And my New Favorite Monster Is...

The Yeti! 

Sorry Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster, I think the Himalya's Yeti has replaced you as my favorite mythical creature. I'm currently working on a 12 month calendar mock-up and have decide to make it a "Yeti's Backpacking Adventure!" I don't think I've had this much fun on a project in a long time. It's 1:30AM and I don't want to fall asleep. Must draw more Yetis! Okay, break time over. Yeti, here I come!

Sleep well Night Owls!

Fresh Start

An Inspirational and Lovely New Start 

This is the start of my summer quarter and I must say that I'm quite excited! [1] I even ate an entire Thin Mint sleeve to increase the sweet ideas. It's only been the first week and I have a noggin filled with Calendar, Wrapping Paper, and Greeting Card designs! One word: Holidays!

[2] Here's a sneak peak to my next 10 weeks. All I have to say is be prepared for lots and lots of cute. Think cotton candy galore. Brace yourself!

I've been looking through oodles and oodles of inspiration and have set my eyes on one particular eye candy shop. I have been scavenging through all and any illustrators represented by the Lila Rogers Studio. All these artists are absolutely talented. One of my many favorites has to be the lovely Helen Dardik. [3] I think she won my heart with the constellation piece. As an amateur stargazer I always love anything involving the night sky. Her sweet Etsy store can be found right here.

Oh goodness, I just realized that I have written more today that I have ever before. I think I might make this blogging a more regular thing. Now I must be off on my [hopefully] weekly inspiration hunting. I think I might end up with loads of cheap chalkboards for my presentation on Monday. Kitschy is never a bad thing for me.


Have a lovely day!

Self Portrait Saturday

I've been seeing this "Self Portrait Saturday" blog floating about on the lovely Dana's blog. Since I'm no photographer, why not sketch a quick self portrait or two?

I am trying a middle part out today. I have had a fringe since I was 15; it's been five years. Why not try a change? To be honest, I think I just look like my mother. Uh-oh.

Have a dandy weekend!

P.S.

Feel free to show me your lovely self portraits.

A Day for our Mothers

Mothers come in all shapes and sizes...

And so do their children.

[This is what I draw after watching

Gene Simmons' Family Jewels all day]

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my lovely mother for being the most tolerating and understanding woman I have ever had the pleasure to meet, let alone have the gift of calling her my "Ma". Even when I put her through teenage angst and the dreaded words "I want to go to art school in Chicago," she was always there to support me and make me the most delicious pupusas. Thank you for being the best mother I could have ever asked for.

On a less sentimental note, thank you for your iconic pursing lips smile that I have apparently inherited. As well as passing down your love of patterns and simple hairstyles.

Lastly, thank you for getting on the computer to show me how to alter my clothing and teach me how to fry yucca via the Skype.

Love Your Intolerable Hija,

Helen "Mercedes" Johana

P.S.

This is also for my mother's flawless best friend, Rosy. Thank you for being my fantastic second mother who was always there to back me up when my real mother didn't agree.

Valentine's Day Cards

Click the image to go to my Etsy shop.

Greetings!

Since this lovely holiday is coming up, I have decided to sell Valentine's Day cards!

Childhood Dream: Astronaut

Dear Little Helen,
You will finally get to wear an astronaut outfit one day
And your dreams will come true.
Love,
Big Helen

She said she's leaving on a Sunday.

Let's remember fifteen-year-old Helen on the roof of her house
dreaming of the day she would drive off to Chicago
with this song blaring from her giant headphones. 

Now she's in this lovely city drawing
bow wearing cardboard robots and happy planes for class. 

And in less than two years
 she'll be getting paid for this?!

I am so very lucky!
I was silly to be sad!