Often I’m asked about the process of designing stencils for StencilGirl Products.
So I was inspired to write this blog post sharing my process!
So I was inspired to write this blog post sharing my process!
The process of designing stencils for StencilGirl products brings me a lot of joy. I like the challenge of translating a drawing into a stencil – adding bridges (connecting lines) and avoiding islands (shapes that would fall out of a stencil all together).
I do a lot of sketching when designing stencils. I also do research to be sure similar stencils have not already been created. Writing and making notes are all part of my process of sketching, too. Sometimes I even cut my sketches apart, rearranging the images and adhering these with a glue stick or tape into a new stencil design layout (like I did with my arrows).
For the stencil designs I submit to StencilGirl, I begin with a light pencil sketch on smooth white Bristol board. Sketching lightly with my pencil allows me to easily modify the drawing, adding bridges and erasing as necessary. Some stencils designs require more measuring with compasses and rulers, and drawing lightly with a pencil makes it easy to modify the drawing to my measurements as well.
I do a lot of sketching when designing stencils. I also do research to be sure similar stencils have not already been created. Writing and making notes are all part of my process of sketching, too. Sometimes I even cut my sketches apart, rearranging the images and adhering these with a glue stick or tape into a new stencil design layout (like I did with my arrows).
For the stencil designs I submit to StencilGirl, I begin with a light pencil sketch on smooth white Bristol board. Sketching lightly with my pencil allows me to easily modify the drawing, adding bridges and erasing as necessary. Some stencils designs require more measuring with compasses and rulers, and drawing lightly with a pencil makes it easy to modify the drawing to my measurements as well.
When the light pencil sketch is the exact design I want for the stencil, I then ink up the sketch with my black Micron pens – adding black ink to each space that will become a negative (cut out) shape of the stencil. I take my time and add ink carefully. My Micron pens range in size from .005 to .8 so I can be very detailed, fill in larger areas, and everything in between.
Once completed, the design is submitted to StencilGirl Products. Design submissions are reviewed by a panel of StencilGirl staff and other artists. If accepted, addition modifications may be made if necessary – for example: widening a ling, adding bridges, etc.
Lastly, the stencils are cut from the designs! Blue prototype stencils are cut and sent back to me to test with actual art materials and give my final approval – or suggestions for making them better.
Once completed, the design is submitted to StencilGirl Products. Design submissions are reviewed by a panel of StencilGirl staff and other artists. If accepted, addition modifications may be made if necessary – for example: widening a ling, adding bridges, etc.
Lastly, the stencils are cut from the designs! Blue prototype stencils are cut and sent back to me to test with actual art materials and give my final approval – or suggestions for making them better.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this peek at my behind-the-scenes process of designing stencils for StencilGirl products!
You can find all my StencilGirl stencil designs here!
Have a wonderful week!
You can find all my StencilGirl stencil designs here!
Have a wonderful week!
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