No updates in almost a month does not mean that nothing is happening, it just means that I’ve been far too busy to manage the blog. I have to apologize about that and I definitely should prioritize keeping my friends and followers updated, I really appreciate those of you who stop by on a regular basis. So, what has happened?

Well, I got some sad news. The publishing company who was interested in maybe publishing my book backed out last week which means that I have to start from scratch on that one. But that’s the life of being an illustrator, there are usually more downs than ups. But the trick is to never give up and try a little bit harder next time! So I am working on the manuscript at the moment, trying to make it stronger and more engaging, I can definitely see the potential of improvement there.

I am also making a series of ink drawings for a new Norwegian website called epla.no which basically is the Norwegian version of etzy.com   I am going to open up my own webshop where I sell quality original ink drawings at affordable prices. I may also open up an etzy shop for international customers but it depends on the demand.

I am considering getting my website redesigned by a true professional, I don’t have the time, the skills, and can’t be bothered with doing the website all by myself anymore. I would love to know if you know of someone who might be able to present my work at another level.

Until the next update, take care!

I am giving away some self promotion material FOR FREE! I’ve got posters, postcards and folders making up a lovely pack presenting myself as an illustrator. Whether you’re a potential client or you just would like something pretty in the mail, email me your name and address at   post@ninaarctander.com  and I’ll send you the samples completely free with no strings attached.

I have installed Snow Leopard on my iMac now and so far so good although I have had some compatibility issues with a few applications. Luckily I know a couple of highly skilled people who managed to help me solve those issues, and now everything seem to work just fine. Main issue now is I only have one external HD, a 500GB western digital MyBook studio edition which works lovely, but that is my main HD for Time Machine and I need another one where I can back up my work and leave it safely in someone else’s house in case of fire or some other terrible event. I was thinking of buying either a small WD 320GB passport HD or WD 1TB studio HD but I haven’t made up my mind yet.

see my work in action HERE!

My latest commission. It is for a Norwegian childrens book club website and considering I only had one day to do it I’m rather pleased with the result. Will post the url when the website has been updated with the new design.

Only three more days and then Snow Leopard is released. I pre-ordered my copy today and can’t wait to try it out.

It is supposed to make your Mac faster, easier to use and more reliable. If you want to know more you can read about Snow Leopard here

Quite a few people have asked to see one of my digital paintings step by step to get an idea of how I work. This is my latest painting; Lust

I love paper and if I find a type of paper that interests me in any way I have to purchase it whether I know how to use it or not. It always comes in handy sooner or later, and paper is so fun to experiment with. Different media require different paper but there are no rules set in stone. If you want to paint with water colours on smooth marker paper you can. Personally I love rough textured paper with a slightly yellowish tint, preferably handmade with rough edges. It can be quite expensive but it is lovely to use when you draw or paint with inks, and it helps adding a sophisticated touch to your work. Textured paper also works very well with coal and conté or just regular pencil. I also like to tint the paper myself. If the paper is heavy enough it survives a nice soaking in tea or coffee, and when it dries up it smells nice and it’s just the perfect base for lovely ink drawings.

I spent yesterday finishing up a painting I started three years ago. It is my mum’s all time favourite painting and I reckoned finishing it and giving it to her would be a nice gesture. I love combining slightly abstract shapes with more recognizable elements giving the abstracts some sense of reality as well. If I had painted it from start to finish now I would probably do some things a bit differently, but even though this is me three years ago I thought it deserved to be finished and appreciated for what it is. And if my mum is happy, I am happy

I received the grade transcripts from my uni today, I graduated this fall, and apparently I’ve won something called the best progress award because I’ve made the most progress of all students at my programme. I’m celebrating with some Kings of Leon and giving my blog a facelift:) New colour theme, new banner and new categories making my blog easier to enjoy.