Thursday, July 19, 2012

How it's made :)

I've had a few people ask me lately how I get from a piece of blank paper, to a finished product for you, so, I'm going to go through the process for you :)

( Please note that I've never had any formal training at all, so really it is all a total fluke and a blessing that I'm able to do what I do. AND I most likely do everything the hard way...lol)

1. I draw an image using Sharpies (3 diff. sizes) . I very rarely use a pencil. Most of the time if I need a straight line, I use the edge of a piece of paper. Because my style is imperfect and a little off kilter, rulers look to "right" to me.

2. I scan in the image into the computer, using a printshop program, so that I can get a true black and white image.

3. I then transfer the image into my paint program where I clean it up and crop it, etc. You can the the difference between some of my first images, and the quality of images that I'm able to produce now. You can see the lines are more jagged, and the coloring on it in paint works, but the quality isn't as good.

4. Now the image goes into illustrator by Adobe. This is where I fix the lines and give them more fluidity. I also break down each image into layers to color. I seriously had an 8 year old teach me how to use it. And it took me FOREVER! Very intimidating when I watched her fly through something, and it took me hours and lots of tears before I could figure it out ( Thank you Eliza :), I miss you!)

5. The next step is Photoshop to convert the files into a jpeg or png format. If I could truly use these programs, I can just imagine all of the damage I could do...lol. Now the file is ready to post.

I have just this last week got some more software that I'm slowly learning, that will make my life 100 times easier when it comes to calendars, flyers, and invitation making.... those are what is on the list of to do's in my head...lol.


Just a side note:
My sleeping is another thing I've seen lots of posts about ...lol. THANK YOU for all of the sleeping wishes! I hope some day to get some :)
As a little clarification, (alot of you know) I work graveyards at a home for physically and mentally disabled adults. Then I do this pretty much full time during the day. Summer is extra hard because my husband does lawn care and is gone 7 days a week, all day, and my little ones are out of school. Thus, no sleep!
You'll have to forgive me if I'm grumpy, or if my posting is irregular (that means I slept an hour, and the kids didn't burn the house down..... remember the matches incident?) or, if I don't answer your email right away..... OR if you see an image I drew and it leans to the left a little...lol.
This would be because I see two of everything. Thank heavens for Pepsi is all I can say!

I hope this answered some of your questions!~

xox






 

17 comments :

Tootsie and Teed said...

Awww Nikki take care of yourself. The sleep issue is a big deal and it catches up with you in a hurry. Take time for you...almost everything else (other than kiddos) can wait! I'll pray a good night wish for you tonight:).

YearntoLearn said...

Thanks for letting us behind the scenes of your adorable clip art.


Yearn to Learn Blog

Marianne said...

Oh boy, this does sound as if you're doing things the hard way. So many steps to transfer such a cute little drawing into a digital image for us all to enjoy. But hey, I'm the one creating digital cards in Word LOL. I've got a copy of GIMP I'd like to try ... if and when I have time. So you see, we all have our own to do lists LOL. Take care.

crazymom said...

I would never complain. I think you are truly amazing!!

Crafting Vicky said...

Thank you so very much for this info! I always wondered how they were done. You are good to work directly with sharpies... wow! I would mess us terribly!!!

Teachcapades said...

You are beyond talented!!! What a true gift. Thanks for sharing it with us! Boy what a schedule. You are one busy Mom. Grab that sleep when you can. :)

txexperiment said...

Thanks, Nikki. It's so sweet of you to share these with you when you are so busy.

Kathleen said...

Wow, knowing all the work behind each image, I truly appreciate each freebie even more. Thanks for going through all the steps. Now go get some sleep!

Barbara said...

Thanks for description of what you do to have these precious image. I love this cute little guy!Thanks for all you do and share with us.
Honestly, we can wait while you sleep! Sleep is so important for your body. Wish I lived closer and I would babysit for you. Please take care of yourself. Hugs

Kiwi Sarah said...

Wow Nikki, don't know where you get the time to get each image done! I only have one little girl, a part time job and get sleep...and I still don't have your energy!

Laura said...

Girl, I love some Pepsi, too! Take care of yourself! Thanks for sharing your process!!

Laura
Peace, Love, and First Grade

Sherry Hickey said...

Hi Nikki! This was a fun post to read, although your schedule sounds grueling! Take care of yourself!! I've been busy; my son Brian marries Lori a week from Sat.!!

Anonymous said...

YOU ARE AMAZING!!!!!!!! THANK YOU FOR EVERY FREEBIE YOU GIVE OUT! THEY ARE A BLESSING! :)

Sandy S said...

thanks for the the whatzits! they are fun!
wishing you blissful sleep soon...

Oak Pond SC said...

Nikki you are an amazing woman. You have, not at full plate but a truly overflowing plate. We appreciate you taking time out of your day/night to sketch and post. School's almost in! <3

Nicole said...

Oh goodness Miss Nikki. I freaking heart your guts. You totally, literally, rock!!

Kathy said...

Thanks for sharing Nikki- Sure does sound like a LOT of work!!!so glad you are getting some $$$ for it now instead of just freebies!!! :)