terrible. Before long, I upgraded to a Canon 5D MKII and invested in good glass. I did portraits, I shot some weddings, I did that thang. I loved it until I didn’t.
I could probably write a longer post about all of this but I eventually, about a decade in, lost my passion for photography. It was a combination of things. The bulk of the equipment, the hassle of carrying 15+ pounds of gear with me, endlessly charging batteries. That and mobile photography made huge strides; my iPhone started producing really visually pleasing shots and it was always with me.
After realizing my Canon 5D was spending months in the bag at a time, I sold it. It was a bittersweet moment.
And then this guy walked into my life.
The Fuji X100F. A friend recommended it because it was small, portable, extremely capable and had that Fuji magic.
What is that Fuji Magic you ask?
I have no idea.
I can’t really explained what happened when I started using the X100F. Something about the form factor, the analog controls, the build quality of the camera, the coloring of my images, the sharpness and the contrast…the whole combined experience is just….magical.
I get it - totally cheesy. I feel like a goober even writing this, but it’s the truth. I still get excited, several years later, the second the X100F is in my hands. I want to go shoot; I want to be creative.
At some point, I’m sure I’ll dive deeper into my love of the X100F for you guys. But, for today, I just wanted to share this doodle I made of my trusty little buddy for my Fuji page.
As normal, this illo was created in Procreate on the 12” iPad Pro using the Apple Pencil 2. I hopped into Photoshop CC to make the little animated version you see above (because it’s kind of my thing).
I have another illustration I’m finishing up that I’ll share with you guys this week. It’s fun! I also have a couple client pieces that are almost done; hopefully I’ll be able to share those with you before too long. Happy Friday Eve, y’all!
Sparking Joy: March 2019
I made some tweaks but the general concept and content are the same. More on the things sparking joy this month:
Tacos - because tacos.
Peach tea - I’m saying goodbye to soda and coffee and renewing my love with tea is helping with that. Some peach tea with a little honey and splash of milk? Fuhgedaboudit. Delish.
Off Planet by Aileen Erin - Okay, okay…maybe I’m a tiny bit biased. But this book is good, guys. No - scratch that - it’s great. I’m on my second read. And, hey, Joss Whedon’s taking time out to read it. Be like Joss.
Cricut Explore Air 2 - I’m having fun working on test products for the soon-to-be shop. I’m also enjoying not cutting my fingers off! Win-win.
Those are a few things I’m loving currently. In the interest of transparency: I have only seen one episode of Tidying Up and I was kind of meh about it. Marie Kondo is a boss though. And I have fully embraced the tag line.
TWO MORE DAYS, GUYS! We can do this. TTYS.