What It’s All About

The above images are for a series of circus illustrations that I am working on this week. They aren’t finished– these are the final color sketches. Next step is to take both images into Photoshop to add textures and shading. Stay tuned for the final artwork.

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Along with families everywhere, we celebrated mother’s day last weekend. Being a mom is hands down the hardest, most fulfilling, exhausting, magical thing I have ever done.

It pushes, pulls, and stretches me in ways I can barely wrap my head around–on a daily basis.

But amid the exhaustion and the relentless testing of my resolute yet finite patience, there are these magical moments. Tiny glimmers in time that almost bring me to my knees, breaking my soft, gooey heart wide open…

Sometimes when I stop and really look at my daughter, my breath catches in my throat, and I’m sure she is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Anywhere. Ever.

Or when she crawls into my lap for a quick snuggle and I can breath in the sweet smell of her skin–before she is off to empty my entire spice cabinet onto the kitchen floor.

Being a mom isn’t for everyone. And for those who chose to abstain, more power to you. This is a job best left to those who have two feet in the game.

But for all of you that have chosen the path of motherhood: Happy Mother’s Day. You are doing truly incredible work.

“While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.”

-Angela Schwindt

 

Meet Simone

Simone is the main character in this series of illustrations I have been working on for my portfolio.

I would love to illustrate picture books– and art directors and publishers look for artists that can show the same character in a range of situations and emotions.

Dropping into the Stillness

The above illustration, a book jacket cover, was created by one of my favorite illustrator/designers. Steve Simpson is a prolific artist based in Ireland. You can see more of his work here and here. Enjoy!

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For the past year and a half or so, I have been working with my nose to the grindstone. Focused. Driven. Parenthood has made me incredibly efficient with the time I have carved out for myself.

Working 20-25 hours per week, I have been (easily) accomplishing the same amount that I was working 40+ hours before I became a mom.

I’ve been making it happen.

Over the last few weeks though, my intensity has waned. My productivity has dropped. I have taken a (small) step back.

And it’s okay.

With all things in life, there is a cycle. An ebb and flow. Go go go. Go big! And then, rest…

Drop into the stillness. Ponder. Breathe. Contemplate.

Re-Engergize.

With heaps of compassion, I am sitting, quietly. Softening. Inhaling. Exhaling. Slowly.

Staying present and recognizing my own need to decelerate, I will be stronger and more engaged–more vibrant–when I dive back in.

A is for Angelovic

This ‘A’ sits in my kitchen on top of my cabinets. It’s big–over three feet tall. In another life, it was part of a sign overlooking I-70.

Weathered and beautiful, it’s one of my favorite things.

I have been working on my illustration for the Work/Life 3 directory (which I posted about here), taking pictures of my office, and getting everything ready to submit. The deadline is in just a few days (!).

Though I have to keep the illustration under wraps until the directory comes out later this summer, here are some images of my workspace. When I’m not out at a coffee shop, this is where I spend my time…

Spring is Sure to Follow

Amid the seemingly endless spring snowstorms here in Boulder, this self-promotional piece I’m mailing out this week seems especially apropos.

Also, I am thrilled to announce that some of my work is now available for sale over at Oopsy Daisy (a sweet website selling wall art for kiddos). Check it out!

*No Matter How Long the Winter, Spring is Sure to Follow {Proverb}

 

 

Inspiring Women

Last night, I met Janine Vangool, editor of Uppercase magazine (an amazing publication that I posted about a couple of weeks ago). Today, she featured my work on the Uppercase blog.

Wow. Humbled and bursting with gratitude. Check it out.

Janine is in town this week to teach a class at the Makerie. Located at Chatauqua Park, The Makerie is “…a creative retreat for everyone. A weekend to play, a place to find quiet, a space to learn, a cozy cottage, a setting to be inspired, and place just to be.”

I haven’t had a chance to take a class there yet, but doesn’t it sound fabulous?

I also met Molly Hatch, who is teaching up at the Makerie this weekend as well. Hailing from Massachusetts, Molly is a surface designer, potter, painter, illustrator and more. She is also going to be featured in Uppercase’s Work/Life 3 directory. Her work is charming and it was truly a pleasure to meet her.

Both of these talented women were at an event that was hosted for the Makerie by Anthropologie. As the mother of a two year old, very rarely do I get to walk into a beautiful store, much less take my time wandering around and enjoying the visual bounty that can be found at Anthropologie.

Slowly meandering amid all the beautiful things would have been enough for me. But I also got to chat with two incredibly inspiring female artists (both mothers) who are following their dreams and making it happen. It was a good night.

 

 

New Cards

I have been carrying around outdated business cards for quite some time now. It was time for an update–and these are hot off the presses.

What do you think?

I went back and forth (and back and forth and back and forth) about what to feature on my new cards. I tried several existing illustrations. I created a new illustration.

It just wasn’t working.

In 2-3 years, I don’t know what I will be working on. I don’t know what my portfolio will look like. This industry moves fast. It’s dynamic. Fluid. You have to keep your work fresh. Ever evolving.

I don’t want my cards to feel outdated next year because the illustration I chose is no longer even a part of my portfolio.

So I focused on my (married) name, which I love.

Angelovic.

It’s lyrical. Unique. Czechoslovakian.

Highlighting the letters ‘Angelov,’ I used the layering and shading techniques that I use in my illustrations to create the backs of the cards. I created two different options, and then couldn’t decide which one I liked best–so I printed both.

Do you like them?

I’ve Got Good News!

Work/Life 2, cover by Alyssa Nassner (2011)

I am bursting with excitement! A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that I got some really great news in the studio.

Have you heard of Uppercase magazine?

If not, go out–right now–and purchase a copy of the latest edition. You won’t be disappointed.

With the tagline “For the creative and curious,” this beautiful publication …”profiles up-and-coming artists and explores emerging trends in design and creativity.” Over the last few years, it has featured some of my very favorite illustrators, in addition to a whole host of other people rockin’ their creative dreams.

Uppercase also puts together Work/Life, an exclusive directory of 100 illustrators from around the world.

And I am proud (and incredibly humbled) to announce that I have been chosen to be featured in the third edition of this esteemed directory!!!

Work/Life 1 Cover, artwork by Darren Booth (2008)

Here’s is a little more from the folks at Uppercase about the Work/Life 3 Directory:

“Unlike awards annuals or traditional illustration directories, our publication gets personal. As a participant, you are individually interviewed for specifics about your creative focus and artistic technique as well as your inspirations and aspirations. Additional imagery (sketchbook pages, studio shots, inspirational objects or personally illustrated anecdotes) are integral to each participant’s spread, allowing the reader to take a peek into your work/life. This personal connection allows art directors to get to know you; they can see the passion you have for your craft.

The book will be sent to a targeted list of at least 1000 of the most desirable clients in publishing, advertising and design. Participants can opt to submit a list of their top 10 dream clients, which will be compiled into the master mailing list. “

The theme for this edition is “An Illustrated Life” and “…will explore the ups and downs of illustration and what it takes to stay creative.”

Dancing on cloud 9, I still can’t believe that I am going to be featured in this amazing publication. Somebody pinch me.

Jumping for Joy

Just a teaser… This is a very small part of a larger illustration that I am working on. Hope you like it!

Grand Opening!

Check out my new online store. I am officially open for business!

Need a gift for that upcoming baby shower? Have a bun in the oven and looking for a fun way to decorate that adorable nursery? Want to add a little magic to your walls?

My art prints are now available for purchase. Come take a look!

And to celebrate my grand opening, anything purchased in the next 24 hours (or by Tuesday, March 19th at 10am MST) is eligible to receive a 20%* discount.

*Use promo code Open when purchasing your prints to receive your discount.