#TedBakerLines

Ted Baker introduce 'Ted's Finishing School'. 

Each day throughout the week, from Monday 11th - Friday 15th March, Ted Baker have encouraged followers to get creative and submit an image in response to a daily 'line'.

I have eagerly wanted to submit an entry all week, but due to a busy schedule today has been the only day I have been able to respond. Today's line was "I never compromise on the art of smart" and I came up with this...

Being an illustrator, of course, I decided to illustrate my response within the concept of a fashion illustration. I am totally in love with this Ted Baker- Bird Print Shirt, so took inspiration from this to create my own Ted inspired smart fashion girl. I used my own bird illustrations to create the garment print, which I am super pleased with!

If you're feeling creative.. respond to tomorrow's line, which will be revealed at 11am. Submit an entry through Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. (Make sure you hashtag #TedBakerLines for your entry to be valid!) There are prizes up for grabs too, including limited edition tote bags and spot prizes each day.

TedBaker.com

Ted's Facebook Page

// FEATURED IN // Blog&BuySale

I am very pleased to announce that I have been selected to feature on the Blog & Buy Sale Spring Wish List! Two of my products have been chosen to be showcased for 6 weeks, along with work by other selected creatives.

The Wish List launches on 16th March and will run until 28th April..  and, I am very certain there will be the perfect Spring treat for you, so why not pop by? 

Image from BlogAndBuySale

A little bit about The Blog & Buy Sale..

The Blog & Buy Sale is a curated list of the very best creative products available online.

"Run by James & Josephine, BlogAndBuySale was launched to help support and showcase the very best creative sellers from around the world.

Intended to promote artists and designers who sell their work on the internet, BlogAndBuySale is all about helping up and coming talent looking to get noticed and make some real cash to boot. There are so many brilliant things getting sold by independent artists and designers, but the problem is the public doesn’t always stumble upon them."

There are some awards up for grabs too! - including, "most shared", "BlogAndBuySale Pick" and "Guest Creative Pick". 

We are delighted to welcome The Design Trust and The Design Museum Shop as our Guest Creative Judges for the Spring special! They will be picking a shortlist of their favourite products before announcing their top pick after the Wish List has finished.
 
Learn more: BlogAndBuySale.com

ASOS Marketplace

I've been away from my blog for a few weeks (my other part-time job kind went full-time for a while!) Anyway, exciting news to unfold.... I am now selling my wares on ASOS Marketplace!

For now, I have only listed my favoured collar clip collection, consisting of my illustrated rose and owl designs. However, I am hoping to develop a larger range and expand on my collection over the next few months- so stay tuned.

Visit my ASOS shop -->

 

Here mine is accompanied with my Warehouse acid wash denim shirt- perfect!

(I also sell a range of other gifts on Etsy)

x

I am back!

 After 10 days off - I have returned to the studio.

As many of my fellow illustrators will tell you, working as a freelancer can mean you leading a very isolated life at times. The hours spent in the studio working to deadlines, alone, day-by-day, (with only a pencil as a friend), means feeling quite lonely most of the time.

So, from having a ridiculously busy Christmas period, with my illustration work, as well as my part-time job, (and a poorly hand), it deemed necessary to plan a break for January.. and so I did.

First things first- to turn off all incoming emails and all social media notifications to my iPhone! (I was reluctant at first, but it had to be done to fulfill complete tranquility).

I then began my week by spending the first few days with my best pals, having laughs, in a hot tub, in the middle of nowhere, with lots of food and lots of drink. AMAZING. After returning, I spent the rest of my week taking it easy... spending more time with friends, family and my baby nephew. It was just what I needed, and I feel so much better for it.

I'm now back at my desk with a fresh head, full of ideas and lots of plans that I wish to accomplish this year!

Thank you to my friend Megan Kelly for these photographs. x

Product photography day.

After the snow had stopped this morning, the sunshine broke out, and the light filled up my studio! It is very rare that I get any natural light into my studio, so I took upon this rare opportunity to take some product shots of some new items to be added to my Etsy shop.

These handmade necklaces holds one of small pencil illustrations and are part of my 'Woodland Walk' collection that I launched back in November. (I have more products in my Etsy shop adorned with the same illustrations).

Did you know? ...

DID YOU KNOW? .. My collar clip illustrations are coated with a gloss sealer 3 times before gluing to a glass cabochon topper. Once dried, they are glued into position in blank pendant trays and attached with a small chain, cut suitably to size. Finally, each one is carefully checked over, making sure they of top notch quality and ready for packing to you in my handmade packaging! (All for only £10 each!)

These are available to buy at my online shop www.rebeccaabell.etsy.com

My 2012

I am so pleased with my first year as a freelance illustrator and I couldn't be more happy about what I have achieved. I am humbled to have had so much support from not only friends and family, but from the people who have followed me through my social networks and given me some really supportive comments and feedback.

Here is a little reflection in pictures...

1. Graduation at the Symphony Hall, Birmingham  2. The Enquiry Desk: In Session, presentation at Pick Me Up Arts fair, Somerset House, London  3. Window display backdrops at Browns Fashion, London  4. Secret 7" Project exhibition at The Idea Generation Gallery, London

5. Signed Florence & The Machine vinyl from the Secret 7" project competition  6. I discovered and took a class at COW Studio in Birmingham's Jewellery quarter  7. First book cover illustration for The Gentlemen Press  8. Selected for 'British Culture' exhibition at John Lewis, London Oxford Street store

9. Hero of Switzerland group exhibition at The Lomography Gallery, East London  10. My precious little nephew was brought into the world September 18  11. 'Ghost Bike' illustration selected for new talent category in Images 36: Best of British Illustration  12. Illustrations featured in 1000 Portrait illustrations publication

13. Started a new venture by adorning handmade products with my illustrations 14. Sold my new handmade products at Christmas craft fairs 15. Made more products for Christmas 16. Had the best New Years Eve with some of my favourite people

Wishing you all a very happy 2013! x