Week two of my Practicum has come and gone so fast! I have settled into a routine now, I help around the shop in the morning and work on my own illustrations in the afternoon. I’m still working on the fruit and veg notebook covers, but they are taking much longer than I thought they would. In the meantime, I’ve made two Christmas card illustrations, one featuring cats and one with dogs.

I’ve also learned a few new stations in the shop. Felicity (printer/ person) taught me how to make a Pantone colour to go on the press. To create the right ink colour, you need to mix the right percentages of base colours.

I mixed it pretty well, but I forgot to put on the gloves that Felicity gave me and my hands are still green three days later. Crisco is very useful in cleaning the area after you’re done.

I also learned how to use the stapling machine for bookbinding. I’m sure it has a proper name, but it’s like a scary sewing machine. I kept putting my fingers too close to where the staple pops out, making Kirsten nervous. Thankfully, I still have all my fingers.

This practicum is going to be over before I know it. I’m still having a great experience.

Naomi