The Results are In!

I didn’t make it through to the next round of Lilla Rogers Global Talent Search.

The assignment was to design a pattern for a pair of sneakers for Antoinette, a fictional woman living in New York City. It was such a great assignment and there were some amazing interpretations.

The level of talent in the winner’s pool is definitely worth a peek–though there were a lot of unbelievable entries that didn’t make the cut as well.

When I decided to enter this contest, my goal was to end up with a piece that I was proud of. One that was 100% me.

I had so much fun making this, and I can’t wait to create a coordinating collection. Can you envision this design on tote bags, or funky purses? On note cards? Or maybe a pencil pouch or a throw pillow?

As an artist, everything I take in with my eyes influences my art.

Just as I am inspired by what I see though, the way I interpret that information is all me. Each and every one of us is blessed with our own unique creative voice.

Congratulations to the lucky 50 who made it to the semi-finals. Enjoy the ride…its a fun one! For the rest of us, keep at it–keep showing up. The world needs you.

I will leave you with the words of Howard Thurman, which have never been more true. 

“Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

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!

I Have No Idea What I’m Doing

This past month in Bootcamp, the assignment was to create wall art on a piece of wood (think antique plates). We were also encouraged to work traditionally, especially if that isn’t our typical approach.

There is a painter that lives in me, I’m sure of it. What began as a whisper has been getting louder, encouraging me to pick up a paintbrush. There are so many reasons why painting, at this point, doesn’t make any sense…

I don’t have a space where I can get messy. I don’t have anywhere to store canvases. Buying all the required supplies is expensive. Editing is more difficult–you can’t hit ‘undo.’I have no idea what I’m doing—I don’t even really know where to start.

And yet…there is this voice urging me to get my hands dirty. To mix colors by brush rather than onscreen.

For this assignment, I bought several pieces of balsa wood–six of them so that none would be too precious. I painted them brightly, then added white and gray until they had this lovely distressed look.

I created a design that I wanted to paint, and with graphite paper, transferred my sketch onto my canvas and went to work.

In my neuroses, I ended up creating both a digital and painted version, and…I don’t love either.

The teapot image above is what I ended up submitting to the Bootcamp public gallery (which is now live, check it out if you are so inclined–my submission is on page 2). I’m happy with how it turned out, but it feels like a bit of a cop-out. Created digitally, there is nothing about it that pushed me outside of my comfort zone.

The image below is the digital version of my first idea, followed by the (as yet, unfinished) painted version.

As is so often my approach (in more than just my art, ahem), I tried to control everything. Leaving little room for artistic play, I missed the whole point of painting.

So I will try again–sometime soon.

In the meantime, the amazing Christine Mason Miller has invited me to be a contributor in her upcoming e-course, The Conscious Booksmith.

“This thoughtfully created course is a guide for aspiring authors and book-makers. It is filled with tools and inspiration designed to support the creation of a comprehensive book plan reflective of your values, priorities and ideals.”

If this resonates in your heart, class starts March 9. Come join us!!

 

 

The Secret to Happiness

“I partly grew up on a ranch, and it reminds me of the days when we would ride far out afield on horses–it was funny because if you were on a horse alone, sometimes it could be a pain to get that horse to go. But if we had a bunch together, they were always champing at the bit to race each other–I loved their wild power and beauty. I get that same feeling here–of wild, chaotic momentum, drawing each other forward into the game.”

A lyrical analogy (made by Tanith Larking, Sweet Dreamy Designs) about Lilla Rogers’ Make Art That Sells classes–and one of the driving reasons so many of us keep coming back for more.

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This week, I was awarded an honorable mention in Lilla’s alumni manifesto competition with my piece, “Follow Your Joy.” Yippee! You can see the (well deserved) winning piece (created by Shannon Newlin), as well as the three other pieces that garnered an honorable mention below.

I am honored and inspired to be included amid such talent.

Shannon Newlin

 

Tjarda Borsboom

 

Kim Johnson

 

Jane Newland

 

Unfettered Joy

January’s Bootcamp assignment was to create a journal with an Edwardian brooch theme. For more jewel themed eye candy, the public gallery is now live–check it out!

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There are days, as I wash baby poop off my hands, or help my not-quite-four-year-old regain control after a body thrashing tantrum, when I long to be working more, parenting less. Enmeshed in day-to-day drudgery, I empty and load the dishwasher, again. I pick up their toys for the 10th time that day, and fold another load of laundry. I want to escape.

And then, ever-so-gently, I remind myself that I am on borrowed time.

I watch my one year old as he squeals with delight–he has discovered how to walk across the room pushing a stool. Noticing me, he rewards me with an ear-to-ear, heart melting grin.

Less than an hour later, my daughter does a spontaneous happy dance because I tell her she can wear her dress-up clothes to the grocery store.

How incredibly lucky am I to bear witness to such unfettered joy?

I hug them both, breathing them in and reminding myself how quickly they are changing. How little time, like this, we really have. I count my blessings. And my heart fills with gratitude, that in this moment, the work that I am doing is right here.

And it is the most important work of all.

 

 

 

The Magical Sea Collection, available now!!!

Hello dear ones. I have exciting news!!!

Announcing my Magical Sea Collection, available now on Oopsy Daisy (Fine Art for Kids). Whimsical wall art, perfect for an ocean or nautically themed kids’ bedroom or nursery.

I invite you to take a look….

I created the first piece of this collection last year in Lilla Rogers Bootcamp and I am so excited to finally be able to share it with you. A growth chart will be available soon as well!

And to top it off, there are so many of my fellow Bootcamp and Make Art That Sells classmates with new work available as well. Take a look!

Miriam Bos

Irene Chan

 

Barbara Chotiner

 

Harriet Mellor

Shannon Newlin

So proud of all you. Keep going–one foot in front of the other.

We are all meant to Shine.

 

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!

 

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.

Grow

This past Tuesday, the semi-finalists in Lilla Rogers Global Talent Search were announced.

My piece didn’t make the cut.

The assignment was to create a piece of wall art with a ‘Little Terrariums’ theme. And I was thrilled with what I came up with–I had so much fun!! Even though I didn’t make it through, what I created was 100% me and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.

That’s not to say I’m not a little disappointed. Last year (to my amazement–I entered on a whim), I made it through to the next round. This was my submission (the assignment was to create a journal cover with a ‘Playground’ theme).

So I knew it was possible…

There were 999 entries this year. You can see the list of semi-finalists here. And this year, they published everyone’s submissions–so you can peruse the entire gallery if you are so inclined. It’s an impressive collection, and I have no idea how Lilla and her team narrowed the field to the top 50 (what I would’ve given to have been a fly on the wall for those conversations).

Through Lilla’s MATS classes, I know a lot of the artists who made it through. And I am genuinely excited for them. I can’t wait to see what they create for the next round.

There were a lot of entries that I loved–pieces that would have made my top 50–that didn’t make the cut though.

That’s maybe the best and the worst of what I do, that art is inherently subjective.

In all honesty, I did host my own private pity party for a good part of the morning on Tuesday when the list of semi-finalists was announced. And then I got on my road bike and went for ride up a really big, steep hill. As always, this helped, immensely.

And then I picked myself up and dusted myself off. And I’m getting right back in that saddle. Giddyup.

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And don’t forget, this is the last week in August–for the rest of the month, 10% of what I sell will go to DAVA, a local organization that “… provides high-quality, after-school programming in the Aurora community and has become an anchor of free arts education for 900 urban kids (ages 3-17) annually. DAVA programs are designed to provide young people with the tools necessary to activate a new vision for community through the arts.”

 

Still Waiting…

Purchased prints to be mailed out.

Last week, I posted about Lilla Rogers Global Talent Search. The first round of submissions were due this past Monday–wall art with a “Little Terrarium” theme. The talented top fifty will be announced on Tuesday (the 26th).

I feel like I submitted my entry AGES AGO (and am keeping it under wraps until the semi-finalists list is out).

I am nervous and so excited. Regardless of the outcome, this contest is so much fun to be a part of. If I make it through, the next assignment will be given on Tuesday as well.

Any guesses as to what it might be??

Based on the list of prizes, (this is a COMPLETE shot in the dark) my guess is a bolt fabric assignment based on typewriters.

In the meantime, I’m keeping myself busy with customer orders and a collection that I am building out for an exciting wall art deal that’s in the works. Details to come!

Best of luck to all the participants nervously chewing fingernails as they await the big semi-finalist announcement!!!

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And don’t forget, for the month of August, 10% of what I sell will go to DAVA, a local organization that “… provides high-quality, after-school programming in the Aurora community and has become an anchor of free arts education for 900 urban kids (ages 3-17) annually. DAVA programs are designed to provide young people with the tools necessary to activate a new vision for community through the arts.”