Recently, I laid out large pieces of watercolor paper all along my kitchen island and invited my eight year old son to participate with me in a laying down watercolor strokes. The idea was to get the brush, water and paint moving to build a collection of marks. These marks would be sifted through to become contenders in my current pattern collection work. Even though there wasn't a specific plan, I knew we would both learn something. And hopefully have fun and bond at the same time. What I ... continue reading...
How to Start a Pattern Collection
As a beginner in pattern design, I am humbly sharing my process. I am not an expert by all means but I have been creating patterns for almost three years. As I grow and learn, my process becomes more streamlined and refined. In this post I will share all of the initial steps I take when I start a pattern collection. Tell a Story I often weave where I am in my journey as an artist and a coach for artists when I think of the overall story of my collection. For my first collection, ... continue reading...
What Sewing Taught Me About Art
When I used to think about someone who sews, a seamstress or a pattern maker, I rarely equated this practice as art. But now, when I think of it, at its core, sewing is creating something functional, wearable or creative from a two dimensional piece of cloth. It is the epitome of creating something from nothing. That certainly sounds like art to me. In this post I will share my journey with sewing, sewing as art and what sewing taught me about art. My Story I grew up in a family who ... continue reading...
Seven Essential Confidence Tips for Artists
In order to show up and share your work as an artist, you need confidence. Confidence is one of the key reasons that artists succeed. Confidence is like a muscle, you have to exercise it to make it grow. Yes, some artists are naturally gifted with more confidence than others but I am almost certain it came from practicing their art, accepting failure, learning from others, doing what they love and challenging their inner critic. The following seven confidence tips you as an artist, with ensure ... continue reading...
Journal Prompts for Artists With Perfectionistic Tendencies
Have you ever tried to change your perfectionistic tendencies as an artist? If so, you know that it's difficult because it takes work and patience. So what do you do? Many artists have found success by using journal prompts. But there are a few things you should know before you start using generic journal prompts. This post will tell you what you need to know to make sure you are using the correct prompts, which will help you successfully dismantle your perfectionistic tendencies. If you are ... continue reading...
