Overcoming Sketchbook Intimidation

Do sketchbooks intimidate you like they intimidate me?

Sketchbooks are beautiful, bound bundles of creative potential.  However, somedays, they can evoke feelings of trepidation rather than inspiration. Do you ever find yourself staring at the pristine pages, afraid to make that first mark? Do you, like me, have ambitious dreams of filling its pages with your true creative self? Then find yourself frozen when faced with the first stroke?

I have a love-hate relationship with sketchbooks. On one hand, I adore them. They represent possibility, growth, and artistic expression. Each new sketchbook feels like a fresh start, a blank canvas waiting to be transformed into a sweet little gem. But on the other hand, they terrify me. What if the first drawing is awful? What if the first drawing sets the tone for the entire book?

Sound familiar?

I can’t count the number of times I’ve bought a new sketchbook with grand intentions, only to let it gather dust on my shelf because I was too afraid to begin. The struggle is real.

But I HAVE to draw. Without it, I find that my mood slips, and grumpiness sets in. So, what do I do about it?

Some days, I muster up the courage to say “screw it” and dive in headfirst. Other days, I let the fear win, and the sketchbook remains untouched. Today was one of those days. I received a stack of sketchbooks for Christmas (seriously, the best gift idea for an artist), and yet, there they sat on my shelf, mocking me with their pristine-full-of-potential- pages.

But. I needed to draw! The urge is so powerful some days.  So, I made a choice. I set aside the new sketchbooks and reached for something familiar: plain old printer paper.

With no fear of ruining a perfect sketchbook, I folded the paper in quarters and began sketching. And you know what? It was so freeing!  There was no pressure, no expectation—just me, my pencil, and a plain old sheet of paper. I was able to draw a handful of fruit bowls that have been lingering around in my head. I even liked a lot of them! 

At some point during drawing, I  decided to document the process with a video. As soon as I pressed the record button, I felt nervous. I was nervous in the same way I am nervous about new sketchbooks. Of course the video captures some of my least favorite drawings from the day. But you know what else it captures? The satisfaction of overcoming fear, and the simple pleasure of putting pencil to paper.

I hope you enjoy this process video and the photos of all the drawings from the day. I do plan on spending more time with these drawings and developing them into something more than meer pencil sketches.

How do you all get started in new sketchbooks? Is it easy for you? How do you approach that first blank page? Please comment with any tips or tricks that you use!




From seemingly insignificant doodles to realised designs-reflecting on creative growth

I have been spending some time on my website, working on improving the SEO, so I have found myself delving deep into my OLD blog posts. It’s a bit embarrassing to look back, but ultimately, it has given me perspective and shown me how far I have come in my creative pursuits. It has also been enjoyable to see the origins of some of my current work.

For instance, in 2014 (wow, 10 years ago!), I was drawing highlighters with highlighters and that lead me to paint a sweet gouache painting of a bunch of highlighters in a grid layout.

My original sketch of highlighters drawn with highlighters.

My gouache painting of highlighters. I left off the type saying highlighter and added VERY IMPORTANT-TAKE A LOOK.

This then led me to recreate the idea digitally in Procreate. I kept the type that reads “VERY IMPORTANT-TAKE A LOOK,” but decided to bring back the streaky effect that actually occurs when you draw with a highlighter marker. I did just make this design available in my Spoonflower shop, so check it out if you are interested. :)

My digital illustration created in Procreate.

While I was tempted to delete the Highlighter Blog Post from 2014 because there is absolutely nothing remarkable about that post at all, I decided to keep it as it is a reminder to me that creativity is a process, a journey, and one random little doodle can often lead to bigger and better designs and ideas. It reminds me that I must continue to make those little doodles that mean nothing at the time because you never know where they will lead you.

I have more examples that I can think of, and once I gather up the images, I will be sure to share because I think it is VERY IMPORTANT to TAKE A LOOK and reflect on where you are and where you started.

“Gathering in the Garden”: A Collaborative Fabric Collection with Cotton + Steel Fabrics.

Announcing “Gathering in the Garden”: A Collaborative Fabric Collection with Cotton + Steel Fabrics.

Hi friends, I'm super excited to share with you all my first fabric collection with Cotton + Steel Fabrics! The collection is called Gathering in the Garden, and as the name suggests, it features playful floral patterns: tulips, camellias, and poppies, to name a few. The patterns are a mix of vintage charm with a modern touch.

Screen-printed in Japan on high-quality cotton, this collection is perfect for so many things—from quilters to home decor enthusiasts and those who love to get crafty. I hope the collection will bring joy and inspiration to makers around the world.

Here are a few examples that people have shared with me so far! Amazing! Seeing these fabrics come to life on these beautiful bags makes me so happy. Look how cute these zippered pouches by kleines_hand_werk are! And Jacqueline at raketenfrau has definitely figured out how to make fanny packs covetable. Crimson Tate’s patchwork duffle kit makes me want to head out for some weekend fun.

Being my first fabric collection, I wasn't sure what to expect, and I was curious to explore the collaboration process. Cotton + Steel made the process so enjoyable. It was great to combine their knowledge of the industry with my passion for creating. One of my favorite parts of collaborating was discussing possible colorways and scale changes. It pushed me as a creative person, and I am grateful for that.

I am very proud of Gathering in the Garden and hope it brings you as much joy as it has brought me. Happy Sewing!

Don’t know what to draw?

Inspiration can strike from anywhere, even during your daily stroll!

Since I have been drawing daily in my sketchbook, I often find myself wondering what to draw. Lately, I have begun to photograph anything and everything that sparks my interest. Whenever that little voice speaks to me, I pull out my camera and take the photo without overthinking about the why. Then when I am home later in the day, I have a collection of resource photos to draw from. Of course, I don’t draw everything I photograph, but it’s nice always to have something on hand to draw from. Plus, it’s a great way to build a collection of resource photos to draw from that have meaning and a personal connection to you.

Here is an example of a quick sketchbook drawing of a super cute and derpy cat I saw while on a neighborhood stroll. Inspiration can also strike within the home, so if I see something that sparks my interest but don’t have the time to draw at that moment, I’ll photograph it for later.

WALLPAPER!

I am so excited to announce my collaboration with the wonderful Minnie and Me Interiors to bring you a vibrant collection of WALLPAPERS. You can choose from 8 different designs- from big bold pink flowers, that would brighten any dining room to soft abstract organic shapes for your more quiet spaces. I tried to combine a bit of the modern aesthetic with the timelessness of midcentury design. I think the color combinations are playful yet also sophisticated. I hope the designs inspire creativity and help bring some playfulness into your home.

Besides the designs being versatile, the wallpaper itself is incredibly practical. They are not only removable, but also reusable! So, if you are like me, and feel the need to rearrange your home on a regular basis, or have a hard time committing, you can feel confident and have freedom to explore different looks

Here are a few of my favorites, but please check out the entire collection at Minnie and Me.

Wallpaper with White tulips on a citron yellow background with a set of wooden kitchen utensils

Update 2023

Hello there! it has been A WHILE! Things have been busy around these parts. My family and I moved continents earlier this year. We traded in the warm tropical weather of Singapore for the windy maritime weather of The Netherlands. We are all adjusting, although summers here are proving to be amazing! I hadn’t realized how much I had missed seasons while living in Singapore. It’s always summer in Singapore. Oftentimes, people describe Singapore weather as hot, hotter, and hottest. Anyways, enough about the weather!

Settling into a new country takes some time. So much to learn all at once learning a new language, grocery shopping in a foreign country, and bicycle riding rules and etiquette. The Dutch language is proving to be challenging to learn, but I am enjoying the process and reminding myself that it will take time. I am learning to just go for it, to speak out loud, and learn from my many many mistakes. One thing I have learned from living overseas these last 5 years is how much it challenges me and helps me to grow and learn. Here’s to personal growth!

While we have been settling in, I have been continuing my creative practice. Inspired by a new environment, new climate, and new customs, has led me to rediscover my sketchbook. For the last few years, I have been creating mostly with Procreate (which I love!), but since the move, I have reconnected with real pens and pencils on real paper and I find the whole process extremely satisfying. I have also adjusted my mindset while sketching. I no longer berate myself for terrible drawings, instead, I laugh at myself and wonder how I could do better, and then I try and do better! I also no longer let myself be afraid to draw something. If it scares me (I’m talking to you people and faces), I must draw it. I desperately want to get better at my craft and I can’t improve if I am avoiding what scares me. I am just enjoying the process and feeling happy to be making.

Thanks for reading this far! Below are some photos from my first couple of sketchbooks while living in The Netherlands. At first, I chose a small sketchbook as it felt less intimidating and precious, but as I drew more and more I took the plunge and got a larger one.

Take a look. Hope you enjoy.

TEXTILES NOW AVAILABLE

Super excited to announce that I am now selling select designs through SpoonFlower. This means you can order my playful floral fabrics by the yard.. You can also look for home decor items like tea towels, sheets, napkins, curtains, just to name a few! It’s all so very exciting to me. Here are a few examples of the SpoonFlower offerings. Fill your home with these happy floral prints. Please, when you have a moment, take a look and let me know what you think!

These are just a few of my favourite offerings available on SpoonFlower. There is much much more, so please take a look. :)

WEBSITE UPDATE

I finally updated my website to include my recent collage works and photographs of Singapore. It has been a long while since I have updated it and ideally I will now continue to keep it up to date. One can hope. :)

ALSO . . . I now have a SHOP

Currently, some of my collages are for sale. Check them out if you’re interested.
Free international shipping!

Here is what the new homepage looks like.

Here is what the new homepage looks like.

CATS

When the motivation to draw cats hits . . .

These cats were drawn in Posca Markers on paper.

These cats were drawn in Posca Markers on paper.

Then, I was motivated to paint a large cat on Arches Paper in acrylic paint. Below you can see my painting alongside my cat for scale.

Then, I was motivated to paint a large cat on Arches Paper in acrylic paint. Below you can see my painting alongside my cat for scale.

This is my cat, Suki, pondering life as a cat.

This is my cat, Suki, pondering life as a cat.

And this is an example of how I like to imagine cats on dinner plates.

And this is an example of how I like to imagine cats on dinner plates.

While this is how I image seeing them on tote bags.

While this is how I image seeing them on tote bags.

UPPERCASE MAGAZINE

So happy to share that my surface pattern design work has been included in the UPPERCASE Magazine's Surface Pattern Design Guide.  Pretty cool, right? I think so. UPPERCASE magazine is a super cool magazine for creatives and crafters and designers. It features all aspects of creativity from surface pattern design to typography and illustration. So, yeah, I think it is pretty cool to be a part of issue 32. Thanks UPPERCASE!

GALLERY 205

Super excited to announce that I will be showing some of my drawings and paintings this December at Gallery 205 in Columbia, TN.  Come on by if your in the neighborhood!

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Here are a few pictures from the show.  I was too busy talking to get any photos with Laura or any other of the wonderful people I met that night.  The evening was so fun. I am a pretty shy and reserved person and don’t care much to be the center of attention, but the opening was a really good time. I think the people I met in Columbia, TN were the reason for the good time. Everyone was so welcoming and supportive.

People were asking curious questions about my process of making the stencil paintings and commented a lot on how colorful and playful they were.

One thing I loved and found ironic was hanging up my binder clip illustration with an actual binder clip. The picture is below, so you can see what I meant. How meta is that? And I met a woman who said the spool of thread drawing reminded her of all her mother’s sewing supplies. It made her happy to remember such a nice memory. Hearing that made me so happy. That’s the reason I make the playful art that I make, to bring people a sense of joy.

 

INSTALLATION DAY

Yeah! I got my stencil paintings successfully hung up in the Ponce City Market West Elm.

it was a bit awkward installing the paintings during the middle of the day while the store was open, but I went first thing when there were less shoppers around. All in all it was a pretty quick and easy installation. I am happy with my wall and how these paintings all look together and I think they look great in combination with the West Elm aesthetic: modern, clean and simple.

Please come out and say hello tonight. There will be free beer on tap from The Tap on Ponce.

You can’t really ask for a better night- fun art and free beer. Come say Hi!

Here is the info for the West Elm's Meet the Artists event! 

Friday, November 4th from 6-8,

 I will be hanging my art alongside these talented Atlanta artists: Ashley Hizer,  Courtney Pilgrim, Jessica Rollins.  You should come! It's free. They just ask that you RSVP. You can also enjoy free beer tastings from The Tap on Ponce.  Hope to see you next Friday!

WEST ELM'S MEET THE ARTISTS EVENT!

Excited to be a part of West Elm's Meet the Artists event! On Friday, November 4th from 6-8,  I will be hanging my art alongside these talented Atlanta artists: Ashley Hizer,  Courtney Pilgrim, Jessica Rollins.  You should come! It's free. They just ask that you RSVP. You can also enjoy free beer tastings from The Tap on Ponce.  Hope to see you next Friday!