Fashion Forward Printable Collection

I am excited to share a new Item in my Etsy shop. 

This is a PDF Journal Card Kit. Each card is 2x3 inches and there are 12 cards. This is the Fashion Forward collection. 

Getting Creative with the Silhouette Sketch Pens

Today we are getting creative with the Silhouette Cameo and the Silhouette Sketch Pens. I really want to share a few fun things that you can do with the Silhouette Cameo and the Silhouette Sketch Pens. I have been playing around with the sketch pens for a while and I an really excited about what I have been able to make with them. 

This is a small card that would be great added to a greeting card. I really like how even though the type is small it is still clean and easy to read. 

The sketch pens are a ballpoint pen and really do well. I would recommend that you store them cap side down so that they ink will settle in the tip and not skip. When you get a new pack you need to start them on a scrap piece of paper like you would with most new pens. This will make sure that they work as soon as the machine starts.  

Here is a bunch of stickers in progress. I used the sketch pens to create the lettering and then let the machine cut each of them out. 

Here is a flower design that I created with one of my original drawings. I think that I will make the lines thicker the next time I create one of these. 

I really like that I can create unique business cards for when I go to a small event. This is a great way to try out a design without a big commitment. I have created a whole page of one design but you could make everyone of them a different design. 

Get Creative Today

Today it's all about lettering. I am in the process of creating a new coloring book full of quotes. I'm am really enjoying the process and how each one has a different style of lettering. I want to share a glimpse behind the scenes at a few that I have in the works.

I ended up creating this one as a solid and I will invert it once I get it into the computer. This one will also have some flowers around it as well when it is finished.

Adding the details and designs to this quote was a long process. I really enjoy adding all of the details and I find it a relaxing process.

I am trying to decide if I want to add designs to these letters or If I want to leave them plain so that the person who colors it can add their own spin to it.

I decide to add a textured shadow to this one to add interest and depth. I like playing around with these types of lettering because of the 3D effect.

 

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Decorating on a budget with Society 6

Today I want to share with you some new home accessories and gift items that are now out that features my art. I am working with Society 6 to create some unique items for your home and gifts for all occasions. I would love to know what you think about these items. One thing about these products is that you are able to decorate with unique items on a budget. This is a great way to personalize your space and make a statement on a budget. 

This is just one of the many designs that are now in the shop and I will be updating them with more items soon.  One if the best things about Society 6 for me is that all items are printed and shipped from the United States. They do offer Worldwide Shipping. 

THROW PILLOWS

Throw Pillow made from 100% spun polyester poplin fabric, a stylish statement that will liven up any room. Available in three sizes - 16", 18" and 20". Individually cut and sewn by hand, each pillow features a double-sided print and is finished with a concealed zipper for ease of care. Sold with or without faux down pillow insert.

CARRY-ALL POUCHES

Organize your life with one of our Carry-All Pouches. Available in three sizes with wrap-around artwork, these pouches will protect art supplies, keep makeup organized (ladies) or fit all of your traveling essentials—oh, did we mention the large size fits an iPad?! Comes with the ever-awesome YKK zipper, a strong canvas-like exterior and a 50/50 poly-cotton black interior lining. Carry on, carry on.

MOBILE DEVICE CASES

Protect your iPhone (4/5/5s/5c/6), iPod Touch or Samsung Galaxy (S4/S5/S6) with a one-piece, impact resistant hard shell case featuring an extremely slim profile. The lay-flat feature protects the front of your device by extending the bezel above the screen, while a silicone interior liner provides impact cushioning. Simply snap the case onto your device for solid protection and direct access to all device features. Made out of an extremely strong plastic called Lexan, which was developed by GE. Lexan is a stronger, lighter, more flexible, and of higher quality compared to other plastic cases on the market.

LAPTOP, IPHONE™, IPOD™ & IPAD™ SKINS

Skins are thin, easy-to-remove, vinyl decals for customizing your mobile device. Skins are made from a patented material that eliminates air bubbles and wrinkles for easy application.

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Let's Talk Art with Koitie Van Wyk

Tell us about yourself. What makes you tick?  You know the old cliché “I think with my hands”?  I cannot think of a better way to describe myself.  Creating makes me tick.  The whole creative process still fascinates me – each and every day.  I think it’s a curiosity thing…  You start with an idea and end up with a physical object (that usually ends up looking totally different than what you imagined).  It’s like magic.

How did you get started as an illustrator?  Since I was little, I loved art.  My dad used to call me “koTie Paper”, because I always had paper and art supplies with me – I still do.  Most of my training and interests used to be in fine arts and about a year and a half ago, I just stumbled into illustration.  It’s as if a whole new world opened up for me.  It feels like a perfect fit.  Although I’m a firm believer that things happen (when they do) for a reason, I still often wonder why I discovered my passion for illustration only later in life.

How did you find your style? Has it changed since you started?  Living in colourful South Africa has a great influence on my work, but I only realised it in the past few months.  Things look and sound different here than for instance in the US and Europe.  If I have the choice I’ll only be working in bright colours (and plenty of them).  I really struggle to tone down or limit my palette, but it’s these challenges that make art fun and rewarding.  I think one of the things that really defines my style is my love for imperfect line drawings.  I guess I just did what came from my heart and kept on making art…  Every day.  In the beginning I used to think I don’t know what my style is and that I perhaps don’t even have a style.  It made me doubt myself, but the moment I just decided to let it go and just create – it started falling in place.  My style do change, but I think it’s a natural part of your growth and development – and also how you are just getting more comfortable in your own skin.  Style is an organic thing and it will always change, but what makes it unique is that it is yours.

Can you briefly explain your creative process, mediums, etc?  I like drawing freehand with no pre-work in pencil…  And if I do make use of a pencil, I prefer not to use an eraser.  Whether I’m drawing with my favourite medium, pen or making a sketch in paint or ink – the same rules apply.  When I was doing fine arts I used to be very hard on myself.  I would beat myself up if lines, figures, faces and objects were not drawn perfect.  I’m a bit OCD like that.  But the problem with that type of approach is that it’s hard on you and creating gets taxing.  You question yourself all the time and easily loses your mojo. 

How do you come up with new ideas? Do you have a process?  I don’t look for new ideas, they find me.  Keeping yourself open for those ideas to find you is the most crucial step in the creative process

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Do you ever have creative slumps? What do you do then?  Yes.  I ride them out.  The bigger fuss I make out of creative/artist's block…  The bigger the slump becomes.  I will often use the opportunity to brainstorm ideas with my husband or kids.  Often they will just say something (even if it’s off topic) that will just spark the mojo.  My advice is not to make more of a creative slump than what it is…  Eventually it will pass.

Best / most fun part of your job:  Being able to create non-stop.

Worst / most difficult part of your job:  Being able to create non-stop.  It’s an oxymoron.  I create all of the time…  Even if it’s in my head.  I’ll make drawings in my head when I see everyday objects, or new ideas will find me in the supermarket queue.  This may sound great, but there’s no office door you can close and say tonight is my night off.  Having a studio at home adds to the craziness, but I won’t change it for the world.

Do you have side projects you work on?  Except for being a wife and mother – all my projects are illustration related.  I’ll be presenting creativity classes, starting next week, where I would love to bring people to art and art to people.  I hope to encourage people that believe they are not creative (or not creative enough) or even feel they are not artistic to start creating.  In our journey I hope to teach them a few techniques that may create that spark.

What’s on your horizon? Any current/future projects and plans/dreams you can share with us?  I’m planning to launch my own collection of products – hopefully this year.  I want to get some of my favourite illustrations printed on various items and start selling them – probably to fun little gift shops.

 5 things inspiring you/your work right now:  Everyday objects, my surroundings, animals, hand lettering, characters (often Japanese inspired/influenced).

3 constants in your day:  My daily doodle, creating new portfolio pieces and spending time with my family.

Your #1 art tip or words of wisdom:  Don’t overthink your art.

Please send when we can find you online: 

Web:  http://www.jackoutofthebox.co.za

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/jackoutthebox13

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/kotievanwykillustration

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackoutofthebox13

Linkedin:  https://za.linkedin.com/in/kotievanwyk1

Glimpses of my Life Week 10

It has been a super busy week this week. I feel like I have had a week of Mondays. I have so much to do and a few deadlines that are coming up. I am trying to get everything done but I feel like I have so much to do that I can't get anything done. 

I am taking part in the Creative Bug March Monthly Drawing Challenge, and I am having fun so far. These are a couple of the ones that I have done this week. I am also going back and doing the January challenge as well. I am working in a very small book so that this is a quick project and I don't fell like I have to draw a full page. 

I am working on another coloring book and this one is going to be full of quotes. I am really excited about this one and I love creating each of the words by hand. 

My third coloring book is in my hands now. It has live on Amazon for a couple of weeks now and I have one in my hands. I am so excited that all of the copies of my first printing have sold out. I am working on finalizing the opening of my wholesale company, and I have a new line of products that I can't wait to be able to show it to the world. 

Let's Talk Art with Gill Cameron

Today I am interviewing Gill Cameron, she was a fellow student in the  Make Art That Sells Bootcamp. 

Tell us about yourself. What makes you tick?.  

Originally from Scotland, I now live in beautiful Bondi, Australia, having moved here almost 20 years ago. I love all things mid century, furniture, artwork, color palettes. I work as an in-house textile designer and in my spare time I sell a range of fine art prints inspired by my home town and all the sun, sand, waves and people that go along with it. My prints are sold under the banner of 'Line for a walk'

How did you get started as an illustrator? 

My love of drawing started young and has developed into a design career. After completing degree in textile design I have been designing and illustrating for the last 20 years, working as a studio designer for fashion brands and now as an in-house designer for a fabulous housewares company.

How did you find your style? Has it changed since you started? 

After so many years of working in studios I was pretty good at working in 'any style' but I was feeling flat about the whole design process. I felt like I had to explore what my style actually was so I enrolled in the first MATS bootcamp class. I work well to a deadline so I loved that this class made me complete a piece of work and often from a subject matter that I would never have chosen.  Since completing both bootcamp classes my style developed to a point where I felt confident to start selling my work though local galleries.

Can you briefly explain your creative process, mediums, etc? 

When I trained as a textile designer we did everything by hand, painting the flowers and working out repeats with rulers and tracing paper. I think this has been a huge advantage as I still start all my work with a sketch or with painted motifs. My main mediums are watercolor inks and drawing pens.  I have a library of beautiful washes that I often refer back to. After my initial drawings I use illustrator and photoshop to work up the final design or print.

How do you come up with new ideas? Do you have a process? 

I draw every day. This is something I used to do but had stopped.  During Bootcamp I started a sketchbook again and this is where the most unlikely ideas come from, including my winter swimming ladies.

Do you ever have creative slumps? What do you do then? 

Of course, life if busy and sometimes I just don't want to get back on the computer.  When that happens I paint something.

Best / most fun part of your job: 

Drawing and painting at the kitchen bench, especially when the kids join in. My daughter told me last week she is 'so over' watercolor and prefers acrylics as she can use more brushstrokes and not muck it up. It made me laugh.

Worst / most difficult part of your job: 

Time management. With a job and a family, trying to get more work into my range and into more galleries is the hardest part. 

Do you have side projects you work on?  

My prints are my side project. 

What’s on your horizon? Any current/future projects and plans/dreams you can share with us? 

To transition my website to include an online shop, to cement the relationships I have with my existing galleries and to add some more stockists. And to use social media better and smarter. 500 followers on instagram would be a good start.

5 things inspiring you/your work right now: 

sunshine, mid century posters, wood/lino cuts, dogs, geometric patterns.

3 constants in your day: 

coffee, sketches, eggs for breakfast.

Your #1 art tip or words of wisdom: 

Just start, don't wait for the perfect time in your life. Create and tell people what you are doing. Work on what you like, not what you think you should like.

WEB: www.lineforawalk.com

BLOG: http://www.lineforawalk.com/new-blog/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/lineforawalk

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/lineforawalk/