How to Have More Fun

This illustration was our last assignment in Lilla Roger’s Assignment Bootcamp. Class started back in January, and (as was my experience last year) it has been a fantastic way to push myself and work on projects that are outside of my comfort zone. This month’s assignment was to create an editorial illustration for an online article entitled “How To Succeed At Becoming A Digital Nomad.”  

With Bootcamp wrapping up, we are now in the thick of summer (with the 90 degree weather to prove it).

What does summer mean to you?

I think of hot lazy days, dripping popsicles, staying outside until dark--and having FUN!!

Lately, I’ve been inviting more fun into my life. My husband is always trying to make me laugh, and I have two little ones who base their entire existence on having a good time.

So this should be easy. Right?

But sometimes…every so often, I can be the tiniest, slightest bit…uptight. I can get myself all worked up about all that needs to get done  (which, by the way, isn’t ever possible–the list never ends, so let it go already), or looming deadlines, or climate change, or how many vegetables my kids actually ate today…and on and on.

My kids are the very best at this–having fun. They are my greatest teachers (in so many ways).

This week my son (1.5 years old) and I have been making fish faces at each other, and he laughs and giggles like it’s the greatest thing, EVER.

Then there’s my daughter, who does a happy dance right there on the spot, when I tell her her friend is coming over to play.

There is no shortage of pain in this world. The key is to keep laughing–to have fun through the hurt and the tears.

So when I’m having a rough day, or I get some news about a friend that breaks my heart, I take some deep cleansing breaths, and then I get down and play with my kids.

We draw with chalk on the sidewalk and we splash in puddles. Sometimes we have dance parties where we turn the music up really loud and we shimmy and shake–no one cares if anyone is watching. We are wild and free.

What are you doing this summer? Are you having enough fun?? I’d love to hear from you.

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I’ve shared my other Bootcamp projects from the past six months below (also lots of fun!!):

Collection of plates featuring a floral pattern and sea creatures (a side note about this one–I want to work on this a bit more. I’m not completely happy with some of the elements and I think I can push this a bit more to create a collection that I REALLY dig). I’ll let you know how it turns out 😉

Hand lettered poster design for the MATS Global Art Gathering that took place in the UK this summer.

Funky kitchen wall art.

Whimsical journal cover design.

Please contact me if you are interested in licensing any of the above artwork. I am also available for commissioned projects!

All Who Wander Are Not Lost

I just finished this commissioned piece for a client, who plans to gift a framed print to her adventure-seeking, world-traveling, sister-in-law.

My client is the kind you dream about–we discussed the project and she gave me parameters.

Then she let me fly.

At one point in our conversations, she laid it out for me like this: “Final thought–have fun with this and make it your own. Then it will be perfect.”

Swoon. What a way to kick off the new year!

Bootcamp has started again as well.

Beginning this month, Lilla Rogers Assignment Bootcamp runs through June. The pace is relaxed–one assignment per month–and it pushes me out of my comfort zone. Last year, I was able to turn a few of my projects into licensing deals (still in the works–I hope to share details soon!). There is also the ever-positive, uber-talented group of participating artists–an entire international community of my people!!

This week, we are sketching Edwardian brooches. I’m not sure where we’re headed, but my guess is pattern design. Yahoo!

 

May Your Days Be Merry

My daughter is out of school, the tree is up, and there is a light snow falling outside. Wishing you all a magical, joy-filled holiday!