Zero Regrets: A book (...and a way of life?)

I like to read.  Most of the books I tend to read are fictional stories that are set in some alternate universe.  Or the UK, like Harry Potter.

Recently I decided to buy this book "Zero Regrets" from Amazon a couple of weeks ago.  I was surprising myself.  I don't usually read books about a certain individual, especially about an athlete.  I did play a little softball when I was a kid and I was pretty good at it, but I'm an artist. By no means an athlete.  My softball days are long gone.

I'm at that time of my life where I NEED to work hard and show what I can do.  This book was meant to reach my hands. (as cheesy as that sounds.)

"Zero Regrets" is a book by that Olympic speed skater Apolo Ohno.  I'm sure you've heard of him a bit.  I love hearing about other people being being positive and working hard to get to where they want to be.  I want to be like that.  Even though I'm not too into sports, I do tend to watch the Olympics.  Usually the winter olympics, which is odd because I dislike snow/ice/cold weather so much.

This book has inspired me.  I read it this weekend and I pretty much have been inspired to work hard at what I want to accomplish.  Just apply it to what you want to do.  Exactly what I needed to read.  You get a little insight into his life and the craziness that it is, also.  He's only a few years older than me, but I look up to him quite a bit for what he's accomplished.

Like I said before.. I'm no athlete, I'm just an artist.

So.. true. 

In case you don't want to tilt your head to read the above page, here is one insert that I simply love:

"Passion is caring for something, loving something, dedicating a portion of yourself, your mind, your heart, and your soul-- because you're passionate about it. 

Passion is the spark for everything.  By itself, passion is never enough.  Just like talent is never enough. But it's your fire starter. 

Without passion, you won't do something 100 percent.  That's the bottom line.  

And what's the point if you're not doing it 100 percent?"

Yes, I read this book from cover to cover.  I totally recommend if you need that little bit of inspiration.




stay creative.
-Cindy


p.s. i realize this book came out a couple of years ago.  i usually am late to the party. haha! :)

Castle sketch and a few favorite art items...

Cinderella castle sketch from my sketch book.

I thought I'd do a post on my favorite art supplies/art whatevers I've had for the past month or so.  Here we go!

"The Imagineering Workout"

• This is a book that I had talked about in my favorite books to inspire series.  Sometimes I need a little inspiration and this book helps.  Great book to keep ideas moving. 

Watercolor tubes

• I've wanted to try watercolor painting again lately and recently I went to the store and bought tubes of watercolor.  I've never actually used tubes before, and I was pleasently surprised.  Totally reccommend.

Glass beads and the design board

 

• When you go into the craft or bead section of a store, if you happen to find the glass beads, pick them up and make a beautiful necklace, or bracelet.  Of course, if you like the look.  I have been loving these lately.  If you don't like the look, just make something with it and it give out as a gift for someone who will like it.  Seriously.  I'll have to make a seperate post for the ones I did make.
• The design board you see in the picture is a platform where you can figure out how many beads are needed in the necklace/bracelet/anklet and for you to figure on a design.

Happy creating!!

"I've never seen a smiling face that was not beautiful" -Unknown

Smile!(:
-Cindy

 
(The "Imagineering Workbook" and watercolor tubes images are from Amazon.com.)

Books to Inspire! 3 of 3, Your favorite artist...

Now this might sound a bit cliché, but the 3rd book in my Books to Inspire! series is any book by your favorite artist.  Now you may be asking why I would even suggest this after mentioning in my first part how much books for school never ended up being used much... I have an answer for that.  Atleast for me, those books weren't chosen by me.  When you are in the bookstore next time, browse the arts section and if you find a book of an artist you love, purchase it.  Since you are looking yourself for a book, you'll use it. 

Even if it's just for the pretty pictures.  Inspiration can come from this.  Of course, one should never just lean on books for inspiration.  Sometimes it doesn't help.. so if this happens, look out your window.  Go outside.  There is inspiration all around you.

Thank you for reading!

For the rest of this series:
Part 2
Part 1

Inspiring books 2 of 3! "The Complete Typographer"

The second book in my inspiring books 3-part-series is "The Complete Typographer 2nd edition" by Will Hill.

Unlike my last post, this book was actually a book that I needed for my class.  Did I use it during the class? Sometimes.  So, I suppose there are some books out there that you should hold onto after the class.  This one is one of them.  It's not one of those boring books.  It tells you what you can do with typography. 
To make a graphic in Adobe Illustrator or Adobe Photoshop, yes, you can make images and snazzy shapes (yes, I did type snazzy..), but you can do so much with just TYPE. 

After reading this, I dare you to open which ever graphics program you like best and create something using just typography.  BIG&BOLD, small, and even tilt some of the words side ways.  Why not?  Even change the kerning.  Making the letters squished close to each other sometimes forms a picture in it's self.

So, in short.. "The Complete Typographer" has some really great stuff in it.  It'll take you to a whole different level with your art. 

Where can I purchase this?

Amazon, I find lots through you!
Complete Typographer: A Manual for Designing with Type, 2nd Edition
I suggest looking through the used books!  This book new seems quite expensive.. eep! I mean, buy it new at 100 bucks, or used at 6/7 bucks? Yeah. I wonder which. :)


Check out the first in the Books to Inspire! Series:
"The Imagineering Workout"


Have a wonderful day, friends!


*all opinions are my own*

Books to inspire! series, Up first: "The Imagineering Workout"

Books?  As in the same books you had to get for a class in college, but you ended up barely using it?  Yep, except better.

I have found a few books that has helped inspire me into creating something.  In this 3 book series spread out into 3 days (hopefully!), I will show you my favorites. 

First up for today..