Creating on the Go with Procreate: How to Practice Your Skills and Create Anywhere
Are you a beginner artist looking for a way to practice your skills and create from anywhere? Look no further than Procreate for the iPad! As a traditional illustrator who loves working with watercolors and colored pencils, I was hesitant to try digital illustration at first. But once I gave Procreate a chance, I was hooked. Not only is it an affordable one-time purchase (no monthly subscriptions!), but it also offers a wide range of features and tools that allow me to create anywhere, anytime.
Read MoreAs an illustrator, I've learned a thing or two over the years. Some of which, would have been helpful to know early on.
Being a freelance illustrator isn’t just about the art, in fact there are a lot of other factors that go into this creative profession.
Read MoreThe best way to avoid falling down the Instagram rabbit hole of mindless scrolling... is to set some time limits.
And I'm not talking about relying on willpower alone. Instagram has made it easy to do on the platform with a few clicks. Learn more about Activity / Time Spent features on the Instagram app
Read MoreRepeat after me, an algorithm is not the boss of YOU.
Trying to navigate an algorithm is as fulfilling as being on a hamster wheel - it's frustrating and gets you nowhere. Believe me, I understand the frustration. Instagram has changed dramatically since I joined in 2012. Like many people, Instagram had me feeling disheartened. I would post and have little engagement. It seems that folks aren't always social on social media. We can place blame on the villainous algorithm limiting the people who see our posts, but what about the folks who do see it? Why is engagement low and how can we connect with an audience better?
Read MoreAs a creative small business owner, I need to find my way out of low-energy or unproductive days so that I can get things done and hit my deadlines. The best way (for me) to do this is by understanding the purpose behind the task. If it’s a client deadline… well that’s easy, I want to get paid and make the client happy. But what if it’s a personal goal? Then you need to know YOUR WHY because Passion and Purpose fuel PRODUCTIVITY.
Read MoreRejection stings, but realistically, it’s part of being a working creative. It doesn’t matter if you’re an artist, designer, photographer, illustrator, or writer - a piece of your heart is ingrained in what you create. Rejection feels bad, understandably so. The trick is how to move beyond feeling upset so that you can get back to creating. Your livelihood depends on being adaptable and able to consistently market and pitch your work.
Read MoreWorking from home has its challenges, especially when the WIFI is down, but I have some recommendations for how to make it easier.
11 simple tips to make working from home better.
Read MoreBeing able to sink into a highly-focused creative zone is one of the best things you can give yourself. Sometimes, it's as simple as a change of perspective and knowing how to organize a more optimal environment for you to create from.
Read MoreAnswers to some of the more common questions that I have received about illustration, freelancing, and finding clients.
Read MoreThrough questions and exercises in the workbook, you will be able to turn ideas into goals to inspire more confidence and fulfillment in your creative pursuits. Finding your Creative Path helps you align with your goals over a 12-month period using seasonal planning. Perfect to start the new year with… or anytime you want to make a change and chart a new creative path.
Read MoreAs a freelance artist, creative entrepreneur, or small business, part of the grind… and let’s be honest it is a grind, is working within a budget. Yes, it would be lovely to have unlimited funds💰 at our disposal but typically, that’s not how it works. In this article, I share 10 simple cost-cutting ideas that you can try with your freelance business… plus a BONUS tip that might make you rethink how you spend your workday.
Read MoreLike many creatives, I spend hours in the studio, so it needs to be conducive to a “happy creating” place. While there are many things that I enjoy using every day, when fall comes around I add a few seasonal “must-haves”.
Read MoreAs a creative freelancer or entrepreneur, it’s easy to get caught up in the busy work of planning vs doing. Planning is important, but it's only one step in the process. If you don't move beyond that step, planning slides into procrastination. And really, don’t we have enough distractions in our daily lives (um…hello social media and a pandemic) to not become sidelined with continual planning. So don’t get bogged down with planning, move beyond that step, and learn to enjoy the whole creative journey.
Read MoreI understand that some folks think marketing feels “icky”. Try to embrace the fact that marketing is part of being a freelancer (or entrepreneur). Marketing your services and finding new clients can be frustrating, but with the right frame of mind, it’s easier to discover what feels natural and works best for you.
Market on your terms using your strengths and interests, so that it becomes a happy part of your business instead of a drag.
Read MoreWith everything going on in the world how can we stay hopeful, productive, and dedicated to running a freelance business?
The illustrator in me wishes I could wave a magic wand and make things better… but we don’t live in a Disney movie, lovely as they are. Instead, I’ll share 10 things that I often do to feel more light-hearted, productive, and hopeful.
Read MoreBefore you can stand out, you need to be willing to show up for yourself and create - through the good, bad and everything in between. Read about the 7 suggestions that I have to motivate you to create and set yourself apart.
Read MoreWhat makes a successful creative? Hmmm... talent, insane art skills, boatloads of happy clients, and an expert level of Photoshop. Well, sure, all those things are helpful but I want to focus on 7 qualities that ALL successful creatives have.
Read MoreSeasonal goals work in shorter, 3-month time frames, to keep you motivated and productive. Instead of putting all your focus on a large yearly goal — you plan several goals that work with the seasons and your schedule. This system works exceptionally well, especially if you’re a freelancer, artist, or entrepreneur who is juggling a hectic family schedule.
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