Hi Everyone! I recently began working in a different style of illustration, one that I've been thinking about and playing with for a long time. I thought I'd share a bit about my process and my creative "breakthrough". I feel that I have a consistent style as far as my illustrations go, but my paintings are a bit more free flowing and intuitive.
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What I learned by drawing the same thing for 100 days /
This summer I jumped into The 100 day Project. This was started by Elle Luna & The Great Discontent as a way to create ANYTHING for 100 days and share on Instagram what we have made. It was a way to love the PROCESS of making and not so much about the goal of creating one beautiful thing.
We all know that if we want to learn something new or improve our skills we HAVE to do one thing: KEEP DOING IT. I’ve always struggled to keep a sketchbook consistently, so this project helped immensely. My project was to create lettering and a food illustration every day. You can see my Instagram feed here.
Here is what I learned while in the process:
1. DONT’ TRY TO DO TOO MUCH AT ONCE
When giving myself a goal - I always try to do TOO much. I wanted to include all of the things that I love to draw in my daily drawings - food - lettering - pattern AND I was trying to draw a whole meal. This proved to be fine on some days and overwhelming on other days when I didn’t have enough time. Later I kept it simple and chose certain vegetables and fruit with lettering.
My advice: don’t take on more than you can chew, start with something simple, because you don’t want to feel overwhelmed and give up. The key is to choose something SUSTAINABLE.
2. THINK DIFFERENTLY
I don’t know about you, but as a creative person I get BORED. This assignment forced me to figure out new and exciting ways to create lettering or to layout my illustrations. This lead to some very interesting new work and ways of working. Coming up with new solutions to problems is what we do as creative people and having a practice that FORCES you to think differently is invaluable.
My advice: Don’t be afraid to try something new - that’s the whole point of creating! The question, "What would happen if I did THIS?" is one of the most important questions we can ask and helps us enjoy this process. One idea leads to another, leads to another and pretty soon you have a whole new way of working!
3. GET INTO A ROUTINE
At first as you can imagine, it’s exciting to begin a project like this and you are full of energy and ideas. But after a couple weeks, I started to get a bit bored and anxious. But something else happened. It became AUTOMATIC. I knew I had to finish an illustration a day, so I would keep my sketchbook handy and whenever I had time (on the train, doctors office, etc.) I would start sketching. And guess what? I STILL do it even after the project is over. They say it takes about 21 days to create a habit, making creativity a habit is the ONLY way to improve our skills.
My advice: Just do it! Whatever it is that you want to start or get better at, the only way you ever will is if you practice. Don’t be afraid of how bad you are, just keep working at it, day after day.
This project was such a great experience, I learned so much, met wonderful people and came away with new artwork and illustration gigs. Thanks to everyone who joined in!
Wandering Goose book /
I was at the coffee shop working today and I saw this lovely illustrated book on the shelf! The wandering goose is a local, Seattle cafe that specializes in southern style dining. They've put out a sweet little picture book illustrated by local illustrator and designer Frida Clements. She has a beautiful style of line drawing. I like her floral patterns. Here are a few snaps that I sneaked!
Book Review - Jump, Trust, Repeat by Jessica Swift /
I've been following Jessica Swift for quite a few years now. She's a wonderful illustrator and pattern designer and lately she's delved into creating and selling more and more products and has been super successful. I feel like I can relate to her style a bit because she has a lovely hand drawn quality to her work and she has a lot of different mediums that she works in like painting as well as illustration as well as surface design. She has managed to create a cohesive brand throughout, which is something that I'm always looking to do.
I have been wanting to read her e-book Jump, Trust, Repeat for awhile, and when she had a sale on it early last month I JUMPED at the the chance to get it! For anyone who is looking to get into the business of selling products, repeat patterns or just a creative venture, I would highly recommend reading this book.
I love Jessica's casual style of writing, her enthusiasm makes you want to get out and do something! She gives you so much detailed information that is truly helpful. Her honesty and openness is refreshing, it makes you feel like you are not the only one who has struggled with doubt or made a wrong decision.
The book is inspiring in that it makes me feel that I can create in my own way and not have to worry about what others think. She emphasizes over and over again that you don't need to follow any one else's plan. I like that her designs just flow out of her own mind and inspiration.
I'm happy that I read this book at the beginning of the new year, I've set a lot of new goals to make my business successful! Definitely pick up this e-book if you and looking to start your own business or just be re-inspired! You can find it on her website HERE!
New Print from Local Artist /
I've been out of the blog loop for awhile as there was much change going on in my life the past couple of years. I've been back at full time freelancing as well as teaching art and design for a few months now.
Yesterday we went to a terrific festival here in Seattle. It was Sub Pop Records 25th anniversary. Sub pop is a local independent record label who's bands have included Nirvana, Mudhunny, Postal Service and the Shins.
We had a great time enjoying the music, food and chatting with local artists and illustrators. There were plenty of great music poster designers to inspire. I am so excited about this print that I bought from local comic artist and illustrator Kelly Froh.
I love the bright colors, patterns and lovely kitch of this piece which is based on women wrestlers. I'm looking for the perfect spot to hang it!
Kelly Froh