Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Thrifty Web Design Tools: Sharpies, Colored Pencils, and Crayons

 
I've been challenging myself to create an improved design for Thrift Core using little more than sharpies, colored pencils, and crayons. I love designs that incorporate hand drawings. It adds something tangible to a blog's layout; a little piece of the writer's soul.


Using colorful sharpies I sketched out some icons for the website. This is not a future design for Thrift Core: this is just a preview of the new direction I want to move in. I want the website to feel more personal and playful. It should clearly showcase my unique style.

 
My goal is to feature my quick and energetic doodles while keeping the design somewhat professional. I'll continue to sketch out blog ideas, savoring the design process and working until I have the polished design I crave. I hope you won't mind seeing my silly sketches on this blog from time to time as I work out the perfect balance. Maybe I can do a Thrift Core sketchbook series. I'm always doodling something fun to share.

I want to draft and brainstorm for a while to get the design right. It'll be fun to fill my sketch book with drawings again. I exercise my writing, webdesign, photography, and crafting skills often; but it's nice to reunite with drawing, a long-neglected other favorite creative outlet. I feel energized and ready to sketch up a storm!
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23 comments:

  1. UnknownMarch 22, 2011 at 8:36 AM

    Sweet! Excited to see what's to come!
    Px

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  2. ana @ i made it soMarch 22, 2011 at 8:46 AM

    good for you van! i know you've been wanting to draw more. looking forward to what you come up with.

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownMarch 22, 2011 at 11:01 AM

    Even your bucket of drawing utensils is beautiful! :D

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jacqueline LeeMarch 22, 2011 at 11:16 AM

    I'd be all for a sketchbook series! Very fun! Maybe once in awhile you could even sketch favorite thrift finds--share the found item in a photograph along with the art it inspired. That would be unique and completely awesome, too! Now I wanna go color....

    ReplyDelete
  5. angelikaMarch 22, 2011 at 12:41 PM

    love the toadstools. you seem like a classic creative soul: lots of avenues for creative expression. looking forward to more!

    ReplyDelete
  6. JoleneMarch 22, 2011 at 12:42 PM

    I think it's great! Anytime you can share part of yourself on your website or blog it helps to set your site apart and lets you connect with others. When I started my site I decided to incorporate family photos and stories for this very reason....plus it's fun to be creative!

    ReplyDelete
  7. VanessaMarch 22, 2011 at 12:44 PM

    Jacqueline: I was thinking of doing something like that. I have so many thrifted items that inspire me to make art!

    ReplyDelete
  8. VanessaMarch 22, 2011 at 12:45 PM

    marcia: I love just gazing at colorful art supplies, too! I need to make a space just for them in the house somewhere...

    ReplyDelete
  9. VanessaMarch 22, 2011 at 12:46 PM

    Jolene: That's my perspective, too. And that's why I love your blog and website :)

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  10. FloMarch 22, 2011 at 3:07 PM

    Van - Those icons are freakin' adorable. You're killing me with that little robot!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Miss LouMarch 22, 2011 at 4:28 PM

    I must say I miss the markers sometimes! I used to draw so much when I was in fashion design that it just flows, now I bet it looks like 4yr olds drawing haha I love the Idea and I think is a great way to personalize. I've been wanting to try and do some sketches and paint them on photoshop, but me and photoshop are starting to bond... so maybe in the future it will come more naturally. You should keep showing us your brainstorming around these. Sorry for the super comment!

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnonymousMarch 22, 2011 at 4:56 PM

    I cant wait to see your new look.I like the direction your headed in.Keep at it.The hand drawn bits with the robot globe and owl have to stay tho because i said so and because......
    I AM BATMAN!So....The whale kinda looks like something i saw in a litle mermad book tho.And you need more robots.And mushrooms.AND a Giant Japanese mushroom robot that i will name MOSHOROOMUROBOTO!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Jackie JardineMarch 23, 2011 at 2:24 AM

    Well you know that I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Web design SingaporeMarch 23, 2011 at 5:29 AM

    Give more ideas for the future in the next article in this blog. I'll waiting for that ideas.

    ReplyDelete
  15. VanessaMarch 23, 2011 at 8:40 AM

    Flo: I love robots!
    Jackie: Thank you!
    Anonymous: Stop reading my MIND!

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