Pattern Exploring

I'm trying something new this year. I'd like to come up with a set of seasonal patterns so that I can begin to grow my pattern portfolio and possibly begin to attend pattern licensing conventions. I've realized that I need to expose myself to a larger audience and I also need to produce much more! 

So recently I've began taking photos wherever I go, usually when stepping away from my desk and moving my car. It's a great mental escape and gives me a moment to take my mind of work, my eyes off of a monitor, and focus on my environment and nature. 

I'm excited to see what comes of this. I'll definitely try and post side-by-side images of these photos and new pattern sketches once I get started on them. 

Add some color to your space

Decided to make these two-color pots this weekend that I saw on Pinterest. I absolutely love them! These pots are a great solution to adding pops of color to your space. I think they'd also make nice gifts.

I was at Trader Joes today and saw some herbs that I'd also like to use in some of these pots. I guess over the years I've really gotten into having plants in my home. It may have come from an experience staying with a couple in Philadelphia. The room I was in was so simple and serene — white linen, white curtains, minty walls, a wooden and iron desk, and plants placed around the room. Aaaaaah .... loved it.

These aren't finished but almost there. Just going to gloss them and add some string or ribbon. Original pin here.

Quote of the Day

Yes, yes, yes, yes, YES. (Found on Pinterest) 

"Why Quantity Should be Your Priority" from Medium.com

Two years ago I set a goal of making 22 pillows within a month for a craft show I was going to do with my mom. I haven't done something like this since, but I'm thinking it is that time. 

Why Quantity Should be Your Priority

I've seen a few people post this blog post on facebook and want to repost. Has definitely got me thinking a bit more about the way I create and what I should change. 

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I was recently reminded of a simple general principle to operate by, especially for those of us in the early phases of mastery or wanting to expose ourselves to high-growth opportunities: 

Quantity trumps quality. 

Let me elaborate: quantity should be a higher priority than quality, because it leads to higher quality. The shorter path to maximized quality is in maximized quantity, and executing on the feedback after each finished product. (Some may say that this is a less refined form of deliberate practise.) 

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Read more at the link https://medium.com/better-humans/3bc2b16fe3f5 

Wise Grasshopper Quote of the Day

Just came across this quote at the bottom of an email I received and had to post it. 

Hope you have an amazing Monday! 

Invisible Man project

Something I made while taking an interactive design class last fall. We had to make several sizes for the web and this one of the larger ones that was animated.  

Dinosaur Onesie design

This past Mother's Day I created my first onesie design. I thought it'd be a one-time thing or maybe something I just do for my nephew, but I actually really enjoyed creating it! Thinking about possible starting a little new venture with this. But here's one I did for one of my best friend's son. He should be here in a few weeks and I can't wait to see it on him!

The first onesie design I worked on for my nephew. 

Sacrificial Fruit: Illustration Northern Virginia Magazine's August Issue

Sushi Pillow

Received a request for a sushi pillow. The story behind the request was that the now married couple's first date was a sushi date. I thought it was cute. 

Anyways, before sending it off my friend Lotus helped me take some photos. So here's the pillow, here are a couple of photos, and now I need to figure out if I'll make more of these or not.