"So, what's this ambigram thing you're doing?" you might ask...
"Do you use a computer program to 'make' these?"People often ask me if I use a computer program to "make" my ambigrams. I have to chuckle because they seem to be asking if the creation process is automated or somehow computer generated. My reply to them: "My Brain."
All of my designs start by picturing in my mind how the letter shapes might "play nice" together. From there, I sketch it out on paper -- I prefer to use graph paper. After I have the shapes the way I want them to look, it is only then that I turn to the computer and draw the design all over again. I use Inkscape, a scalable vector graphics program. A peek into my sketchbooks -- past and present...The smaller sketchbook is one of my originals from 2009. At the time, I was grouping my sketches into categories. Here is a look at a page from the "Scripture Art" section.
The larger sketchbook shows a page from 2016-June-24, when I was set up as an artisan at the Griswold Veterans Memorial Park event. |
I Love a Challenge!
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In these modern times in which we live, there seem to be only so many names to go around, and people have decided to start spelling the same old names in new and creative ways -- or even making up new ones. This makes it difficult for Kristene and Makayla and Houstin to find ready-made personalized items like key chains and coffee mugs. Enter the Ambigram Artist. I love it when a potential buyer -- especially one with a "uniquely spelled" name -- watches as I work on a quick sketch of their name right before their eyes -- and when their faces light up in amazement as they discover that the wonderful world of ambigrams has room for their name too. The most popular custom-ordered item at my artisan booth is personalized ambigram bookmarks.
Some letter shapes and combinations can be difficult to work with, and I have to take on the challenge from a different approach. If my first attempt is a flop, I don't give up right then. I try a different arrangement, perhaps a mirrored reflection or an infinity chain. (Coming soon: Dare Me Button. Function is not yet fully set up.) |