#artist explores the world
Challenge 144: 10 Years, Looking Forward: Artist Explores the World
When I first applied to Art colleges around the country I felt like Animation was the more realistic approach to getting a job in the “art” industry. I knew I was an okay small town artist, but felt like my artwork was never good enough to be a full time illustrator. While attending SCAD I couldn’t help but double minor in Sequential Art and Illustration because that’s where my heart was.
After graduating SCAD in 2013 I immediately got a job working in my field of 3D video game development- only to find that I absolutely hated it. By late 2014 I had quit my job to travel the world.
I formed Artist Explores the World LLC and over the last 7 years I have poured my heart and soul into videos, photography, jewelry making, illustration and fine art. Only after taking the leap have I learned that my art is good enough, all on it’s own.
It’s now my full time job.
I’m so grateful for the opportunity to have joined in with this collective so full of very talented people. In many ways, especially as the clock sometimes struck a midnight deadline, I’ve wondered if I even really belonged in such a group. I’ve been genuinely honored to be here. The amount of support and growth I’ve felt as both a guest artist and member has been incredible and I’m so thankful for everyone who built this beautiful project. Thank you <3
As my husband and I get closer to finishing our new Skoolie, and prepare to set sail on the next big phase of our lives, I felt my old logo needed a bit of an update. I started with a fresh logo update (the plane of my old is now a bus <3) and then a portrait of the two of us. I hope to have my kitties and maybe a little one in tow - but who knows what the future will hold. Since there was an extra week on this challenge I also spent time updating the animation on my new logo as well. A fresh intro for my new vlogs.
In the next 10 years I hope to be even more traveled, even more confident, and more able to help others to achieve their dreams. I’ll still be free, wild, independent and creative all the while running my own company, my way, and with all my heart.
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Challenge 143: Lucky Charms: Lucky Number Seven
Ever since I was little number seven has always been the most lucky for me personally. When I was 7 I moved to a new house and got a horse, July was always my favorite month and good things happen to me in July, any fortune cookie fortune with a 7 came true, as I got older I’d find weird coincidences would happen in sevens. The 777 scratch ticket would always net me money. For example my husband is the 7th guy I dated and my first professional art studio was #7. For this piece rather than make it too personal, I chose to represent the 7 continents, 7 world wonders, 7 kitties, a boat for the 7 seas, and the 7 colors of the rainbow. This is probably one of the coolest small pieces I’ve ever done and despite all the hiccups in the last week I’m really happy with how this came out.
6 layers of baltic birch, hand painted with watercolors.
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Challenge 142: Lifebook Magazine-Issue #67-“Random”: The Mandala of Creativity
For this particular challenge I had originally planned to tackle two spot illustrations but found myself repeatedly drawn to this one design in particular all the while neglecting the second drawing. It combines two of the article prompts into one. First, I love to declutter after I finish a project, since it’s usually chaos in my studio while I’m in the middle of working. For two, I always draw random mandalas when I’m doodling especially while in meetings or on the phone. I focused on combining these two ideas into one, a creative mandala made out of the art supplies on my desk.
This piece really evolved as I worked on it. I did not originally intend for the rainbow color pallet but now I love it. I’m so happy with the final result. There are 8 layers of Baltic birch, regular and metallic watercolor, gouache and a little bit of acrylic. The centerpiece is a Labradorite stone, which symbolizes creativity for me. (more of that will be explained on my Instagram later. ;) )
Included a alternative text mock up after playing around with the font more thanks to Sarah, as well as a few closeups of the final mandala.
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