As 2025 approached, I wanted to create something truly special to celebrate the unique charm of Flower Cats. That’s how the Flower Cat Botanical Chart Poster came to life—a detailed, whimsical design that combines my love for nature and cats into a single piece of art.

The Concept

The idea was to blend the classic aesthetic of botanical charts with the playful twist of cats hidden within flowers. Each flower on the poster is intricately illustrated, with a unique cat snugly integrated into its petals, leaves, or stems. The result is a collection of 20+ Flower Cats, each with its own personality and charm, numbered for easy reference.

The Flowers and Their Cats

Every flower was carefully chosen, not just for its visual appeal but also for the story it could tell with its feline companion. Some highlights include:

• Crocus Orange Cat: Vibrant and cheerful, like the first crocuses of spring.
• Lotus Calico Cat: Serene and elegant, a reflection of calm waters.
• Sunflower Tabby Cats: Bright and lively, just like sunflowers reaching for the sun.
• Rose Sphynx Cat: A blend of boldness and beauty, much like the iconic rose.
• Buttercup Tortico Cats: Small and sweet, nestled in delicate buttercups.

Each Flower Cat was designed to feel alive, with cats peeking, lounging, or blending seamlessly into their floral surroundings.

The Design Process

The poster was entirely digitally illustrated using my tablet and Photoshop, a process that allowed me to focus on intricate details and vibrant colors. It took several months to finalize, from sketching the initial concepts to perfecting every petal and whisker.

1. Sketching: I began by digitally sketching each flower and cat combination, ensuring the composition was balanced and visually appealing.
2. Coloring: Using a mix of vibrant and soft tones, I carefully colored each flower and cat to capture their distinct essence.
3. Numbering and Labeling: To give it a botanical chart feel, each Flower Cat was assigned a number, making it easy to reference and identify.

Expanding the Collection: Cat Bloom T-Shirts

Inspired by the poster, I also created a design for Cat Bloom T-Shirts, featuring 9 of the Flower Cats:

1. Hibiscus Torti
2. Tuxedo Pansy
3. Siamese Lily
4. Persian Hepatica
5. Bengal Daisy
6. Poppy Black
7. Calico Plumeria
8. Tabby Cherry
9. Sphynx Zinnia

These T-shirts are perfect for anyone who wants to carry the magic of Flower Cats with them wherever they go.

A Celebration of Art and Nature

The Flower Cat Botanical Chart Poster is more than just a piece of art—it’s a celebration of the beauty in nature and the playful spirit of cats. Whether you’re a plant lover, a cat enthusiast, or someone who simply appreciates whimsical art, this poster was made to bring joy and color to your space.

Stay tuned for more Flower Cat creations in 2025, and thank you for being part of this journey!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1853529247/big-flower-cat-poster-including-all-of?click_key=7632967b7d2d4eec68d26ee462e64296c8bbc519%3A1853529247&click_sum=40248e55&ref=shop_home_feat_2&sts=1

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In the rapidly evolving world of digital technology, the tools artists use to create have dramatically expanded. One of the most notable shifts has been the rise of digital illustration, particularly using devices like the iPad. For many traditional artists and illustrators, this shift prompts an important question: Is creating illustrations on an iPad considered art?

The Tradition of Art and New Tools

Art has always been about expression, creativity, and communication. Throughout history, artists have used a variety of tools and mediums—ranging from cave walls and charcoal to canvas and oil paints—to bring their visions to life. As technology has advanced, so have the tools at an artist’s disposal. The iPad, with its powerful software and responsive stylus, is simply the latest in a long line of tools that artists have adopted.

The Skill Behind Digital Art

Using an iPad to create illustrations still requires the same core skills that traditional art does—understanding of color, composition, anatomy, perspective, and the ability to convey emotion through imagery. Mastery of these skills is what defines an artist, not the tools they use. While the iPad might make some processes more convenient or accessible, it does not diminish the artistry involved. In fact, some aspects of digital art can be more challenging, requiring artists to learn new techniques and adapt to a different way of thinking about their work.

The Debate: Is It “Real” Art?

The question of whether digital illustration is “real” art is not a new one. Similar debates have occurred whenever new tools have been introduced into the artistic process. When photography was invented, many questioned whether it could be considered a legitimate art form. The same was true for digital photography and graphic design. Over time, these mediums have not only been accepted but have also gained significant respect in the art world.

Creating illustrations on an iPad is, without a doubt, real art. The digital medium is simply another avenue for creativity. The iPad and similar tools offer new possibilities for artists, allowing them to experiment in ways that might not be possible with traditional media. Layers, undo functions, and a vast array of brushes and effects are just some of the features that can push the boundaries of what art can be.

The Democratization of Art

One of the most significant impacts of the iPad as a tool for creating art is its accessibility. Traditional art supplies can be expensive and require a significant amount of space and time to work with. An iPad, however, is portable, relatively affordable, and offers an almost limitless range of creative possibilities. This accessibility allows more people to explore their artistic potential, leading to a more diverse and vibrant creative community.

The Future of Art in the Digital Age

As we move further into the digital age, the lines between traditional and digital art will continue to blur. The iPad and other digital tools are here to stay, and they will undoubtedly play a significant role in the future of art. What remains constant, however, is the importance of creativity, imagination, and the ability to communicate through visual means.

In conclusion, creating illustrations on an iPad is indeed art. It requires skill, creativity, and a deep understanding of visual principles—just like any other form of art. The tool is secondary to the artist’s vision and talent. As with all art forms, what matters most is not how the art is created, but the impact it has on those who experience it.

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V video vas popeljem skozi cel proces, zdaj če ga boste pogledali in se vam bo morda zdelo, to pa je res kaotično. Ilustriranje knjige je cel kreativni proces in mnogokrat delam več zadev neankrat, mnogo krat se vrnem nazaj in kaj tudi popravim. Včasih imam pavze in včasih delam en teden skupaj. Ampak to je po mojem mnenju ta magija ustvarjanja slikanice.

Kot sem že povedala in zapisala, ljudje me skoraj vsak dan sprašujejo kako izdati knjigo in vse mogoče v zvezi z otroškimi pravljicami in slikanicami. Zdelo se mi je bolj koristno za vse nas, da vam to tako prikažem. V zadnjih dveh letih sem ilustrirala štiri knjige, od teh so bile tri založene. Dve izdani v samozaložbi, ena pri angleški založbi. Eno pa sem naredila v privatnem okolju ampak je bila tudi super. Ker sem si letos zadala cilj da več govorim in manj rišem, ga želim na tak način tudi dosežt. Zato sem se tudi odločila da vam čimbolj slikovito prikažem ta celoten proces ilustriranja in izdajanja knjige preko videa. Pa še mene lahko spoznate, na nek nenavaden način.

Zdi se mi da se v Sloveniji strogo varuje informacije, ki imajo potencial, da lahko z njimi nekaj zaslužiš, sama sem se odločila da bom to z vami delila preko Youtube-a, brezplačno. Menim da bi moral marsikdo vedeti kako se knjigo izda, še posebej pa kako se knjigo ilustrira.

Ilustriranje knjige je res dolgotrajen postopek, to definitivno ni v enem mesecu. Pri večini ilustratorjev se to dela od več mesecev do več let. Seveda nisem uspela prikazati čisto vsega, ampak toliko da boste vedeli, ker je še vedno mnogo dileme in vprašanj še posebej glede digitalnih ilustracij.
Na vsake toliko časa mi skuša kdo dopovedati da digitalna umetnost ”to pa res ni prava umetnost” ampak niti ne vedo kako se tega lotim in zakaj sem si za tehniko izbrala digitalno ilustracijo.

Res sem ponosna na ta projekt, sprejela sem ga že zaradi tega, ker mi je bila zgodbica zelo všeč. Menim da je prav posebna, ni tista klasična. Ampak to rečejo vsi. Moram pa priznati, da sem v preteklih letih prebrala res ogromno pravljic, več kot bi si želela priznati in ta je definitivno izstopala.

S Patricijo sva dobro sodelovali in še vedno sodelujeva. Morda je zato ta projekt bil tako uspešen in zabaven.

Tukaj bom še na hitro napisala, kaj je vse potrebno narediti.

Ko imate datoteko v wordu ( to je za avtorje ) si rečete ”hmm okej, čas da to nekdo nariše”, najdete si ilustratorja. Vsak ilustrator ni za vse, tako da si najdite ustreznega ilustratorja. Za prebrati mu dajte besedilo in se potem odloči, če je primeren za to ali ne. Potem začneta skupaj delat na izdelavi knjige, najboljše da v tej fazi že lektorirate zadevo in je potem ne spreminjate več.

Ilustrator oz. ilustratorka vam bo uredila story board in oblikovala likovne junake, to so po navadi skice. Po tem, ko se bosta skupaj odločila kako bosta nadaljevala. Odvnisno kakšna ilustratorka je, jaz osebno sama umestnim ilustracije in besedilo skupaj, ker imam ozadje iz grafičnega oblikovanja oz. ker sem v originalu grafična oblikovalka. Zato dodaten grafični oblikovalec ni potreben pri tem projektu. Okej, ko je tak daleč da so ilustracije pobarvane in umeščene v besedilo in smo vsi zadovoljni, po tem je čas da se oblikuje platnica. Platnica se oblikuje na koncu, razen če naročnik želi to prej, za kakšno promocijo itd…
Oke j… ko smo zadovoljni z notranjostjo knjige, ko so vse ilustracije dokončane, tekst lektoriran, platnica oblikovana, se po tem to založi. Tukaj bom napisala za samozaložbo. Kot sem v video že povedala, registrirano morate imeti eno dejavnost in ja lahko je tudi zavod, drugače pa d.o.o. ali s.p..
Kolofon ali notranjost knjige pošljete na nuk in tako registrirate knjigo, da lahko gre tudi v knjižnice in da ja uradno izdana. Napovedat še morate ceno knjige na RS za knjigo. Po prb. treh dneh vam iz Nuka pošljejo CIP zapis in ta cip zapis ISBN in vse to vam bo vaša ilustratorka vstavila v knjigo. Morate pa dodati še črtno kodo in ceno na zadnjo stran platnice. Po tem pa je na vas kako boste to oglaševali.

Če imate knjigo v več jezikih – vsak jezik posebej registrirate in za vsak jezik dobite potem posevej ta cip zapis, saj je logično. Druga knjiga, drug isbn.

To je bilo na kratko o izdaji knjige, več pa govorim sejvestekje 😉

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Red bull Illustration

One of the main benefits of using illustrations in business is that they can be used across various channels, such as social media, websites, print ads, and packaging. Having consistent and recognizable illustrations can help businesses build brand recognition and increase brand loyalty.

Furthermore, illustrations offer businesses more flexibility than other forms of media such as photographs or videos. They can be easily customized to fit the brand’s aesthetic, and they are often more cost-effective than hiring a photographer or videographer.

Illustrations can also be used to simplify complex data or processes. For example, infographics are a popular type of illustration that visually represents data and information in an easy-to-digest way.

Infographics for a forest

In conclusion, illustration is an important tool for any business because it can help communicate a brand’s message, build brand recognition, create emotional connections with customers, and simplify complex data or processes. By investing in illustrations, businesses can improve their marketing efforts, enhance customer experiences, and ultimately increase their bottom line.

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Sea Horse – Sara Vidmajer

2.Ice cream and popsicles: Draw colorful ice cream cones, popsicles with dripping flavors, or a delicious ice cream sundae.

Sweet icecream Design By mia

3.Summer fruits: Draw juicy watermelons, fresh strawberries, citrus fruits like lemons and oranges, or a bowl full of colorful fruits.

Gruhlings – Johanna Puhl

4. Outdoor activities: Depict people enjoying summer activities like swimming, surfing, hiking, camping, or having a picnic in the park.

A Hui – About summer

5.Flowers and butterflies: Draw vibrant summer flowers like sunflowers, daisies, or roses with butterflies fluttering around them.

Tom Keundjona

6.Summer fashion: Illustrate trendy summer outfits like flowing dresses, shorts, sunglasses, straw hats, or flip-flops.

Jenna Paddey art – Summer outfits

7.Tropical paradise: Create a tropical scene with lush greenery, exotic birds, a hammock, and a crystal-clear beach with colorful fish.

Kirsten Sims – tropical swing

8.Summer sports: Draw people playing volleyball, soccer, tennis, or any other summer sport that captures the energy and excitement of the season.

Gosia Herba – volleyball

9.Barbecue and cookout: Depict a grilling scene with burgers, hotdogs, vegetables, and people enjoying a backyard barbecue.

Aaron Franklin

10.Fireworks: Draw a colorful and vibrant fireworks display against a night sky to capture the essence of summer celebrations.

Futakotamagawa Fireworks By Kaori Doi

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Now, let me share with you my artistic journey. While most artists started drawing as soon as they could hold a pencil, my creative spark didn’t ignite until my early teens when I stumbled upon the wonders of Photoshop. Sure, I doodled and drew as a child, but it wasn’t until Photoshop that I truly found my passion for the arts.

And how did I discover this amazing program, you ask? Well, it’s all thanks to my love for fairy wings (yes, you read that right!). I stumbled upon a photo with fairy wings, and I was instantly hooked. I knew I had to learn how to create them myself, and that’s precisely what I did.

Fast forward 16 years, and I’m still using Photoshop – but now I’m using it for drawing, not just tinkering with photos. It’s been quite a journey of exploration and discovery, and I’m excited to keep sharing it with you all. So, let’s create some magic together!

I pursued graphic design in college, I was barely passing my exams in my first 2 years in college, I didn’t really care, I went out to parties a lot and had no real passion, I did photography and ocasionally I drew. It wasn’t until my last two semesters that I became passionate about photography. I even landed a job at a local photo studio, but it turned out to be a distressing experience. Despite the struggles, I persisted and continued to hone my T-shirt design skills alongside my photography. I was more and more sure that I want to distance my self from photography, I did not like this specific job and I could say with confidance that it was the worst job I ever had. So I left photography for good and i focused more and more on my illustration.

Back in the year 2016, I decided to take part in the Inktober challenge. Let me tell you, it was one of the best decisions I have ever made! I spent countless hours creating art pieces that I am still proud of to this very day. Little did I realize at the time that I was starting a remarkable illustration series that I would continue for years to come. The series is called “Wordplays, puns and rhymes” – a collection of witty and playful illustrations that really put my creativity and quirky sense of humor to the test.

During my Inktober journey, I mostly used pen and paper to create my artwork. This meant my illustrations were primarily black and white, or grayscale. Yet, I found this to be a unique, and even advantageous, aspect of my style. These illustrations were perfect for textile printing (which I also happen to dabble in) and made for some eye-catching, bold graphics!

As my passion for illustration grew, so did my desire to capture every creative idea and inspiration that popped into my head. That’s when I committed to carrying around a simple A5 format sketchbook, which I have got completely for FREE at an event. It quickly became my trusty sidekick, accompanying me wherever I went. I filled its pages with countless sketches, musings, and even some unfinished masterpieces that I still hope to complete one day.

One of the key aspects in my transition to illustration was the fact that I always had my sketchbook with me. Sketching allowed me to capture ideas whenever they popped into my head. It allowed me to explore art at my own pace without worrying about costly equipment or running out of battery.

As an artist, having a sketchbook is essential to your creative process. Not only does it allow you to practice your skills and experiment with different techniques, but it also serves as a personal library of your ideas and inspiration. A sketchbook is a place where you can document your thoughts and translate them into visual art.Starting with a simple A5 format sketchbook is a great way to dive into the art of sketching. You do not need to invest in costly materials to get started. A plain sketchbook and a pen is all you need to begin exploring your creativity. Additionally, you can carry it with you wherever you go, allowing you to capture moments of inspiration on the go. It is an accessible and efficient way to keep track of your artistic journey.

For me, my first sketchbook was incredibly helpful in developing my skills and honing my craft. I used it to practice my techniques, improve my line work, and experiment with new mediums. Even today, I still refer back to it as a source of inspiration.

In conclusion, a sketchbook is an essential tool for every artist’s creative process. Whether you are a seasoned pro or just starting, it is a perfect way to document your ideas and track your improvement as an artist. Start with something simple and accessible, like an A5 format sketchbook, and watch as your art flourishes.

So after practicing on my skechbook I have also started to illustrate more seriously, I added colors and was really careful with the details. Illustrating picture books is a blast! Not only do you get to bring stories to life, but it’s also an opportunity to draw all sorts of cool plants and animals. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love drawing fluffy cats and majestic horses?

Using digital illustration tools like Procreate and an iPad, you have a whole world of colors and textures at your fingertips. It’s like having a magical paintbrush that never runs out of paint! Plus, the digital format gives you the ability to make changes and adjustments on the fly without having to start all over again.

But the best part about illustrating picture books is seeing your work in print. Seeing people’s faces light up when they flip through the pages and discover your illustrations is the ultimate reward. It’s a great feeling to know that your artwork has the power to bring joy and spark imaginations.So if you’re looking for a fun and rewarding creative outlet, give illustrating picture books a try! Your inner child (and all the animals and plants you’ll draw) will thank you.

All in all, I’m grateful for my journey, and I’m grateful that it led me to where I am now. It was a challenging path, but it allowed me to find my artistic voice and passion. Photography will always hold a special place in my heart, but illustration is my calling.

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