Fabricland (The country, not the store)

So I've stumbled upon probably the most amazing fabric store in Canada. In New Zealand I had three real great places to buy fabric, and since being here, I have yet to find somewheres that truly has great patterned fabrics.

The find was merely accidental, and I basically jumped for joy when I went into the fabric section.. sigh.. A beautiful moment... Over 8000 bolts of fabrics, in any style shade or patten you can think off. Wow.

Anywho. If you are ever in and around Canmore, you have to go, no ifs ands or buts. It's hands down the best place on earth. (Fabric-wise.)

So Go!! And love!!

The Sugar Pine Company
737 Tenth Street (at Seventh Avenue)
Canmore Alberta Canada
e. quilting@thesugarpine.com
w. www.thesugarpine.com

Portfolio-schmolio.

Since my triumphant return to Canada, I've struggled with the redesign of my portfolio. Since my last one has somehow destroyed itself (to my unhappy surprise). I am forced to reinvent. Let this be a lesson to us all, never keep all your samples in one place... (dumb dumb dumb.)

Ever wanting the eye-catching unique portfolio, I have really been struggling to come up with a presentation I am happy with. I always say that,"We ourselves are the most difficult client". With interviews looming, I feel frantic to come up with something that I truly love and will be uber proud to show anyone and everyone.
(Although I am sure hobos really wouldn't care to see my portfolio.)

When researching the recipe to a solid portfolio, one comes across so much advice - that often contradicts itself. Therefore resulting in my conclusion of; there is no recipe, there is no answer, there is just my interpretation of my design/illustration career, and how I want to reveal the tale. Obviously there is the good'ol rules of "consistency" "organization" "cleanliness" ra ra ra. Those are a given as soon as you walk out the door of your university, college or equivalent.

So. Portfolio, portschmolio... when will I be happy...?

M.
On a side note.. I am deathly craving some sort of lasagna at 3:19am...

Christmas Cards and Fabulous Papers.

So I'm coming out with my Christmas Cards now. (Well, I'm starting them now.) I have ten that will come in sets and singles. I have unusual quotes on them, but they make me laugh, and they made Rikki laugh, so I figured they were pretty good.

If you're in the Edmonton area, and love papers, you should head over to Evergreen Stationers to check out the handmade Japanese papers. They are $9 of awesomeness. I can't afford them, but I ended up talking myself into three sheets because they are ridiculously beautiful.

I'm putting together a little promo pack for some card companies, I am thinking more and more of giving up on design and just being a freelance illustrator. I love making stationery, and I met two girls in NZ that used to design textiles, which is something that I would love to get into to.

New Illustration

I'm a little obsessed with my fox lately, so I did a wee little painting to illustrate his love of sweat socks.. Not used ones, freshies.

Discovered!

So. As of late, I am trying to reinvent myself, professionally I guess. Struggling on what I really want to do (which is everything.) I have stumbled upon on of the most amazing peoples I've ever seen. Incredible work, and she does it all!

Check it:

www.laracameron.com

Children's Books: JUST HOW DOES A CHICKEN CROSS THE ROAD

It's a story of intrigue, mystery and has pirates with a rampaging herd of doughnuts. Of course it's a good time!
Here's my first draft of my character. Unfortunately, I'm really unhappy with the vector... I hate to say it, but I am reverting towards a more hand made style.. and I am thinking of sewing my characters and scenes. Could possibly take me a long time, but in the end, I think I might like it a lot more.

Anywhoodle.
Here's my first character design.
Michellie.

Introducing...

Hiya.
I'm Michelle. A graphic designer, turned illustrator. It happened by accident really, one day I graduated University with a degree in design, the next I became a children's book illustrator. Now I do both. I like to play on both teams.

I just moved to Canada from New Zealand. I miss New Zealand. They talk funny, are lovely people, and have volcanoes all over the place. Oh and they like tea.

I have been in the design/illustration biz for about 6 years now. I cannot show majority of my portfolio online (due to copyright laws), so many of the works you will see here will be my newer stuff. I am available for freelance work, so feel free to contact me. Some of my clients have included, Walmart, Costco, Target, QVC the Home Shopping Network and more.

I have dabbled in many different areas of my profession, doing branding, children's book illustrations, some web (which I prefer not to do any longer), as well as fort building. I take pride in learning new skills, this year's was sewing, before that was silver smithing. I am very eager to learn new things.

I also have a company called, Miss Dishy. This is a crafty kind of place, with handmade jewellery, magnets and other fun stuff. Check it out in my links.

Anywhoodle. That is me in a nutshell. Stay tuned for my new work. I have 8 children's books in progress and am very excited about them.

I also have two websites coming soon, but it's a mish (mission in Kiwi talk) and I'm trying to suss it out.

Cheers. M
michelle.l.mcbride@gmail.com