Sunday, April 21, 2013

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Olympic Gymnastics GOLD.

Last night the powerhouse that is the US Olympic Women's Gymnastics team soared through the rotations and stuck gold.  The first team to do so since 1996. I'd say "you go girls" but honestly that doesn't even cover it. Such young women- so small and yet so powerful.
Great things do come in small packages.
Go for gold.

Cheers ladies. Great job!



Olympics 2012- Swim/Dive

For years I've always enjoyed and been fascinated by the aquatic events of the Olympics. Maybe it's because as a kid I was so very much a "water baby" and if I could've I'd have grown fins.  My family is built for swimming on m Dad's side... nordic people with broad shoulders and powerful legs. Sometimes I wish I'd been or had myself pushed harder to stick with swimming as a sport.  C'est la vie- having learned to swim in a round pool... lanes were a bit of a mystery to me anyway ;)
Kairn Design honors the skill, the determination and optimism that is the foundation of a true Olympian. To face the odds and say "I'm going to do my best, represent my country and no matter what- it's an honor to compete."... after years of dedication and training... that's pretty amazing.  SO to honor their skill- I'm using mine to create an array of Olympic posters. I hope you enjoy!

Friday, July 20, 2012

Illo Friday- LOST

lost by Kairn Design
©kairndesign2012
Things have been crazy busy around here- and sometimes when work has piled up and you've been flat out... you just gotta... LOSE IT.  I'm joking, well, maybe not, but this weeks Illustration Friday theme was "LOST", and while I did follow the tv show for awhile- I wanted to mix it up a bit and do something a lil cheeky (no pun intended) and fun. This summer has been a hot one and the beaches I love to peruse (even in winter) are now PACKED with people making it rare to have a stretch of sand all to yourself. I guess that's the funny part about this illustration- while she's clearly lost her clothes- maybe she's found a bit of herself in the freedom of simply being- free.
If you haven't checked it out already kairndesign.com has had a makeover- swing on by and take a look!

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Hello again.

Yep. I've been hibernating... again. sorry bout that. BUT I've been busy too and will post new pieces in the next few days so stay posted. IN the meanwhile today I've decided to share a lil discovery.

Several years ago a man named Ze Frank had this blog thing. I was working a temp job in the middle of no-frikkin-where, dating and asshat and pretty much got to stare at a mouth breather a computer screen and a man who ate hershey bars like a starving refugee.  So in this cube life, between answering calls and submitting data... I discovered this funny lil blog with games and silly videos made by this quirky guy I could've easily hung out with in college.
A few years later he'd make this innovative "Show", called.... "the show" that went viral before going viral was even a thing to do.  It was in a word- awesome.
Now, years later, a few grey hairs, a few life changes, relationships and jobs later... my virtual pal Ze is back at it again with his new show, called.... "a show". Same but different awesome.
Check it out. No. Really. Go. Yes.... you. go see. Srsly.

http://ashow.zefrank.com




But here's the funny part... well not ha-ha funny, but more quirky funny.
In a forum on his new site, seeing fellow former viewers and virtual pals I came across a post asking what everyone was listening to. So being clever I thought I'd find a video of my current audio background tunage only to find instead a preview for an indie flick.  Rather than "So Long Lonesome" by Explosions in the Sky... I found this.



I can't really wrap my head on the broader picture just yet- but in life I believe in signs... that whatever we're meant to learn, need to attain or are somehow missing hints to us everyday where it can be found or embraced. It's just a matter of learning how to see the signs, read the invisible map written in a language just for us, leading to where we want or need to wind up.
Being a realist that seems a bit fluffy a philosophy... but there's something to it.

I went looking for a song about loneliness, and came across a trailer for a movie about quantum physics, the movement of time and love.... reminding me of the new TV show starring Keifer Sutherland called "Touch" which also just sends shivers down my spine.

We're all connected. So goodbye, welcome, see you soon and hello. If all of life is "a show"- we're all co-stars.

Monday, April 2, 2012

busy busy.

So.dang.tired. #firstworlddoggyproblems by Kairn Design
a photo by Kairn Design on Flickr.
I have been. quite. So not a drop of art to view (yet anyhow) but instead I'll share a night lyric. Not quite poem, not a song... just a ditty that pops to mind when the day is long.

"The moon hung by her silver leash, drifting in the sky… and I watched as she dangled with my dreams sailing by..."

Friday, March 23, 2012

Katniss the mockingjay

Katniss the mockingjay by Kairn Design
Katniss the mockingjay, a photo by Kairn Design on Flickr.

Happy hunger games, and may the odds be ever in your favor!

I'm betting on the mocking jay....

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

The Slumber Games

slumbergames by Kairn Design
The Hunger Games- coming out this week to theaters. After much hesitation I listened to the whole audiobook series. Great "read".

You'd think fear of starvation, poverty, families on the brink, insurrection, oppression, the threat of death, obnoxiousness of cameras / reality TV with a self indulgent audience would be bad enough- but the Hunger Games took one more thing from Peeta and Katniss-
a good nights sleep.
Likely for the rest of their lives.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Hello Nathaniel

nate1 by Kairn Design

Well, folks at long last here's another sneak peek into my upcoming kids book "Nathaniel's Flippers"... nope I don't have a date set, still fine tuning and y'know.... writing it.
BUT here's my happy lil man with a lot of adventures sure to follow opening his new "shoes". Stay tuned!

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

mrrogersvalentine

mrrogersvalentine by Kairn Design
As a child of the late 70's early 80's... I can vouch that a consistent presence of comfort and care came from a daily dose of Mr.Rogers Neighborhood.
I was lucky to have a great family, support system and lots of love- for those kids that maybe weren't as blessed I can imagine the impact of this special show was far more meaningful. A person that was there everyday speaking seemingly just to you about how wonderful and unique you are.

Illustration Friday (IF:) theme of the week is "popular" which I think could apply to v-day... and it doesn't take a genius to figure out why. The more "love"and attention you get- the more popular you are. I like Mr. R's approach- we're ALL special and deserving of care, credit and respect.

So on this most commercialized of all days- where if you are single you either a player or pariah... I'm kickin it old school lil kid valentines day and wishing you all a big hug from me- your illustrating neighbor.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

IF: suspense

suspence by Kairn Design
suspence, a photo by Kairn Design on Flickr.
This weeks 'theme' is suspense... while I had multiple ideas something about this concept stuck with me.
Is s/he bringing her a scrub brush for her back? a loofa on a stick? maybe even a plunger to fix some other plumbing in the bathroom?
OR
Could it be something more sinister?
I find the suspense is in not knowing... all the guessing and theories.
I'll leave the story to you.
;)

Friday, January 27, 2012

IF: Twirl

Photo 1 - 2012-01-27 by Kairn Design
a photo by Kairn Design on Flickr.
This weeks Illustration Friday is "twirl".
There's something so sweet about a little girl being twirled by her dad, I remember wanting to spin and spin, feeling like a ballerina.

Monday, January 23, 2012

dragongirlCNY2012

dragongirlCNY2012 by Kairn Design
dragongirlCNY2012, a photo by Kairn Design on Flickr.

Happy New Year one and all!
It's the festive year of the dragon.
Inspired by a doodle in a sketchbook from awhile ago I thought I'd create for your viewing pleasure a dream dragon- all fire and coziness taking it's pet girl up to the top of a mountain for a snooze and a snuggle.

(yes, I realize dragons don't snuggle... but hey... I'm hoping 2012 will be a gentle and protective dragon that makes for great luck and comfort).

Thursday, January 19, 2012

knitting-prepare

knitting-prepare by Kairn Design
knitting-prepare, a photo by Kairn Design on Flickr.

THIS week's *actual* illustration Friday theme is "prepare"...

One of my best gal-pals & college roomie along with her husby are expecting a lil boy next spring! Hurrah!
So I'm knitting them a baby blanket.
What says "prepare" more than a baby blanket? It's nesting personified!

During their bi-coastal visit her mom and partner threw a wonderful baby shower / open house. We've all gone down different life paths- starting with art and branching out- but it's such a treat to come "back to the beginning" and stay in touch with such great people. I finally got to meet a girlfriends baby and husband! Time really does just fly...fly...fly.

In that glowingly brightly hued and cozy spice scented house we all gathered to celebrate, laugh and help them prepare for their bundle of wonderful. Congrats Momma and Daddy! Can't wait to *meet* him- officially.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Grounded

Grounded by Kairn Design 
a photo by Kairn Design on Flickr.
A long overdue Illustration Friday creation- but now a new favorite.

It's funny how we all run around trying new things and new places- how the world is a much much smaller place than it was even a generation ago. Then people could live entire lives in one town without a thought, entire families lived in the same houses (by choice)... setting down roots wasn't a question- it was a way of life.

Now it's a conscious thought, a choice and in that- a state of being grounded and home in your own two shoes.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Nathaniel's Flippers (part 4)

nate4 by Kairn Design
nate4, a photo by Kairn Design on Flickr.
So I've been working for some time on a children's book story... and finally... FINALLY I feel like I'm getting somewhere with the illustrations and clarifying my "style".
In the upcoming months I'll be patching together a dummy and submitting to publishers. Here's hoping I get some positive results.
When I was a kid and had a picture book I always loved looking for the details... to find the little things like a hidden critter or something recognizable that I'd find in my own home. I could believe the story if I felt like I could jump into the picture.
It's funny the things we're influenced by.

I'll post more as images get polished- this one still has some ruffles to smooth out, but I hope you enjoy it non-the-less.
:)
Cheers!
~K

Thursday, December 29, 2011

A well written and awesome must-read for designers and freelance artists...

Jessica Hische is an illustrator, typographer and designer whose work I've peeked in on from time to time over the years and have great respect for. Her site entitled "jessica hische is awesome"... is by no means false advertising.

She devised this amazingly funny (and truthful) "should I work for free?" flowchart that's pretty great.
I need to get a print of this at some point when I have wall space again... and when anyone asks I can point to it and wear a knowing grin.

While researching articles on licensing artwork and the "business" of art I came across and article she wrote that I found not only helpful but a great read.
If you're just getting started out, have been around for awhile or just want to learn something- take a gander: On Getting Paid

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

The messenger

The messenger by Kairn Design
The messenger, a photo by Kairn Design on Flickr.

Is he Cupid or an impish hipster ferrying messages between loved ones? Well, that's up to you! This weeks Illustration Friday theme: Messenger.
enjoy!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Happy Holidays!


This week's Illo Friday theme is "sink".  Of course I thought of all kinds of water basin ideas- but instead came up with SNOW- you sink right into it.  What with the holidays I had to post something festive and beautiful. 
Living in New England there's a kind of magic about the holidays that only seems to truly arrive when the white stuff does. Of course we're now at Dec.21st and STILL no snow- but here's hoping we'll get a white Christmas asap. (but not too much). So to my followers, friends, clients and family~ many thanks for your support, encouragement and enthusiasm, it helps me to make images I hope to share with you all in the coming year.

Stay warm, indulge in tasty treats, embrace family and friends, share kind thoughts and wishes and above all- stay safe and have a wonderful week!

Cheers to all,
Kerri D

Thursday, December 15, 2011

hellofriend

hellofriend by Kairn Design
hellofriend, a photo by Kairn Design on Flickr.
This weeks Illustration Friday is theme'd: Separated.

Yes, there's a story behind this image. On one side you have me in Boston (complete with a map in the texture)... on the other my best friend C who just so happens to live in Singapore (again, map in the texture). We met many years ago while he attended a college here and I befriended a whole bunch of his flat mates. Over a game of poker and a concert to see Tori Amos we became fast friends and over the years have remained close despite all kinds of life obstacles.

In this day and age the question I have is how separated ARE we really? Besides the obvious distance and lack of ability to join in activities- give one another a hug during good or bad times... it's still very much possible to be and remain close with someone on the other side of the planet. Rare? perhaps. But then again he's not unfamiliar with long distance connections and me? well I'm a strange lil bird.

The point is- I like to think that we're only as separated from one another as we allow ourselves to be. I'm not talking about racism, agism, politics... well any of the "isms"... that's a whole other can of worms. I'm talking tech. People complain left and right about how isolated technology makes us and how close can your friendships be with with a gadget in-between? They're not wrong- but like anything there's always another side to that coin.

In my case- a half year with a bad back has caused me to miss countless social gatherings, birthdays, a wedding, traveling opportunities, art openings and more. It's landed me severely lacking in close physical contact with my friends- but with my mac I can be stuck in my studio/home for days and not feel lonely or isolated.

I'm lucky to have those close friendships... maybe friendships are like architecture- without a solid base and sturdy frame... it doesn't matter how pretty it is... how many cables you have coming in or going out- no amount of tech will keep the thing upright through rough weather or stand the test of time.
 ;)