Fashion Rainbow Update

Today I had a burst of energy and got some organizing done for my upcoming show.

Here are the 52 Over-40 sketches, shot laid out in the back yard:

They are 6x4" and coated with 3/4" of acrylic.

I'm also half-way through the "wall label" which will have QR codes to everyones blogs.

QR codes are similar to bar codes, yet better -- they link to a URL. With a QR Reader app on your smart device, when you hold your device up to a code, it will jump to a blog. (If you're reading this on a computer, try it!)
When I get it finished, I'll make a downloadable pdf of it.

Be sure to let me know if you're coming to the 40+ Meetup, especially the Friday December 2 event at the gallery.

Fashion Icon Portraits - The Process

I'm using my self-portrait as the sample so no one will feel dissed. 

My goal for March 2013 - at least 18 glitter encrusted framed portraits.
Here's my early mock-up, sans glitter + bling:

What is going in the Threads and Surfaces Sketchbook (due 4/30 - EEEEEK!)

How I do these for the sketchbook:

1) I find a photo that inspires me

2) Using Adobe Illustrator and a Wacom tablet, I trace over the photos with black linework

3) I add color and shading in Photoshop

4) I digitally composite a background - in this case, a close-up of my scarf

5) I generate a QR code of blog for verso page and use same background

6) Print out, Tear edges with a deckle-edge ruler, Paste with glue stick

7) Add metallic marker (no glitter allowed in Sketchbook) - see at top

Still deciding on process for the framed portraits.
Must get sketchbook done first - deadline MUCH closer!

Note: not sure if I'll ever get the framed versions done.
Exhibiting something totally  different in April 2013 -- roadscapes.

Generating QR Codes

QR codes are those square pixelly things that are popping up everywhere.
They are usually black and white:

Here is an explanation that I lifted from the site I use to generate my codes:
"A QR Code (it stands for "Quick Response") is a mobile phone readable barcode that's been big in Japan forever, broke into Europe a while back, and is now getting traction in USA. In its simplest sense think "print based hypertext link" - simply encode a URL into the QR Code and then point a mobile phone (or other camera-enabled mobile) at it. If the device has had QR Code decoding software installed on it, it will fire up its browser and go straight to that URL."

If you go to the above site, you will find it super easy to generate your own code for any URL
Here is a screen shot of the home page:

I've chosen "Website URL" on the left*,  entered my URL, and my code appears in seconds
Hit download and your done!
*Look at all the choices you have on that list! Food for thought!

You can even get all fancy and mix a color to replace the black.
(I usually do this in photoshop instead).

It's a good idea to test your code for readability. Important tip - have good contrast between code and background.
Size matters for older phones - a 5/8 x 5/8" one was too small for my iPhone 3G, but a 3/4 x 3/4" was fine.

here's a patterned one that I put on the last page of my
"In Ten Minutes" sketchbook

Happy QR coding!