do you prefer cute or real subjects?

[Amanda G]

My reason for asking.....I've drawn up a real looking owl (as opposed to a cute one) with the intention of working it into a new design. My d-i-l saw it and it freaked her out as she said owls are scary but they're only OK if they are cute drawings
With this is mind, I'd like to ask you what you feel about cute versus real. Which do you prefer or does it depend entirely on what the design is for? My design is for a cushion.
In the meantime, I'll keep hiding the design in progress from d-i-l as I don't want to be responsible for giving her nightmares
I'd love your thoughts on this please....thanks!

[fccs]

Well, this answer won't help you much, but I like both. Cutesy, colorful owls are fun, but I also like realistic ones. I don't find owls to be scary at all, but if the design is meant to be realistic, I want to see a lot of detail to capture their feathers, their amazing eyes, and their personalities.

I think cutesy or real depends on the recipient or purpose of the design.

[MaggieM1750]

In general, I don't stitch cute/ cartoony.
But, having said that, I will totally contradict myself.
I just finished the Owls from Glendon Place and they are cartoony.
None have realistic colors, or feather patterns.
The finish idea on the cover of the pattern was to turn it into a pillow. I'm going to frame it- for a friend that has an owl kitchen.

I would not stitch a realistic owl. Or really any sort of realistic looking animal. In general, animals are not my thing.

[karen4bells]

While I definitely like both realistic and cute in owls, the edge would likely be realistic---another on my to do list---sooooooooo I really am looking forward to seeing your finished design!!! will it be long til we get to see it??

[rcperryls]

Well, this answer won't help you much, but I like both. Cutesy, colorful owls are fun, but I also like realistic ones. I don't find owls to be scary at all, but if the design is meant to be realistic, I want to see a lot of detail to capture their feathers, their amazing eyes, and their personalities.

I think cutesy or real depends on the recipient or purpose of the design.

I agree. Both. Either. It depends. I love owls and have seen them in the wild up close and been entranced. then I also have several Anya Kai charts with the colorful, fanciful cutesy owls.

Carole

[Allyn]

Generally speaking, I much prefer real designs to cartoony. . . but I've seen some cute/cartoony designs that I'd really consider stitching. I haven't yet, but it's not beyond the realm of possibility.

[cairee]

never been a fan of cutesy owls, but real ones are quite beautiful. and I would stitch a realistic picture of one for sure
saw an owl cheating at his nighttime hunting, he was perched on a streetlamp watching for mice, when one crossed the lit up area he would swoop down and catch it.

[Squirrel]

Cairee - that's not cheating that's being smart.

Amanda, I'm not much help either as I like both depending on the design and I love owls, almost as much as squirrels. Finally saw one in a wild life santuary a few years ago, he was gorgeous.

[bookknurd]

As far as what I would stitch, probably only cutesy ones (or artistically interpreted ones, not necessarily "cute"). But I don't really see myself stitching any realistic animals unless in a special circumstance. So I think it's more of than than it being an owl.

I know lots of members here stitch realistic animals, and owls are certainly a creature that has always been of interest to people, so I don't see why it wouldn't make a good chart.

[Rosheen]

I definitely prefer the real subjects (animals). That probably has to do with my volunteer work (wildlife rescue) and the fact that animals have always taken a special place in my heart and live.
But I can still admire a cute one.

[karen4bells]

never been a fan of cutesy owls, but real ones are quite beautiful. and I would stitch a realistic picture of one for sure
saw an owl cheating at his nighttime hunting, he was perched on a streetlamp watching for mice, when one crossed the lit up area he would swoop down and catch it.

Now that's one very smart owl!!

[Mystonique]

I admit I like fantasy so I'm not sure "real" is accurate but certainly I prefer dark and dramatic to comical. For me to take on something comical it has to be really terrific.

On the issue of owls I know in many cultures they are bad omens. But I have been wondering if that has changed given the number of cutsie owls getting about.

I would stitch a great real owl. I don't see myself stitching one of the cutsie ones.

[Parksfarm]

Real for me... I typically don't stitch cartoony or cutesy pieces... Fantasy, yes but just realistic fantasy, lol!

I think owls are one of the most beautiful of all the birds - we saw some very up close and personal at the birds of prey show at the Oregon State fair this year - loved them!!

[Evedeve]

Both! Snowy owls are so pretty and they have adorable fluffy feet

[karen4bells]

Dana, he's sooooooo gorgeous!!! We hear them here a lot at night--mostly barred owls and have even had them fly over our heads if we walk after dark---one flew right about 3 ft max over my head one night and you couldn't even hear it---amazing creatures!!

[socialsue]

I like to stitch both kind...cute and real. Right now, I am stitching "Mini Hrmph" by Suzanne Gyseman which is a HAED design. This owl looks grumpy and my DH says he looks like "angry bird" from the game. I usually stitch cute owl for my grandsons.

socialsue

[aussie_stitcher]

I think owls look gorgeous, not seen one in the wild, only some that live on preserves/ in zoos because they've been injured. I think I would stitch realistic ones if doing a big project because all that details working together would look so good, and I'd do cartoony ones for a book mark or as edging or something little. Lol, everyone has their own preferences, don't they?

[mauveme]

I don't like real and I don't like cute, if that makes any sense. I don't like charts made from a picture to look like a photo, I prefer an artists rendition of the real thing, (with artistic license) but not cartoonish.

[curly sue]

I am a great lover of realistic bird charts, though I have never done one. I do plan to do some in the future.

I do like a few, but not all, cutesy animal charts. I will soon be doing a cute owl for my grandson's nursery.

[Louise1262]

For myself I would prefer a realistic image. I have a chart for a long eared owl by Mary Hickmott that is just beautiful. Maybe cutesy for a nursery, owls seem very popular at the moment.
That's not much help is it ?