I'm going to start a new weekly blog post where I share some things I'm loving/wanting/inspired by. This is going to include pretty much anything, but mostly things that are design-related. We all could use more inspiration for creativity in our lives and I just want to start out my week with some fun inspiration!
Image via weknowmemes.com
here comes the sun...just kidding...more rain
I love love LOVE the beautiful greenery here in the Pacific Northwest, but the constant rain and gloomy weather can get me down a lot. I can't even walk my dog without having to either give her a bath every time or endure muddy paw prints all over the house.
Since everything seems so dull and gray outside, I've started working on some pattern collections in fun and bright colors. I'm never one to shy away from vibrant colors in my designs, but I really feel like I need them lately.
This first collection was inspired by a ski trip we took this past weekend to Mt. Hood here in Oregon. I had never been skiing before, and know I have much more admiration for pro skiers and snowboarders. It wasn't easy at all! (And my shins are still sore.) We had a lot of fun, though, and I wanted to create a collection centered around a ski lodge. I'll also be entering in the Printed Village Ski Lodge challenge, so feel free to check out my designs there!
Here is the collection in two different colorways:
I have also been wanting to do a succulent collection for awhile now. I will probably be adding to this collection, but this is what I've finished as of now:
These bright colors are getting me through this dull weather these days. Hopefully sunny days are coming soon!
fresh start
Even though changes usually make me a little (or very) anxious, I truly love the start of something new. Graduating from college was nerve-wracking, but I was excited to start my career. Moving across the country was terrifying, but I anticipated the chance to start over. Quitting my 9 to 5 job to chase my passion was (and still is) scary, but I'm feeling happier and more fulfilled every day.
I also always get this sort-of-anxious-but-mostly-excited feeling at the end of every year. Even though tomorrow is technically "just another day" it marks the ending of one year and the beginning of another. The end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one. I'm a firm believer in viewing life as chapters, or seasons, always changing, never staying quite the same as the one before. This mindset has helped me overcome tough seasons and not get "too big for my britches" in great seasons. (Sorry, y'all...I'll limit myself to only one Southern saying for this blog post.)
2015 was a big year for me. I left my job in advertising to pursue my dream career. I still don't know exactly what I "want to do with my life," but I'm not wasting any more time just following the well-worn path of mediocrity. (That's not to say that the advertising industry is mediocre-I actually love the industry. It just doesn't get me as excited as design does.) I want to make my own path, and I began that process this past year.
I'm looking forward to 2016 for several reasons, one of which is to learn more about design and illustration, and hopefully turn this into a lifelong career for myself. I also have many personal, physical, and spiritual goals as well. I'm not a huge fan of resolutions, just because they tend to be forgotten by the end of January (we all know it's true), but this year I'm going to be centering each month around a specific word. I don't know yet what each month's word will be; I'm guessing that I'll know when each month approaches. My word for January is "habits." This is a pretty obvious word because it's very broad, but specific in that I want to be able to focus on clearing out unhealthy or energy/time/life-draining habits and load up on new habits that will help me grow physically, mentally, relationally, and spiritually. They say it takes three weeks to break an old habit or make a new one, so this gives me a little over four weeks to set my intentions on this and make it happen!
Fresh starts can be scary...like starting a new job, going to college, starting a family...but without fresh starts, our lives would be extremely boring. Here's to a fresh start and an awesome new year!!
Cheers!
joyful birds
Here is my latest (and probably last-at least for this year) holiday collection called Joyful Birds. I created some mockups as well. Any of the things in this collection would be a great pop of color for the holidays, and most aren't so Christmas-oriented that you could keep them out for awhile after the holidays. I would love to see this collection on some real products in the future!
I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas! I'm going to be visiting family and friends in Alabama for a little over a week, and I'm so excited! Hope your holidays are filled with joy, love, and peace!
"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6
the most wonderful time of the year
Hey, y'all!
Soooo...I now have lots of products available in my Society 6 shop, so feel free to check those out! I'm kind-of obsessing over a few of the mugs/phone cases/pillows at the moment.
I've also been working on a lot of new Christmas designs. I'll post those below. I'm clearly in love with the more modern, non-traditional colors for these designs. Also, I've never owned a pair of mittens, and have no clue if people actually wear mittens, but after designing so many freaking mittens I want some now. Hope y'all like these patterns!
On another note, Matt, Sadie (my daughter/dog) and I took a fun, relaxing trip to the mountains in Washington last week! We did a lot of hiking, playing in the snow, and relaxing...it was a much needed vacation! We have a couple of weeks left until we head to Alabama for the holidays, and I'm beyond ready to be back in the South for awhile.
That's all that's going on in my world these days! Thanks for reading!
