The Big ONE

Hi, welcome to my blog, my name is Nikki, though some call me April. I decided it was time to find my peeps (my fellow artists) and put myself out there, um, here, I mean. Who knows, maybe others will enjoy a looksee too. I think part of my problem is always feeling like I have to pigeon myself into one genre or another, but I’ve decided to just put it all here and see what happens. 

I’m an illustrator by trade and have had my work published mostly in children’s magazines, but I’ve also written children’s books though have not tried too hard at publishing them as of yet, though it’s certainly on my Todo list. I also enjoy writing and illustrating scifi stuff but most for my own personal pleasure. I’ve gotten very into journaling after have read and tried Linda Barry’s method, which I think has been a great addition to my workflow, not gonna lie, she’s kinda nutty, and I like it! I then went on to really focusing on my sketchbook(s) too. If that isn’t enough, I’ve also gotten very into pottery, not that I’m that great at it, but there’s definitely a synergy between the writing, the painting and the sculpting happening so you might see a little of it all. I was working on a tabletop game called Sequester, but it’s honestly a project that is too big for me alone, so I’ve put it aside so I can work on other things. 

So, with that, thank you for being here. 

Nikki

I’ve been experimenting lately with printmaking, and this is one that I sort of collaged different prints together to create this image. My sketchbook has really been where I not just sketch but really test ideas and materials out. 

I liked the image so much from my sketchbook I decided to try a monoprint version, which I then decided to use as the cover of my “sourcebook” journal. This might sound weird but I like naming my sketchbooks and journals, even my art pieces. I feel like they become more like friends once I give them a name. Pretty Penny (who’s honestly pretty ugly on the exterior, but has a very dynamic personality on the inside) is my current sketchbook. Lili Bolero is where I put random printmaking scraps or collage pieces to use later. I also list ideas, dreams, and any other things that might come in handy for inspiration later. If I have a technique that I try and like I also document, it here. My main Journal, named Bodhi is where I put various ramblings, reflections, goals and even sketches. 

Bodi and Pretty Penny are nearing capacity, so they will be used for future projects and inspiration, and I’ll be adding some new ones to the mix soon.

One thing I like to do is add tabs to my notebooks so if I have stuff to add or want to look at in the future, I know where it is. Last bu not least, Im still working on my travel journal, named Nodi Nodi from my trip to Spain and France with my mom in April. Let me tell you, Nodi has seen some shi…stuff.