It's been a while since my last post, but I think I'm finally getting used to the varying shift patterns at work which means I can start to get on with my fun projects!
At the moment I'm working away on a new print design which might soon make its way into my (currenty barren) Etsy store. This new print is inspired by an old African proverb about strength in relationships and codependency, it's beautiful too:
"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."
Looking at it now, it feels in the same vein as the Silver Anniversary print I did back in September for my parents. I think this could be a theme for my future works.
Ruling pen tests with India ink.
The image above is just a collection of letterform tests for me to get used to the stylised shapes a ruling pen creates, as well as playing around with mark making techniques.
I'm not using a homemade pen this time around, I'm using a brass pen I bought online for smoother lines and more uniform finish, something of which I've been trying to achieve for some time now. I've been using the pen for a few months (if you count the months I haven't really done any lettering at all) and it makes a wonderful sound as you lead it across the page, far more subtle than Coke-can pens.
Anyway, I digress! This is the style I'm going for with this next print; slightly rugged and strong with the raw ink marks and drying patterns. I hope to turn it into a halftone for the print, that way I can get the varied depths of the black on the screen and should also work really well as a subtle detail when printed.