¿Donde está el baño?

So, I told you guys about my newly found relationship with Adobe Illustrator CS4, right? It's gotten so serious that my old buddy, Photoshop, is beginning to feel a tinge of jealousy and loneliness. The feeling is mutual, though. As much as I'm enjoying working with lines, I sure do miss the old pixels.

One of the things I've been working on in AI is the little mechanical diagrams that show what the pattern will look like when it's all finished... you know, the line art you usually see on the back of patterns and on the inside? I wanted to create a sort of "signature look" to my diagrams, something that looked modern and clean and simple and that could be easily recognizable. I came up with this idea of doing these sorta grayscale mod silhouettes of girls and drawing the outfit right on top in white so it would really stand out. The one I did for Lil'Chef is on the right and the ones for Frida are right below...

Well, I was feeling all proud of myself, just sitting back in my chair enjoying the fruits of my labor, when Jon walks in, takes a quick glance and goes, "They're like public restroom signs with boutique outfits on!"....

whomp... whoooooomp...

OK, so now you see my dilemma: I really liked these (and don't get me wrong, I still really do) but now I can't get the public restroom signage notion out of my head. Public restrooms aren't exactly a positive, comforting visual for most. You usually don't go in one unless you really, really have to, right? So, what do you all think? Keep them or flush them? hahaha I certainly don't want to conjure up any negative thoughts or bad memories! ;)

On a more positive note, I gave my new friend a break this weekend and hung out with my old buddy, Photoshop. I finished my Frida sewn samples using my Andalucia fabrics and the girls and I had a blast doing a photo shoot for the front cover. Here are some of the best ones...




I had about 50+ images to sort through and edit. Photoshop and I got reacquainted real fast and it was just like old times. In the end, the image you see here on the right was chosen, unanimously, by my creative team (a.k.a. Jon, Sophie & Sydney) for the front cover of Frida. I just adore the interaction between the girls, plus it shows Views A & B very clearly, and the kerchiefs too. I still have to sew a View C, and that photo will probably end up in the back cover, but for now I'm happy with what I got so far.

Just gotta figure out the bathroom signage dilemma, hahaha. I'd love to know what you all think. I promise you won't hurt my feelings either way! :)

P.S. My 2-year Blogiversary is coming up soon! Two years ago on February 16th, 2007 I wrote this post to introduce myself to the blogging community and never looked back. I've made tons of friends and valuable connections through my blog and am so thankful to all of my sweet commenters and followers. I have something special in store for this celebration, so please stay tuned!


P.P.S. So excited about the 1-yr. stay of the CPSIA! I know the battle is not over yet, but this gives the indie designers a lot more time to plan their future and give those folks at the CPSC a lot more time to read that silly law over more carefully and make the necessary changes. PHEW!