This is a process & ideas blog from the secret attic headquarters of Meg Hunt, who lives and makes in Portland, Oregon.Tumblr (3.0; @paperalligator)http://showandtell.meghunt.com/<img src="http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lyjp7v61gN1qze4yso1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Ribbit!</p> <p>Planning to make some more things, just for the heck of it. Expect a bunch more soon.</p>http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/16681954432http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/16681954432Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:43:06 -0500Illustration<p>I’ve gotten into podcasts in a big way over the past year. It’s pretty lonely when nobody is in the studio but me and the pup, so human voices chatting has really helped that out. Plus when it’s informative, so much the better! Here’s what I’ve been enjoying. (I think there’s some I’m forgetting but these are the ones that crop up most on my radar as of late)</p> <ul><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/b2w">Back to Work-</a> Dan Benjamin and Merlin Mann talking about productivity, barriers, constraints, fear, etc etc. Some of it is more suited to tech workers but I’ve found some really good points in there and I’ve been listening to it solidly for a year now. Though it’s one of those podcasts that’s probably best listened from the start— as they get more comfortable there’s a lot of meta humor and recurring jokes that crop up, and tangents will often happen so if that’s not your thing, be warned.</li> <li><a href="http://www.wtfpod.com/">WTF with Marc Maron</a>- interviews with comedians of past and present. Maron can sometimes be a little too neurotic (even for me!) but I really love listening to comedians talk shop and discuss the changing world of comedy so it’s worth it.</li> <li><a href="http://www.girlonguy.net">Girl on Guy with Aisha Tyler</a>- I love Aisha (especially in Archer!) and the early episodes were really awesome in a ‘let’s get drunk and chat about stuff’ kind of way—but I’ve fallen out of listening. I’m sure the more recent ones are good too— but I’ve been in a big comedy kick lately so musicians and other folks aren’t on my radar right now.</li> <li><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/making-it-with-riki-lindhome/id451494319">Making It with Riki Lindhome</a>- more of a process thing of how people in the entertainment industry have ‘made it’. Really informative and earnest- I’ve enjoyed it a lot.</li> <li><a href="http://themoth.org/">The Moth</a>- short true stories from people. Sometimes gut wrenching, sometimes funny, always interesting.</li> <li><a href="http://www.nerdist.com/category/podcast/">The Nerdist</a>- more interviews, hosted by Chris Hardwick and his cohorts Matt Mira and Jonah Ray. Though this one branches out some between comedians and other entertainers. I usually just stick to those over the ‘hostful’ episodes.</li> <li><a href="http://www.nerdist.com/podcast/the-indoor-kids/">The Indoor Kids</a>- hosted by Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon. Discussions about video games— not so much technical stuff, but more discussions with folks about their emotional ties to games. Also some interesting stuff about race/gender in games. </li> <li><a href="http://yourdreamsmynightmares.com/">Your Dreams My Nightmares</a>- technically a radio show. Interviews with illustrators and art directors— hosted by Sam Weber. I’ve thus far only listened to Lisa Hanawalt but I will be listening to more soon!</li> <li><a href="http://www.maximumfun.org/">Bullseye with Jesse Thorn</a>- I tend to cherry pick these by sticking to entertainment folks I know of- but the interviews can be quite good. I love when they have comedy-compilation episodes, as that introduces me to new comedians.</li> <li><a href="http://youlooknicetoday.com/">You Look Nice Today</a>- I tend to relisten to this often and look forlornly at the fact that it hasn’t updated in over a year. Shame! I wish Scott Simpson, Merlin Mann and Adam Lisagor would make more of these.</li> <li><a href="http://www.ted.com/">TED:</a> I haven’t kept up with this but there are some really awesome talks in here. Been really inspired by them!</li> <li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/AtGoogleTalks">@Google Talks</a>- not really a podcast, but a YouTube channel. Interesting discussions- I’ve mostly listened to the authors’ ones.</li> </ul><p>Other things I love listening to but aren’t podcasts: audio commentaries or sitcoms I’ve seen so much that I know what happens already (<em>Parks & Rec, Futurama, Better Off Ted, King of the Hill</em>, britcoms like <em>Black Books, Black Adder, the IT Crowd, Green Wing</em>, etc). I’ve shotgunned through Parks & Rec’s commentaries (and restarted listening to season 2, which is probably the eighth or so time I’ve watched that season?) lately, but I wish I had something that did commentary on more episodes— Futurama and the Simpsons were great for this, as they did commentary on most or all of the episodes. Unfortunately I don’t have the Simpsons on DVD, alas! I’ve been craving watching the old episodes lately.</p> <p>Hey and with all the comedians doing podcasts lately, how come there aren’t more British comedians doing podcasts? Besides Ricky Gervais, I mean. I would love a podcast with Simon Pegg or Graham Linehan or Chris Morris… there’s so much great talent over there, I’d love an interview or satirical podcast from across the pond!</p> <p>A couple others I’ve downloaded but intend to listen to soon:</p> <ul><li><a href="http://5by5.tv/tcn">The Cocktail Napkin</a>- hosted by Jeremy Fuksa. Talking with various creatives about creativity. </li> <li><a href="http://storythings.com/things/">Storythings</a>- recordings from The Story, a British conference about storytelling.</li> <li><a href="http://5by5.tv/mistakes">Let’s Make Mistakes</a>- hosted by Mark Monteiro and Katie Gillum. Talking about design. </li> <li><a href="http://www.merlinmann.com/roderick/">Roderick on the Line</a>- Merlin Mann + John Roderick. Weekly candid phone calls discussing all sorts of things.</li> <li><a href="http://escapefromillustrationisland.com/">Escape from Illustration Island</a>- surprisingly enough I think I only have listened to one or two episodes of this! I’ll have to make an effort— folks on Twitter are recommending it if I want to listen to folks talking shop, and I do.</li> </ul><p>Okay, this went on pretty long! Got any other ones you might recommend? Or if they’re not podcasts, maybe interesting documentaries/video interviews/TED talks etc?  I’m always looking for something entertaining to keep company while I scrawl and paint on paper!</p>http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/16311446395http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/16311446395Sun, 22 Jan 2012 16:49:00 -0500<img src="http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ly2tiuM4Jn1qze4yso1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Noodling around for the sake of noodling.</p>http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/16151673462http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/16151673462Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:56:54 -0500random<img src="http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxs1llgZOf1qze4yso1_400.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Been working on a little drawing on stipple paper tonight—but I can’t decide how I feel about the result. So used to inking that working and shading with pencil feels strange- so I threw in some drybrush here and there. I keep going back and forth between how I want my work to develop. But that’s okay; sometimes it’s best to call it a night and come back with a fresh mindset.</p> <p>I may think about this stuff too much. But do have a lovely weekend, all!</p>http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/15818060172http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/15818060172Sat, 14 Jan 2012 02:17:45 -0500<img src="http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxr7lkC7qm1qze4yso1_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxr7lkC7qm1qze4yso2_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxr7lkC7qm1qze4yso3_r2_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxr7lkC7qm1qze4yso4_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxr7lkC7qm1qze4yso5_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxr7lkC7qm1qze4yso6_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxr7lkC7qm1qze4yso7_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxr7lkC7qm1qze4yso8_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxr7lkC7qm1qze4yso9_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxr7lkC7qm1qze4yso10_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><p>Twelve little things about my attic corner studio:</p> <ol><li>My headphones. Gift from <a href="http://www.goodbyechains.com">my sister!</a> Really vital for when I need to focus— popping on some music (the live Daft Punk album is great for working, though I’ve been listening to Parks & Recreation commentaries and some podcasts like the Indoor Kids, the Nerdist, Making it with Riki Lindhome, WTF, and Back to Work lately) is great for getting in the right headspace. I also affixed my remote to my desk so I won’t lose it, and you can see my bungee cord chair I sit at too.</li> <li>Little card from the PDX ACE workshop I took in June— hosted by the lovely <a href="http://www.designformankind.com/">Erin Loechner!</a> Truer words never wrote for me.</li> <li>A lighter from a convenience store in Omaha back in 2004 when I met my friend Beej. It still works great! It’s sitting on this neat tray I scooped up at Target a few weeks ago and some salvaged scrap cloth from SCRAP. </li> <li>I got a lot of awesome books this holiday, but this monster tome of Dior Couture dresses is fantastic. For some reason I’ve avoided drawing fashiony things but I really love when it’s over the top. The photography in this is really inspiring.</li> <li>My copy of American Shorts from <a href="http://www.scoutbooks.com">Scout Books!</a> Along with a bunch of copies of Eve’s Diary, which I illustrated. Should I put them up for sale, internet?</li> <li>Assorted little things: gold peacock crayon from <a href="http://crystaldayala.tumblr.com/">Crystal</a>, a yellow timer I need to use more when working, a random owl I got at a Savers in Arizona.</li> <li>Lovely accordion book from <a href="http://cargocollective.com/lesleybarnes">Lesley Barnes</a> and Ari cat doll from <a href="http://www.miahansen.com/">Mia Hansen</a>.</li> <li>Pencil I picked up at SCRAP without realizing it. I like pencil messages better than fortune cookie messages.</li> <li> I need more bulletin board space! Scraps of inspiration from greeting cards, business cards, art from Lesley, my best friend Melissa, pals like <a href="http://www.obsessiveconsumption.com">Kate Bingaman Burt</a> and <a href="http://www.juliarothman.com">Julia Rothman</a> and <a href="http://chuckgroenink.tumblr.com/">Chuck Groenink.</a> I think if I had my way, one full wall of my next studio would just be a block of cork i could pin things into.</li> <li>Drawing from <a href="http://www.bluebed.net">Roman </a>and cards I got from <a href="http://www.katiedaisy.net/">Katie Daisy</a> and <a href="http://www.pinballpublishing.com">Pinball Publishing.</a></li> <li>Some greeting cards I picked up that I need to write in soon. Artwork from<a href="http://www.burstofbeaden.com/"> Jon Klassen</a> and <a href="http://www.riflepaperco.com">Rifle Paper Co.</a> I’m determined to write more!</li> <li>The one, the only, Leviathan (aka Levi, aka lev-ee). Shivering and catching a few rays under my desk before it gets dark again on a pillow I really want to make a new case for. Leopard print isn’t really my thing, but it was a gift and she likes it.</li> </ol><p>Have a lovely weekend, all! More art soon. I’ve been painting on tissue paper— going to make some personal work <em>just because.</em></p>http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/15787195207http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/15787195207Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:29:00 -0500<p>Oh yeah, <a href="http://meghunt.bigcartel.com">it’s open again</a>! Thanks for being patient!</p>http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/15740725052http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/15740725052Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:27:00 -0500<p>Thank you kindly! When it comes to freelance work, I want to say it’s about 60% analog, 40% digital. All the drawings are by hand and I’ll make layers to scan in for each piece— whether it’s a painting or collage or graphite shading. I’m trying to slowly transition over so that the digital ‘cobbling’ becomes more minimal— I hate when pieces of mine feel too digital. I can’t draw or paint directly in Photoshop— I need to do a lot of it with my hands and materials!</p>http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/15740571993http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/15740571993Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:24:13 -0500<p>Honestly so far I’ve just been scanning high-res with my Epson scanner and tweaking in Photoshop adjustments like curves, levels, and using tools like selective erasing/dodging/burning to get the result I want. But I have yet to scan a completed painting in such a way that it looks excellent— I have better luck scanning layers and playing with them digitally. It’s a frustrating process but I think due to the way scanners don’t reflect light the way you see it in real life, pieces never look quite as good scanned. Maybe better photographed, I’d wager?</p>http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/15740338012http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/15740338012Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:19:55 -0500<img src="http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxnj5usDIQ1qze4yso1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Canines! I’m gonna make some more. Been trying to paint more lately. I’m thinking I might pull out the collage again sometime soon.</p>http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/15683530867http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/15683530867Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:49:06 -0500dogsIllustration<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/33813192" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0"></iframe><br/><br/><p>I’m going out of town til Jan 3 starting Monday so nobody try to hire me for freelance before the new year! 2011 has been a blast, but I’m so ready for next year and pushing hard to get some good opportunities brewing. But here’s wishing you an awesome holiday and break.</p> <p>Also, look at that dikdik of mine movin’ about! Animated by one of my best pals, <a href="http://www.pmurphy.org">PMurphy.</a> We gotta animate some more stuff pronto—seeing my artwork move is one of my favorite things.</p>http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/14342621782http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/14342621782Sat, 17 Dec 2011 00:23:11 -0500<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lw5tb7JrIn1qze4yso1_r1_500.png"/><br/><br/><p>Hey all! So Crafty Wonderland was a resounding success— but y’know, I still have lots of good swag for you to get even if you’re not a Portland-dweller!  I’m shutting down <a href="http://meghunt.bigcartel.com">my shop</a> for the year on Thursday at 11:59 PST, so if you want a last minute gift for the holidays (or heck, celebrate Ukrainian Christmas like my family does, that’s in January! Or Arbitrary Day like I do with my best friend!), why not scoop up a pillow, some pint glasses, a print, or even one of my new Quarterly To-Do Lists so you can get organized in 2012?</p> <p>Even better, I’ve got a little coupon-code for last minute shopping— enter the code ICICLE when you check out to get 10% off your order!</p> <p><br/>Enjoy, my friends!</p>http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/14178012441http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/14178012441Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:37:00 -0500holidaysale<img src="http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lvwctkehUg1r4m5dmo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>This is where we’ll be.</p> <p><a class="tumblr_blog" href="http://waxanimalcrayons.tumblr.com/post/13927156200/hey-look-thats-the-table-booth-73-me-and-meg">waxanimalcrayons</a>:</p> <blockquote> <p>Hey Look, that’s the table (booth 73) me and <a href="http://showandtell.meghunt.com/">Meg Hunt</a> will be at for this year’s <a href="http://craftywonderland.com/">Crafty Wonderland</a>! Come visit us this Saturday or Sunday and say hi. We’ll have lots of stuff and I have a few goodies for people too. </p> </blockquote>http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/13928709956http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/13928709956Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:52:57 -0500<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lvwb68NCyE1qze4yso1_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lvwb68NCyE1qze4yso2_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lvwb68NCyE1qze4yso3_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><p>Here in MH-HQ the dogs are barking, our muscles are sore and our brains are racing like a chicken with its head cut off. That must mean it’s the last mad dash of work until Crafty Wonderland— if you’re in the Portland area this weekend you ought to check the event out! I will be sharing a table with the lovely Crystal of <a href="http://waxanimalcrayons.tumblr.com/">WAX Animal Crayons</a> (we’re table 73!). There’s over 250 vendors, so stop by, say hi, and check out all the lovely goods! I’ll have Forest Friends pillows, pint glasses, prints, terrarium kits and some stationery. Get your holiday shopping on!</p> <h2>Saturday + Sunday, December 10th + 11th, 2011<br/> 11am – 6pm both days – TWO DAYS! TWICE THE FUN!<br/> at the Oregon Convention Center – HALL C<br/> 777 NE MLK Jr. Blvd in Portland</h2> <p>More details on <a href="http://craftywonderland.com/">their website</a>!</p>http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/13926063484http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/13926063484Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:27:00 -0500shoppingportlandcraftywonderland<img src="http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lvc5n8B3oK1qze4yso2_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lvc5n8B3oK1qze4yso3_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lvc5n8B3oK1qze4yso1_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><p>A few shots from the studio this weekend. It’s grizzly and gray out right now, but looking at Quail and Hedgehog (and even jealous Fox who wishes he were printed already!) brightens my day. Soon they’ll be sewed and stuffed into pillows— yay! And it doesn’t hurt to have a playful dog in the house either. Her new nickname is ‘Oviraptor.’</p> <p>Hope you’re all having a lovely weekend!</p>http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/13414396150http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/13414396150Sun, 27 Nov 2011 15:16:00 -0500studioprocessscreenprints<img src="http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lv8p3cjWP81qze4yso1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Today we paint and prepare terrarium parts, and toy with the idea of zines, and maybe sew, and carve rubylith. It’s a pretty lovely workday here.</p> <p>Have a lovely weekend!</p>http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/13319338381http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/13319338381Fri, 25 Nov 2011 18:26:00 -0500craftywonderland<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_luvfbeABRP1qze4yso1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Sometimes when it’s cold and dreary and you have a ton of deadlines, you make your own fun. It sort of makes me want to visit this idea in a photography series, using paper cut scales or feathers on someone. Or just walk around town with crazy eyes.</p> <p>Happy Friday, friends!</p>http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/12975531775http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/12975531775Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:26:02 -0500random<img src="http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lush9eBpPK1qze4yso1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>I got to work with SooJin Buzelli for Plansponsor not too long ago on their November issue; this accompanies a quiz on retirement investment, but we went with the angle of knowledge, and ‘what’s inside your mind.’ It was a real pleasure to work with such a pro art director— I hope I get the chance again! Thanks SooJin!</p>http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/12915380381http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/12915380381Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:15:14 -0500“The only rule is work. If you work it will lead to something. It’s the people who do all of the work all the time who eventually catch on to things.””<br/><br/> - <em><p><a href="http://mike.teczno.com/notes/art-rules.html">Sister Corita Kent</a>, Immaculate Heart College Art Department Rules (via <a href="http://fieldstudy.tumblr.com/">fieldstudy</a>)</p> <p>Man, I need to letter this and stick it on my wall.  Thankfully I’m one of those people!</p></em>http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/12804931852http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/12804931852Mon, 14 Nov 2011 17:13:24 -0500<img src="http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_luivhi5pGF1qze4yso1_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_luivhi5pGF1qze4yso2_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><p>I updated my website today— including some pieces accompanying a Mark Twain story and some newer Jamie Magazine illustrations (a bit shown above). Also the pint glasses, some screenprints, some pieces like the Bordo Bello and the Runner’s World illustrations… I feel as though there’s some work I’m forgetting to share but I’ll remember soon I’m sure!</p>http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/12665043384http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/12665043384Fri, 11 Nov 2011 19:46:30 -0500<a href="http://meghunt.bigcartel.com/">http://meghunt.bigcartel.com/</a>: <p>Pint glasses are up in Megmart! (Seriously, shouldn’t I name my shop that? It seems perfect) There’s 10 sets in the shop and 10 of each option. But I will be reordering if they sell out so don’t worry if you miss it!</p> <p>I also knocked $10 off the Gatherers screenprint— it’s only $40!</p> <p>Happy shopping, and happy 11/11!</p>http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/12654051617http://showandtell.meghunt.com/post/12654051617Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:46:20 -0500shop