PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS > WEEK 2

This week we were working in the studio focusing on white balance and the depth of field. 
This is basically making sure anything that's white looks white in the image and creating the effect where the object that's closest to the lens is in focus but the object in the background is blurred.
There's so many things to take into account when your taking a photo, even the temperature of the light that is being used can effect the image but it was a really interesting class working with the focus, shadows and light.

MARCH GLOSSYBOX

How nice is it to get things in the post other than bills?
My friend first told me about GlossyBox, a service that you pay a monthly subscription to receive 5 beauty samples wrapped in a beautiful box straight to your door. The samples are a mystery so it's like a suprise gift to yourself.
Sign me up I thought and as my very first GlossyBox dropped in my letterbox I wasn't disappointed. 

The theme was City Chic and contained; 
Nails Inc nail varnish
Jelly Pong Pong Lip Blush
Tresemme Hairspray
Juicy Couture "Couture La La"
Elizabeth Arden Eight hour Cream

The lip blush and nail polish was red, perfect statement colours that I always add to brighten up my outfit and day. I was even glad of the Hairspray as I had just ran out and it was even my usual brand. Result!
To be honest I wasn't sure about the Couture La La perfume but it turned out to be a lovely light spring scent.
And last but not least I found some Elizabeth Arden in there too!

And that's not all, as well as the 5 products they included some stickers and a little Travel Book with facts and places to go in some main cities like London, New York and Stockholm. I was quite excited about this as I am heading to Copenhagen for Easter and although it wasn't mentioned it was nice to see some pics of Sweden to get me in the holiday mood.

Can't wait to see what's in the April Box!

PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS > WEEK 1

I've always wanted to take better pictures and at the start of the year I made it one of my goals to learn how. So I booked myself on an photography evening course for beginners in January that started in March and before I knew it I'd been to 2 classes!

I wasn't sure whether I should post the images I took as they are nowhere near how I want them to look but you have to start somewhere so here they are.

www.jroper.co.uk

Can you introduce yourself and describe what you do?
I'm an illustrator based in Glasgow. I graduated with BA (HONS) Illustration from Edinburgh College of Art in 2009. 
Since graduating I have been building up a career inspired by the city I know live in. 
I mainly create a card and print range but venture into other products including fabric,T-shirts, homeware, timber lasercuts and up-cycled furniture. 

What is a typical day like for you?
I normally get to my studio for 11 after reading emails over breakfast and coffee, maybe a card delivery on the way. If its not typical Glasgow weather I enjoy a cycle along the Clyde to the studio. Once there I enjoy a wee chat with fellow studio mates. I'm surrounded by painters, printmakers, framers, poets and video artists so its always fascinating to see what they are working on. Then after a day of working away I'll normally head home around 7. 

Who or what inspires you?
I can't go without saying that Glasgow inspires me, from interning with Timerous Beasties, creating illustrations for local shops, or walking through Kelvingrove park. Seeing other work by fellow illustrators is always inspiring, local gallery Recoat is a great showcase for illustrators. 
On a larger scale, following favourite artists on Instagram has recently become a great way to see how and where international illustrators work (behind the scenes). Johanna Basford, Mike Perry, Lesley Barnes, Susie Wright to name but a few. 

What do you most enjoy about the work you do?
There is two elements I particularly enjoy. Working on commissions for people is very rewarding, its lovely to create a piece of work that is really relevant to that particular person and see what it means to them. 
I enjoy setting up stall at Sloans market, Granny Would Be Proud and other fairs. I get such a buzz from meeting the people that actually want to part with their money for something I have made. To be honest, to be at a stage where I can live off what I love doing is a real treasure and what I enjoy most. 

What piece of work or achievement have you been most proud of so far?
I enjoy trying out other ways to see my illustrations come off a flat piece of paper. 
One way is when I upcycle furniture with my digital printed fabric. I was really excited when some pieces featured in 'Editors Picks' section of the Home And Interiors show at the SECC and also to be featured in the Magazine. I was also very happy to work with a client as big as Jo Malone, painting live instore. I'm slowly beginning to feel proud to say I'm an illustrator and really believe it!  

What has the biggest challenge been so far?
In the first couple of years, a big challenge was simply to build the confidence. Its can be very difficult to know what your own work is worth, having the ability to charge what your work is really worth can really be a big challenge. There is always a balance in doing the free work to get your name out there and then drawing the line when you actually need to pay the rent.

Whats in store for the future?
I have some exciting project in the pipeline. Currently working on an animation, which is a first. This is a collaboration between myself and composer Richy Carey and author Martin Fro den. I'm also working on patterns that will be rocking down the catwalk in May, on mens suits at St. Martins. Then its time to step up the business head to get my products national shops ready (and Commonwealth games ready)

Whenever you have read interviews before what question do you always wish they had asked? "Where do you work from?"
I have recently moved into my own little studio, which I really love. Its on the third floor of East Campbell street Wasp Studios.  I was finding it difficult working from my own bedroom. It is something that I know illustrators can struggle with, working all day on your own day after day isn't everyone cup of tea. 
There really is something more satisfying in having somewhere to go to work at. Its also great to be around other working artists, inspiring and motivating. I'm looking forward to my new studio share poet moving in. Bookcases and Armchairs are coming. Hopefully a collaboration...

www.libbywalker.co.uk
   

stevesmithartwork.com

Can you introduce yourself and describe what you do?
Hello! 
I'm Leelah MacAulay designer behind Sweet Danger, hailing from Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. I specialize in hand dying and making silk garments!

How did you come up with the name "Sweet Danger" and what does it stand for / represent?
Sweet Danger represents my roots and my aspirations. 
The MacAulay clan motto is “Dulce Periculum” or Danger is Sweet. To me it represents a clan that were not afraid to explore new lands and experience new surroundings. I aim to put that same spirit into my designs!

Can you describe a typical wearer of a "Sweet Danger" piece?
Someone who enjoys colour, texture and individuality!

What is a typical day like for you?
Depending on the weather I will usually be outside dying up silk or indoors mixing up colours and designing. 
I am currently working on a couple of one off Harris Tweed dresses also so will be excited to see them finished!

Who or what inspires you?
Definitely my surroundings it is so beautiful around the Island there's always somewhere new to explore and be inspired by. 

What do you most enjoy about the work you do?
I love playing with colour and textures and designing - of course! seeing a design come to life is always an exciting moment too!

What piece of work have you been most proud of so far?
I would say my entry for the Scotland Re:designed with Mandors competition. My dress along with four others were chosen to exhibit with Mandors. It was an excellent showcase aimed at giving a platform for new Scottish fashion designers, manufacturers and textile companies. 

What has been the biggest challenge been so far?
Relocating back to Lewis has had its challenges, not being able to nip out to the shops for fabric and zips and little things like that!

Last of all what's in store for the future of "Sweet Danger."
The website will be up and running soon so I'm very excited about that its been a long time coming!

Images of the House of Danger's S/S 13 collection was created with the help of:
Photographer:Anette SchiveModel: Jude Tsang
MUA: Emma Motion

House of Danger are currently working on their website but you can find out more by Liking their Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/HouseofDanger

or Follow on them on Twitter:
@HouseofDanger

MATTHEW BOURNE'S SLEEPING BEAUTY

One of my favourite Disney films is Sleeping Beauty so when CJ got me tickets for Valentines to see Matthew Bourne's ballet version of it I was excited and a little bit apprehensive, on the inside I was pleading for it to be good. It was set in the beautiful Kings theatre and I took a panoramic picture from my seat to let you see the gorgeous detail for yourself. 

I am constantly inspired by things I see and do and was still thinking about the story, costumes and music the next day.

Matthew Bourne's take on a classic saw him deciding to replace the main villain Maleficent with her son who was looking for revenge which definitely kept you interested, the 3 hours whizzed by! 

By using the same music that featured in the Disney version makes sure you remember key moments and although you're not allowed to take photos during the performance I featured some website images and a link to the YouTube trailer for you to have a look at.
Enjoy!

Watch the Trailer HERE

http://www.behance.net/designerpreis

20 THINGS I LOVE

<01>

BOARDWALK EMPIRE

Steve Buscemi, 1920's Glamour, Speakeasy's, Al Capone, Prohibition Laws

What's not to love! Series 4, Where are you?!

<02>
GLITTER BALLS

You just know it's going to be a good night if there's a glitter ball.

To me it means its time to catch up with the girls, have a giggle and a dance.

<03>
DAIRYMILK OREO

I'm not really a "chocolate" person but this is heaven.

<04>
BELLY LAUGHS

There is nothing better than a good belly laugh to make you feel better. Apparently for every happy friend you surround yourself with will make you 9% happier and it takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile! 
If we needed any better reason to keep smiling this is it!

<05>
MUSIC FESTIVALS
I love hanging out with my friends and watching bands so festivals are perfect for me! Even if the weather's not ideal, the people and memories make it worthwhile.

<06>
HEELS

I am only 5" and am constantly looking up to people : ) 
so heels make me "normal" height at least some of the time.
Although I prefer little pumps for work and during the day (because I'm usually running late and therefore always running)

<07>
FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE

I liked Florence's first album "Lungs" but she cemented my love for her when she covered my all time favourite song "You've Got The Love" by Candi Staton.

My highlight of TinthePark 2012 was seeing her perform and crying (for some reason) at "Never Let me go". 
She is fabulous.

<08>
GLITTER

Anything glittery makes me happy, if a dress, bag or coat has sequins on it I am immediately drawn to it and have to have it.

<09>
STRAWBERRY MILLIONS

I love anything strawberry flavoured apart from strawberries, 
Apparently my mum went strawberry picking when she was pregnant and decided to eat a bit too many "free" samples.
These little sweets are perfect.

<10>
IRIS APFEL

I totally believe age is just a number and you can do whatever you want whenever you want.
Iris is the perfect cover girl for this belief as someone who is 91 and continuing to inspire people in the fashion world and the Metropolitan Museum of Art to MAC cosmetics.

<11>
HALLOWEEN

I love doing anything for a laugh and Halloween is the perfect excuse to spray everything silver and buy a laser gun (meant for 6 year olds).
Yes that's me in the purple wig and my sister dressed as Lady Gaga.

<12>
VIKTOR & ROLF'S FLOWERBOMB PERFUME

I found this perfume a couple of months ago and I love the smell so much I could actually eat it!

<13>
MOJITOS

So refreshing and reminds me of Barcelona, my favourite city.

<14>
CITIES
I am definitely a night person and there is always something to do in a city. 

<15>
SUNFLOWERS

This flower represents happiness to me for some reason.

<16>
TATTOOS

I believe tattoo's done well are a beautiful thing.
I have a butterfly already and have been working on designing my second one for the last 10 years.
Hey it needs to be perfect but I keep changing my mind.

<17>
TEA

To me tea has; social, soothing, relaxing and calming properties.

And tastes even better when someone else is making it for you!

<18>
WELL BEING

I'm a sucker for a self help book and it was by chance that I stumbled across The Secret. The basic theme of the "Law of Attraction" that runs through this book made so much sense to me and made me rethink about the way I think and do certain things for the better.

<19>
TINA TURNER
No explanation needed : )

<20>
TRAINERS

Trainers make me feel like a kid, which is never a bad thing.

And is it me or do they make you run faster?

No? Just me then : )