Holli Rausch

A few months ago, the team of designers at work were asked to come up with concepts for customized artwork for our office. The department had moved to their new place about a year ago, but they needed 1) Something to define the space as theirs 2) Something that can be displayed as a “We can do this for you, too.” Two of our concepts were quite similar (a painting of Sioux Falls landscapes, his of Falls Park, mine of downtown) and we moved forward with them. What differed between the two of ours were that his was a large rectangled artwork and mine was a multi-paneled display. Both unique in their own ways.

Mine was huge, and for space issues, we needed to downsize it several times. I had major issues with the large-format printer we use, and it took several weeks to get a good printed version of each panel. And the paper we used was fickle, so I had to wear gloves to handle the paper and occasionally the gloves ruined the print. By the time my five panels were ready to be taken to the guy would give it a canvas laminate and mount it nicely, my coworker’s art had been hanging for a week. In any case, eventually my project was ready to hang (apparently the production guy we used was cursing the paper as well, so I feel better about that) and we thought it turned out so well, the place of display was moved to be right outside the elevator and stairwell so it’s the first thing you see when you come to our department. It just so happened that the measurements were exact to the wall. Where we were going to hang it wouldn’t have worked out too well, as it was in a hallway and you kind of need to be a few feet away from this piece to really take it in. In any case, it turned out nice and is something I can be proud of. The work the production guy did was fantastic and really made this look nice. It’s fun to hear the comments from people of other departments who come to ours for the first time since its hanging.

Even though I think the thought of eating the stuff is nasty, here’s some sushi wallpapers! And since I didn’t feel like making the decision myself, you have color options!

The final illustration was published in 605 Magazine, a new Sioux Falls magazine for young adults. After seeing it in print, there are things I would do differently, but that’s the way it goes. And if I’m asked again to contribute, I’ll have a more streamlined process and know what tweaks to make the next go-around.

I was also listed on the 605 Contributors page:

Step 1: Scan and share brainstorming sketches.

Step 2: Take the brainstorming sketches and make a more detailed sketch of husband. Change his hairstyle to make him look ten years younger. Remove facial hair and glasses so he doesn’t look like a web developer.

Step 3: Scan and share.

Last I heard, the actual finished version of this project (using Illustrator and Photoshop) has been sent to the printer. So, next time, you should be seeing the finished version.

Fun fact: While posing for this sketch, Miles was holding a book featuring paintings of Zdzislaw Beksinski. Google him if you want nightmares. I dare you.

Working on an illustration to contribute to a local project. The theme is, obviously, about the economic downturn. These are my initial sketches. I may post more later as they develop more substantially, or I may wait until the final design has been published. I know you’re curious, so I’ll just go ahead and answer some of your questions now.

• Yes, that is a line drawing of the back of a car. I think the wheels give it away.
• Yes, the girl’s left hand is huge. She feels self-conscious about it, so…thanks for pointing it out.
• No, that candle is not floating.
• Yes, I realize that by having a “No Right Turn” sign, it makes one assume there is no way to recovery. After sketching this, I thought a “Rough Road” sign might translate better.
• No, that woman has no torso and yes, her arm connects to her ear.
• Yes, the moped dude’s anatomy is loosely based off my mental image of someone I know. No, I won’t tell you who.
• No, that awkward-looking crotch will not make it to the final illustration. Shucks.
• Yes, those are my husband’s legs. But *he* has feet.