Heather O. Studio Blog

Digital Painting Practice

2013-11-06T11:00:00.000-06:00

Original sketch of Jester

After a long hiatus from digital art, I decided to go back and try out some new techniques after watching a few tutorials.

With inked lines

I'm not a beginner by any means but with all of the new features in Photoshop CC & using a new Wacom tablet it was great to "start over".

Removed inked lines

If you're just starting out in digital art or if you want to try some new techniques take a look at the resources below:

Photoshop Tutorial: Introduction to Digital Painting by Davpunk
Digital Art for Beginners by Martin Perhiniak

Art/Design © Heather O'Neal/Heather O. Studio

A fresh new look to Heather O. Studio!

2013-10-29T10:30:00.000-05:00

Change is always good and this time it's for the better!

Thru many failed designs and frustration from attempting to learn new Adobe Muse software, the website has a new look to match the new Heather O. Studio!

Keeping to the goal, the website is mobile friendly and easy to navigate.

The final design emphasizes the company's new color scheme and the tools I use in my daily for my career.

Let me know what you think of the design!

A new webpage is coming soon!

2013-08-26T10:30:00.000-05:00

It's official a new web design is coming soon!

After a couple of months of learning Adobe Muse and waiting for Creative Cloud updates - a new look is coming to the web site!

The new design will be one page, mobile friendly, and include: parallax scrolling, simplified navigation, new portfolio image views, along with an easy to use contact form.

Below is a sneak peek concept of the site, but the final design will be surprise! So stay tuned!

Art/Design © Heather O. Studio

Web Design Project Part 3

2013-04-23T23:32:00.002-05:00

The website design project continues!

I have been learning Adobe Muse for the past couple of weeks now thru tutorials & trial error. I found there were a few limitations yet there was infinite possibilities for someone who is not a web developer (like me for instance).

For those who do not know what Adobe Muse is, to sum it up - this program was developed for designers [a-like] who want to join in on website design field, yet are not necessarily strong with HTML/CSS. Adode Muse doesn't require any HTML [or CSS] coding, whether the website is meant for a desktop, tablet, or mobile device views.

Currently Adobe Muse is only available thru Adobe's Creative Cloud.

Art/Design © Heather O. Studio

Home page concept

About Me page concept


Portfolio page concept

Looking Back...

2013-04-10T23:04:00.000-05:00

It's always good to look back at past work to see measure growth in skills, confidence, and maturity. I brought back my old character Storm Whisper (who really got me into my profession). As I was working in the details/shading I just suddenly had to stop and see if anything had changed.

For sure she's not the same dragon as she once was! I wonder what she'll look like in another 5 or 6 years....

Storm Whisper/Art/Design © Heather O. Studio

Looking back...

Back to the drawing board!

2013-03-25T23:20:00.000-05:00

Went back to the drawing board and decided to try one more style. It still needs a bit more refinement, but in this style I wanted to focus on a clean navigation along with giving site a sense of depth/texture.

Art/Design © Heather O. Studio

website redesign project

2013-03-18T23:45:00.003-05:00

I have been working on some new ideas for the website redesign project, and this style was inspired by my portfolio's design (coming soon).

My thoughts were to keep the site: simplistic, fresh, and easily recognizable to my brand identity's theme.

Art/Design © Heather O. Studio

The Assassin

2013-03-09T00:49:00.000-06:00

This piece was inspired by the Assassin's Creed franchise.
The subject is that of a masai male lion waiting for his target to approach is his perch. I wanted to give him the feeling that he's "heavy & weighty" yet agile enough to stay on his narrow perch. [similar to the game's main characters].

Graphite pencil is the medium to complete the subject's body & details. Although adding more depth and a bit of coloring will be done in Photoshop (in the future)

"Assassin"

Those not familiar with the franchise, these games revolve around assassins' playing significant roles throughout important moments in history, but were never noted in the history books.

Art/Design © Heather O. Studio
Assassin's Creed reference © Ubisoft

Greetings!

2013-02-28T09:00:00.000-06:00

Hello Everyone and Thank You so much for all of the support!

It has been way too long since my last post here on my Blog. It's a little difficult for me to stay on top of all of these social media platforms - I have been active on DeviantArt, LinkedIn, Behance, Instagram, Twitter, and my Fan Page.

If you have any comments, questions, or just want to stay in touch with any news I may have, feel free to contact me on my twitter handle @HeatherOStudio. I always enjoy talking to all of you!

Onto some news!

Some great things happening this year:

Heather O. Studio now has a fresh new logo! Stationary soon to follow! There is still a lot to re-brand, but I'm excited to start using the logo on my newest artworks.

I will be redoing the website to fit this new logo and new skill set I've gathered over the year.

This also means a new portfolio style as well.

I will be placing my works & progresses mostly on my Blog & Fan Page so be sure to subscribe and follow.

I'm hoping to visit a few big Comic Cons (if tickets are available). I will not sell my works onsite - I'm only visiting to scope out for 2014 artist alleys.

On a personal note, I completed my MBA program [will be at my commencement in May] and have been promoted to my new position as Graphic Designer Coordinator!

Again thank you everyone for your support! All of you have kept me going & my pencil thanks you.

Website is up and running!

2012-06-09T21:49:00.000-05:00

Excited to announce the Heather O. Studio website is brand new and is ready for viewing!

Featured on IGN.com

2011-04-23T20:14:00.001-05:00

I'm excited to share that Heather O. Studio was published on IGN.com's 2011 Legend of Zelda: Hyrule's Most Wanted!
To celebrate the good news I have offered computer wallpapers featuring "At Midnight".

800x600

1280x1024

Art © Heather O. Studio
Wolfos/Zelda © Nintendo

Creating your own Character

2010-12-03T00:29:00.004-06:00

Meet Senkou a character I created in high school for a story I was writing. This is the 2009 version of him.
Many people have asked me, "how do I create a character?" Easily!

First and idea needs to pop into your head! What influences you? Music normally does the trick for me.
It sets the mood for my characters. See how Senkou has a bit of rock/punk in him? Jewelry, pose, hair, colors, and even expression was influenced by the music/mood I was in.

Next up is to actually draw out the character. What pops into your head? What's his/hers "background" story? Their A past, present, & future? This helps get you understand Why he/she "exists".
Senkou here is the main character of my story, and he's a bounty hunter (he has a human partner as well), who doesn't know he's about to become the hero of the story.

Figure out next what do you want the character to look like! So this main character needed to be memorable and stand out from the rest of the characters.
In the story, Senkou's name means Flash. Which means he needed to look agile, sleek, a little on the thin side. Narrow muzzle, long neck & tail, deep chest, lean legs....got the point?
Since this is his introductory picture, I wanted him to appear serious & ready with his pose. This can be different for your character. It's preference.

My favorite part, adding details! My characters have different meanings or symbols all over them. This again defines who they are or their particular personality.

Senkou here is a bit of a maverick or rebel. Remember he's a "bounty hunter", so looking clean just isn't his style. Tattoos, punk/rock jewelry, and wild hair style just emphasizes the point he's making.

Now remember he doesn't know he's going to be a hero in the story?....See the necklace? Doesn't it seem a bit off from the rest of the items he's wearing? Mysterious.....

Next up is finishing the character by creating a color scheme. And you are done!

Remember characters are suppose to be fun and embellish them anyway you want!

Senkou/Art/Design © Heather O. Studio

Gamer Girl

2010-11-19T00:17:00.001-06:00

Well the idea behind this little icon, was to finally represent a girls touch to the video gaming world. Of course it's mostly of the males, but there are Gamer Girls out there if you look hard enough. ;)
(Available at Zazzle.com and as a device case on Voottoo.com)
‎

Art/Design © Heather O. Studio

Big Bad Wolf Concept

2010-09-15T00:20:00.000-05:00

Another character I'm dabbling with. I'm hoping to have some progression photos by this weekend.

How to have a successful Trade Show or Convention Table

2010-06-15T00:37:00.001-05:00

So it's almost time to work on the Youmacon convention and I have been reflecting what my last year show was like compared to my trade show venue.
Many of you may also be interested in having your own tables at these trade shows and convention, so let me share a bit of wisdom with you.

In my experience, a trade show or convention is a great way to advertise yourself, company, artwork, and services. Now do not think this is a monetary pay off, because it's not.
This is a sacrifice of time and money, but I in my opinion, I think the benefits of working at these venues far out ways all of the cons!

So let me tell you what you will need in at any of these events:

Table (with a table cloth of your company/favorite color) and chairs (not all venues will have chairs or tables)
Guestbook (to collect emails, address, or just how many have gone to your table that night)
Bring a laptop or portfolio, bins, table tents, office supplies such as pencils, pens, and paper (trust me, people do forget these)
Have some type of contest, drawing, candy or any promotional item that will bring people to your table! (Advertise and Market)
Have a handout of some sort whether it's a flyer or a business card.
Baggies (in case you are selling products), Order forms, Carbon Receipts, Cash box (to take on commissions or orders). These are available at Office Max or Staples
Be ready to stay at your table for the day so bring food, water, and maybe a book

Each show has it's own rules, regulations, start-up costs, and audience. So be sure to know your venue, by researching and asking questions!

Also be sure to get to know your neighbors during these events! It's important to make friends/allies. You never know if you will need to borrow anything or have to leave your table.

Now let me tell you some of the mistakes I made that all of you can avoid:

I did not keep a budget! Really it's simple, but if this is your first show, you will be bound to forget. I was so scared that I would not have enough products, I ended up shipping over half of my back-stock home!
Be careful when you sign up with others to share a table! Due to unseen circumstances, I ended up at the show alone trying to find out how to receive my badge that was in my partners name! Luckily for me I was able to receive all of my convention materials, but be sure to have place your name on any type of registration information. (also I did have family and neighbors that were able to help me during the show)
I did not have a game plan. Since I did not budget, I did not know how much of a profit I would need to cover my losses. (Again you will not recover everything you put into these shows, so be warned) Each day I had to create a new strategy of pricing, specials, and contest.
I did not set up an attractive table setting. I was newbie that did not understand the concept of how my customers see my table. Think of your table as a mini store or shop, which has "features", "accessories" and "sale" areas. (I was lucky that someone was kind enough to help me set up "shop")

If you are interested in starting a table, be sure to know what you want to sell; whether it's yourself, products, or your company's services!

And lastly, the biggest tip I can give you, is Have Fun! These shows are a great experience!
I've had wonderful time meeting new people, selling my products, placing a smiles on clients faces, learning about my competition, and most of all building a Fan Base.

What happens after the shows?
Well just be ready to crash once all of the excitement is over! Give yourself a day or two to recover, especially if you have 2-3 day showings.
Sit down and make a list of what was successful and what was unsuccessful. This is a great way to retain information and reflect.

Now that you have a bit of knowledge, go and have an incredible show!

Happy Anniversary to Heather O. Studio!

2010-05-31T00:20:00.000-05:00

What's on your iPhone?

2010-01-25T23:06:00.002-06:00

I've had my 3G iPhone for a few months now. I want to share which apps were great for my business's well-being and for just the fun in life.

For business these are my top 5 apps:

Virtual Receptionist (free; except after 60mins are up, but this keeps your cell safe)
Trip Case (free; keeps all my hotels, flights, and rentals in one space. I can even share with my family and friends! This was so useful for my mother to know where I am ^^)
Tick (free version; I am able to keep track of hours on each of my clients' projects)
iDisk ($99/year with MobileMe; I am able to share and email files to clients from my iPhone! Great for someone who is always out and about)
VehiCal (free; a great way to keep track of your vehicle expenses and mileage)

For the personal side of life, these are my top 5 apps:

Shazam (free version; download it, turn on your radio and tap Tag Now. You will love this app!)
Amazon Kindle (or similar software) - (free; I love to read, but I can't always carry a book with me. That's where this app comes in! Best part, it stays in sync with my Kindle!! I always start where I left off no matter which device I am on!)
Tipulicious (free; a great app when it's time to split the meal; try it out!)
Starbucks Mobile Card (free; I love to know how much I have left on my Starbucks Cards. Try it out!)
Teavana (free; I love this app! You will too, especially if you are a tea lover! Try this one out!)

Well that was just a taste of what is on my iPhone....trust me I have about 6 screens so far!
So here's my question to you...What's on your iPhone?

Quick Tips and hints for Starting a Small Business

2010-01-24T20:19:00.007-06:00

I haven't been able to blog for awhile due to the high volume of work I've taken on. But this is a new year and it's time to share! :)
This is just a very quick summary of what you need to do within your first month of starting a business.

In 2009, I started Heather O. Studio....of course I had no clue how or what to do. So I had to learn, study, focus, try, fail, and accomplish on my own.
Some quick background though, I'm an at home business, sole proprietorship, and freelancing/contracting so my situation maybe different from yours, but maybe not completely.

So I've got a few tips for some of you looking to start your own business.
First and foremost, find a mentor or business counselor/adviser! I found mine at a nearby community college. I was able to find out what type of business I needed to open, and what were my next steps.
Now these were business analysis counselors/advisers available for anyone! Best part...it was free!!

Next tip, is to open up a business checking account. Make sure they are free of annual fees or dues. You're a new business, right now its about saving as much as you can all you can.
Also you want to separate your personal expenses from those of your business.
Be sure to start a profit-loss excel sheet or invest in Quicken (or similar software) and TurboTax (or similar software). This will make it so much easier by tax season.

Next up, have a business credit card or designate a credit card for your business only. Again this just helps keeps your expenses in order.

Now here comes the fun...maybe hard part. It's about marketing your company and gathering business. There's a lot of creative ways of doing so, but you need to have the basics. Identity packages are your standard business card, letterheads, envelopes, and some type of promotional material.
For example, when I had met up with my business adviser, I not only handed him a business card, but a bookmark (my company design) as well. This is a great way for people to remember you. And that's what it's about, standing out.

Another idea is to invest and stay involved with your community in some way.
I've invested my time and marketing into my local Chambers. This is has been a great way for me to gather potential clients, strategic alliances, and overall some really great friends.

Now it's time to learn how a business works. I'm actually studying for my MBA to grab hold of this (my art degree can only go so far). But there are tons of books, seminars, blogs, articles, and workshops for this. You don't need a degree, but overall basic education of how to interpret contracts, understand your finances, and complex business works. Makes sense right? Can't be a mechanic and have no clue how to take apart a machine!

My last quick tip....be ready for slow days and expensive purchases. It's natural to feel lost and confused, but if you keep I promise you will succeed.
At the beginning, I was worried I had invested in a fool-hearted dream, and I would have to admit to those who didn't believe in me I couldn't do it. Well my hard-work paid off!
I maybe a small business, but I am a successful one!

So don't give up and Good Luck! :)

Bookmark of Luck

2010-01-24T02:02:00.004-06:00

"Bookmark of Luck"

I've been lucky so far this year :)

I was just playing around with a bookmark design...
This is about 2.5in x 6.5in
Currently up for sale on Heather O. Studio

Art/Design © Heather O. Studio

Open on Zazzle.com!

2010-01-16T01:05:00.002-06:00

You can now find new products with my artwork on them here on Zazzle.com!

The Heather O. Studio Sweatshirt

2010-01-08T23:55:00.000-06:00

My Last 2009 Piece

2009-12-26T23:32:00.000-06:00

I'm excited for the new Okami that will be released on Nintendo DS!! :D So to celebrate the occasion, I thought it would be appropriate to create a Baby Ammy meeting up with her first sapling friend.
I'm also finalizing this to be my last 2009 piece. ;)

Art/Design of Baby Okami © Heather O. Studio 2009
Okami © Capcom/Clover Studios

The Store and New Online Retail Store have been updated!

2009-11-09T13:15:00.001-06:00

Hi Everyone!

Great news! My artwork is now on CafePress! You can now get some really neat Tshirts, Journals, Bags, and even some items for your pet!
Be sure to take a look in the retail store today! :)

I'm thinking about getting the butterfly tank and Tsuki Tshirt...but there's so many to choose from! :aww:

Also I've added artwork that was available at the Youmacon on my website. These will only be up for a limited time since a lot of the items are starting to sell out.

Let me know if anyone has any questions!

The Youmacon Fun!

2009-10-30T20:23:00.002-05:00

Wow it's been quite an entertaining first day at the Youmacon.

I've met so many nice people and learned so much at my first convention! Also this is my first Artist Alley as well is it's been a real treat.
I wanted everyone to know that there is a special treat for those that purchase a print tomorrow! :D
Trick or Treat folks!
Happy Halloween!

New and improved website

2009-10-17T17:36:00.003-05:00

Finally the website is all done! :) http://www.heatheroneal.com
There is now a Services, Store, and the Portfolio/FineArt are seperated!
Overall it's new and improved! Be sure to stop in!