Sep 13, 2009

Blogversary and a wee bit about my process

Update Sunday 9/20 8:30 a.m. - Comments are closed for the prize drawing about to take place. Check the latest post for results!

Only 5 days until my Blogversary!
I started this blog on Sept. 18 last year and I am amazed at the way it has changed my life.
Not only has it been incredible to be able to "journal" my journey into making my own art for the first time in many, many years it has given me so many extraordinary and unexpected perks! I have made hundreds of friends all around the world that have brought more to me and my life and this experience of making art than I could have ever imagined. So, thank you blog friends, new and old, for sharing this last year with me! Post a comment on this post and you will be entered to win this original collage or another prize! I'll be drawing names on the 20th! Look for other goodies throughout the week but you only need to comment this post!

Paper Sky



copyright by Marsha Jorgensen 9/13/09. All rights reserved. You may NOT copy, print, download or use this image in any way without my permission.
This is a 5 x 7 collage using a face from keeperofthenest.etsy.com, a body from flickr's Suzee Que, and wings from greatmusings.com that were digitally place over a scan of vintage paper. The clouds, crown, moon, and stars were created and cut from either my own vintage paper or scans of my vintage paper. The background was made by merging a sky purchased with a commerical license from designer Nicole Young with text from designer Jen Ulasiewicz. The border was made with pieces from Crowabout.etsy.com digitally altered with text from designer Jen Ulasiewicz also.


Warning! Busy week ahead - something scheduled every single day and night. The school year and soccer season have definitely arrived!

I've had several people ask me about the way I work again the last couple of weeks and I am way behind in answering those emails. So, if you're a frequent visitor you can skip this part! Thought it easier to type it all once and direct people here instead of writing 6 or 7 separate emails. Well, most of you that have asked are just arriving to the mixed media world and congratulations! You will undoubtedly have a blast! I graduated with a BFA in graphic design nearly 20 years ago and after many jobs in the art world and teaching elementary art, I have to say I have had more fun in the last year than all those years combined. I arrived to this medium not long ago myself - almost exactly a year now. I had never worked in collage or mixed media in this respect. I don't mean to be ornary, but I haven't shared parts of my process with anyone yet, so you might find these points a bit disappointing. I am still perfecting things I do and what things I use to do what I do - maybe someday I'll feel ready to share. I am not an expert, don't teach classes or write articles either - I just explore how to get what's in my head onto paper. So here are my best unsecret tips and suggestions . . .
  • When I started out with this art form I also entered blogland for the first time. I was far too shy to ask anyone how they did things so I bought a lot of books and magazines, spent thousands, and I do mean thousands, of hours on the internet looking at what other people made and how they did it if they happened to be sharing. Now I am rather thankful I didn't ask - I would never have discovered my style or my weird way of working had I not done the exploration myself. The failures or processes that didn't work led me to the ones that did. I truly believe experimentation takes you to places you will never find if you try to follow someone else's step by step.
  • If you look below my artwork, no matter where you see it (here, flickr, etsy, etc.) you can always find exactly where I get my images. Next to making art, I spend more time looking for images than anything else. There are lots of places to find free images too - flickr groups like this one http://www.flickr.com/groups/collageimages/, the library of congress (just be sure to check copyright restrictions in the picture's bibliography, and sites like The Graphics Fairy. Check people's sidebars in their blogs and you will find lots of places for images.
  • If you buy images be sure to check and see if you need a commercial license or other permission to use images you are buying that you intend to use in your artwork for sale. Some scrapbook sites do not allow you to profit from their images in any way. Some simply require you get permission and many require that you pay extra licensing fees.
  • If it were me, I would not invest in any images you see that are from contemporary pop culture/movies/TV shows. Anything produced after 1923 is probably still copyright protected. I've been seeing lots of collage sheets with Twilight and Alice in Wonderland images from the new movie, for instance, and these images are not legal to use. For a great nutshell of fair use guidelines, you can check out this website Ask Harriete.
  • I use Microsoft Publisher as a sketchbook for my work. Occassionally I will take pieces to Gimp or Photoshop (which I barely know how to use) to alter them digitally if needed - usually do this to layer images. I lay out my ideas in Publisher to get an idea for size and to pull all the elements together. Then I separate all of the images again and print my own collage sheet of sorts that I cut with scissors to construct the piece. It is not unusual for me to be gluing 10-15 pieces together to form a character.
  • I use Quickie Glue pinpoint roller pen to glue my pieces. It might not stand up to a hurricane but it is the easiest for me to use without getting glue smears everywhere. I recheck all of my edges just before shipping in case something pops up, but this glue holds pretty tight. I know I can't take my pieces a part with destroying them! (And I know that from trying to fix and rework things)
  • I don't seal my work. Since I use Pan Pastels and inks that don't smear, I don't really need to seal it.
  • I work to a mat size. Well, actually I work to the opening in a standard mat. I have found that people really appreciate it when you work in standard sizes so that it doesn't cost a fortune to frame.
  • I used to use liquid watercolor to make my own backgrounds but I have since started using almost all digitally created backgrounds. They are easier to maniuplate and use in different ways, faster to make and lot less messier. However, I do find myself very impressed by other people's acrylic and watercolor backgrounds so I'm not saying never. I may revisit this way or working again soon. I am finding my own way through Gimp and Photoshop and it's taking forever but I make out okay to do what I am ready to do. It's all about the process and perfecting and learning more for me.
Well, that's all I can think of to share right now. Hope it helps! Have fun!

66 comments:

patti said...

Happy Anniversary! I am new to your blog and I'm really enjoying your artwork. Thank you for sharing your tips - what goes around, comes around. I have only done one or two collages, but may do more with the inspiration I get here :)

Unknown said...

Wow, thanks so much for a breakdown on your work. I've been wondering what process you use to create such fantastic imagery! Love your work so much I have you monitored in my blogger so I can see when new stuff pops up! Thanks so much for sharing!!!

...and happy Blogiversary!

Nettie Edwards said...

LOL! Yes Marsha, I learned EVERYTHING I know about digital from books and messing around for HOURS. Love the new piece x

julia said...

I think this is my favorite piece yet! I didn't even get through the whole post yet, just had to say, "I love, love, love this!" Off to read it all now :)

Julia

Anonymous said...

Happy anniversary! Whoo, whoo!
A beautiful girl in paper clouds, awesome!

Gretz said...

Happy Anniversary. I LOVE this piece, mind you I love all the pieces I have seen of yours ;-)

I think this girl has a far away look in her eye .. like she wants to travel to Australia ;-)

Hanne said...

Happy Anniversary!
This collage is so beautiful! You know I love your art!!!
Hanne

Audrey said...

Happy Anniversary! I love to visit your blog and please count me in...

Anonymous said...

A very Happy First Blogiversary (and maaaaaaany mooooooore!)

THanks for sharing some of how you do what you do. I love your work!

indybev said...

I love your girl-riding-clouds, and I enjoyed your recount of your process. We came to blogland about the same time, Marsha. I can't imagine life without it, and all the wonderful people I've met. I'm sure you feel the same. So, Happy Blogversary to us!

thekathrynwheel said...

Wow! I can't believe you have only been blogging for a year - you seem such a pro! Well, I love your blog and call in to check out every new post. Very generous of you to share your techniques :-)
Love the text on your latest creation. Someone is in for a great prize!
Kate

Michelle Remy said...

I cannot believe you've only been blogging a year!! WOW! This new piece is sooo full of those yummy, intricate layers that make your work so special! Congratulations & here's to many more!

LivArtNow said...

Wow, what a gorgeous piece!! I love your artwork!! Happy anniversary and all the best for your future creative art!!!

Linda

yoborobo said...

Marsha - in some ways it feels like I've always known you. Maybe art does that. :) You are such an inspiration to everyone who stops in here, and your art is pure magic. So congratulations, dear friend, on your blog, and your process, and those fabulous fairies. :) xox Pam

Kim Mailhot said...

I have felt like that chickie in the paper sky !!! So beautiful !

Happy happy blogaversary, talented, wonderful Marsha ! I can't believe you started all this a year ago - you have come a long way, Baby ! I for one am so glad that you dove into this incredible place called Blogland. I am inspired by your art and I am touched my your heart !
Congrats and here's to may more years filled with friendship and creativity !
Love Kim

WW said...

Marsha
How wonderful to have you share a bit of insight into your process. Your work is just so beautiful!
This prize piece certainly IS a great prize. I just adore her!!
Wish you many more happy years in art & blogland :)

Terri Kahrs said...

WOW! Happy, Happy Blogaversary a wee bit early, Marsha! Can't imagine blogland with YOU and your gorgeous art.

You've taken a year of hard work and your experiences and Tumblefished it into a super post! Hugs & Love, Terri xoxo

PS I'd REALLY love to add this beautiful little person to my collection! She'd make an awesome Birthday gift! LOL

Lorraine said...

Thank you for sharing this Marsha. Congrats on your blogversary. I agree with your comments about making new friends etc. I only started my blog in May of this year and it has opened so many doors. I look forward to more blog fun and wish you the best. I have no doubt I'll be purchasing one of your beautiful collage pieces down the road..... I'm waiting for some BEES! Cheers, Lorraine

sharon said...

Marsha, your new piece is just FABULOUS....I like the new look, the layering is luscious! Happy Anniversary to you and thank you again for all the help you have given me, but most of all your friedship! Hugs!!

Leslie said...

Paper Sky is superb!! I love it!! Your work just continues to brilliantly evolve! I've learned so much from you since I started following your blog in January. Happy Anniversary!

Muckypup said...

Only a year? Well, you definitely had me fooled, I thought you were an old hand. Like so may others, I have you in my side bar so that I can see when you do something new. You have a beautiful and distinctive style, keep up the good work. Happy anniversay!

di from di-did-it said...

Congratulations on your upcoming blogversary, Marsha! I've followed you all the way & have thoroughly enjoyed your journey. You were the first person in the first Yahoo mixed media art group I joined who reached out to me, shared yourself & cheered me on. I've not forgotten, nor will I. YOU ROCK!

Moniqui said...

Happy blogoversary! I love the Paper Sky piece as i do all of your other work! I am happy you blog or i would have never been able to follow your work lol!
take care during the busy week!
hugs,Monique

Hayley Egan said...

How great to catch up with you and read about your process which I've often wondered about. I also love this new piece, your style is so unique and always evolving, each piece is more sophisticated than the last,so much so that i feel like I'm repeating myself every time I leave a comment on here... you're amazing. I'll be back to wish you a happy blogversary! X Hayley

Becky Bunn said...

Happy Blogiversary!!!!!!!!!Love the new piece. It would look wonder in my bathroom (hint hint) Or any where for that matter

Janny said...

Always a pleasure to visit your beautiful Blog! Happy blogaversary,I hope you will be sharing your gorgeous work for a long time!

Jill said...

Hi Marsha! Please toss my name in your hat for your giveaway. Congrats on the one year anniversary (only a year??) I haven't done anything artistic in so long except fingerprint people and we do it the old-fashioned way with ink pads...so that sorta counts, right? We are getting ready to move and it's been crazy but you are on my blog feeds so I do keep track. Take care!

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your impending blogaversary! That's awesome! Thanks for a great year of beautiful art!

Cathy Spivey Mendola said...

Happy, happy blogaversary a bit early!! I know what you mean about blogging changing your life. It truly opens a lot of doors.
Glad you're feeling better.
I would LOVE to own this piece of art. I love all your pieces but as soon as I saw this one... I wanted it real BAD! So pick me, pick me please.
By the way, you need to email me your address. I have your long overdue giveaway sitting here to be shipped.
hugs,
cathy

Ocean Lotus said...

i would LOVE LOVE one of your works! So happy happy anniversary and via Collage Crow About I found your work.I visit daily and am one of those pesky visitors requesting info on your process. They are so fun! I'd love a whole house full of original work from you and other happy artists I see out there. thanks for sharing your info!

Elena Lai Etcheverry said...

You know how amazing you are right? I would die if I won that collage. I want my whole house to be covered in your art....

TheresainMS said...

Hey Marsha! Wow, you are more generous every time I read your blog. Thank you so very much for sharing your process and so many tips that us 'newbies' can explore so we can find our own path in this fun and exciting journey. And here you are being generous again by offering one of your fantastic pieces as a prize! You astound me and I am so incredibly proud to call you a friend! Good luck in all you do; you deserve it and have earned it with all you do for others.

Love and hugs,
Theresa

Unknown said...

As an artist and spending a lot of time alone in the studio it is so nice to have blogging as a resource to touch base. I like to think of my blogging as taking a coffee break with friends.

Laura Haviland said...

"Happiest" Anniversary Marsha !!!
I love reading your blog and just get so excited seeing what you create in your art. So colorful and happy is what shine's through your awesome art work.
This is an awesome collage, marvelous. Please count me in to enjoy the fun.
Very best wishes to you Marsha and the greatest "artist" future ahead.
Big Hugs, Laura.

lilylovekin said...

Marsha, I tried to read how you do things but it is just to complicated for me. Wow! That is alot of work. But I love the piece you are giving away and would love to win. Congratulations on your one year anniversary.

said...

Happy anniversary Marsha! It was really interesting to hear you talk about your process. :o)

Linda Summerfield said...

I remember our very first encounter when you said that I had commented on your rough draft. For the past year you have filled your blog with the most spectacular art!!! You are such a wonderful addition to the blogging world. We need you on facebook now.
Your Pal,
Linda

*jean* said...

hi marsha - great bits of advice for beginning collage artists....so kind of you to share...

please count me in for the drawing and thank you for the opportunity to win a piece of your wonderful art work!!!

*jean*

Brenda Grace said...

Wow what an amazing list of comments and all for you 'o so talented one'. I say that because you not only produce such stunning and exciting work but also because you inspire those who really want to achieve the same miraculous and creative outlet for ones soul to feel they belong. For that I personally thankyou. Keep the work coming I am addicted!

janice smith said...

Happy anniversary! Yay for Tumble Fish Studio! Thank you for all the inspiration and information...such a beautiful blog!

Theresa Grdina said...

Happy Blog-aversary! This piece is beautiful! Also, I had no idea the amount of work tht goes into one pieces....Your tips will be helpful when I "try" my own collage!!!

NANCY LEFKO said...

Paper Sky...what a completely gorgeous piece....

I can't remember how I first found your blog, but I am awfully glad that I did !!!

Stacey said...

Happy Blog-o-versary!!! :) I simply adore your work Marsha, you know that! Every new creation is so very intriguing! Love it! :)

Have a great day! ~Stacey

roc said...

well count me in on the celebratory blog anniversary. doesn't time pass by so quickly? i don't know what happens to my time quite frankly. your journal pieces are always moving. prayers are out for your friend. god bless her and all the others who fighting their battles of survival.

deb did it said...

HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY!Thanks for the tips! You are the Rock Star of this type of collage, I love LOVE your artwork. It makes me feel so happy when I look at it!

Terri Daugherty said...

happy happy anniversary! i so love coming here to see your wonderful art creations. i sit an stare and try to imagine how you put the pieces together to make your one of a kind collages. Congrats to you on your one year anniversary!

Tace said...

Happy almost Blog-a-versarrrrrrrryyy Ms. TumbleFish! I can not believe it's been a year! The time went seriously fast, but I've enjoyed every one of your blog posts! Your frequency of posts both entertains me regularly as well as turns me a delightful shade of green. I wear envy so well. *grins*
Here's to many more blogaversaries! :) smiles from me

Dianne said...

happy blogaversary! awesome artwork and love your style.

NANCY LEFKO said...

Oh my, it keeps getting better and better...I want to win :D

vintagesusie_2@msn.com said...

Better later then never...CONGRATS on your 1 year. What you've accomplished in a year in your art, publishings & following is amazing & is a testament to you & your talent. I'd love to win, but I'm happy for whoever does. Again..Happy 1st Blogday! Sincerely, Susie

VS said...

OH HAPPY DAY...remember the song? Huge Congrats!

Sleepandhersisters said...

CONGRATS!!! on your blogversary!

Poppyseed Vintage said...

It's hard to believe you've only been doing this for a year! Your pieces most recently are just stunning and SO fun to look at. Pure art eye candy!

aliceinparis said...

WOW, look at all you have accomplished in a year:) Very impressive! You work so diligently!
Thanks for blogging, creating lovely art and being such an enthusiastic and upbeat gal! Paper Sky is BEAUTIFUL!

Susan Sager Brown said...

Paper Sky is most heavenly. I love her kick ass daisy dukes!!!Happy Day!!! blogland was a less magical place without your charm and your Art.Now I must have these Anniversary Artworks to complete my Marsha Wall. Hop over to my blog tomorrow the 18th to read my homage to your Blogaversary post. XoSusan

Susan Sager Brown said...

Paper Sky is most heavenly. I love her kick ass daisy dukes!!!Happy Day!!! blogland was a less magical place without your charm and your Art.Now I must have these Anniversary Artworks to complete my Marsha Wall. Hop over to my blog tomorrow the 18th to read my homage to your Blogaversary post. XoSusan

VBR said...

Oh Happy Anniversary to the little Miss Fish! Hasn't it been wonderful to see your dreams come true this past year. I love your work and am thrilled to see you are getting your heart's desire!

AliMayes said...

I loved reading of your progress and your processes - maybe one day I'll be a fraction as talented as you are! Keep up the good work (and the instructions too!)as I'm an avid follower.
Ali x

Cheryl Thorpe said...

You deserve all your success! Enjoy!

Michele said...

Happy Blogiversary!!

And thanks for telling us a little how you work. It's always fun to see the process different artists go through to create their work.

Love this piece you did too. The background is awesome, and I love the printed paper wings, clouds and even in the border. Very nice.

Becky Brown said...

I am your 62nd comment - holy crap, girl!

I can't believe it's your blogversary - congratulations! It's been so wonderful to watch you grow as an artist and to gain confidence in your sizable talent. I am so proud of you and am forever and always a fan.

Love,
Cha Cha

Carla said...

What a delightful blogger you are, I've enjoyed your writing and describing your art and I truly am enjoying your fresh perspective on your imagery!! Heading back to look at more of your work as I'm mesmerized..Thanks for sharing!!

Unknown said...

Happy Blogversary! You've done amazing work!

marit said...

I was away for a while, but now I'm just in time to wish you a happy blogversary too.... I'm glad I found you on the net!!! You're such an inspiration! (btw, your post/"resume" sounds familiar - we weren't in the same school/class/life, were we???)

~*~Magpie's Nest said...

Happy First Blogaversary Dear Marsha!
Thanks to talented and sharing people like you, blogland is a wonderful and exciting place!
Thank you so much for the chance to be a lucky winner in your fab giveaways!
oxo ~*~ Patty

Ragamuffin Gal said...

I am so glad you are here! You and your blog is one that I always click on (my blog links) to come and visit every week. And I always look so forward to it!

Here is to many more blog postings from one of my most favorite artists!
Blessings,
Katie