Pen-and-Ink, Do I Still Have What it Takes?
February 25th, 2011 | Published in Creative, Illustration | 14 Comments
Recently while going through some of my old files I came across the artwork that you see pictured here. It’s hard for me to believe that I’m the artist who created it. It’s been well over 20 years since I traded illustration for graphic design and my Rapidograph pen for a Mac computer. These illustrations are from my first real “art job” after graduating from of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in 1978. I searched for many months for work as an artist and was working as a teller at the local bank when I got my first big break. I was hired as a fashion illustrator for Uncle Bill’s, a now defunct discount department store based in Cleveland, Ohio. I remember that they paid me a nickel over the minimum wage.
Not long after finding these illustrations I began searching for my old Rapidograph pens and discovered them hidden away in the attic. They were yellowed, ink smeared and dull, but finding them stirred in me a passion that I thought was gone. A long buried need to feel them in my hand again, to touch them against virgin paper and watch it spring to life with each sure, steady stroke of my pen.
The question in my mind is, after all these years, can I still do it? I would like to know what you think, should I give it a try?
February 25th, 2011 at 8:42 pm (#)
These are great drawings! Don’t waste your talent, you should try doing it again! And a more compelling reason to draw, even in today’s electronic world, is that businesses always need personalized artwork for their layouts! I’m sure you’d be a hit!
February 25th, 2011 at 9:01 pm (#)
Thank you for your encouragement Tom. When everything went digital I just “forgot” about my art skills and concentrated on mastering digital design skills. I hope it’s like riding a bike and doesn’t away.
February 25th, 2011 at 11:04 pm (#)
I’d love to see examples of what you’ve done for other than commercial purposes. The pictures you show here are impressive, but I’m sure Uncle Bill’s had certain parameters you had to meet. So why don’t you post some of YOUR illustrations? I’m expecting they’ll demonstrate your technical skills as the above pictures do, but will show more of your creative soul. From the design presentations you brought in to Toastmasters and some of the speeches you’ve given, I’d really like to see your own work!
February 25th, 2011 at 11:24 pm (#)
Jeannine you devil, the pressure is really on me now, lol. I accept your challenge and will start exploring my creative soul after I (hopefully) regain my old skills. Thank you for the good suggestion.
February 26th, 2011 at 1:02 pm (#)
Cool! Just sitting down to do it is the thing of it. I don’t think it leaves you. I do tink you forget how much you enjoy it. Look forward to seeing what you cook up.
February 26th, 2011 at 1:52 pm (#)
You are so right, Ms. Taylor, taking the time to sit down to do it is probably the hardest step for me. Looking at my old illustrations I can remember how much I enjoyed making them, I had forgotten, what a shame. I’m kicking my butt now and getting motivated with your help, thanks!!
February 26th, 2011 at 11:54 pm (#)
Diana,
something special was lost when designers packed away their radiograph pens. Of course you can still do it! You never lose a skill like that … it’s a gift.
Judi
February 26th, 2011 at 11:59 pm (#)
Thanks Judi. I agree with you about something being lost. I think people may be growing tired of computer generated art and just might find traditional forms more appealing. Thanks for your confidence!
February 28th, 2011 at 2:05 pm (#)
Dear Diana, Of course you need to give it a try. The very fact that you ask tells me that you want to and should. I don’t even know what a radiograph pen is, but your work is crisp and smart. It is both a gift and a talent developed through discipline and hard work, not to be set aside because technology has gone a step (or many steps) further. How fortunate tht you came upon these drawings!
February 28th, 2011 at 5:55 pm (#)
Thank you for your kind words Norma. I’m really getting inspired with all the encouragement from my friends. So much that I went to Hobby Lobby and bought NEW pens! I wasn’t sure that they still even made Rapidograph pens but I found them. I bought paper too, I’m ready to get started. I hope to have something to show everyone soon
March 1st, 2011 at 2:43 pm (#)
[...] those of you unfamiliar with the Rapidograph pen here’s a photo of my old ones recently rescued from the attic. Last week I bought crisp vellum paper and shiny new Rapidograph pens at Hobby Lobby to replace [...]
March 2nd, 2011 at 2:35 am (#)
Cool. It is kinda fun to see what we used to do before computers…. I do remember that far back. I think I was 3 (ha, ha). Seriously….Kids today don’t know what it’s like to draw or paint – or use ruby…. and certainly don’t know how to spec type for a typesetter!
Great drawings! Thanks for sharing!
March 2nd, 2011 at 1:43 pm (#)
Thanks Barb, yes you may have even been 2, lol. I think having worked in the field before computers gives us a better understanding of why some things have to be done certain ways today. It certainly helps me think things through the process quicker.
March 10th, 2011 at 2:05 pm (#)
[...] you to all my readers, especially those who left comments on my earlier posts, for giving me the encouragement I needed to take up illustration again. This Mother and Child [...]