Back to work I go

Well, this week is my officially last couple of days of summer. I work for the school system and have the summer off but that will come to an end next Tuesday after Labor Day. I have been working very hard to pump out as much art as possible because I anticipate I might slow down once school starts. I will be transitioning into a new position and am excited and leery of what will happen in this new position.

My niece commissioned me to design and cut a Hello Kitty paper cut for her 8th birthday, so of course I made it cute as possible.

Love giving gifts

Recently, my 7 year old niece stayed the weekend with me while her mother volunteered for a women's Christian conference here in the DC area. I had tons of fun with her, she reminded me of how old I am and how little money I have, lol.

While she was here she got to look at my paper cut art and was extremely impressed- her words not mine, with my art. I pulled up my Etsy page and explained to her the process of paper cutting and she enjoyed learning about my craft. After a brief discussion, she asked to do her own paper cut and I drew out her name.

 Later on, she asked if she could get a paper cut for her birthday- September 12, 2013. That made so happy as a Aunt! We discussed what she would like and she decided on Hello Kitty as either a punk rocker, a fairy, or as a ballerina.

Here is her name:

100 Likes on Facebook

Just wanted to celebrate because I finally reached 100 Facebook likes. Yeah! Since I have some wonderful tees that are going to be printed I am thinking of putting together a give way for a shirt when I reach 150.. Wonder how long that will take. :)

In the meantime, between time why don't you celebrate with me.

Do a little happy dance, come one. It will make both of us happy. :)

Facebook

Cut Paper Art / Business Logo

Since I am on Facebook I have had the chance to re-connect with some old high school friends and in doing so they get to see my new paper cut art.  I always drew in high school, was in art class every year and participated in the art club so everyone knew I was connected to art. I wasn't the most talented, but I really enjoyed drawing and even went to college for it. A former high school friend  found me on Face book and really liked my paper cut art style and wanted me to design a business logo for her.  

First, I sent her a questionnaire so I could get a good understanding of what she was looking for. In my questionnaire she let me know that the name she wanted created into a logo has a strong historical background. The Kru tribe is an Liberian tribe which is known historically as a peaceful group of people who also have “Don’t mess with me” attitude. During the slave trade, traders knew not to go into Kru territory, because the Krumen would not allow themselves to be taken as slaves. This group is also known for their water skills. Before the slave trade, European traders would hire them to help maneuver the coastal waters. U.S. naval ships also hired them. The English word “crew” is also named after the Kruman for those reasons.  My customer also told me that she wanted a canoe to be connected to the name.

I then started researching styles of canoes and looking into font styles that would connect well with her clothing line. I then drew out several variations and narrowed the strongest down and emailed the designs. She loved what I sketched and quickly picked out one. We made several changed to it to refine the logo and make it stronger. She really liked the canoe as an accessory to the name and wanted it to be like a shadow. Since I was creating a paper cut to go with her digital files the design needed to be connected.

Kru logo to represent her clothing line:

She loved her first design so much she commission for me to create another logo for her other business. This one was for her air mail delivery company. The name is Black Swift Express and the name comes from a bird that is native in several African countries. She wanted the bird included because she thought it looked like a plane. She filled out the questionnaire again which included that she wanted the logo to convey that the air mail delivery system was safe and swift.

After doing extensive research on the bird, I sketched out several designs and submitted them to my customer. She narrowed down which style she liked and we worked from there.

Some of the first round of sketches

Second logo to represent her delivery company:

Both of us are happy with the results! In the end she received three vector files and an original business logo paper cut. I received a happy customer and a new category for my artwork - paper cut art business logos. She loved her logos so much she recommended me to other small companies where I created beautiful logos for their business as well.


Contact me for your logo needs now! What you get: 

- Up to 3-4 design concepts of your logo
- 2 free revisions of your logo
- A beautiful paper cut logo
- Vector source files, digital files and full ownership of your final logo

-When you are satisfied with the logo I will email you your final files and mail within 3-5 days your paper cut art.

- Copyright: Buyer will retail all rights to the logo/collateral (allowing WashingtonCuts to use logo as marketing tool on FB, Etsy, website, etc)

*Final Formats: Files will be delivered in .ai (vector source file), jpg. and pdf. Other file format made available upon request. 

*Shipping fee and taxes (if in VA) will be included for paper cut art.

-Payment plans are available- Price range from $150- $200

Thank you,
Janelle 

Cut Paper Art / Wedding Video

I just want to share with you a paper cut art video I did to show what it looks like when I am paper cutting.

My youngest cousin got married in July and I wanted to give her something that will last a life time. I sketched a custom drawing for her using elements from her wedding invitation and wedding theme. She and her fiancé are interested in fashion so I thought a beautiful silhouette of a bride and groom would showcase their style. I included a chandelier to mimic the reception look and the shape around their initials comes from their invitation. They honeymooned in Hawaii so I added a banner for their vacation. In each initial are elements that represents each person's likes and what they like to do with each other.

custom Etsy wedding/anniversary gift




Hope you enjoy: FYI this is my first video so it isn't the greatest, :)

YouTube-Custom Wedding Paper Cut Art

Cut Paper Art / K.I.S.S./ Keep it Simple Stupid

This has been my life motto. I heard it when I was in high school and thought it was funny sounding, K.I.S.S. This short saying has helped me through a lot of my creative overloads spells....

Do you have a saying that has helped you through your youth that you still use today?