A Sketch a Day...

I finally sat down today and drew. It was nice and frustrating at the same time... it takes me awhile to get back into the groove. I've been meaning to freshen up my website for awhile now and decided to feature my newest girl on my home page. She's sporting a sparkly dress and retro shades! The site isn't exactly how I want it yet (it never is) but this at least reflects the idea of where I want to go with it. 

I've been longing for my school days in fashion drawing class where two and a half hours of my day were devoted to sketching. I miss being challenged-- by my classmates, my professor, and myself, really. I know I can't get better if I don't keep drawing but it's so hard to come home after a nine hour day at work and sketch. Maybe if I make it a point to draw something - anything - every day I'll catch the 'bug' again and take off with it. So here's to a sketch a day...

Street Fair Illustration Finds...

I love a good street fair... but after going to a few of them you start to notice they all have the same stuff. Not this one! I was in Soho awhile back after visiting the John Derian store and decided to detour and check out some of the vendors. I got really excited when I saw old advertisements from The New Yorker for sale from the 40's, 50's and 60's. Before photography was deemed a more effective advertising tool, illustration reigned. 

I bought two and have yet to find the perfect spot for them on my wall. When I finally decide where to put them, I'll post a pic!

The Hillwood Museum...

If you're in the D.C. area and love French Rococo interiors, you must visit the Hillwood Museum. It's an estate formerly owned by the late heiress and avid art collector Marjorie Merriweather Post. This place is full of treasures, I could spend a whole week there. It's such a feast for the eyes, I have to go back. A couple years ago I went with my mom on a guided tour while I was home and fell in love with Majorie's vast collection of French and Russian decorative art. Just being there made me want to spend my days in a fancy gown sipping tea and admiring Faberge eggs. Alas, I have to work for a living but I can still watch the mini documentary now posted of the Hillwood Museum website. Enjoy!

Photo Credit: Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens

Paper Fashion...

While flipping through the most recent online issue of Lonny Magazine this morning, I came across an advertisement for a costume exhibition and had to know more. I love all things relating to the 16th and 18th centuries, specifically the royal families of Queen Elizabeth and Marie Antoinette. After following the link to the Legion of Honor website, a fine arts museum in San Francisco (darn!) I learned that each piece is made entirely of paper. Amazing! It's too bad the exhibit isn't here, in NYC. I'd be there in a heartbeat!

Image Credit: Legion of Honor Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco

Power Pink...

Sorry for the lack of updates. My day job is turning into a night and weekend job. Blah. I have managed to do a few fun illustrations that I'm thinking of turning into stationary or notecards. Let me know what you think. I've done a few shoes, and some other favorite things. When I finally get a weekend without having to go into the office, I'll try to search out the fun and the fashionable in NYC.

Images Copyright © 2011 by Joanna Baker

100 Years, 100 Designers...

A couple weeks ago I found myself on 59th and 5th passing by the amazing window displays at Bergdorf Goodman. Snow was literally falling over gorgeous Chanel jackets and skirts. I didn't think they could top themselves. But this week the windows are devoted to WWD's 100 year anniversary: '100 years, 100 designers.'

What caught my eye: the fabulous illustrations! Three entire windows are devoted to this display so if you live in NYC, you should definitely check it out.

Jenna Lyons & Derek Lam...

Last week I had the opportunity to see Jenna Lyons chat with Derek Lam at my lovely alma mater, Parsons. Both Jenna and Derek graduated from Parsons in 1990. I have to admit it was the first time I've set foot in school since graduation and it was nice to go back.

It was interesting to listen in on such a candid discussion. As an aspiring designer/illustrator/I-still-don't-know-what, I'm always intrigued by peoples' beginnings. During the interview, Dean of Fashion Simon Collins asked Derek if he could remember the point in his career when he finally felt like he had 'made it' in the world of fashion. He humbly replied 'just yesterday, but today I'm not sure.'

I guess we all second guess ourselves, even when we're as successful and talented as Derek Lam. After the talk I thought about everything that both of them shared. I'm just going to have to accept that I don't know what the future holds and follow my passion, knowing that it will all somehow work out in the end. Read more about the interview on Style.com!

Image credit: Style.com