Make Art That Sells - Week 5

This was the last week of Make Art That Sells part A and I'm not sure what I will do with myself until it starts back up in October.

This week was dedicated to the Gift Industry - SO MUCH FUN! Our assignment was to design a hyper-lush zipper pouch with images (photos, paintings or graphic) of something you collect. Well, I don't collect much . . . I actually prefer to throw things out because I can't handle clutter. When I asked my husband if he thought I collected anything, his response was laughter, then he told me, "You collect ideas in your head and inspiration for what you are going to be working on." So, that made me think, what do I think about the most when I am deciding on what to create?? FLOWERS!

Here are some images I have collected over the years

 

My sketchbook is full of florals but this is the sketch for this project (first with pencil and then with pen).

Then I scanned my drawing and brought it into Illustrator. I made my lines vector work and then started adding color.

Then I set it up in the correct format for a zipper pouch and created three key chains to match.

 

I am actually very happy with this . . . I would buy it for myself if I could!

Make Art That Sells - Week 4

My apologies for my lack of posts, I've been a bit busy. Between traveling to see family and working I haven't had the time to sit down and blog.

Last week in the Lilla Rogers Make Art That Sells class, the topic was Wall Art. I was very excited about this because my background is painting and I was bursting at the chance to sit down to paint again. The assignment was to paint / draw something (square format) and to have some type in it. We could use any neutral color, then we were all assigned two colors determined by our zodiac sign. Since I am a Pisces, I got red and yellow . . . honestly, I am not a fan of those colors. But the whole point of this class is to grow and push myself outside my comfort zone, so I stuck with them.

It is kind of weird how quickly my layout idea came to me. I knew the quote I wanted to use because I had used it in the past for a "Inspiration Board" I made for my Grandpa when he was dying. Then, I just went with it . . . turned on some music, opened the windows for some fresh air and just had fun!

My sketches to get my ideas out:

Then on to painting with acrylics.

My helper in all things . . . there were five babies in my studio before I finished.

The completed piece (19" x 19")

Here are some mockups of this painting in an environment.

Make Art That Sells - Week 2

Hello all and happy Tuesday! Last week in the Lilla Rogers Make Art That Sells course was all about Home Decor. The topic . . . Succulents. We were to create a series of 1-4 plates (square or round) that could be presented to an art director in the Home Decor market. Companies that look for this kind of work are Crate and Barrel, Land of Nod, Anthropologie, West Elm . . . you get the idea.

I decided to challenge myself a little bit on this assignment. If you have seen my work, I have a more refined and detailed style. One of my goals as an artist is to expand my style and be able to do a more "messy" look . . . less refined, not as many clean lines, more sketchy. This has seriously been a struggle for me and I am envious of those who can do it naturally. For example, my watercolors are very tight and clean and I would love to be able to sit down and just throw some paint down to create a flower without all the details but have more brush strokes. However, my OCD takes over and a mental block comes up full force and my end product is nothing like what my intentions were going into it.

So, I started thinking, why do I put so much pressure on myself to create like someone else? Why spend so much time trying to "create my style" when I already have a style? It hit me like a ton of bricks . . . I'm not messy! I like things clean and detailed and it comes through in my artwork. My version of "messy" will always come out clean because that is how my brain works!

With these thoughts flooding through my head, I started my assignment for Lilla. Starting out with some sketches in pencil and then going over them with black pen.

Then I started drawing just with pen on some marker paper. I did this because there is a certain finality while working with pen . . . no erasing!

When I finished these sketches, I scanned them into Illustrator and created vector art with them. Then I just sat back and let the creativity flow. This is the result . . . . the Courtney version of "messy."

Make Art That Sells Week 1

Week One is done . . . it went so fast! So, this week, in the Lilla Rogers Make Art That Sells course, we learned about the Bolt Fabric industry. Our assignment was to create a collection that we can use for our own portfolio. The theme given to us all was tropical fruit and Pyrex inspired kitchen dishes.

First I started with some sketches in my sketchbook to get my thoughts out.

After I worked in my sketchbook for a couple days, I sat down and started my digital creation. I have the main design and then some patterns that match in the theme and color scheme. I just uploaded it for Lilla to see and I am pretty happy with it. :)

Make Art That Sells e-course

The wait it almost over!!! Tomorrow classes start for Lilla Roger's Make Art That Sells Part A. I am so excited I can't stand it. Ok . . . . I am a bit nervous too, but the excitement makes it all worth it.

My studio is ready to see some creativity . . . .

And my helper is ready and waiting . . . .

Check back here over the next five weeks as I post assignments in process and final ones. Wish me luck!!!

30 Years Young

Last week I decided to skip a week in my trend forecast posts because  . . . . it was my birthday! Yup, the big 3 0! To be honest, I love my birthday. I look forward to it every year . . . my husband tells me it's because I am a high maintenance princess, to which I respond "You knew what I was when you married me!"

Anyway, I thought that I would be nervous to be officially out of my twenties, but my reaction was quite the opposite. The idea of being a bit more established in my professional career and personal life is intriguing and exciting. My grasp on what I want to do with my life is much more established and my determination is stronger than ever.

In an effort to better my professional self, I decided to ask for a special birthday present this year. Instead of asking for gift cards or other clothes, I asked for knowledge. As of last week, I signed up for an e-course put on by Lilla Rogers Studio, an internationally renowned Illustration agency. The owner and president, Lilla Rogers, has years upon years of success in many industries that license artwork (editorial, stationery, fabric, children's books, etc) and has decided to help others by sharing what she has learned.

The Make Art That Sells e-course is set up in two parts, the first of which starts on March 31st and will run for 5 weeks. During that time, I'm sure I will learn things I never knew existed and I bet it will push my creative ability further than it has ever been pushed before. After the first part is over, I have some time to implement what I have learned and then start the second part in October. Because I am a bit of a nerd, I AM SO EXCITED!!! Going outside my comfort zone is terrifying to me, but I am always glad I did it and I know I will feel that way about this class. Be sure to check back over the next couple weeks, because I will be sure to post my work :)