Make Art That Sells: Illustration Project 1

Hello :)

So, I dove in and decided to enrol in an illustration Make Art That Sells e- course. I chose MATS A, which has five components: creating illustrations for bolt fabric, home decor, children's books, wall art & the gift market.

Illustration projects require much tea :)

I have completed the first project, which was bolt fabric: designing a pattern that could be used on fabric, with a couple of coordinates.

The theme was Pasta & Pyrex.

I think that pushing myself to create something I wouldn't normally create is a good thing. The last thing on my mind was drawing pasta and pyrex bowls. But I learned about the pasta shapes, by studying their twists and shadows; and the style of the bowls were fun to look at and let that retro style sink in then try to create my own retro design elements.

Preliminary sketches & art on my desk

I have found the course immensely helpful so far. There is always something more to learn, skills can always be improved on. I intend to work at my craft (illustrating) to make it better & better, and this class is perfect for that. I get so excited about learning, whether it's some sort of craft technique, or a tip on how to work more productively. And the MATS class is sprinkled throughout with some life tips that help us be better illustrators & artists.

There is so much jam packed into the class, such as galleries of past work, reviews on students work, interviews and industry insider tips. I find the content varies so much and that keeps me motivated as it feels fresh when you're always focussing on something new.

My finished illustration for the bolt fabric assignment

Next up is home decor which I am mega excited about and we are illustrating some images that could be used on ceramic plates, using Staffordshire Pottery as inspiration. Here is a study/ sketch I have done to start this component. I am now working on the roughs and then I will dive into creating the final illustrations. Stay tuned!

Make Art That Sells Illustration Course- home decor illustration

Make Art That Sells Illustration Course- wall art illustration

Make Art That Sells Illustration Course- children's picture book illustration

Make Art That Sells Illustration Course- gift market assignment (coming soon)

Jules :)

New Art Prints

I'm so happy to announce that the whole set of my latest range of animal artworks are available as prints now in the shop! We have an insightful owl, a cheeky bunny, a playful bird, and a sleepy kitty cat. I hope you like them :)

Jules :)

New Cushion

Just listed this new cushion in the shop. I'm quite pleased with how it turned out. It started life as a doodle in a sketch book. It feels amazing to create something where there was nothing before. 

And I'm so taken by the indigo blue colour at the moment. I'm a bit like that; I go through colour phases. My kids get upset because I never have a definite answer for them when they ask me what's my favourite colour :) 

I hope you like it. I love making things to pretty up homes.

Jules x

Recent Art & Creativeness

So I'm really quite busy at the moment! No time to upload new products into the shop or get it out there properly, as I'm in a buzz of meeting deadlines and creating. But I thought I would show you a few recent pics of what's been happening. I will be back soon with new products in the shop and show you all my new goodies soon, promise! 

Jules :)

Pattern Design & Spoonflower Fabric

Hello creativity lovers! I'm talking surface pattern design today.

Fairy House- My first ever pattern design

My second; Vintage Flamingos

I recently ventured into the world of surface pattern design. Of course if there's a new thing out there I have to learn it. Mastering the pattern design basics in photoshop wasn't going to pass me by.

I had a trial subscription to Skillshare and I took a class in Surface Pattern Design. It's pretty awesome. You just have to have the time to watch the tutorials and complete the given tasks. But there are so many things you can learn to do there. I really think it's worth the money if you have the time or have something specific you'd like to learn.

The flamingos in creation stage

I learnt a new easy method that uses a minimum of maths, which is fantastic for the 'mathematical failure' that I am! So, it's not the 'traditional' way of learning this skill, but it works, and I found it not too tricky to learn.

The class was created by Agnieszka Kobylinska. So I completed her course and got stuck into creating some patterns right away. I really like the method she uses, I didn't even bother learning the traditional way of doing it (which she also includes in the class), it seems technical but I'm sure I'd get the hang of it if I gave it a shot.

Create Repeat Patterns in Photoshop With A Maximum Control (and Minimum of Maths!)

An Online Skillshare Class by Agnieszka Kobylinska

I uploaded my new designs to Spoonflower to get them printed onto some fabric. I also made them available for purchase through my new Spoonflower shop.

I placed an order with them and received my package in the mail. Honestly, it was the most exciting package I received in the mail for a long time! I was even scared to open it I was that excited!

My fabric! I've never had my art transformed into fabric before. I was really happy with the quality. Such a great new medium for me with so many possibilities. See the dark blue fabric? That is destined for some new cushions. Stay tuned for those...

Time to start a new pattern?

Jules :)