Thursday 8 July 2010

The Green Bean

Lately I've been swamped with work, this is a good thing of course but it's not always this way. There has been many times I've lacked motivation and inspiration and it's times like those I turn to the internet. Many Illustrators inspire me, some more than others. One person in particular who I only found very recently is Katie Bean.
After looking through her website and blog, also stalking her work on her Facebook page and Twitter.
I came across her zine - The Green Bean, to be really honest I bought the first issue because I love her illustrations.

I didn't actually think that what seemed to be in it would interest me in the slightest. Let me tell you now I was completely wrong.


The zine is made in such a way that I found myself wanting to make the stripy bunny or have a go at the recipe for chocolate pots! And as I'm generally quite a nosy person, it was such a delight to read about what Katie got up to, what she wore to what she reads. I love the whole look of the zine and as the whole thing is hand drawn you can see how much time, effort and most of all talent as gone into creating each issue. Again because I'm nosy I began to read past posts on her blog (stuff I've missed) and I came across a section called 'how I got here' and after reading it my reaction was 'wow'. As well as being inspired by other artists it also makes me look at my own work and doubt myself a little. Then I strive to improve! I look at illustrators like Katie and I think to myself, someone with so much talent surely never doubts themselves in any way. But after reading about how Katie got to where she is now, it goes to show that this is never the case. Now I won't feel so bad and maybe not doubt myself as much! I pretty much thought I was the only person that did that. And that anyone with real talent never doubted themselves!

It also has inspired me to have a go at producing a zine of my own with help from a friend. Although I don't believe for one moment it will ever compare to The Green Bean. I'm now eagerly awaiting for the second issue to arrive in the post!

10 comments:

  1. Katie has greatly inspired me too :-) ...I look forward to hearing more about your zine!

    Sarah x

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  2. Hey Sarah,

    I've also been looking at your blog! I like what I see! Very nice cake illustrations!

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  3. Thanks for this Louise. Did you really not get you issue 2 yet? I'm a bit worried, I posted it over a week ago!

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  4. Unfortunately no sign yet. I suppose there's always tomorrow! :)

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  5. Keep me posted - if it doesn't come tomorrow I'll pop a new one in with your issue 3. Thanks for buying it - I'll be popping it in the post on Monday!

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  6. Oh thanks! I hope it's not too much bother, it's not your fault after all, I'll blame it on my postman! I'll let you know anyway. Thanks again :)

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  7. Any joy from your postie today?

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  8. I thought there was at first but turned out to be something from Philippa Rice. So no luck :(

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  9. Doh. That sucks. You'll find a replacement tucked inside your issue 3 parcel. Ever so sorry you've had to wait so long :(

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  10. Yay! I can't wait! Don't worry about it, these things happen. Really appreciate it the replacement, can't thank you enough! :)

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