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Remember when I mentioned 5 ways to be creative this month? I totally completed one of my goals! For 15 days, Spoonflower challenged their blog readers to create a design a day. While it sometimes feels like I'm churning out new patterns left and right, this exercise encouraged new ways to create artwork. No, I'm not gushing over my own artwork. In fact, 90% of these I'm not crazy about (and was very close to deleting), but I find it important for artists to learn from failed designs. It's the only way to grow.
So here we go: let's make fun of my artwork TOGETHER! Recap time! Day One: Pencil
Pencil is basically the birthplace of Cozy Reverie. I rarely pick it up anymore, especially since I have a crazy love affair with digital art, so going back to it for a day with nostalgic and refreshing. While I like the rawness of the pencil, I ended up refining this design digitally anyway.
Day Two: Watercolor
I have never been AMAZING at watercolor, so it never even crossed my mind to use it for textile design. These red lips are probably not the best for a repeating pattern, but I can totally see it printed on a relaxed fit tee.
Day Three: Abstract
Having a very literal mind, this one was challenging. The first thing that popped up in my mind was that scene in Inside Out, when the characters become shapes. Am I on the right track? LOL! At least one person knew I was going for high heels with this pattern (Thanks, Rosa!).
Day Four: Block Prints
Um, what? I had to re-read this prompt, like, four times. I had zero clue on how to begin. I cheated. This is what I imagined my first block print would be. Don't get me wrong: this is such a cool way to make a pattern! I just don't have the carving talent necessary to create it...yet. I might go back to this exercise in the future.
Day Five: Pen and Ink
While this isn't my style, I love when other artists use pen and ink. There is something so chic about it. Well, I tried. Maybe it would look better in color? I'm pretty sure this design will become a greeting card at some point.
Day Six: Geometric
I was ALL OVER this one. I instantly thought of using an envelope as my pattern, and I totally got a kick out of naming the pattern "sealed with a kiss". I think I might wrap orders with this gift wrap. I admit, I'm pretty fond of this one. It is already my little icon for my website (did you notice that?).
Day Seven: Vector Art
Okay, I cheated on this one a little bit. This design was from 2014 (I think?) and I made it into a pattern. It would be really pretty as a dress, don't you think?
P.S. Don't judge the crummy resolution; it's a screen shot. I told you I cheated.
Day Eight: Photographic
Cool concept, but not for me. I don't have the patience for it! GAH, sue me. However, there are some amazing artists out there using photography in their textiles, so be sure to check them out.
Day Nine: Free Software
I'm so glad they used this prompt! Artists aren't rich (Help me, I'm poor), so free apps and programs are total magic for us. I currently use programs that I did pay for, but I went back to Paper 53 for this day. Sketching out ideas is ideal on this app, especially because there is a "pencil", "pen", "marker" and "watercolor" option. It is not perfect, but I'm thinking of refining this illustration to make it into an actual pattern for fabric. Eyelash curler - who knew?!
Day Ten: Steampunk
Not gonna try THAT again. *womp womp*
Day Eleven: Dyed
Bleh. Or this one.
Day Twelve: Typographical
This was just a selfish attempt to get some Mean Girls-style up in my feed. Typography is not my strong suit, mainly because I rely so much on my hand drawings, so I put the quote on repeat with the Graphic app (formerly known as iDraw). Not too shabby, huh? I'm leaning toward making this design a note card to ship with my orders.
Day Thirteen: Kawaii
By now, I have apparently developed an obsession for lipstick. I named these two cuties Brandon and Molly because I totally think two people with those names would make a cute couple. #Normal
All joking aside, I had fun with this technique and like it for future patterns. Don't be surprised when I put a pair of eyeballs on some French fries. ;)
Day Fourteen
This is one of those awesome moments where stepping out of my comfort zone paid off. I adore this pattern! It isn't perfect (if you try hard enough, you can see the lines where the pattern is created), but isn't is awesome? If yellow were my color, I would totally rock this on a dress...or blazer. Ooh...a blazer!
Day Fifteen: Designer's Choice
Forgive the resolution because this is a screenshot, but with baseball season coming soon, I had to post my design inspired by The Sandlot. I haven't figured out what I want to make with this fabric, so I think giftwrap might be the way to go. Handdrawn + digital touches is my favorite way to go, that's for sure.
Whew! There you have it. 15 days of designs and it wasn't easy. Stepping out of my comfort zone in art is super hard for me, especially when different methods attract different reactions. I love how art can bring new experiences unexpectedly into your world. While I probably won't be changing my style any time soon, I loved these exercises. There will always be an infinite amount of ways to make the world beautiful.
Did you try out the Spoonflower challenge? How did you like it?
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