I was in a bit of a design rut and not feeling very creative.  One day I opened my sock drawer and realized I had a lot of cute socks! (Yes, I will freely admit to having a sock obsession.)

Then it hit me!  By doing designs based on my socks would be a fun and interesting challenge that could help get me out of my creative rut.

So, for the month of February, I photographed my socks daily and am currently coming up with designs based on various elements (design, color, etc.).

I wore the airplane socks on February 1st and this is what I came up with:

Interestingly enough, this design was just approved by Greeting Card Universe today!  It is also available in my Zazzle, Red Bubble, Imagekind and Skreened shops.

What do you do to get out of a creative rut?  What’s the most interesting thing that has given you inspiration.

Here’s some other artwork and artist you might enjoy!

Train Alphabet Bear Name Pillow by hungaricanprincess	Kid’s Airplane Theme Birthday Party Invitation, panda card by Gail Pepin	Bear & Bee Mouse Pad by sicara	Sky Heart card byBuffaloWorks Photography
Colorful & Adorable Cartoon Aeroplane Trucker Hat by RustyDoodle	Teddy Bear in Pencil: Thinking of You: Bear Hug card by Joyce Geleynse	USAF Fighter Jet Airplane at Sunset Military Gifts iPhone 5 Cover by azlaird	Teddy bear cuddles card by Mylittleeden
Fly Kawaii T-shirt by BCImages	I love Panda Tshirt by likeit	Monkey with a Sock. Shirt by Animal_Art_By_Ali	T-TAIL TSHIRTS by LabKitty

Sumo Kitty Necklace by ValeriesGallery

This cuddly cat here is Oreo.

Oreo is the sister of Olivia, the inspiration for Ninja Kitty. (You can read about it here.) Although, equally as cute, Oreo is not nearly as active as her sister.

Even though this black and white cat has been known to chase a few toy mice in her time, she’s more content to cuddle in your lap or lounge in the sun.

Sumo Kitty came about because I decided that Ninja Kitty needed a few friends. I also felt bad that I had a design based on Olivia, but not on Oreo. It didn’t seem right. (Probably because I have a sister who is only thirteen months (to the day) younger than me and growing up if one of us had something the other immediately wanted it. Ha ha!)

Did you know?

• Sumo Kitty is a member of an elite kitty fighting group called the Kitty Protectors. The other members are Ninja Kitty, Warrior Kitty and Samurai Kitty.
• To date, I’ve made two Kitty Protectors animations in which Sumo Kitty appears. (I hope to make more soon!) You can see them here. 
• Some other art work that Oreo the cat is featured on is Game Kitties, Here’s Looking At You Cat, Cat Eyes  
• Sumo Kitty items are available at Valerie’s Gallery on Zazzle, Cafe Press, Red Bubble and Skreened

Do you have a question about Sumo Kitty or another design?  Feel free to leave a comment! (Comments will appear after they are approved.)

Some cat, sumo and Asian inspired art work from other artist you might like:

Original Grumpy Cat Round Magnet “NOPE” by thegrumpycat	Modern Luck Throw Pillows by artNimages	Chinese Dragon with Red Border Decorative Tile by TileInStyle	Ronin Keychain by LabKitty
Playful Cat with Loops Mug by WindupSproutDesign	Cool Oriental Japanese White Koi Fish Carp tattoo Tshirt by TheGreatestTattooArt	Japanese Tiger Woodblock Vintage Art Ukiyo-E Premium Jewelry Box by VintageAsia	Bamboo Garden Shirt by FoxxyTees