Inside my studio: Learning Curve + a Freebie for you!

When I'm asked which programs I use for designing, I usually reply with "Photoshop and a little bit of Illustrator".  What I mean is that I use Photoshop for designing, and that I have Illustrator, and sometimes I open it, try to illustrate something, get frustrated, and close it.  If we were talking languages, I'd say I could visit the country of Photoshop and be able to find my way around, even with a heavy accent, but in the country of Illustrator, I'd be able to say "Hello" and "Thank You" and that's about it.   

But, I know that Illustrator is an extremely valuable program and that my designs will really benefit from learning and using it, so I've made a resolution to try to wrap my head around Illustrator this year.  I've enrolled in a couple of Illustrator classes by Laura Coyle at ReneePearson.com, and this last week, I re-visited those lessons.

When I open up Illustrator, the way I feel is probably how a lot of brand new digital scrappers feel when they first open their programs:  overwhelmed.  There are lots of icons that sort of make sense, but lots more that don't.  And I have a feeling that there is some calculated math involved in getting those swirls and curves exactly right.  It's scary!  Then I'm reminded that I felt the same way when I tried to make my first layout in Photoshop, and that the comfort and general confidence I feel now only came with hours of practice. 

So, today I practiced and I made something for you!  I've been working with the spiral tool and curves with the pen tool, so these little elements gave me the perfect thing to play around with.  I made the original designs in Illustrator, then moved them to Photoshop to add some extra color and texture.  I have a brand new lovey-dovey kit coming out on Thursday (come back tomorrow for a peek and a chance to win it!), and these Swirly Hearts match perfectly. 

Click the image above or here and your download will begin automatically.  Is it swirly or swirlie?