Awesome Artist Alert | Michelle from Creature Type

When I started working on ideas for this new space, one of the first things that came to mind is that I wanted something unique and fun for my header. The ones I've designed in the past have all pretty much been type-based, and while that's all fine and dandy, I knew I wanted something really different for this go 'round.

Enter the idea of a custom illustration. I like to think that I'm a creative person, but a skill I sorely lack (and have always lamented lacking) is the ability to draw from my imagination. I can do a pretty decent copy job if I have something to refer to—do y'all remember those commercials and advertisements for the Art Instructions Schools asking you to draw the turtle with the hat and turtleneck in order to prove your worth as an artist? I would have aced that.—but the ability to just sit down and sketch completely eludes me.

I can't recall when I started reading Creature Type, but Michelle's style and personality has been a blogging inspiration since before my last C&CC redesign. I knew she did the occasional custom portrait for bloggers, so I emailed her asking if she was taking commissions. Luckily for me, she was!

Over the next couple of months, Michelle and I went back and forth on the design. My initial idea was pretty "big picture":  ... my face, looking like I'm in thought, with a few little icons (Doctor Who's TARDIS, a book, the Avengers logo + a couple others) floating above my head like I was thinking about them. (I'm so good with words, y'all.) Being the consummate artist that she is, Michelle took this idea and ran with it.

Our email conversations led these sketches:

Which progressed to:

And then:

Which turned into the awesome header image you see at the top of this blog. I'll post it here, too, #becauseawesome.

I can't say enough good things about how great it was to work with Michelle. She's professional and fun and easy to work with and—did I mention?—talented. If you're looking for a custom illustration, definitely get in touch with her. (Her contact information can be found here.)

Plus: Need a cute gift? The Creature Type Etsy has some really great items, too. Such as: