All posts by Inspire by Kim

Illustration, Artworks with PR/ Marketing context. All work copyrighted. @inspirebykim
Art Challenges, book project, editorial illustration, Press Release, ski

New Book Is A Gift For Families And The Ski Curious

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I wrote this article for my new website but didn’t want my subscribers not to see this. Please see the article then come across to my new website, to continue to follow the fun. This website will be disappearing shortly and I don’t want to lose you. New website at www.inspirebykim.com

New book Ski A to Z is a ‘gem’ of a resource for skiers, the ski curious, and those helping youngsters to access the sport. 

With many skiers unable to ski in the mountains for the past two winters there’s a buzz around skiing this season. Interest in winter sports is also currently being fuelled by the excitement and exhilaration of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.

Ski A to Z book on snow

Ski A to Z is an illustrated introduction to skiing which aims to demystify the sport with information, advice, illustrations and helpful tips; an ideal way to refresh knowledge of all aspects of skiing. The book is intended to answer the questions new skiers may have and to help prepare them for mountain experiences, whilst demonstrating the fun to be had on the slopes. 

Author/ Illustrator Kimberley Kay with Ski A to Z

“Like an all-knowing ski friend”, is how the debut author and illustrator of Ski A to Z, Kimberley Kay, describes the book. The book is available to buy now and is being published by Europe’s leading sports publisher, Meyer & Meyer Sport.

Family in a ski gondola. Illustration from Ski A to Z - copyright Kim
Ski Gondola

Kimberley Kay said, “Easter falling later this year means many families who ski will be using the school holidays to travel the slopes, potentially skiing for the first time in two years. Ski A to Z is a great resource for all to get back up to speed, or for those skiing for the first time the book gives access to the information to support them as they venture into the sport, and opens the door to experiencing the wonder of skiing.”

Kimberley continues, “School ski trips are back up and running and so Ski A to Z can give parents and youngsters valuable insight and information to help them to prepare for their trip. Knowing what to expect will help to boost confidence and enjoyment of skiing.”

Instruction illustration for Ski A to Z by Kimberley Kay. Copyright Kimberley Kay

Liz Evans of Meyer & Meyer Sport, said, “As Ski A to Z is written and illustrated in the classic style of A – Z books the format gives readers the option to read cover to cover, or to dip into the book for definitions or to answer queries. Kim’s passion for skiing, and enthusiasm for sharing helpful insights shines through her writing and illustrations. We hope that Ski A to Z will give people the inspiration and confidence to try the sport.”

Freestyle skier and quote from pat Sharples Team GB Snowsports Head Coach

Presently in Beijing for the Winter Olympics, Pat Sharples, Head Coach, Team GB Snowsport, and father of two children, said, “This is an absolute gem and one of the best ski books I’ve seen. It’s perfect for families who are planning on going away on their first ski trip, as well as regular skiers, and it really is what it says it is – the A-Z of skiing. The work that has gone into this book, not just the incredible art, but the perfectly explained details of skiing is quite amazing. You will not be disappointed.”

Family skiing illustration from Ski A to Z/ Copyright Kim

The accompanying illustrations are intended to resonate with avid skiers as well as new, demonstrating the exhilaration and joy of skiing. In full colour and hardback format, Ski A to Z is available to buy now. 

Ski baby illustration for Ski A to Z

About the author:

Since starting skiing aged five Kimberley has over forty years of ski experience including racing, teaching, and heli-skiing, as well as ski holiday promotion during a 20 year career in travel PR.

Kimberley Kay said, “It is hoped that Ski A to Z will make the sport increasingly accessible to a more diverse audience by helping people to feel that they have adequate information to give skiing a try.”

Double page spread from Ski A to Z - fall line and family skiing.
Spread from Ski A to Z Book

Kimberley said, “People may start skiing through friends and relatives who ski, or they may try skiing with school or at a local ski facility (artificial or snow); but they may not have any of these connections – the book is like an all-knowing ski friend and shares things it can take years to learn otherwise. There is information from artificial slopes, through to powder skiing, explanation of how boots and bindings work through to advice on what to wear and safety tips. 

Meyer and Meyer Sport logo

“I’m delighted that Meyer & Meyer Sport (UK) is publishing the book, allowing it to reach and empower more people to experience the joy of skiing and mountain environments.”

Ski A to Z is available to buy now through any good book store or online retailer. Further information can be found here and on the Meyer & Meyer website. 

Buy the ebook

Buy in the UK

Buy in Canada

Buy in the US and Puerto Rico

Ski A to Z Book cover open, with endorsement from extreme skier Dan Egan.
Art Challenges, commercial illustration, products

Come Across To My New Website

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Website

As a valued follower you’re invited to come across to my new website. I hope you will continue to follow my work. Please ‘subscribe’ to receive receive notifications of new work, offers and illustration process tips as they arise.

A new fresh, cleaner website for my illustration work.

You will find the new website here at www.inspirebykim.com So that you can recognise it this is how the homepage looks…

InspirebyKim.com website screen grab.

Book Publishing

It is an exciting time for my art business as my first book is being published in a just a few weeks time Ski A to Z. The support of my followers is key to helping me push forwards so thank you for the part you have played in helping make this dream come true.

Ski A to Z is a fully illustrated practical introduction to skiing. The book can be pre-ordered now, more information and links to buy at https://bit.ly/3BGP5Se

Prints To Buy

For those who have requested to buy prints I will have prints available very soon.

The Future

I’m working on some exciting commissioned work, more on this in the coming weeks.

Thank You

Hopefully see you at my new website.

Love and luck

Kim x

Art Challenges, Art Experimenting, commercial illustration, home decor, products

Ski Themed Home Decor Designs

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Earlier this year I signed up to the Make Art That Sells Home Decor Course with the wonderful Margot Tantau. 

Table Ware Collection

My ski book project then began gather steam so I have been busy working on this, whilst learning home decor design on the side. I like to listen to learning content while I create, as this can help to distract the conscious mind and allow the subconscious lead on the creating.

As I have been creating so many ski themed illustrations it has made sense to bring these icons and this theme into the home decor surface pattern designs. I have also brought the warm colour palette across from my ski work, painted in the Japanese watercolour paints. 

I explored different designs and mocked them up to see how they will look on home decor products, both tableware and also soft furnishings and wall coverings. I mocked the products up in Procreate and with Spoonflower. 

I’ll be developing this work but if you see something that you like and would like to license the design for your use then please email me at inspirebykim@outlook.com 

Watch this space for more ski illustrations as I continue to develop the Ski A to Z book in advance of the upcoming winter ski season.

I like how this feature wallpaper design looks with the snowflake icon warmed by these sunny hues.

If you like to listen to podcasts then check out Margot’s Windowsill Chats podcast. For the wonderful courses by Lilla Roger’s Make Art That Sells click here.

Thanks so much for being here and for your support. 

Kim x

P.s. See more of my work on my Instagram feed.

Art Experimenting, Book Projrct, editorial illustration, illustration, ski

Decisions and Time Saving Tips

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I’m busy working on the Ski A-Z book. Painting, writing, designing spreads and what has astounded me lately is the sheer number of decisionsi I am making every day.

Decisions about what to illustrate, where each line should be, I have a tip on this read on to see. What colour to choose, which brush – wet brush or dry, how far to dip the brush for the right amount of water, stroke direction, which colour to add for darker shades. Thousands of adjustments, choices, micro-decisions.

I am getting quicker, not that I was slow as I dip, paint, brush, dip, stroke, wet. I might apply more water to go lighter or might use the apply and and then dab to remove technique – choosing the optimal moment, to give the right impression of the fabric texture, to in effect unpick the paint (like when unpicking in sewing, but here doing it deliberately in order to add a highlight,

The right line – I have found that when drawing the right line is often between the first line and the second line. For example when drawing, if a line doesn’t look right and is overdrawn the right line will often be between the two. So I’m learning to not go so far to the second line and finding I can reduce the number of lines to get to the sketch that I want to use as the basis for my illustration. A time saving hack for my practice, And time is key at present as I steadily move towards the content deadline for the Ski A-Z book.

I’ve another time saving hack which is my lightbox – had it for long time with it languishing under utilised. It has since become a daily tool and probably the more time saving £15 I have EVER spent. Placing my sketch on the light box and painting backlit has saved soooo much time, removing the need to trace my completed sketch onto paper whilst avoiding unwanted pencil lines and rubber residue at the same time!

The process after drawing and honing the sketch was – trace, prep the reverse, trace on and then as I’m too heavy on the pencil, rub back to just visible. The light box has taken away all of these drawing stages. Happy dance – ideal for someone like me who gets bored quickly with monotonous processes.

This does mean, sadly, that I’ve not been able to work on watercolour paper blocks, but time is key at present.

Here are the latest posts from my Instagram, it’s a little less busy than normal there as I’m incredibly busy making the book. But watch this space for news on the book release plans.

Ski sun. Reinforcing the message about eye protection in the mountains they have their goggles on.

I’ve been going back to my roots for these illustrations.

I so enjoyed painting and reminiscing for this piece. Remembering sizzling hot summer days racing on the dry ski slopes.

I always enjoyed dual slalom the most of all and Summer Race League which was slalom in the morning and dual slalom in the afternoon.

The cows chewed grass just over the wall and pretty foxgloves grew by the ski lift track.

Ski Rossendale where I enjoyed my early years. If we weren’t there we were at another dry ski slope, our family travelled the length and breadth of Britain ski racing. Happy days.

Happy days ski racing in the hot sunshine. ❤️☀️⛷

Hot weather dry slope race days had a great atmosphere with friends and family enjoying the sunshine whilst watching the races.

Spectators would have their folding chairs, picnic rugs, parasols, and cool boxes of food and drink. It was a bit like beach meets skiing.

I recall fondly the camaraderie and joking when all of the racers were waxing our skis at the top of the slope.

Ice skater illustration for the Ski A-Z which will be part of a spread of other activities to enjoy on a ski trip.

It was great to be back on the ice this week after such a long time of rink closures and restrictions.

I learned to skate in a ski resort, fell in love with skating in Les Arcs, France. There was a rink by our apartment and due to growing knees skiing was painful so I skated lots that holiday.

Things don’t always go to plan and we experience setbacks. “Get up and dust yourself off”, they say. If anyone is struggling to get back up, know that there are better days ahead.

Time to go glacier skiing. I painted this alarm clock and then sewed the clock hands on to illustrate that you’ve got to start earlier for a glacier ski day in the summer months. The warmer temperatures make the snow melt and become heavy, so the early skier gets the great morning snow. See a stop motion animation of the alarm clock on my Instagram feed. https://www.instagram.com/inspirebykim/

Thinking of a powder snow day, so deep that you need a snorkel to ski.

Deep, light, dreamy snow to bounce through.

Ski illustration with a mermaid vibe, bringing together two things I love, skiing and snorkelling.

Thank-you!

Thank so much for reading, I really do appreciate the support. Have a wonderful day and may you find joy and love.

Kim

Art Challenges, book project, editorial illustration, illustration, ski, sport, travel

Extreme Skiing Book Illustrations

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I’m celebrating my work being published in a brand new book by an Extreme Skier in the United States. I was commissioned to create 24 bespoke illustrations for the book. It is wonderful to see my work in print.

I’m delighted to be able to now share the story of the extreme skiing illustrations I created this winter for the new book of Dan Egan and Eric Wilbur – 30 Years In A White Haze.

The Work

I created 24 illustrations in November and December 2020 for the third book of renowned US extreme skier Dan Egan.

Having seen my ski A-Z work, the US Hall of Fame skier Dan Egan, star of many of Warren Miller’s breathtaking ski films, asked me to create illustrations of his ski life for his third book.

It was fabulous, and a great distraction from lockdown restrictions, to be able to spend time vicariously in mountainous environments, creating high-adrenalin action art for 30 Years in a White Haze.

Anyone who knows my work knows that I’m a huge fan of colour, but I accepted and relished the challenge of conveying the excitement and thrills of Dan’s extreme skiing career, in black and white tones. It was key to show energy, movement, big air and Dan’s likeness in the artworks.

The Illustration Process

The Back Story

When I was growing up, our ski club, at the artificial ski slope in Rossendale, Lancashire, (England) used to hold Warren Miller film screening events each year. I loved the films and was in awe of the jaw-dropping stunts; so I was honoured when Dan asked me to create illustrations for his new book.

The Illustrations

With just a few weeks to go until the day that the book would go to be published I created 24 bespoke illustrations.

I worked in black and white tones of watercolour paints, and sometimes digital art, to capture and represent the excitement and thrills of extreme skiing.

Dan originally asked me for 15 artworks, I’m pleased to say that he liked the work so much he commissioned a further 9 pieces, it meant long days working, but it was fun. “Wow. The illustrations are amazing! You up for few more? “, Dan said.

Dan commissioned work from 4 other illustrators for the book. This investment in fresh ski art is wonderful. Art can cross boundaries, Dan was in New Hampshire, US and I was in Sheffield, UK, yet we were able to work together across the miles.

This short video gives a flavour of my extensive work for the book and the process.

Illustrating Skiing

I’ve skied since I was five years old including racing, teaching, and later promoting ski holidays. In January 2020 after a day skiing in Les 3 Vallees, France, I started what has now become a considerable project – the Ski A-Z, an illustrated glossary of the sport, that I hope will be published during 2021. It was this work which Dan saw on Linked In and prompted the work for his book.

My ski illustrations are intended to resonate with avid skiers, and attract new people to the sport, by demonstrating the exhilaration and joy of skiing. Through my work I want to encourage people to find and feel joy, to feel uplifted and inspired.

The Work In Print

I’m incredibly proud to see my work in the book. Every time I turn a page and see another of my illustrations the feeling is magic.

I’m so enjoying the reading the book. This sums it up…

“Dan Egan and Eric Wilbur’s Thirty Years in a White Haze is not only a story about Dan Egan’s worldwide adventures and the evolution of extreme skiing, but also a visual tour through the history, places, and relationships that help define both Egan and the sport of skiing.

To capture the joy, craft, and diversity of people and places readers encounter in the text, the book features custom illustrations sprinkled throughout the story. Egan called on the help of talented artists and designers to make this mixed media presentation come to life.” Said the ‘White Haze’ team.

Get A Copy

Dan said, “The book’s available on Amazon, on Barnes and Noble, on all the big retailers. It is also available at white-haze.com and if, of course, if you just Google ‘Dan Egan White Haze’, it pops right up. Shortly we’ll also have the audio book and the Kindle book. Next Fall, we’re going to release a special limited edition hardcover copy of the book. The book’s really special, you know, it has a lot of different elements in it. Of course, it has our story in it but each chapter opens up with beautiful illustrations.”

Unfortunately for many people in the UK and Europe there isn’t presently the opportunity, to ski the mountains; Dan’s book is a great way to get a ski fix until next being able to enjoy the slopes.

Thank You!

So a big thank you to Dan Egan and Eric Wilbur for this amazing opportunity, I am very grateful, and will treasure the book.

To be able to produce commissioned illustrations on a theme which is so much part of my existence was a wonderful opportunity, especially having seen Warren Miller films from such an early age.

Thank you to my husband for his support and being a helpful sounding board during this project. Thank you to my Mum and Dad for their dedication to our skiing and the wonderful mountain experiences that defined our upbringing.

Thank you to everyone who follows my work and supports with Likes, Comments and Shares, it really does mean a lot and makes it possible to keep going.

I’m delighted now to be able to speak about the project and show the work. If you’d like to know more please get in touch.

Bye for now

Kim

Latest blog posts…

Come Across To My New Website

Thank you for your support, come across to my new website. Subscribe to continue to receive notifications and news, and illustration tips as they arise

by Inspire by Kim
    Art Challenges

    Avalanche, Zest and Zen

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    The latest illustrations for the Ski A-Z book are for the contrasting subjects of Avalanche, Zest and Zen.

    Avalanche Essentials

    Avalanche Kit Essentials – new page illustration on a serious subject for the Ski A-Z book. This will follow the lighter mood Apres-Ski illustration.

    Training for Avalanche scenarios is advisable as part of a tool kit of knowledge and equipment.

    Concept inspired by the @actionman_official toy kits that my brother had when we children.

    Illustration prompted by the many people who tragically lost their lives in avalanches this season.

    Zest

    The exhilaration, full body workout, fresh air and stunning scenery makes skiing a fabulous way to switch off from the daily grind, to get new perspective, and to revitalise the spirit.

    Ski illustration on a citrus theme for @makeartthatsells Bootcamp, doubling up for the Ski A-Z.

    I love the idea of skiing through beautiful citrus flowers that have fallen. Really enjoyed creating this piece.

    This is a truly multimedia piece, the mountains are sewn using free motion embroidery techniques (on my trusty Bernina sewing machine) and there’s watercolour and digital work.

    Zen

    Z for ‘Zen’ in the Ski A-Z book.

    Zen mountain meditation to illustrate time to enjoy restorative calm.

    I find that after the exhilaration of the day on the mountain there is a quiet satisfying stillness. It’s like the vibration of the body is calmed; and the muscles are relaxed, soft and numb feeling, in a good way, after the dynamism of the sport.

    Painted in watercolour, metallic inks, and with diamanté jewels.

    I’ll be completing the Ski A-Z book in the coming months, follow to see the project progress to fruition.

    Here are the latest posts… thanks so much for being here.

    Art Challenges, book project, design, editorial illustration, illustration, products, ski, sport, travel

    Citrus Sport Illustrations – Journal Design Concept

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    I thoroughly enjoyed my latest project to design a journal concept. I developed the ‘Joynal’ concept – a lovely book in which to note and track fun times, and joyful days.

    The Brief

    The starting point for the brief was a citrus and candy colour palette which we were then asked to develop into a journal concept. The brief was from Lilla Roger’s Make Art That Sells (MATS) Bootcamp for illustrators. I study with MATS as I can feel progression in my work during the course of a project.

    My colour palette design created from the colour prompts provided

    My ‘Joynal’ Journal Concept

    Here’s my final journal design, inspired by Lilla’s advice to “create a journal you would love to own”. The journal design features fabulous female characters enjoying favourite activities and sports; with the citrus concept running throughout in the form of orange, lime, grapefruit and citrus flower iconography.

    I’ve been creating many ski illustrations in recent months, so I’ve been keen to explore illustrating other sports, and this was a great opportunity to do so.

    The idea of skiing through fallen citrus blossom is just blissful, and I’m looking forward to getting back to tennis and swimming after this lockdown. Cycling is presently a great escape from the routine of home; the countryside and big open skies are so refreshing.

    My Journal Design Concept – Available for License at the time of publishing

    The journal pages will be unlined coloured paper which can take some watercolour painting. To accompany the book design is a wipe-clean bookmark concept on which to write intentions, goals, or a bucket list; with a pretty, colour coordinating, tassel. The journal concept includes a dry-wipe glitter pen and citrus heart paperclips.

    Things To Spot

    Favourite elements to spot are the sea turtle, stingray, embroidered mountains, grapefruit sun lounger, the orange slice bike wheels, and the pink grapefruit heart motif.

    How It Was Created

    It was fun to explore for the brief, and I was very at home with the colour palette as it has a number of my favourite hues.

    Watercolour icons and hand lettering

    The illustrations were created in watercolours, free-motion embroidery on textiles that I have previously dyed/printed, and digital drawing in Procreate. Compositions were worked out on rough sketches.

    The hand lettered journal and bookmark titles were created in watercolours and are embellished in the lace effect pieces that I created on my trusty Bernina sewing machine.

    Additional Citrus Themed Outcomes

    During the course of the project I created these two zesty refreshing citrus themed pieces. They remind me of hot sunny days, holidays and beach resorts (UK and overseas).

    Citrus Ice Lolly Spot Illustration
    Citrus and Candy Cocktail Spot Illustration

    Products and Tools

    These were those used in the project and which I am happy to recommend:

    Kuretake Watercolours, Dr Ph Martin’s Liquid Watercolours, Arches Cold Pressed 300gsm Watercolour Paper, Colourcraft Transfer Paints, Bernina sewing machine, and Procreate app on the iPad Pro and Apple Pencil.

    And finally

    I really enjoyed the journal brief, citrus prompt and colour palette. Thanks so much for a great brief Lilla. If you’d like to see all the Journal designs created in response to this brief you can see them at this link…

    If you’d like bespoke art or illustrations, or to license existing work please email me at inspirebykim@outlook.com

    Thanks so much for being here. Please share with friends who’ll enjoy these illustrations.

    Have a zesty, zingy day with plenty of what you love

    Love and luck

    Kim

    Latest Projects

    Extreme Skiing Book Illustrations

    I’m celebrating my work being published in a brand new book by an Extreme Skier in the United States. I was commissioned to create 24 bespoke illustrations for the book. It is wonderful to see my work in print. Illustrations by Kim for new book 30 Years in A White Haze by Dan Egan and…

    by Inspire by Kim

    Art Challenges, Book Projrct, design, editorial illustration, illustration, ski

    Ski A-Z Cover Design

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    I’m delighted to share that I’ve completed the Ski A-Z book cover design which I’ve been developing over the past month.

    The Cover Design

    It’s a bright, bold design with three cover stars supporting the title letters in a mountain setting, The book will appeal to both those wanting to find out more about the sport, and to seasoned skiers.

    Here’s the cover mocked up on a coffee table setting with ski themed props to bring the book concept to life. Notice the ceramic snowflake as a coaster for the edelweiss coffee cup.

    The Book Concept

    The Ski A-Z book concept – a practical, informative, fun, illustrated glossary of skiing with hints, tips and advice.

    It’s the kind of book that you’d recommend to the friend that wants to get into skiing, it’s a gift for a ski lover, it’s a conversation starter for an evening in the chalet during your holiday.

    The Design Process

    I created the background and skiing characters in watercolours and ink, used a glue gun to give the letters texture and composed it digitally in Procreate.

    My mini model Bruce posing for this character’s painting.

    I had an idea to animate some of the book characters ‘excited to meet the readers’ to demonstrate the energy of the book.

    Watch This Space…

    Watch this website, my Instagram or Facebook page for updates on the project.

    Here are posts about my latest work. Thanks so much for following my blog. Please feel free to share it with friends and colleagues who will enjoy it.

    Enjoy!

    Kim

    editorial illustration, illustration

    The Social Life of Forests – Editorial Illustration

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    My latest work is an editorial illustration inspired by The New York Times Magazine article, ‘The Social Life of Forests’ by Ferris Jabr.

    Final illustration created with cut paper, watercolour, inks and digital.

    The concept demonstrates the fungal networks through which trees can ‘communicate’.

    “Carbon, water, nutrients, alarm signals and hormones can pass from tree to tree through these subterranean circuits.” Reported Ferris Jabr on the research findings of Suzanne Simard.

    The Creative Process

    After some Internet research on fungus I left home to see what I could find. The collage shows just some of the varieties I saw on two fungus spotting research walks.

    I was surprised how much more there was to observe in forests when I looked closely.

    Through rough illustrations I played with concepts and compositions. At the rough stage I explored a map concept, but decided to settle with the ‘above and below ground cross-section’ scene for the final piece. Can you tell that I like alliterations?

    I painted elements for the final piece in watercolours.

    Watercolour on 100% Cotton Paper

    (This concept was explored alongside more general concepts for communication, the illustrations created are shown in this previous blog post. Connectivity, Love and Partnerships)

    I used the paintings along with carefully cut crinkled paper, all assembled digitally in Procreate app,

    Finally I created a 14 second animated version of the illustration. See more of my art ‘movies’ here.

    This is the New York Times Magazine article, for if you’d like to know more about this fascinating way that trees communicate – The Social Life of Trees by Ferris Jabr.

    The brief by Lilla Rogers, of Make Art That Sells, was for Editorial Illustration Live 2021.

    I’m presently busy working on the Ski A-Z book, so watch this space. My latest posts follow.

    Thanks so much for your support. Have a great day.

    Kim