Alphabet Roadtrip

Words & Pictures: Process for a Calligram Logo

Successfully melding words and images is a tricky design challenge, particularly when it involves a brassiere. Exactly how do you fit two unequally long words into two equal shapes? And how do you make it readable? And what style of bra? and are there ribbons???

This project for Woman Within was a lot of fun. The process started with pencils to solve basic pose and letterform style questions. Then I moved to tighter brush sketches and started mixing and matching elements to get to something that would read immediately as words, with just enough suggestion of "woman" to tell you what it was about.

Above, the final logo, before being vectorized.

Watercolor and Ink Illustration from The Rollercoaster of Love

You have probably noticed that this is the month with the red heart in the middle, and you will be consuming flowers and chocolates at a frantic rate in advance if not on the Day. Of all consumer holidays, Valentines Day ranks as one of my favorites. It is built on true emotion and complicated sentiment, starting right in kindergarten when a child starts to wonder if the little SweeTart glued to a piece of constuction paper (from That Boy) "means" something.

I promise you something very interesting is coming to Alphabet Roadtrip on Valentines Day. But in the meantime, who doesn't love an amusement park? Especially one that has a little cafe called February where you can think about life and write in your journal. Croquill pen with India ink and watercolor.

© Iskra Design

How Do You Say Coffee? Expressive Mixed Media Calligraphy

When I do expressive calligraphy, expression wins out over technique and traditionally beautiful lettering design. What matters most is the personality of the words, and in this case, the personality of the coffee customer.

I live in Coffee Town USA, yes, that would be Seattle, and I am a confirmed devotee. I do love to watch how people order their favorite drinks. Particularly those people who request the "no-foam-no-caf-non-fat---latte?" I mean, what is this? This is not a latte. It's simply a state of denial. But then I'm in the camp of coffee-is-a-vehicle-for-cream, or why bother.

This piece is done in watercolor, guache, felt pen, pointed pen, brush and a variety of brushes. It was created as part of my ongoing fascination with letterforms as an expression of voice. I see my job as a contemporary lettering artist as being a channel for character. I'm not a stylist with a "hand" but a character actress, making visible the intangibles of tone of voice, personality and unique DNA.

See more expressive calligraphy and calligraphic illustration at www.iskradesign.com.

New Calligraphic Icons, Work in Progress

©Iskra Design

Icon project for an art center: different approaches to representing dance, by way of the classic ballet slipper.