Hmmmmm…
Where to begin? I will attempt to make logical sense of what is not necessarily a linear process.
1. DECIDING ON A SUBJECT
Whenever I consider a new design idea for Luna, I start by thinking how it will fit into the whole line.
Luna is organically growing into an iconic, increasingly recognizable line of instruments…and that’s not by accident. We mindfully choose universal symbols and designs that go beyond the creation of “pretty guitars” to connect with customers on a visceral level. From the Henna guitars and Tattoo ukes based on body ornamentation by Alex Morgan to our Flora and Fauna designs that let each player bring their own meaning to the instrument … authenticity and connection are our prime concern.
Our instruments are the brand. Heartfelt letters we receive from players telling us why they chose their Luna (or their Luna chose them) confirm that.
One of our in-progress designs for 2013 is the Moonflower…a natural addition to our Flora line. The Moonflower is a tropical American climbing plant of the morning glory family with large sweet-smelling white flowers that open at dusk and close at midday. The moonflower only blooms at night. Out of darkness comes blossoming, as joy, inspiration, and hope can blossom from the dark night of the Soul.
2. IMMERSION
After deciding on a subject, I immerse myself in looking at images online and/or in books. One of the first things to grab my attention was this video of a Moonflower blooming in real time. For those of you that are impatient…start at :35. Amazing!
I spent many pleasant hours reading about moonflower form, function, history, and legends before putting pencil to paper.
I was also distracted by moon gardens (filled with flowers that bloom only at night) but, though I digress, wandering is a part of the process.
3. PENCIL DESIGN
I start out with a rough pencil design at the size that the design will actually be to get an idea of what is feasible for inlay. Since I’m not in a design program where things are easily undone, rotated etc., I wear out lots of erasers! The first photo is of my new office with lightbox where I do my drawing. A big shout-out to my talented husband Mike and equally talented friend James Streeter!
4. INKED DESIGN
To do the inked design, I scale the size up on a copier and use my light box to trace the design.
5. AI. FORMAT
Because our manufacturers require all artwork in ai. design, this involves giving the inked design to one of our in-house graphic designers to render. A huge “Thank You!” to Steve Czaplicki and Chris Williams!
6. COLOR REFERENCES
In the case of an inlay design, we will make color references to indicate mother of pearl, tinted abalones or sometimes different types of wood.
7. SPEC SHEETS
Because clear communication with our manufacturers is vital, the next step is creating a specification spreadsheet with visuals. There are many decisions to be made at this point…profile shape, body materials, fingerboard materials, hardware etc. This is just the beginning of a back and forth process which will take place between now and 2013. For instance…before producing actual samples, we will request tops only with paint color to make sure we are where we want to be. Pantone colors are helpful but translate differently when attempting a trans finish.
8. EMAILS
After the spec sheets are sent we begin a close dialogue with our manufacturing partners via email to make sure things are spot on and on schedule for the next trade show. Even though this instrument is targeted for our 2013 catalog we’ll need samples in time for an October catalog shoot.
This is a small glimpse into one of many exciting instruments for next year. Alex Morgan, our UK artist in residence, has an entirely different process we will share in a future post. As always, please feel free to send us any suggestions for instruments you would like to see. We’re always listening!
Wow, Yvonne. What an incredibly beautiful design. The work that goes into it, is jaw dropping. Thank you for designing such beautiful art.
Thank you Sherry….really appreciate your kind words!
Watching your design process unfold (like the lovely Moonflower) was a very interesting treat. How wonderful to be able to create such beauty for all of us to enjoy! Thank you for letting us peek over your shoulder, Yvonne.
Thank you for your lovely comment Joyce! = )
I can’t wait to see the finished product! Luna guitars are the best!!! =D
Appreciate your being such a great advocate for Luna!
Absolutely GORGEOUS!!!! I want one! You are fantastic… Love love love it…
Thank you Mary. Seriously….you are too kind! Appreciate the encouragement!
Yvonne, thank you for this blog. It is inspirational to me. We had moonflowers several years ago-they are magical. I have the Henna Oasis 01, with the design on the back. It is a comfort and joy to play and everyone remarks on it’s beauty.
Thank you for your comment, Sue. Yes…after reading about them I’m definitely going to plant some Moonflowers! Would love to receive a pic of you and your Henna (lucky to have one with back design!) for our family album. = ) http://www.lunaguitars.com/luna_family_album.php
I adore the story that came out of the lovely moonflower. It really made my heart smile as it is my grandmothers favorite flower. She has a garden full of them And now that the Luna ukulele is my favorite instrument in the house, I can’t wait for it to come out so I can get one for myself. I have 3 ukuleles. What’s one more, right?
Thanks for the happy comment Michelle! How cool about your grandmother’s garden. The Moonflower is going to be a guitar but we often repeat our designs on our ukes so please stay tuned = )
Moonflowers and Morning Glories are two of my very favorite things to have in the garden. I think this newest addition to your line is quite wonderful! I look forward to seeing the entire 2013 catalog. Thanks for allowing us to see your design process – it makes the guitars feel that much more personal.
Hi Cindi……thanks for the kind words! I’ll post a pdf of our new catalog on the 15th!
I look forward to viewing the 2013 catalogue. Captivating is how I would describe watching the moonflower opening. This should be one magnificent-looking/sounding guitar.
It is a lovely and very inspirational design…. I use to see the moon-flowers blooming in the early morning, and always wondered what happen to them in the afternoon it just fascinates me.