Dogster Feature And Why The Name Studio Legohead

Last week I had the lovely surprise of being featured on Dogster.

I wasn’t expecting the write up on my work, and neither was I expecting such a glowing review.

Incongruous was the word used to describe my work. The dictionary meaning is ‘not in harmony or keeping with the surroundings or other aspects of something’.

I take this as a compliment.

I never set out to draw and embroider dogs, it just happened. (I was in a creative block, bored of drawing flowers. I saw a dog in a hat and thought I wonder what type of personality he would have as a human, and so it began.) Neither did I intend for the name Studio Legohead to stick around. But both did. Rather unexpectedly.

So, Studio Legohead, where did it come from? I feel I owe an explanation for the weird title. Legohead Jo was a nickname from back in my youthful days. I used to have a severe red bob haircut, one day a friend described it as ‘like Lego hair’, then the name just stuck. 18 years later, it’s still used by my close circle of friends.

Why did I have it as a name to accompany my work? Well, when I completed ‘Best In Show’ series of work, I didn’t have a business, and it was my first solo exhibition; it was just meant to be fun, so as not to take myself too seriously. Which was kinda fine, due to the fact the exhibition was a range of embroidered dog portraits with trophies and sashes, all to be awarded to ‘the winners’! : D

A quote from the feature – “It's like even the simplest thing becomes an object of wonder to Legohead ... kind of like the way a dog might regard something novel. And it's a refreshing way to look at life.”

I hope never to take myself too seriously.

I have to say the past few years of drawing canines and felines, blogging, getting commissioned and generally working with fantastic people all over the globe has been an utter delight. I feel very grateful for my work and what I do.

Thanks for all the support so far, here’s to a great 2013 X X X

A recent commission. Harry, what a dude. x

Winter With Pattern And Colour

Winter's here in full swing, and I'm needed colour and pattern to add some brightness.
I want to add more of this, to my wardrobe and work.
So here is Winter my canine friend looking forward to a bright year ahead.

I have a huge desire to paint and create pattern, watch this space. x x x

Life Story - Happy To Be Stocked There!

It's always great to see folk doing something lovely, and even nicer when you're asked to be stocked by them.
Husband and wife team, Adam and Fee Storey have recently opened up Life Story, a lifestyle shop on Broughton Street in Edinburgh. Formally the home of a Moviebank rental shop, the duo turned the site into a wonderfully unique vision.
The premise behind Life Story, is to tell the tales of the designers they stock. According to the Storeys, "too often the designer’s tale is lost amidst the retailer’s branding". 
Life Story looks like an utter delight which is not often seen and reminds me of stores I recently visiting on my trip to Amsterdam.
A few other names I'm thrilled to be stocked with are, Hilary Grant Knitwear and Lucy Jay both making great accessories in knit and print.

I can't wait for an excuse to visit Edinburgh again and pop in to say hello in person. I'm delighted to be part of their story and I wish them every success. 

Midweek Pick Me Up - Tequila

Hello there,

Again another busy productive week.
Hope yours is a good one also.

This is one of the latest commissions I've had the delight of doing.
Tequila, a little lady from Buffalo NY.

Have a great day, must dash. x x x

Little Bit Of Pattern For The Weekend

Hope you have had a good week. Lots going on this way.
Always good to be busy, and the first week back after Xmas has been productive and fulfilling.
Amongst other things I got a bit of time to do some more floral doodling.

Have a great weekend.

Me x x x

A Little Japanese Chin Cheer!

This year I have great plans ( don't we all in January!).

But I don't want them to fall by the wayside, I feel inspired to do more.

I want to get more active and engaged online and sociably with friends.

Be far more creative and push myself, and rediscover skills I have and have not used for a while.

So, so far the week has started well, I achieved what I set out to do and more!

Hope yours has been a good one too. x

Sending a bit of Japanese Chin Cheer.

Made By Wolf T-Shirt Competition - Cats and Spots

Hello there,

Hope your weekend has been a good one.
I am now officially back to work after a rather fabulous Xmas break.
It's been a bit hectic, but I was able to see family, friends, visit various places and relax.
All very nice, but now back to work : )

Here's a t-shirt design I submitted for Made By Wolfs kids t-shirt competition.
Go take a look at the great ones they already stock and all the other beauties submitted!

x x x