Teaching with Watercolor Summit 0.2 Gouache Edition
One of my big goals for this year is to teach my first online workshop, and I am so pleased to announce that I am! I am so, so excited to be teaching along with seven other amazing artists in the Watercolour Summit 2.0 Gouache Edition.
Confessions of a Workaholic
So many creative freelancers have relentless working practices that end up harming them mentally or physically. I was one of them. I really had no choice but to find a way of working that was sustainable for me physically, emotionally and financially. This is how I changed my habits and moulded my career into something that was no longer actively harming me.
My 2018 in Review
So 2018 was a bit of a crazy year. I feel like I say that every year, but I think your late 20s are the pivotal years with big things happen and you start making strides in the world rather than just bumbling along cluelessly (or may that’s just me).
Fear of the Blank Page
I don’t personally like the phrase ‘creative block’, but fear of the blank page is definitely real! As an artist and an art teacher I have learnt there are so many things that can hold people back from be creative. Having no ideas, having too many ideas, perfectionism and worrying the painting will be a failure, worrying about wasting expensive materials, and good old fear of the blank page.
The Joy of Watercolor Book Launch
This week I celebrated the UK launch of my book and I have to say after my wedding it was probably the happiest evening of my life. I’m so lucky to have such incredible friends and family who made the evening so special.
Joules x New Designers
It’s that time again, fledgling designers are being pushed gently out of the nest and into the real world. It’s an exciting time, and I was lucky enough to visit New Designers to take a look at the new talent graduating this summer and learn more about how Joules champions creativity.
Watercolour in Blossom with Papier
Earlier in the year I had the chance to work with Papier, one of my favourite clients, on some content for their magazine. T
How to Sketch While You Travel
Is there anything more relaxing than sitting painting in the sunshine whilst on holiday? However it’s so easy to pack your paints and sketchbook in your suitcase and then leave them there all week! I’m definitely guilty of taking my art materials on holiday, but never actually using them. When you are on holiday and you’ve got a limited amount of time to do and see things it can be difficult to make time to sketch. Here are my top tips for making it happen.
2017 in Review
It’s that time again, the year in review blog post! I’m terrible at remembering what I’ve done in a year, and tend to think I haven’t done much of anything, which is why I’ve got my diary out so I can go through month by month and remind myself of all the exciting stuff that’s happened.
How to Wear a Beret
So apparently the beret is back in fashion, which is news to me. Was it ever not in fashion??
Why it Doesn't Pay to Work for Free
Working for free has been a big issue for a long time in the illustration industry, but I really feel it's becoming a bit of a problem at the moment. Here are the reasons why I think it doesn't pay to work for free.
Writing a Watercolour Book!!
Spending the summer working on my dream project and writing a book all about watercolours.
Joules x New Designers
Exploring the latest textile trends at New Designers in association with Joules.
National Stationery Week
Happy National Stationery Week! I love stationery and I'm not the only one. I don't know why stationery bring so much joy. Maybe because it's an affordable treat that can be both practical and beautiful.
A Few Wise Words
Over on Instagram I shared some of my top tips as part of #MarchMeetTheMarker. They were just a few nuggets of wisdom I have cleaned in my 5 1/2 years of freelancing. It was one of my most popular ever Instagram post, so I thought I would share it again here. Obviously I am a freelance illustrator, but I think this advice could apply to any freelance creative.
Illustrating a Book Cover
Last year Text Publishing got in touch with me about illustrating a book cover for an upcoming chapter book. It was a really lovely project so I thought I would share a behind-the-scenes peak with you guys.
A Guide to Painting Easter Eggs
Painting blown easter eggs has become something of a yearly tradition for me. I have produced a little step by step guide to painting eggs, just in case you want to have a go!
Finding Inspiration
In this blog post I wanted to talk a little bit about inspiration. I personally define inspiration as feeling motivated to do something or create something. It's that feeling when you read a great book and immediately want to sketch the main character, or you go somewhere so beautiful that you can't stop taking photos, filming or sketching.
My Favourite Art Materials
I often get asked about the art materials I use, so I thought I'd list some of my favourites here.
Top Tips for Recent Graduates
Graduation is always a scary time, and after the degree show comes down it’s easy to feel a little bit lost. Here are 10 little nuggets of advice to hopefully get you through this transition period.