fbpx
Studio Chat – Our Five Favourite Art Supplies

Studio Chat – Our Five Favourite Art Supplies

Studio Chat: our five favourite design tools

Today we are here to spill the beans on some of our favorite art supplies and design hacks that have been total game-changers for us!

Let’s dive right in, shall we?

  1. Tombow Markers

First up, let’s talk about markers. If you’re anything like us, you’re a die-hard Tombow fan. Those markers are like magic wands in the hands of artists! We also love Posca pens. They’re refillable, versatile, and perfect for adding a pop of color to any project. Plus, they work wonders on various surfaces, from paper to shoes!

  1. Paperlike Screen Protector

A must-have for digital artists: a screen protector called Paperlike. Trust me, it’s a game-changer! Not only does it make drawing on your iPad smoother, but it also reduces glare, giving you a crystal-clear canvas to work on.

  1. Pantone Packs

If you’re a designer, you definitely need to get into Pantone! Sure, it might seem like a big investment at first, but having those color guides handy can be a lifesaver when you’re working with clients or suppliers. Plus, they make color-matching a breeze!

  1. Moleskin notebooks

We love these notebooks! We love the weight of the paper, the fact that our markers don’t seep through the page, and the range of sizes available. We keep them everywhere, in our handbags, at our desk, in the glovebox of the car – they are super versatile for a wide range of art practices and we can’t recommend them enough!

5. Time Management Cubes

Ever heard of time management cubes? They’re a simple yet effective tool for staying on track and making the most of your creative hours. We use them all the time – especially for those less appealing tasks that we keep putting off!

So there you have it, folks! A sneak peek into our toolbox of art supplies and design hacks. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, I hope these tips help spark some creativity and make your creative journey a little smoother. Happy creating!

If you would love to dive into this topic more then get FREE ACCESS TO OUR STUDIO CHAT LIBRARY  HERE
If you would like to ask us more questions on our 15+ years experience in the design industry, then sign up to become a Creative Design Brief Member, where you have direct access to ask all your questions and a whole library of tailored advice at your fingertips! 

There is an entire video library of chats and it’s totally FREE!

In the library we cover topics including:

– Building A Marketable Portfolio

– Failing Forward

– Industry Myth Busting and lots more

Creative Brief Tip Don’t Miss the Hidden Gems in your Briefs

Creative Brief Tip Don’t Miss the Hidden Gems in your Briefs

Creative Brief Tip

Creative Brief Tip – Don’t Miss the Hidden Gems in your Briefs

Your Monthly Portfolio Building Creative Brief is not just a set of instructions; it’s a treasure trove of potential ideas, waiting for you. More often than not, when you feel stuck or when your creative juices seem to have run dry, revisiting the brief can be the game-changer. Here’s why:

Clarity Amidst Chaos: The Creative Brief is like a roadmap for your project. It outlines objectives, goals, target audience, and much more. When you’re overwhelmed with ideas or uncertain about the direction to take, your brief can provide that clarity you are looking for. Revisiting it can help you refocus on the core purpose of your project.

New Perspectives: Details in your brief might have gone unnoticed during your initial read-through. A second look can bring new insights and perspectives. You might discover nuances, market trends, or unique elements that can breathe fresh life into your work.

Connecting the Dots: The more you revisit it, the more connections you can make between different aspects of the briefs objective. These connections can lead to creative approaches that you may not have thought of otherwise.

Validation and Reinforcement: Revisiting your Creative Brief can also reaffirm that you are on the right track. It’s a way of checking if your current ideas align with the project’s goals. This validation can boost your confidence and motivation.

Reviving Passion: Your brief might contain the initial spark of inspiration that led you to start brianstorming ideas. Revisiting it can reignite that enthusiasm, making you more motivated to start creating.

So, don’t let your Monthly Portfolio Building Creative Brief gather dust on a shelf. Instead, consider it a living document that you can turn to whenever you need a burst of inspiration. The hidden gems within your brief are waiting to be discovered, and they can transform your project from ordinary to extraordinary.

Remember, the devil is in the details, and sometimes, so is your muse.

Talk soon!
Fleur & Ryann
Creative Brief Tip Showcase Your Monthly Achievements

Creative Brief Tip Showcase Your Monthly Achievements

Creative Brief Tip

Creative Brief Tip – Showcase Your Monthly Achievements

As an artist, sharing your work with the world can be a daunting prospect. It’s only natural to feel a bit apprehensive about putting your creations out there for everyone to see and judge.

However, embracing the practice of showcasing your monthly achievements can be a game-changer for your art career. Not only does it help you stay motivated and productive, but it also opens up countless opportunities for your work to be recognized and appreciated.

One of the most effective ways to maintain a steady flow of new, marketable artwork is to work to the Monthly Portfolio Building Creative Briefs.

These briefs serve as roadmaps for your creative journey, giving you a clear direction for your art. Whether you choose to experiment with different techniques, explore new themes, or challenge yourself with specific mediums, having a monthly plan in place can help you break through creative blocks and keep your artistic skills sharp.

The beauty of these monthly achievements is that they offer you a treasure trove of fresh content to share. Utilize your social media platforms, engage with art communities, and connect with potential clients or art directors by showcasing your latest creations. Regularly sharing your work not only builds your online presence but also invites valuable feedback and collaborations.

In addition to social media, consider including your monthly achievements in your newsletters or pitches to art directors. A well-crafted newsletter can keep your audience informed about what you are up to, and your latest collections. Meanwhile, pitching your recent work to art directors can lead to partnerships, and shows art directors that you are consistently creating new work.

Remember, sharing your monthly achievements isn’t about seeking validation but rather about making meaningful connections and seizing opportunities.

It’s a powerful way to let the world know that you’re an active, dedicated artist who is constantly evolving and producing fresh, exciting artwork. So don’t be afraid to showcase your creations each month; it’s a  gateway to success.

Talk soon!
Fleur & Ryann
Studio Chat – When To Invest In Yourself

Studio Chat – When To Invest In Yourself

Studio Chat: when to invest

in yourself

Are you thinking about taking some courses to level up your game? There are so many out there! It’s important to choose well and as they are an investment of both your time and your money. So, let’s chat about a few things to consider before diving headfirst into the world of online learning.

First off, it’s important to think about ‘Why’. Why are you even considering courses? Maybe you’re feeling stuck in your business, unsure of how to tackle those pesky pain points. Or perhaps you just want to gain some fresh insights into your processes. Whatever the reason, it’s essential to identify your needs before hitting the enroll button.

But hold up! Before you start dreaming about all the amazing knowledge you’ll gain, let’s talk about time management. Do you actually have the time to implement what you learn? It’s all well and good to soak up information like a sponge, but if you don’t have the bandwidth to put it into action, what’s the point?

A huge benefit of some courses is the community you are connected to while you are part of the course. The world of freelancing can be a lonely one, and having a support system to cheer you on and hold you accountable can make all the difference.

Now, about finding the right courses. It’s important to make sure the course aligns with your business goals and learning style. This helps you avoid the trap of over-learning. It’s very easy to find yourself constantly chasing new skills without actually having time to use them.

For example, are you a designer making lots of beautiful collections but you’re struggling to get them licensed? Courses like “Art of Pitching” can be a total game-changer. This course helps you to understand industry practices and to tailor your pitch to meet the needs of potential clients – that’s where the magic happens. It also includes annual pitching calendars and pitching email templates to get you over the hurdles and up and running straight away.

So, before you hit that enroll button on that next course, take a step back and ask yourself: Does this course really fit my needs? Will it help me achieve my goals? And most importantly, am I ready to take action? If the answer is yes, then what are you waiting for? Let’s do this! 🚀

If you would love to dive into this topic more then get FREE ACCESS TO OUR STUDIO CHAT LIBRARY  HERE

There is an entire video library of chats and it’s totally FREE!

In the library we cover topics including:

– Building Your Brand Through Community

– Advice for Finding Your Way

– Industry Myth Busting and lots more

Creative Brief Tip Know What to Pitch to Clients and When

Creative Brief Tip Know What to Pitch to Clients and When

Creative Brief Tip

Creative Brief Tip – Know What to Pitch to Clients and When

When it comes to pitching your work, timing is everything.

And when it comes to pitching artwork to clients, understanding the right moment to make your move can be the difference between success and missed opportunities.

Your secret weapon in this strategic game? The Monthly Creative Briefs. These documents aren’t just a collection of guidelines; they’re your timing guide for success.

Every Monthly Creative Brief comes with a recommended pitching timeframe aligned with the month’s theme, which is carefully designed to maximize your chances of catching the client’s attention.

There are a number of things we have considered when designing these breifs.

Seasonal Relevance: Many Monthly Creative Briefs revolve around the seasons and holidays. For example, if a brief highlights the need for Christmas-themed artwork, you should pitch your ideas well in advance to allow time for selection and production. The same goes for spring-themed designs or summer campaigns. Keep an eye on these seasonal trends, and pitch accordingly.

Early Bird Catches the Worm: Many companies prefer to get ahead of the game. They might look for summer-themed artwork in the dead of winter or start planning Halloween campaigns in the summer. Be proactive and aware of these industry patterns, and pitch your ideas early.

Competitive Advantage: Being in sync with the recommended pitching timeframe gives you a competitive edge. You’re more likely to have your proposals reviewed and considered, as your ideas align with the companies vision and timeline.

Success in the creative field often hinges on knowing what to pitch to clients and when. The Monthly Creative Briefs offer invaluable insights into the perfect timing for your pitches. So, start making the most of your briefs and begin pitching your ideas with the art of timing.

Talk soon!
Fleur & Ryann
Studio Chat – How to Find Success with Art Challenges

Studio Chat – How to Find Success with Art Challenges

Studio Chat: how to find success with art challenges

Art and design challenges can be a great opportunity to work with new companies or have your designs found by businesses you wouldn’t have otherwise contacted. They offer opportunities to connect with a community of designers, receive feedback, and support others and they increase your awareness of current trends!

However, if you’re not walking away with new contracts, it can also feel like a giant waste of time.

So, to make sure you’re making the most of your creative energy, here are a couple of tips to  help you to make the most of the design challenges you enter!

Firstly, you need to assess each challenge based on whether you feel inspired, and whether you have the time to commit. There’s no point rushing or entering a design you’re not happy with. It is a good idea to choose challenges that will push you creatively, help you to explore new themes or fill gaps in your portfolio.

Read the Guidelines:
If you decide that you’re going to jump in, you then need to make sure you understand the challenge guidelines. It’s crucial to carefully read and understand the guidelines, including parameters like size, color palettes, and themes.

Know your End Product:
Challenges sometimes focus on designing for specific products or categories, which can help you envision your work in different contexts. Think about scale, white space and the size of your motifs – are they appropriate for your end product?

Staying True to Your Voice:
It is important to maintain authenticity and let your unique style shine through, even within the confines of a challenge.

Benefits Beyond Winning:
While winning a challenge is desirable, there are other benefits like exposure, skill development, and potential future opportunities. Designs created for challenges can have broader applications beyond the specific contest, such as licensing or future projects.

Ultimately, the goal of participating in challenges is to enjoy the process, learn, grow creatively, and engage with others in the community.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to follow Design Briefs then check out our Monthly Creative Design Briefs. Each brief simulates real world client projects, is in line with market trends and supports your professional growth.  Come check our our Creative Design Brief Community!

 

If you would love to dive into this topic more then get FREE ACCESS TO OUR STUDIO CHAT LIBRARY  HERE

There is an entire video library of chats and it’s totally FREE!

In the library we cover topics including:

– Finding Success with Art Challenges

– Keeping Your Instagram Account Safe

– Industry Myth Busting and lots more