Ali J

Hair Art

I've been watching a cool reality TV show on foxtel called "Shear Genius".  I just love certain types of reality TV shows - Shear Genius, America's Next Top Model, Top Chef, Project Runway.... and can't get enough of them.  I really want them to do an art/illustration reality show!!  That would rock.  :)  I was talking with Chad tonight and decided that when we have kids I'd be quite happy for them to have a job in any of the above reality show categories.  Hairdresser, Model, Chef or Fashion Designer.  Those people rock.

Anyway, back on track.  After watching Shear Genius which is all about hairdressers fighting it out for the best haircuts, they had the coolest challenge.  Hair Art.  This is so my thing, and instantly made me want to race out and turn someone into one of my girls with wild crazy hair.  (How cool would that be?!?)  I continued my obsession and after some further research came across two images that blew my mind .... stole my breath away.... and totally inspired some ideas for some new illustrations!!....

My new studio space LOVES me

This is my fabulous chunky wooden desk with drawers full of supplies, a desk covered with research material and walls covered in images to inspire me.  I've got a little dream-catcher hanging from the roof to make sure that none of my crazy thoughts disappear whilst I work!

I have little bookshelves scattered throughout the room.  Upon this one I have little glass jars full of bits and pieces such as buttons.  Beside them stands a wise owl watching.

Here sit two fairies from the other realm.  They were a present from my brothers for my 21st birthday, and I treasure them.  Behind that my dog from my childhood Shadow watches over me.

I love to have a pile of books to read constantly.  I believe that all professionals continue to research all of the time in their chosen field.  Researching keeps me inspired and helps me to grow as an artist.  These are from my local library and I have a never ending addiction to books of any sort.  These books center around graphic design, fashion design and website coding.

I always have a stack of fantasy & science fiction books lying close for those moments I need to escape into my own world.  As you can see from the creasing on the spines many of the titles have been read and re-read plenty of times.  This is only a snippet of my collection.  My favourite authors are Juliet Marillier, Raymond E Feist and Anne McCaffrey.

We always need companions beside us when we create.  These are just a few of the characters watching over me, ensuring that everything is just perfect.

Oh - and this is a reminder that I need to get back to work!  I'm finishing off a commission right now, and this is generally how I work on the sketches.  I surround myself with reference images, and just create!

So with that, I'm off to create.  Enjoy your day!  xox

Coffee can be more then just a morning wakeup

I was tagged by red-handed and jenningsgirls a while back to share some things about me you don't know.  I've done this a few times before, and to be honest I find it really difficult because my mind usually draws to a complete blank.  I've thought of one thing though, and I'm going to share it in context with some inspiring images.  We all need inspiration - yes?  :)

I'm a bit of a strange girl and have never drunk tea or coffee, and never will.  Why?  Personal choice I guess.  I don't like the taste or the smell and think it looks kind of yuck.  I don't know why I don't like it, I just don't.  There are however some times that I think coffee looks cool.