Vote for my mythical beasts!

It's cuddlier-cute than pajama pants. It's mythical sea-hooping creatures! And it would make a great pair of pajama pants. I can't stop saying PAJAMA PANTS!

Above is the block repeat of the design I created for the Spoonflower contest "Mythical Beasts". I'm into hooping, so I thought what better combo than sea creatures and hooping!? It's been long fabled that sea creatures enjoy a good hooping once in a while. Now it's been commemorated in cute repeated form.

Please vote for me via the Spoonflower blog!

Here's my Spoonflower page, where I sell fabric prints.

I've also got some freebies for you. I made 'em for myself, so I might as well share:
 iPhone wallpaper
1920x1200 wallpaper
1280x800 wallpaper
(Please enjoy, with respect and proper credit.)

Thank you for your help! Happy newest of years! Go new decade!!

"Folk Heart" - new pattern offered at Alluminare.com

My 2nd pattern for Alluminare.com has been released! See below for a bunch of fun colorways and examples of how this pattern can be used.

 

 

"Folk Heart" is my adorable new folk artsy pattern in a whimsical heart theme now being offered at Alluminare.com. It's sure to add bursts of happy to any decor. See here  for a variety of colorways (scroll down). I personally love it in the yellow/gold colorways the best. Maybe because I miss the sun. Maybe I should take my vitamin D3.

"Rock & Roll Damask" is my other pattern being offered at Alluminare.

About Alluminare: They are truly great people who love what they do and are all about customer service. Their fully coordinated line of products includes lighting, pillows, fabric and wallpaper.

I just made an Old Fashioned. The *right* way.

Well, this according to Esquire.com, which I trust because it's a very manly site. And "manly", to me, means no overwhelming sweetness and "get-to-the-damn-point" flavor and alcohol content. I dry heave at the thought of an Appletini.

Old-Fashioned

• 1 sugar cube
• 3 dashes Angostura bitters
• club soda
• 2 ounces rye whisky

Glass Type: old-fashioned glass

Place the sugar cube (or 1/2 teaspoon loose sugar) in an Old-Fashioned glass. Wet it down with 2 or 3 dashes of Angostura bitters and a short splash of water or club soda. Crush the sugar with a wooden muddler, chopstick, strong spoon, lipstick, cartridge case, whatever. Rotate the glass so that the sugar grains and bitters give it a lining. Add a large ice cube. Pour in the rye (or bourbon). Serve with a stirring rod.

Read more from Wondrich, Esquire's resident cocktail historian

*I did change it a bit tho. Because, afterall, I am a woman and I do like the smell of orange right under my nose and that extra fizz of more club soda (to also water it down so I don't fall on my face after one drink). I added a sliver of orange that rests on top and an extra 2 oz of club soda. And a few extra dashes of bitters may have fallen in there. Oh, and instead of rye whiskey I used Southern Comfort. I'm a woman. I change stuff.

I'm sure to return to the Esquire drink database again & again. http://www.esquire.com/drinks/

Kimiko Shiga, I want more!

I stumbled upon Kimiko Shiga while looking for some cherry blossom inspiration on the innerwebs and can't seem to find her (his?) work anywhere else but the Mingei Fukuda site which is a store in Kagawa, Japan. The simple, juvenile style is endearing and I want more! Here's the page the below work is on. (Scroll down half way.)

 

 

 

Ha! Naked baby! 

 

Cutie. Wrapped baby. How can you not smile?

Bird and tea. A fabulous combo.

Patterny Love from Shepard Fairey of Obey

No doubt you recognize this iconic image (or one similar - there's lots of versions).

This and the rest below are from from artist Shepard Fairey. I became enamored by his work during a recent visit to Moda3, a snowboard shop in Milwaukee, that carries his clothing line and book "E Pluribus Venom". I immediately noticed his use of pattern as texture (especially a scale pattern which is one of my favorite types of patterns lately). I also saw from his site Obey Giant archives that he's created a fair amount of patterns which seem to have hidden agendas and make you question the traditional. LOVE THAT. The edginess and delicacy of his work really excites me. Can't stop looking! 


Below are some images that caught my eye, but there are so many!

 

 

 

  

(most images via Obey Giant Archives)

Inspired by Mexico - a new design

Apparently I'm not quite ready for winter or the holidays. My new stylized mumsy floral is inspired by the warmth of Mexico and their festive oilcloths. Interested in seeing more? Email me!

Barbra Ignatiev | Senior Surface Print Designer

Multi-Talented Creative with expertise in creating surface pattern designs & repeat patterns for consumer products. She closely follows trends in fashion and, in addition, has the innate ability to understand the end consumer which translates into successful product sell-through. She is purposeful and innovative as a visual problem solver.


TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY

Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe InDesign
Strong Painting Skills
Strong Sketching Skills
Adobe Acrobat Professional
Mac & PC Platforms


PORTFOLIO/BLOG
http://www.ifneedb.com/


CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Sassapress LLC
2000 - Present
Surface/Textile Designer
Creates surface designs and repeat patterns for the fashion, home
goods, gift, crafting and textile industries. Develops collections: scans, cleans up, recolors and creates repeats for prints. Develops mood and trend boards. Creates surface textures for the video game industry. Develops prints from concept to end product. Manages day-to-day administrative duties such as billing, website updating, and marketing strategy. Expert level of proficiency in Photoshop & Illustrator.
- Creates + sells printed designs for hoop dancers at HoopPretty.com 
- Featured designer of prints at Alluminare.com, producer of
custom lighting and accessories for home and commercial projects.
- Represented by Juna Studio (NYC) in US, Canada and Mexico
markets in the fabric, gift and home goods industries.
- Prints and sells own fabric designs
- Keeps blog at www.ifneedb.com ­– providing quality tutorials, trend information + inspiration

Kohl's Corporation (via Aquent)
Menomonee Falls, WI * 2009
Consultant - Graphic Design
Recruited to help the Innovations Team with conceptualizing for
new brands, designing promotional materials, and setting
aesthetic look for the retail environment.
- Played an influential role in bringing new vision to the look
of Kohl's

Jockey International (via Aquent)
Kenosha, WI * 2008 - 2009
Consultant - Art Direction/Graphic Design
Worked in a conceptual capacity on a variety of high-profile
projects including catalogs, promotional printed materials,
packaging and company websites. Helped direct photo shoots on-location and in-studio for shooting garments on-figure and as lay downs. Directed and gave guidance to graphic interns. She excelled and won personal acclaim from principals and colleagues in this dynamic and fast-paced atmosphere. Frequently presented work to CEO, CFO, and VP's.
- High-volume and high-quality work created under very tight
deadlines.
- Sales rose significantly after revamping catalogs for two
divisions of the company - this, during severe economic downturn.

Hanson Dodge Creative
Milwaukee, WI  * 2007 - 2008
Senior Graphic Designer/Illustrator
Developed surface designs for trend-forward memory craft products and packaging materials. Conceptualized surface designs and packaging for memory craft and wall decor industries. Kept current with trends in interior design and the juniors/youth market. Worked closely with clients. Visually dialogued remotely by using strong
sketching skills.
- Developed trend-forward products with high sell-through.
- Established trusting relationships with clients, superiors, and
peers.

Duni/Innoware Paper, LLC
Menomonee Falls, WI  *  2002 - 2006
Graphic Designer/Illustrator
Created surface designs for paper tabletop partyware and promotional materials. Studied and incorporated upcoming trends. Created illustrations. Developed products with licensed art. Manipulated art to achieve pleasing design layouts. Calibrated art for color correctness. Prepared designs for production. Performed press checks. Coordinated with print house to meet all project requirements.
- Managed production of million-dollar product orders under very
tight deadlines.
- Rated consistently within the Top 3 out of 45 designs (on
average, per season) in consumer reviews.


EDUCATIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Bachelor of Fine Art, Illustration, Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, 2000 (Dean's List)
Earned a 4-year scholarship
Continuing Education Classes: InDesign, Flash


PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES/AFFILIATIONS

- AIGA
- MIAD Alumni
- CHA and SURTEX Trade Shows - attended several times to purchase
art and research trends
- Color Association of America, New York City - consulted with this
color forecasting service
- Promostyl, New York City - consulted with this international
lifestyle, design and trends service
- My blog, which explores design finds and my adventures in
design:  http://www.ifneedb.com
- Highly active in the surface print design online community, posting regularly to blogs and giving feedback
- Please login to LinkedIn for more testimonials:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/bignatiev