Putting Inspiration To Work

January 27, 2016

I often visit libraries and used bookstores in search of new inspiration. I found a few great books recently and wanted to share how I get inspired by imagery and designs, and then capture various motifs to make my own. I found this book on Erté by Charles Spencer at the Russian Hill Bookstore and found that it contained a huge amount of inspiration.

While flipping through it, I sat with my sketchbook and noted little details that spoke to me and my aesthetic. Once I have a selection of motifs I like to take a page from my sketchbook like the one here, into Photoshop and start playing with various items to see what I can come up with. I sometimes use individual motifs or combine a few—the possibilities are endless.

Can you tell which ones I used to make the patterns below? With color and scale changes, rotating, reflecting and putting my own spin on things, the designs now feel like mine but I know Erté was my inspiration and that's I nice thought. Because I did these designs in the same hand and used a complimentary color palette, they also feel like they could work as part of a collection.

I hope you have fun finding your own inspiration and putting it to work.

Overwhelmed by Offers ?

January 25, 2016

Are you overwhelmed by all the offers, courses, classes, DIY, Must-Do's! out there? I sure am. I have a hard enough time trying to get one thing in front of me done, without getting distracted by ads that scream "Skills You Need to Have ", "You've Got to See This", "You Must Try This!", "Learn How To Make Your Life Exactly What You Want It To Be With Zero Effort And Make A Million Dollars Doing It." Although many of the courses teach valuable lessons, most of them come at a high price.

As a creative person, I'm always up for learning more. I love tutorials, marketing classes, instructional videos. However, I don't like spending money on every single thing I come across. I've found some great free PS tutorials through this site PHLEARN like these here. There are many ways to do the same thing, but I love finding a way that's more efficient. Even if something doesn't pertain exactly to textile design, you can still learn tips and tricks that are transferable.

Here are a few I found pretty interesting. Do you have any favorite free tutorial sites?

http://phlearn.com/how-to-use-step-and-repeat-in-photoshop

http://phlearn.com/how-to-color-an-illustration-in-photoshop

http://phlearn.com/apply-wallpaper-to-walls-in-photoshop

http://phlearn.com/use-refine-edge-tool-photoshop

An Icon Lost

January 19, 2016

The death of David Bowie is still with me a week later. His passing has probably affected me more than any other celebrity in recent years because of his influence on me in my life. I grew up with his music through all the various stages of my youth—from my pre-teen years onward.

My older brothers introduced me to him in the early 80s by giving me a copied cassette tape of Scary Monsters with a handwritten DAVID BOWIE scrawled across it. As a twelve year old his music scared me a little. It was moving and different, and I was pressed to listen to it and almost had to learn to love it. And I did.

His influence in music, fashion and his courage to be different, permeated the universe. The day he died, I imagined his music being played all around the world and rising up in to the air. I think we are drawn to talented people especially when they are as courageous and forward-thinking with their creativity as he was.

Happy New Year 2016!

January 1, 2016

This quote really moved me when I read it. I often get caught up in thoughts of my past, how wonderful things were—how I thought nothing could be better than the years I went to NYU, or lived in Paris or first arrived in San Francisco. I think about how young, pretty, talented, healthy and strong I was. But wait! Aren't I still all of those things just more grown up and with more amazing stories under my belt? Maybe I have a few extra creaks in my bones and extra pounds around the waist, but I'm still those things.

I have decided to commit myself to living as healthy and vibrant a life I can—full of creativity, time with family and friends and things that matter. I will always cherish my past experiences—all the moments I can relive, and the stories I can tell—but I'm so ready to see what comes next. I have a feeling the more I open myself up to finding out what the future holds, the more I will experience. Bring it on!

I wish you all many new experiences and some new stories to tell in 2016. Happy New Year everyone! Much joy to you in the coming year.

My Inspiration this Week

December 8, 2015

I'm always inspired by world cultures—from the Sami people of Lappland to the Omo tribe in Ethiopia. I also love how tribal and folk wear is so prevalent in today's world of design. Below are some images that really drew me in— can't get enough of the colors, the patterns, the fabric! Some are authentic folk wear and some are modern interpretations, but each of them feeds my creative soul. Click to see more on my Pinterest Folkology board.

Around the world folk cultures. My personal inspiration using images from Pinterest. See more on my Folkology board.

November Instagram Fave: Alea Toussaint

November 20, 2015

I stumbled upon this Instagram feed and was immediately taken with the incredible patterns that Alea Toussaint makes out of a variety of objects. Whether it be flowers or peppercorns, pens or sequins—she makes one stop to take a closer look. Just beautiful!

She is a graphic designer and pattern artist based in Minneapolis. If you would like to see more of her work, visit her website here www.aleatoussaint.com

And you can buy prints of her work on Society 6 here.

Alea Toussaint on Katja Blog

Les Ballet Russes

October 27, 2015

Have you ever heard of Leon Bakst? No? Well perhaps you have heard of the Ballets Russes, a dance company that was concieved by Sergei Diaghilev, that performed throughout Europe and North and South America between 1909 and 1929.

I did ballet for about 10 of my (much younger) years and I have always loved the world of dance and still go to the ballet regularly. The Ballet Russes has always inspired me because the costumes are so incredibly beautiful, and designed by artists who were very avant garde for the time—from Picasso, Matisse, Chanel and yes, Leon Bakst.

His costumes are bold and bright and I can really imagine that the simple shapes and vibrant colors would be perfect for viewing from a distance while moving across the stage. Here is just a selection of a few I loved in particular. How beautiful that must have been!

He also did set design, and created patterns for textile that were never put into production (as far as anyone knows). Here are a few incredible examples in rich palettes that I found here.

On My Inspiration Board

October 22, 2015

Do you love Pinterest? Do you collect a gazillion images but then never look back through them? Women are gatherers after all. We love to scoop up pretty things and then store them away. It's in our nature.

I make a point to go back through my boards and gather up images that are speaking to me at that moment. Obviously I love them all because I chose to hoard them in the first place. But it's fun to think of a theme or trend you are feeling at the time and revisit them.

So what have I been feeling this week? What's on my inspiration board and speaking to me right now? Well it's definitely bold and bright—did you expect anything less from me?

Click through to my Fabric Textile Print and Pattern board for sources — Click through to my **Fabric Textile Print and Pattern** board for sources

Moyo Magazine - Issue 8

October 7, 2015

I've just been reading the latest issue of Make it in Design's Moyo Magazine. If you are a lover of all things patterntastic, then take a look through this great FREE online publication that the site offers. It has 112 pages of great interviews, insider tips, tutorials, Q&As with people in the textile industry, and more. Click here for access to Make it in Designs's Moyo Magazine's Issue 8 and prepare to get inspired.

September Instagram Fave: Nitch

September 14, 2015

I often talk about visual inspiration, but every so often I'll see a quote or some words that resonate with me and have major impact. One of my favorite places that combines both of these things is NITCH. This is a wonderful Instagram account (and website nitch.com) with amazing portraits of people you know, and some you may not—accompanied by their inspirational quotes. I could read this for hours!

Take a gander and allow yourself some time to reflect.

Hair Tapestry

August 6, 2015

Huh? What?! Yes, you read right. As you may have noticed in the past few years, weaving and macrame have both made a resurgence in the crafting and art worlds. Whether you are hanging a colorful beauty on your wall, or a potted plant from the ceiling I love the texture and color these pieces add to a room. But would you try this latest trend for your head?

Thanks to Tiffany Decaux and Lou Teasdale, the stylists who created these looks.

If you choose to stick with wall hangings, here are a few cool Etsy sellers who bring a modern twist to the craft. And take a look at my Stitch Knit Weave Pinterest board for more inspiring finds!

Artist Spotlight: Anna Valdez

July 29, 2015

I don't recall how I came across Anna's work, but when beautiful artwork is bright, colorful and full of pattern it will most definitely catch my eye. I love her still-life paintings depicting scenes in her room and studio—of various books, collected objects, plants and decorative fabrics. I like to say that they "make my eyes hungry". Hungry for more!

Anna lives and works in Oakland, CA and you can read more about her artwork and process here. Any inquiries about purchasing her art can be sent to info@annavaldez.com.

All images shared are with kind permission of the artist.

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Screen Shot 2015-07-29 at 6.09.01 AM.png

Mandala Magic in a Cake

July 5, 2015

*All images via Stephen McCarty Instagram and mymodernmet.com*

Wow! I just read about these Sukhavati Raw Desserts here and they sure are stunners! I just know they've got to taste divine too. L.A. pastry chef Stephen McCarty makes these stunningly vibrant cakes using vegan and raw ingredients. He uses the intricate design of the Mandala to decorate his delicacies—which could be like the temporary sand mandalas created by Tibetan monks—fleeting beauty, soon to be swept away. I want to meditate on that, and then get rid of it (translation: think about how pretty it is, then get it in ma belly!).

Iris

June 21, 2015

If your life is feeling a bit ho-hum and you need a little kick in the pants, the movie Iris will give you that little burst of inspiration you might need. Watching 92-year old Iris Apfel in her home with her husband Carl and seeing how free and youthful they are is just so sweet. She is witty, honest and fearless with her style, and it is just so invigorating to watch her in action!

Seeing how active and full of art, travel and fashion her life is, makes me never want to complain about an ache or pain, or waste another lazy day lounging on the couch. After seeing what she takes on, reminds one of how much living there is to do!

If you aren't familiar with the fashion icon, here's a great article in April Vanity Fair to give you a taste of who she is. And check out the movie trailer here.

Justina's Jungalow Prints

June 13, 2015

She had these printed on Shutterfly. How cool and so fresh! — *She had these printed on Shutterfly. How cool and so fresh!*

My homegirl has been on a crazy roll lately. Not only is Justina Blakeney's latest amazing book out, (check out The New Bohemians with photography by Dabito) but she has taught herself how to create patterns. I just love how she makes things happen. I mean, she got it in her head that she wanted to do this and then figured out a way. No formal training—just a vision and some confidence. How admirable is that!

Her patterns are a reflection of her jungalow lifestyle—full of lush greenery, palm fronds and flowers (and a lovely hint of Josef Frank). She not only painted the designs, put them into repeat, but then had them printed by Shutterfly and made into products that she can have around her home. To top that, she then did a collaboration with a local LA designer, Eva Franco to make a line of clothing. Now that's what I call an inspirational mover-and-shaker.

Exclusive Eva Franco dress with Justina's pattern. — *Exclusive Eva Franco dress with Justina's pattern.*

Images are via her website and Eva Franco.

June Instagram Fave - ihavethisthingwithfloors

June 11, 2015

It's no surprise that I adore this feed. If you haven't seen it by now, just take a peek and I'm sure that you will love it too! @ihavethisthingwithfloors is the most mesmerizing array of floors, tiles, carpets and ground surfaces and it's really hard to pull myself away once I start looking. Here are just a few of the 300,000+ followers already in love. Use hashtag #ihavethisthingwithfloors and add to the fun.

Sonoma

June 9, 2015

Had a great time in Sonoma last week housesitting for a friend. I took lots of walks and was surrounded by plenty of inspiration. My favorite part of the trip was being able to sit poolside with my paints and a glass of Rosé. It was very rejuvenating and a hard place to leave!

Getting Unstuck

June 7, 2015

As a designer, I need fuel. Creative fuel. When my tank is empty and I've hit a block, the paint doesn't flow as easily and I know I need a spark to reignite my creativity. That's when I go to my three favorite ways to get inspired:

Taking a walk around town or in nature.

Perusing a library or used bookstore for great art book finds.

Visiting a museum—preferably alone and very early in the morning.

When I take walks, I love to bring a camera with me. It encourages me to not only see things differently, but to look for things. I will come home with photos of the day and see what I can make with them. Sometimes I'll make a collage of images to create a mood board (or a blog post). Other times I will use the photos and manipulate them to create a pattern. Even just the act of walking, and getting fresh air will clear my head and wipe the slate clean.

Books are another fantastic source of inspiration. You don't have to spend a lot of money on them either. I often make trips to used book stores or the public library and sit on the floor flipping through art reference books—not just on textiles and pattern—but illustration, photography and art. They just open up my mind to different ideas and ways of looking at things. Sometimes I will even snap a picture from the book to remind myself of a color palette, or jot down the name of a designer to investigate further online.

My all-time favorite way to get inspired is to go to a museum. The earlier the better, the fewer crowds the better. I recall a time I went to the Legion of Honor in San Francisco on a Tuesday morning at 9:00AM, and I was the first one in. The hair on my arms kinda stood up. It was the quietest, loveliest experience and just made me feel all kinds of creative!

Removing myself from my workspace is really the key. No matter what I choose to do, I trust that the creativity will come back. I have learned not to panic and accept it as part of the process. I allow myself the time to recharge and it always pays off. Plus, it's pretty fun.

How do you recharge?

Inspiration Abounds

May 4, 2015

50watts.com is an unbelievably rich resource for illustrations from around the globe and throughout the years. It has the most incredible collection of images, end papers, posters, children's illustration, vintage advertisements and more—I could peruse this site for hours! Here's a small sampling of the amazing treats you will find here. Have a great time getting lost for a while.

*Shigeru Hatsuyama - Thumbelina 1925 - Japan*

Lev Tokmakov for Katya in Toy City 1973 - Russia — *Lev Tokmakov for **Katya in Toy City** 1973 - Russia*

Carlos Mereida 1939 - Dances of Mexico — *Carlos Mereida 1939 -* *Dances of Mexico*

Feeling Fruity

March 21, 2015

Spring is in the air (at least it is here in San Francisco). We really don't ever have to pile on layers—except for the ones we don in the evening when the fog rolls in. But this time of year still makes me feel like lightening up by eating better, getting outside and walking in the fresh air. Seeing these bright, fruity finds has inspired me to go make a smoothie. Check out more juicy images on my Tutti Frutti Pinterest board here.

*Clockwise from top left: Say Yes Blog, Justina Blakeney, Bouffants & Brokenhearts, Forever21 top, Andrew B. Meyers, Kazuaki Yamaguchi, H&M purse, Oh Joy cupcakes, Acerno Vintage*

Do you like reading about colorful things?

All artwork, images and designs on this website are the sole property of Katja Ollendorff unless otherwise noted.

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