Interesting Textures

Azul Ink has been out and about surfing the world wide web and while searching for textures to use in Adobe Photoshop Azul Ink came upon a rather interesting texture called bokeh. Bokeh is different from sharpness and describes the rendition of out-of-focus points of light.

Here are a few examples of bokeh textures that really caught Azul Ink's eye:






Bokeh textures are perfect for adding a touch of glitz and glamour to any Photoshop creation. Azul Ink will be trying to experiment with this texture and find a way to put it to good use. The results shall be posted.

Poster Design Images

Azul Ink has been commissioned to do a poster for The Light Of The World Gospel Church. Below are a few of the images created for use on the poster advertising a thanksgiving dinner.

The above basket was originally a black and white sketchy clip art piece from Silhouette Clip Art. It was then placed it into Illustrator and applied the comic art setting to it. Azul Ink then adjusted the threshold before using the live paint bucket to colour in all the white parts.


This second image - representing a three course meal, was drawn entirely by hand using the pen tool. The live paint bucket was then used to colour in certain places of the drawing.


The image of the three singers was taken from the Share Faith website and had live trace applied to it in Illustrator. Azul Ink then drew both the cross and musical note by freehand using the pen tool. Colour was only applied to the cross to show its importance among the other parts of the image.



This dove was taken from Higher Praise site and had the hand drawn effect applied to it before the live paint bucket was used to apply colour.

Azul Ink will post the final poster design once it has been completed.


All images produced either by K. Charles @ Azul Ink or their listed owners. Copyright protected.

Illustrator Freehand: Whale

Azul Ink loves the programme Adobe Illustrator and is continually trying to learn more about it and get better at it. So today Azul Ink is showcasing at one of her first freehand drawings in Illustrator using only the pen tool.





Whale - by K.Charles @ Azul Ink. Copyright protected.

Early Logo Designs

Azul Ink has once again decided to open her dust covered, moth eaten, old sketch books in a throw back to the past and this time has decided to look at her earliest logo designs. Have a loo and let Azul Ink know what you think by leaving your comments below.














All images and logos are copyrighted and registered to Kim Charles @ Azul Ink.

Spotlight On: Kennedy Francis

Kennedy Francis is a not-so-young, although not-so-old designer. He harbours hopes of getting into web designer and graphic design once he hangs up his electricians tool kit. Today however Azul Ink will not be looking at his graphic design work nor at his web design work, but rather at some of his stunning up-close photography which turns the ordinary into the extra-ordinary. (Click to enlarge)



The above picture is simply vibrant. Colours jump off the photograph all screaming "look at me!" The sharp focus Mr Francis pays to his work helps this photograph come alive.

Azul Ink Rating: 8/10


This picture is a everyday scene, weeds growing through some patio tiles. Francis however changes this mundane picture into something much more lovely to look at. his close up views help us see patterns, colours and shapes we never would have taken notice of before.

Azul Ink Rating: 7.5/10


Azul Ink particularly likes this shot because it is a very clean, crisp photograph. The red, greys, silvers and blacks all work together in beautiful contrast with the white pulling it all together nicely. A beautiful shot!

Azul Ink Rating: 9/10




















These two photos are simply genius by Francis. He has shifted the focal point in both of these identical photographs to create two new photos from one scene. As they say, the simple things are often the best, and in this case Azul Ink has to agree.

Azul Ink Rating: 9/10



Azul Ink Final Verdict: As Kennedy Francis is strictly an amateur these photographs are well executed and well done. Considering Francis' lack of formal training and high-grade equipment his works are stunning and beautifully done. Francis reminds us of what designers so often forget to do: K.I.S.S. = Keep It Simple Stupid

Azul Ink will feature more of Mr. Francis' photography work as he continues to zoom in and get personal.

3D Animation

Azul Ink was having a look through some of here earliest work and came across a few simple 3D animations. These animations were made using the programme 3DS Max. So click play and enjoy!

Spotlight On: Sian Owen Pt. 2

Yesterday Azul Ink took a look at Sian Owen's inspirational photography. Today Azul Ink takes a close look at her graphic design work as promised. (Click to enlarge)




So this piece created using Adobe Illustrator was done as the logo for Sian's website: http://sianowencreative.blogspot.com/. A bold, cartoonistic style logo which is popular with many other design websites at the moment, making this logo bang on trend.

Azul Ink Rating: 9/10




This is Sian's take on wallpaper and isn't it just brilliant! Fun, alive and vibrant this design although not in production at the moment, this wallpaper would be perfect for a children's playroom, a nursery or a funky, arty cafe. Azul Ink likes this very much!

Azul Ink Rating: 8/10




Another of Sian's creative, cartoon style characters. The bold outlines and bright colours make these characters perfect for children's books or birthday cards! Simple yet fun.

Azul Ink Rating: 7.5/10


This eye illustration is one of Azul Ink's favourite pieces from Sian Owens graphic designs. The simple outlines combined with the blue detail of the iris makes this piece mesmerising to look at.

Azul Ink Rating: 9/10



This poster design combines Sian's love of recycling and eco-enthusiasm as well as her design flare. This poster made using some newspaper cutouts is a great piece of design, very aesthetically pleasing and easy on the eye too!

Azul Ink Rating: 9.5/10


Azul Ink Final Verdict: Like Azul Ink said yesterday Sian is well on her way to becoming both a respected photographer as well as graphic designer. Once she conquers Adobe Illustrator there shall be no stopping her. Azul Ink will be sure to keep you updated on her promising career.