What is the most important to you?

We are getting busy nowadays, I would like to ask what is the most important to you right now? We have different perception in life.

Education

They said, they can take away your material things that you have but the knowledge that you have, cannot. How important is education to us? Some of teens nowadays skip classes just to go out and play online games that will result to being bullied in school and at home and have a low poor grades. However, most of the teens value education because this will lead them for a better future. Mostly people working right now are young professionals who earning higher than their parents. See what education can do? We have to value education because we are investing on it and can be use for the future.


Family

Working hard to earn and for better future for your family is not bad. As long as you give time for them even once in a week. I mean, there's no individual working 7 days a week. That's not normal. Spending one day with your family, means a lot to them. Your presence and spending time with them is worthless other than material things that you providing to them. If your family is important, find time to bond with them and talk things and etc.


Love

There are so many types of Love. It could be loving for education, love for your family, love for special someone and etc. Love really important? For me, yes it is. Because without love, there's no caring and concern from one another [family or friends] and there will be no peace in our heart just hatred. This is also what you feel to certain things that you do everyday. It's not because you just "like" what you do, it is because you "love" what you do.


Money

The sensitive issue at all. They said money is the root of all evil but not all agree with that because we can use money for good like helping poor people or donating in a charity. I consider money one of the most important because without money, we can't provide our family the good education and because you want best for them, you work hard to earn and that's what you call Love.




In my own opinion, these are important in our lives. However the question is "What is the most important to you?"

Facebook Breakup

Some people I've come in contact with, led by Ashley Patrick, have come together and made a name for themselves. The Throw'd TV crew comes with improv videos that make you laugh for real! Why be normal when you could be Throw'd? Facebook Breakup is one of the many hilarious videos they have. Check em out!

Also visit www.blameitonashley.com

~Nia A.D.L.

*Like this post? Dislike it? Comment! Any feedback is appreciated.*

No Copyright Infringement Intended

WRANGLER BLUE BELL SPRING/SUMMER 2010

http://eu.wrangler.com/bluebell/#/collection

^^For the men out there looking for stuff to wear this summer. Even if you're not a man, still look at the site. It's fun to play with =)

Copy and paste this to your url thing and go!

~Nia A.D.L.

*Like this post? Dislike it? Comment! Any feedback is appreciated.*

No Copyright Infringement Intended

Memorial Day 2010

What do you like best about online shopping?

• You can do it in the middle of the night

If you feel bored and want to kill the boredom, you can go online shopping. Sometimes, If we are a busy person that wants everything in an instant but don't want to go out and fall in line in dressing room at the malls, we go shopping online. For career woman, you can do this after work and helps you stress free.

• You have more options

You will see more designs that you can't find in the malls. Online shop offers limited designs that are your advantage to have that dress exclusively in your place.

• You don't get harassed by the front door salesperson

There are some salesperson that once you went inside their store they will follow you wherever you go around, and check their items. So annoying...

• You can try clothes on it the privacy of your own home

I'm not sure if this is considered as an advantage. Once the item was delivered, you can fit it inside your room that only you can see. Obviously, all of us will fit the dress once it's arrived.

My best selling book

Published in 1977, Drawing In Ink was my top selling book. It is still available on the internet at bargain prices ranging anywhere from 15 cents through $5 and up. If you are interested in ink line drawing techniques pick up a copy, it is full of actual line art assignments done for a variety of clients, for five bucks you can't go wrong.


Line art from the book which was used for an ad advertising my work.


Throughout my long career I have worked in many different styles and techniques and you will find lots of examples in this book.

Favorite summer footwear

Here are the list of my favorite summer footwear.

If I were to ask you, what is your favorite summer footwear?

• Flip Flops

Good to wear if you'd like to walk around very comfortable to your feet. Where you can choose different colors to pair with your tees.




• Bare Feet

If you will go to the beach, would you care to walk without flip flops?










• Sandals

Flat sandals will do, same as flip flops it is comfortable to wear the difference is that sandal has straps while the flip flops don't have.




• Wedges

Wearing wedges when you will go to mall. Aside from giving you long legs looked and classy chick it will not get your feet hurts it's a flat but in high. ;)

What is your stylish three?

These are my stylish three and I want to share it with you: I'll go for these three:

• White Tee Shirt

It look good, looks so clean and neat.

• Boyfriend Shorts

A pair of shorts that will allow you to experiment with style.

• Flat Sandals
Pair it with a gladiator sandals. Remember its all in the shoes.

For addition, you can add accesorize or wear blazer, sling bag and sunglasses for a perfect look!

More from my layout book

In my last post I recommended my book Advertising Layout Techniques for artists interested in layout and comp rendering. I checked Amazon and Google for availability and prices and was astounded at the wide price range from one cent ( yes, ONE cent !!!), twenty cents, ninety-nine cents, all the way up to $133.85 ! Bargain hunters, have fun.



A few years ago I did a brochure for the Premier Corporation in Michigan. The Advertising Manager for Premier was Jim Donahue, a wonderful person who helped me a great deal early in my commercial career. I kept in touch with Jim through the years and did quite a bit of work for him. On one occasion, he even sent me to Japan on a great assignment.


Here are the initial rough idea sketches I did to establish the cover design.


This is the comprehensive layout that was submitted for Premier's evaluation.


The final printed cover, it was a fun assignment as was most of the work done for Jim.

How To Choose the Right Dress for a Party

Here are the tips on how to choose the right dress for a party.

Choose Bold Color and Prints

We usually wear color black during night out. Try more playful and more fun when it comes to color and prints.

Mix and Match Prints and Patterns

Do experiment, see what looks good on you or what is not. Look over the prints and combine it with different kinds and when you doing so... Skip to the color palette. Make sure the colors that you choose will compliment one another.

Don't Show Off Too Much Skin

People always have an idea that if you are going to a party, you have to wear mini skirt, low top, or something back less to impress people in the party. You can find more ways to be creative when it comes to dress in a party without showing off your skin. Remember that showing off too much will attract the wrong guy to you.

Accessorize
Accessorize will bring different in your outfit. Its always nice to have one statement piece that stand out. Try to wear a big statement necklace with many tangles or wear a big cocktail ring on your hand. This is the right venue to look good over your top.





Its all in the Shoes The shoes define your whole outfit. I suggests wearing on heels during night out. They can even wear in a plain dress or in jeans outfit that more pay of. Remember that whatever you wear, you have to be confident and have fun.

Who Is Your Favorite Shopping Companion?

Ladies are into shopping they can even stay inside the mall from opening time until closing time just to browse each stores and shop what they want. While shopping we can't decide what dress, bags or shoes, we choose we need to have an opinion with our shopping companion! Then who is your favorite shopping companion?

• Your Boyfriend

75% of girls said that they will not rather bring their boyfriends while shopping. Men don't like spending more than 3 hours of shopping unlike girls. 25% said they will bring their boyfriend along because they want someone to carry their shopping bags and want to have comments and suggestions what dress or shoes designs to choose.

• Your Husband

Mostly married women prefer to be with their husband. They value their opinions with what clothes to buy and to wear. For them, husband is a perfect shopping buddy. Women can get honest opinions and comments from them.

• Your Best Friend

Mostly of girls that doesn't have a sister will go out and shop with their best friend. It's their only secret where to shop affordable clothes.

• Your Sister

I always go on shopping with my sister. When we were young, we always have the same dress and shoes but the color is different until we were in high school. However, now is different because we have different taste when it comes to fashion. We still go on shopping together to have each other's opinion when it comes in buying clothes, bags, accessories and shoes.

• Your Mom or Your Dad

When was the last time you went out shopping with your Mom? Most of the girls would love to go out with their Mom to have an unlimited shopping. Your Mom could relate to the clothes that you want to buy but believe me Mom is more strict when it comes to shop budgeting. I don't know but it depends. When it comes to go out shopping with Dad, same as your boyfriend, you have to choose and buy it immediately because they can't stay for long hours in shopping. They will give you their opinions that clothes in the market nowadays are very different with their clothes when he was still a teenager.

• Shop Alone

This is the best way to shop for those who doesn't like have a shopping companion. They can go wherever they want to go, window shopping alone and choose their own clothes with want they want and don't need advise from someone else.

Advertising Layout Techniques book

Having taught at an art school for a few years I tried to find books on rendering storyboards and ad comp layouts to recommend to my students, without success. I decided to write a book on the subject in 1982. This book is out of print but can still be found used and very reasonably priced on the internet, try Amazon.com and Google for other used book dealers.



The book covers tools and exercises, the development of a layout assignment, many step-by-step instructions, typical assignments and how to get started in this field. It's a good book for beginners as well as established artists as I show actual assignments that I was working on at the time in Paris, France as well as work from the U.S. during this period.
I am in the process of trying to find more examples of storyboards and ad comp work that I have done, I've actually run out of things to post. Most work done before I started delivering over the internet in 2000 was delivered to the ad agencies and usually there was no time to have copies made. Luckily I saved most of the work done after 2000 and have posted a great deal of it.
Here are examples of layouts from the book which were done for a Renault catalog, the top one is a rough that I did before the final comp layout shown below

Buying Used Clothing

If you are in a tight budget and thinks that you want to go on shopping. Buying used clothes will suits your mood. You can buy used clothes online or you can go on garage sale in your place. Where you can save up to 50% off to your budget. Since it's already used by the owner two or three times you should check every detail of the dress branded or non-branded clothing. Here are some points to check:


If you will buy used clothes online
• Check how many times did the seller wore the clothes.
• The size of the clothes
• Check if there are some defects such as stain or faded designs and some thread lose.
• Where is the location of the seller
• Check the meet-ups points.
• Ask if there are some discounts if you will buy two or more items. This will help you save more.




If you will buy used clothes on garage sale
• Check the quality of the clothe.
• Check the designed of the clothes, if there are beaded designed you should check that it is still complete.
• For the polo shirt, the buttons and the extra button are still in good condition.
• Ask for discounts if you will buy two or more items.
• Make sure that you will put an effort to find unique items that will makes you look good. The advantage of buying used clothes is that you will be unique because there are no more styles like what you have found in garage sale in stores nowadays.

Starting a new painting

I just finished sketching the drawing for an abstract figure study for my new painting series which are hanging in the Craig Smith Gallery in Harbert, Michigan. I have to produce a few more in this series as my gallery in Puerto Vallarta wants to exhibit them. Also, a gallery in Cincinnati recently contacted me and is very interested in exhibiting them, so off to work I go.




Here's the color sketch for the painting, which, like all the other sketches, was created on the computer


My cat Tiff has been nibbling on my brushes, you just never know what the cats are up to.

It looks as if I have run out of storyboard and ad comp material to post. If I run across more examples, I'll be sure to post them.

Online Shopping

Busy from work and no time going out for shopping? How about you are working at night and no time to go to malls in the day because you are sleeping all day? Online shopping is more on virtual your doing and shopping and using the Internet. You don't need to walk and browse each stores items. You can check the items any time if you want. Things you have to consider if you will buy items online.

•Check the store location

We browsing many websites that sometimes we doesn't notice the location of the distributor or the seller. To avoid this inconvenience you have to check first the location and if they have branch near your place.

•Free Shipping and Days of Delivery

This is a big factor for a buyer to know that if you will purchased an item the shipping fee is for free. Better to know how many days they will deliver the item that you purchased.

•Check available colors, designs and sizes for clothes

Shopping clothes in malls are different from buying it online. You can fit the dress however in buying it online you have to make sure the measurement [length and width], sizes should fit you. The color may be different on the photo to the actual but you should be aware of it.

•Your Budget

Not because you will use your credit card to purchase it means that you can buy expensive clothes. You have to be budget conscious to avoid future burden since you will have to pay your credit card bill. You can easy check the prices from other websites.

•Warranty

On purchased of your item you have to make sure that they will give you warranty. This is applicable if you will purchase a camera, laptop, computer tools, and appliances.

What Clothes To Wear

Women are into fashion. Choosing what clothes to wear for the day is never been easy for a girl. It depends on their moods, where they will go, and the weather really matter!

Anything Goes....

This kind of attitude when it comes to dress up, you wear whatever you feel for a certain day. No particular styles. Like picking in a random mode of fashion. You can go girly, rocker, boho chic, boyish or whatever that comes in your mind. Mix and match your clothes to make more variation and look like new to you and to your friends. Playing with colors matching the bright colors into dark colors may result for your uniqueness.
Monochromatic shades will not make you hard thinking what shoes will you pair for your get up.


Simple Look Kills
Basic fashion comes from pairing black and white. Obviously, the color of your tops or blouse is white and the lower is black it could be the slacks or leggings and pair it with black gladiator sandals, black stilettos or black babydoll shoes. To look more attractive, you can accessorize it with a big necklace known as "bling-bling" and aviator sunglasses and tadaaah! You have your classy chic look. Don't forget to wear your confidence and your smile.

Larger, tighter storyboard frames

Here is a storyboard assignment where the ad agency required large 6 x 9" frames rendered tighter than my normal work. This may have been an animatic without moving parts, I don't remember. Nor do I recall the product, Art Director or ad agency, but I know that it was done for one of my New York clients. Apparently I had a little more time on this assignment than the usual frantic deadline. This was probably done somewhere around 2002 and was rendered using markers on high quality layout paper.












I've just about run out of storyboard and ad comp material to post. I will, however, check out some old portfolios to see if there are more rendering hidden somewhere.


The Craig Smith Gallery ran a full page ad in the current issue of Art in America featuring one of my new abstract figure paintings. Check it out if you have a chance.

About Ellen Reviews Blog

Ellen Reviews Blog post reviews about fashion, lifestyle, leisure, family and issues that shares information to the readers. I also post articles based in my own experienced and my opinions in the said categories [fashion, lifestyle, leisure, family and issues].

How To Bond With Your Mom

How to bond with your mom? When was the last time you had bonded with your Mom? I know Mother's Day is done already and not because it was already done, it doesn't mean that you will not go on a date with your Mom.

Our mother playing the special role in our lives, in every step that we made she is always there to support, give us advise, teach the right from wrong, and become responsible in everything we do. She is giving us unconditional love and not being so selfish.
There are many things that you can do with her; here are the lists of things that can make her happy or bond with her.

Surprise Her

We love to see what would be her reactions when she will see you guys prepared a simple gathering for her or anything that she never seen before that you did.

Breakfast on Bed

Wake up early, you and your siblings and your dad prepare the breakfast for you mom. If you don't know how to cook well, cooking book will give a little help to prepare or search an easy breakfast through the Internet before the Mother's Day. You can add-ons such as balloons, confetti, a cake and etc.

Blind Fold her

If you don't want her to surprised on bed, well, you can wake her up and blind fold her and when you reach your table place her in the center of the table where is the cake is and open her blind fold then tadaaah! There is a banner who will greet her “Happy mother's Day” and food breakfast that you prepared for her.

Eat Out

Reserved a table for your family in a lovely restaurant, it could be your mom's favorite restaurant or it could be whole family favorite restaurant. If you and your mom is adventurous, well, try to eat in a restaurant that is new to both of you.

Night Out

How about for a KTV Video Karaoke after having a dinner with your mom? There are many Families KTV where you can pay per hour. Sing the favorite songs of your mom or dedicate a song for her or let her perform the whole night.
Go to the Spa

Treat her from head to foot. This is really good for the working moms and for housewives. They have at least relaxed for a day. Also going to Saloon and have she makes over such as hair style manicure and pedicure.

Out of Town / Weekend Get Away
Go to the Beach

Since its summer, why don't you guys go out of town and there you celebrate her day, There are many natures view that will makes her relax.

If you have any idea where to go or what to do with your Mom, that would be great. ♥