Both the End and the Beginning

I am head over heals in love with this illustration. The composition. The emotion. And those colors. 

The image was created by Penelope Dullaghan. I am a huge fan of her work.

Entitled “A Liberal Allowance of Time” (Thoureau!), this piece was a response to her daughter starting kindergarten. You can read more about it on her blog. Prints are available for purchase here.

My daughter started school this week as well. Pre-School. Before I was a parent, I didn’t understand why this was such a big deal.

She will only be gone for three hours, four mornings a week. I will have enough time to unload the dishwasher and check my email. Then it will be time to pick her up.

But as I walked to my car after dropping her off, it felt…immense.

Bigger than her first tooth. Bigger than her first step. Or her first word. Excited that we have reached this milestone, and so proud–yet at the same yearning for the tiny baby that once fit in my arms.

As is the case with most of life’s transitions, it feels like both the end and the beginning. I’m just grateful to be along for the ride.

Artists Around the World Blog Hop

Last week, I was honored by Croatian artist and friend Antoana Oreški-Džafić, with an invitation to participate in a blog hop featuring artists from around the world. I am very flattered–and excited to join in on the fun!

Today, I will share some of Antoana’s gorgeous work, answer some questions about my own creative process, and I will introduce you to a couple of artists who truly inspire me, Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Nelleke Verhoeff.

International Inspiration

Antoana and I met in Assignment Bootcamp earlier this year. An incredibly talented illustrator, I love her lush colors and her great character design. The level of detail she adds to her pieces is truly inspiring.

Antoana created this Koala piece for Tigerprint’s Cute Character competition. I enjoy so much of her work, but this is one of my favorites. The color palette, those koalas, and what a sweet message! Wish her luck. The winners will be announced next month.

This was Antoana’s Global Talent Search entry. The little girl riding on top of that fabulous elephant is my favorite part–oh my, that hair!!

Antoana’s patterns are magical as well.

Balancing work with family, Antoana is a dedicated mother of two. As I muddle through, trying to strike a balance between work and parenthood, I’m inspired by fellow mamas working as artists as well.

To see more of Antoana’s work, check out her website and her blog.

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How I Work

Next up, a few questions about my creative process:

What are you working/writing on?

Right now, I’m building out a wall art collection for an exciting licensing deal that’s in the works. I’m finalizing another wall art deal (details coming soon!), and waiting to hear on a couple of other pending collections as well (eek–fingers crossed).

I’m also trying to make a decision about Surtex next spring, and whether to just walk, or to go for it and try to exhibit. Oh, and overhauling my website too. I tend to work best with a lot of irons in the fire.

How does your work differ from others in your genre?  

As many artists have said, this is a hard question to answer about yourself. If I were to sum up what I do, I would say my work is whimsical, layered, and sophisticated. Color is one of my very favorite things. And I enjoy creating depth and interest with a variety of textures.

How does your creative process work?

I love an assignment. Please don’t tell me I can do whatever I want, however I want–I will freeze like a deer in headlights.

When I do start a new project, I’m usually super charged up and excited. Lately, I have also been trying to set an intention at the outset–a kind of prayer to my cosmic muse–that the project will be successful. Then I begin to draw. Without thinking too much about where it’s all going, I fill pages of my sketchbook. Usually just pencil on paper. Then I go back and I look for what’s working (it’s a gut feeling). I scan those drawings and start to play with elements digitally.

At some point in the process, more often than not, I hit a wall. I get stuck. Nothing is working. My excitement morphs into anxiety. And it talks,‘You’re not good enough. What were you thinking? Why you?’ When this happens, I need to walk away.

One of the things about working while being at home with my daughter (3) and my son (8 months), is that I spend a lot of time thinking about different approaches, compositions, and solutions in my head. All this thinking time usually means when I actually sit down to work, I make real progress. Not always, but usually.

Once I have the composition dialed in, I start to play with color. Like I said, this is one of my very favorite steps. I adore color.

Happy with my palette, I take the whole thing into Photoshop and rebuild it, adding texture until I’m happy and the piece is finished.

Why do you create?

From an interview I did last year for Uppercase’s Work/Life 3 Illustration directory:

“When working on a project that I’m really excited about, I get this buzz…an electric current of excitement that lights me up from head to toe. I am an illustrator because it makes my soul sparkle.”

 

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Two Artists You Should Know

Enough about me. Now I want share the work of two incredible artists who inspire me.

I met both of these women through Lilla Rogers’ classes (one of the best parts of class is connecting with a community of talented and supportive artists), and I am truly honored and excited to share their immense talent with you.

First up is the fabulous Jennifer Orkin Lewis, whose work was recently featured in Uppercase magazine.

Jennifer, who works under the studio name August Wren, maintains a 30-minute-a-day sketchbook practice. Below are some excerpts. I am inspired on a daily basis by her creations (check out her Facebook page to follow along).

Jennifer is also one of the semi-finalists in this year’s Global Talent Search!! This was her Terrarium entry.

I’m so excited to see what Jennifer creates for the second round.

For more of Jennifer’s work, check out her website and her blog .

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Next, I present to you the lovely Nelleke Verhoeff. Creating work that is whimsical and fun, yet incredibly sophisticated, Nelleke works under the studio name Red Cheeks Factory, which (from her bio) “…stands for enthusiasm, but also for shyness and excitement.” What I adore most about her work is her loose style and her wonderful people.

“Puzzled,” available for purchase here.

“Ma Cherie,” available for purchase here.

Trio Umbrella available for purchase here.

Her patterns are top-notch as well–and I love how she mocks them up.

You can see more of Nelleke’s work on her website and blog, and in her online shop.

This has been so much fun! Thank you for following along. These women will be talking about their own creative process,’ and sharing a few artists who inspire them next week. I hope you’ll follow along.

The End of Bootcamp

There is a wall in my entryway that has been empty since we moved in four years ago. It has always needed something, but until now, I hadn’t figured out what.

July was the final month for Lilla Rogers Assignment Bootcamp. The assigned theme was favorite beverages, and we were told to create a piece of art that we would hang on our own walls.

Create for the sake of creating (without thinking about commercial appeal).

I started drawing coffee cups and wine glasses. Wine bottles and tea cups.

As so often happens in the midst of a project, I got stuck. Nothing felt right. I backed off. I shifted my perspective–and tried to think about the kind of art I’m drawn to.

Working with the intention to create something for that empty space in my entryway, everything began to flow.

The image below was my final Bootcamp submission. The image above ended up being my favorite of the three that I created (it wasn’t finished by the submission deadline).

This isn’t my space (my empty wall is quite a bit smaller, and I haven’t hung them up yet), but this is how they would look, at full size (24″ x 30″) hanging on a wall together.

Bootcamp started in February and it has been so much fun, especially with a new baby in the house (I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again–maintaining my creative outlet and keeping one foot in the working world makes me a better mama). Since I first took Make Art That Sells, Part A last June, I have evolved and learned so much.

If you are thinking about signing up for one of Lilla’s classes, don’t hesitate!! Though I would recommend taking the full blown MATS classes first (Bootcamp is like an extension, a way to maintain your momentum–it’s not nearly as intense, but not as juicy and full of information either).

Either way, do it!! You won’t be disappointed.

AND I have several licensing deals in the works (hopefully, fingers crossed!!) that have come from my MATS projects. I can’t spill the beans yet, but there are a lot of exciting things happening behind the scenes right now.

My other Bootcamp pieces:

Jello themed fabric pattern for the bolt fabric market

 

Cuckoo clock themed cell phone case

 

Editorial illustration for an article about meditation

 

Wall art with a nautical theme

So….what’s next?

Lilla’s Global Talent Search!!

I entered last year on a whim and I made it to the semi-finals (which I still can’t believe)! After going back and forth (and back and forth) about entering again, I decided to throw my hat in the ring. I have nothing to lose, and if I win (oh my goodness, can you imagine?? I wouldn’t be able to scrape myself off the floor!!!), I would be represented by the fabulous Lilla Rogers Studio for two years, in addition to scoring an exciting list of licensing deals and other once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

The excitement starts on August 5th, and the deadline for the first round is August 18th. So stayed tuned and wish me luck!

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And finally, July is almost over! For the remainder of the month, 10% of what I sell will go to The Art Students League of Denver, a local organization that focuses on providing opportunities for artists of all ages and abilities to study and work with regionally and nationally recognized working artists. From their website:

“ASLD is an inclusive and inspiring art community where members of all abilities are guided by professional artists to reach their highest potential.”

 

 

A Profound Shift

The illustrations above are for a client I mentioned a couple of weeks ago. Johnny Bregar makes awesome, toe-tappin’ family music, and if you have young ones in the house, you should definitely check him out.

Johnny has commissioned me to do six illustrations for his new website–but here’s a sneak peak. Johnny’s music is a little bit folk, a little bit bluegrass, and a whole lot of fun for the whole family (my three-year-old and I have regular dance parties whenever ‘Mac and Cheese‘ comes on).

Last week, we had visitors in town for the holiday weekend. Long time friends, we hadn’t seen each other since becoming parents.

Witnessing that shift in others is profound.

Becoming a parent pushes, pulls, and molds you into something that is richer with more depth, leaving the person you were forever changed for the better (even if it is with more gray hair).

Make no mistake–this character building process is no walk in the park. But I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

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Also, for the month of July, 10% of what I sell will go to The Art Students League of Denver, a local organization that focuses on providing opportunities for artists of all ages and abilities to study and work with regionally and nationally recognized working artists. From their website:

“ASLD is an inclusive and inspiring art community where members of all abilities are guided by professional artists to reach their highest potential.”

 

My Hero

This month, in Lilla Rogers’ Assignment Bootcamp, we are making wall art with a nautical theme. Here are some of my sketches. Check back next week for my final piece!

It’s 6pm. The  baby is crying (which is what babies do, every night, as soon as you start to even think about dinner). As I tend to him, my daughter starts drawing all over her legs in purple and green marker. Then she decides to  “help” me cook and puts said markers into the bowl where the raw chicken is marinating and mixes it all together with her hands. I put the baby down and get Hazel to the sink to wash. As I fish her markers out of the bowl, the baby promptly starts screaming again. My hands are covered in raw chicken goo and Hazel has gone upstairs. She starts yelling from the bathroom, “Mama, mama, mama. I’m done. Come wiiiiiiippe me!” in this urgent, high-pitched whine that grates on my already fried nerves like fingernails on a chalkboard.

And then, my husband walks in from work.

He takes one look at me–picks the baby up, goes upstairs to help my daughter, and then takes them both outside to play and water the flowers.

I wash my hands. And exhale.

He is my best friend. My partner. And on some days, he is my salvation.

My hero.

Last weekend, we celebrated Father’s day. We had a lovely breakfast with my dad and then he and my husband went out for a round of golf for the afternoon.

In my family, mother’s day seems to be a bigger deal. I don’t think it should be. I’m sure I would have completely lost my mind by now without my husband (I honestly don’t know how single parents do it).

To all the Dads out there, I salute you. Happy (belated) Father’s Day.

And remember, 10% of all purchases from my online shop for the month of June will be donated to the Society of Illustrators: Summer Illustration Art Academy, helping send at-risk kids to art camp.

Old Habits Die Hard

This is a photo (taken by my husband) of my daughter playing in the creek by our house. A perfect fleeting moment.

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Surrender.

This is my word for the year.

Just saying the word surrender makes me feel like I am exhaling. My shoulders relax. My chest loosens.

I come from a long line of worriers. And I am trying to break the cycle.

Worrying doesn’t stop things from happening. It doesn’t protect or help anyone. Focusing on what I do want what instead of what I don’t is far more productive.

And I know this.

Old habits die hard though.

So I return to this practice of surrendering over and over again. When I have worked myself into a frenzy because the baby didn’t nap and I don’t know how I am going to meet the deadline. Or whether or not my client is going to be happy with what I created for him? Or where my next paycheck is going to come from?

Or how in the hell am I going to keep my kids safe through school shootings and global warming?

Surrender.

Exhale. See the world with love instead of fear. Focus your energy on what you want, not what you don’t.

And then let go.

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Don’t forget!

10% of your purchase from my online shop for the month of June will help send an under-privileged kid to art camp! Let’s help make a difference.

Tiny Moments

This month in Lilla Rogers Bootcamp, the assignment was to create an editorial illustration for an article about meditation. Whether sitting quietly and focusing on my breath, practicing yoga, or getting lost in my creative flow as I work, I enjoy meditation–so this assignment was right up my alley. If you want to see more of the work submitted, Lilla’s May gallery is now live (my illustration is on page 5).

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Yesterday, I worked in the morning and then spent the afternoon with my little ones. While we were eating dinner, I asked Hazel what her favorite part of the day was. She said, “Taking a walk with you mama.” Then she asked me about my favorite part.

While out on our walk, she found this big, beautiful feather. “…it’s magical Mama, now we can fly!!” So we flew. And Thatcher, who was strapped to my chest in his baby Bjorn, just giggled as we swooped back and forth along the sidewalk, our arms open wide. That was my favorite part.

These tiny moments, these snippets, they carry me through. Through the days when I feel like I am drowning because there isn’t ever enough time or money. Through the long nights, tear filled because of new teeth or bad dreams. Through the weight of my own angst, as I try to find balance between being a mom and being an artist.

These tiny, perfect moments–they make it all worthwhile.

Blessedly Full

From my sketchbook

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With deadlines looming, it’s been a crazy week. A sick kid means sleepless nights (again because of the three year old, not the baby). And the tiny one has decided napping for longer than half an hour at a time isn’t his style anymore. So I’m gonna make this short and sweet.

I’m doing some work for Johnny Bregar, a kids’ musician whose sound has been described as “…rootsy Americana with a hint of bluegrass.” It’s music that I enjoy listening to as much as my three year old does.

If you have little ones in the house, definitely check him out. Johnny lives in the greater Seattle area and his next gig is this Memorial Day (May 26th) at the Folklife festival at 11:45am. If that’s your neck of the woods, take the whole family!

I did the artwork for Johnny’s album Dragonfly a few years ago, and Johnny has commissioned me to to do several illustrations for his new website. So I’m listening to Polly’s Rain Dance and Shoo Fly Pie while I sketch.

I have a couple other client projects that I am wrapping up, and I’m working on an editorial piece for Lilla Rogers Bootcamp as well. Though weary and wishing I could hook myself up to a caffeine drip, life is blessedly full and I am grateful.

 

 

Tea Time!

Things are starting to settle down around here. Thatcher is about 3 1/2 months old and what a delight he is! Happy and social, he is a good eater and a great sleeper.

I keep saying we won the baby jackpot.

When I go in to get him in the morning, after he’s been soundly asleep for more than eight hours (I am amazed by this because my daughter slept so little in the beginning), he looks up at me with his big blue eyes and grins–and I swoon.

It is one of the highlights of my day.

Don’t get me wrong–it hasn’t been a cakewalk. Even babies that are easy are a lot of work. AND there is his sweet, spirited, big sister to run after–she hasn’t been sleeping nearly as well as he has. But I wouldn’t trade it…

I’m still not really working, but in between the diaper changing and the feedings, the piles of laundry, and the ever-present battle keep crayon masterpieces off of my furniture, I have been squeezing creative work in whenever I can.

I’m taking Lilla Rogers’ Assignment Bootcamp (which is a lot like her Make Art That Sells class that I took over the summer, but at a more leisurely pace). There is one assignment each month for about six months, ideal for honing my creative skills and generating new work for my portfolio.

This month, the assignment was to create a pattern for bolt fabric with a jello theme.

Jello..?? Really?

I struggled at first, until I decided that the jiggly, gelatinous dessert didn’t have to be the star. And then I was off and running…

I drew lots of fancy spoons. Which led to tea cups and tea pots. And decadent cakes. The image above was my final submission.

One of the best part about being in Lilla’s classes is the community. I have connected with artist from all over the world. Many of the participants are established illustrators who set the bar very high–making all of us better.

You can see what my classmates came up with in the public gallery (mine is on page 5, fifth row down on the right).

Who knew jello could be so much fun?

 

 

Finding Patience

Baby still isn’t here. This part, the waiting, is really hard.

I didn’t write the words above–they were on a card I received, but they are helping me stay sane today.

C’mon Baby. We’re ready to meet you.