I did it. ALL on the IPad. Success!

It wouldn't have been my choice to use this long horizontal format, but it's what my client requested. I didn't mind. As long as I had a chance to make it all happen on the IPad, I was Focused!

She wanted the invitation to fit the horizontal 4" x 8", emphasizing the man's white tuft of hair coming out of his left side, including the 40.5, and in the style of a black/white picture that she sent me. And Very specific instructions as to Color and Design. So the design of this picture isn't mine. I just did the Caricature-Silhouette and, yes this is the best part, I did all the IPad manipulations. This was my perfect for my first official IPad job. Because I could focus on the IPad. I was pleased that I was able to follow all her directions as well as draw the Caricature on the IPad.

Of course, I had to cover over my client's personal information before showing you the Artwork. to protect their privacy:

and I already have another digital Caricature job to handle in the Studio. Much more complicated, though. So I probably won't do it All on the IPad. Still, I feel empowered. I am looking forward to using the IPad whenever it would be appropriate.

Here I am. Going in to the Prom.

I work at a lot of places. I go to a lot of places. I had to take a picture of my foot on the stairs here. I feel like it's time to speak up for people who don't have small feet. It's a pleasure to get in to a place where my average-sized foot can actually fit on the step.

Here I was ~ arrived early to Set Up, but the Space that the client put aside for me was almost non-existent. And one of her guests asked if I could draw from a phone-photo because one girl couldn't come to the Party.

"Okay. Of course," I said. "But it's not very Entertaining for me to be drawing from a photo while people are waiting to get into the seat. Would you like me to do it Before I actually start the Party (during the time you are paying for Entertainment), or would you like to me just see if there is perhaps maybe any downtime during which I might be able to fit it in?" I felt like the client understood once the Drawing started. Understood about being with the people who are There. Because she wisely sent one of the guests To Sit in the Chair while I drew her sister from the photo. Not my favorite thing to do, but at least I didn't have an anxiously waiting guest while I tried to pay attention to someone who wasn't there.

This brings me to another point. Some clients are surprised that I didn't plan on sitting quietly in a dark corner (or even another room ~ not in the Party). They're surprised that I try to position myself in such a way that the guests can See the drawing evolve. Surprised that it actually turns into Entertainment at the Party.

I say, you wouldn't go to a Movie or a Broadway Show without giving the Actors plenty of room to do their jobs. You wouldn't be happy to put on Roller Skates if there wasn't a large Roller Rink to use them. You wouldn't expect a dj to dance quietly in the corner (or in another room - lol). So why hire a Party Artist and not want to give her room to Entertain? Maybe even more Space than the Party Decorations and Centerpieces. And Seating Cards. And the Coat Room. Watching the Show is one of the things that the people can do to Enjoy Your Party.

Just some simple pictures drawn at a calm Communion. This was an unpretentious Party ~ everybody knew each other ~ close-family.

Made me wonder about the sense of self that we develop within our own families. It seems to be something that is encouraged for a good solid childhood. What I really liked about this party was how un-self-conscious the people were ~ how comfortable in the group.

But would we feel more confident with ourselves if we only stayed within our close-knit family? Because we would be automatically accepted as One of the Group? Or perhaps less confident? Because we would only know the opinions of one family? Would our child-personality be our label for Life? And most of all, could we change as we grow?

Based on my own experience, we get whatever family we're born into. Whatever circumstances that is. And we grow and develop within those circumstances. Some people are born into neatly trimmed gardens. Some people tossed out like wildflowers. Others have to find their way through a dark forest. But it all comes down to the same thing. To find out why Our Creator made us the way we really are.