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The spirit of the holidays, to me, lies simply in the creativity of giving, and one of this years’ gifts was this coloring book I made for all my wonderful nephews & nieces. I was elated to know how much it was enjoyed, best feeling in the whole world.


PS. Happy Holidays to all. :]

So for my sister’s Noah’s Arc-themed baby shower, I was put in charge of making a cake that could feed 40 mouths. I have made other cakes for family events before, but for some reason this time I decided to try something new. Honestly, I will never make another cake the regular old non-sculpting way again. I enjoyed the process so much I now consider cake decorating a newly sprouted branch in the career tree of my life. Seriously — if you are in the Phoenix area & need a cake made, I’m totally your girl. I’m ready, I just need to figure out how to get more fridge space. ;)

What really feels the best to me is that a week ago I didn’t know how to do any of this. A week ago I couldn’t make my own buttercream icing or little fondant figurines. But thanks to YouTube & other resources, and a bit of trial & error, I had everything I needed to learn. It’s been a truly uplifting (and sugary) experience.

Here are some process pictures and of course, the result:

I have a little notebook, a generous collection of ballpoint pens and a handful of amazing people in mind who give me the push I need in this world.

Updates shmupdates.

(New wallpapers updated semi-regularly, in case you’re interested.)

Here are two recent ballpoint pen portraits I did as birthday & wedding presents.

Commission me! ;]

So Patrick recently asked me to dig up an 8-year-old portrait I did to sell on Society6. When I finally found the file I took a good, long look. Hmm, the hair was not quite right, also the shadows, colors, lots of things. I decided to spend a few hours making it better, more dramatic. The result:


The two side by side really surprised me… 8 years of learning right before my eyes!

Original photo by Timmy!

Here’s some photos I took at night, with the help of light & some little friends. <3





I had very little time & information for this project. Last week: “Make me a logo, business card & trifold brochure for my product.” Voila ~

I paint outside in the grass — music in my ears, sun on my shoulders.

Remembering roots,
tossing aside the mouse, I
love to play with paint.

My new favorite thing. <3



Had fun with this one. Final logo + web icons on the left, a bunch of outtakes from various rounds on the right:

Took a dive back into the digital world & created this piece (based on a photo I shot) to raise money for Patrick, a friend living with ALS. A few of his friends recently got together, created a profile for him on Society6 & are hoping for more contributors.

If you’d like to be cool & make some art to help out, too, email dustinameryhostetler@gmail.com please with your submissions. Or if you can, buy something. $$ goes to his foundation, in hopes he will raise enough to finish his film & bring more awareness to the disease that’s quickly ending his life.

Thankyakindly.

PS. Title borrowed from the amazing Junior Boys.

Another ballpoint pen/colored pencil piece completed today. 8×12″-ish. I think I’m on to something here. Maybe.

2010, ballpoint pen & colored pencil, 10×10″-ish. I’ve been thinking a lot about time lately.

2010, ballpoint pen & colored pencil, around 12″x12″, maybe larger.

2010. Another ball point pen drawing completed, wheee! (14.75″x17″ on white sketch paper.)
Feels so good to be drawing again.

2010. Here’s a new traditional piece completed a few days ago, another ball point pen creation, with some colored pencil, 17′x14.75″ on white sketch paper. Vinnie was a truly beautiful subject to draw, and I thank her very much for her willingness. (Actually, more for her openness, because it was a surprise.) I have several portraits just waiting to escape from my brain, so hang tight.

So, today I realized I had not yet set up my new email account, and many of your letters went unanswered over the last month. Awesome. I want to say now how sorry I am for the delay, and I have already written every one of you back as of tonight.

That said, thank you to everyone who has ever taken the time to write to me. Your letters were always encouragement to keep going. I wouldn’t be where I am, right now, without you.

liv6_promo_glasses_1

Here I yam again! Welcome to Lifeinvector, version 3,462,009.

I spent a year & a half living in beautiful Denver, working for LeeReedy & strengthening my design portfolio. My intention to get a full time job was to mature as a designer & experience the creative industry through the eyes of an agency for the first time. I have to say, it was everything (and more) that I thought it would be. My boss taught me quite a bit & gave me as much freedom as each project would allow. I’m forever grateful for his confidence in my abilities, for all the work that came out of my time there, and for my coworkers, whom I will love forever.

But back to business… I‘ve churned away on this update over the last couple of months, involving much more work than previously put into my own website. I took a close second look at several old projects, including most vectors, Type Friday pieces, wallpapers, a few logos & even my Gradient Mesh tutorial… pretty much everything got a facelift. My design section is brand new, featuring works completed over the last two years. There is also a new photo section, with selections from recent travels, which I am happy to be sharing with all of you.

Which brings me to today. Six months ago we left our home for the travelin’ life & I returned to freelancing in hopes of beginning a new chapter in my career. I‘ve taken an unexpected turn towards fine art again, and have been busy drawing, painting & photographing. But the designer in me is ever present, and I’ll continue making logos & brochures & whatnots, so feel free to contact me with your requests.

I’d also like to say… thank you from my heart for following Lifeinvector and for all the support I’ve received over the years. I would not be where I am without all your critiques, inspiration & encouragement. I hope you enjoy the update. :)

PS. A special thanks to Matthew for his optimism towards all I do, and for helping me get my new site up finally. You’re the bestest.