Ever wondered if your artwork needs a story behind it? Well, guess what? You’re not alone! In our latest Creative Studio Chat, we dive deep into the age-old question: “Does your artwork need a story?”

We’ve been chatting away on Instagram Lives for almost a year now (can you believe it?!), and one thing we’ve realized is that there’s this misconception floating around that every piece of art needs to come with its own epic saga. But here’s what we think – : that’s just not the case!

Sure, storytelling can add a layer of depth and meaning to your creations, but it’s not a prerequisite for making something beautiful. Take it from us—sometimes inspiration strikes out of nowhere, and before you know it, you’re knee-deep in paint or lost in a whirlwind of creativity without a story in sight. And you know what? That’s totally okay!

Sometimes, the story comes after the art is finished, and that’s perfectly fine. Other times, we start with a vague idea or a simple inspiration, like a walk in the park or a chat with a friend, and let the creative juices flow from there.

But here’s the real kicker: there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to storytelling in art. Whether you’re a visual storyteller or a wordsmith, the key is to lean into what feels right for you. Are you vibing with a vibrant color palette but struggling to come up with a catchy name for your masterpiece? No worries! You can always circle back and name it later—or not at all!

At the end of the day, what matters most is that you’re creating from a place of joy and authenticity. So go ahead, embrace your unique storytelling style (or lack thereof), and let your creativity shine!

If you are finding that you’re in need of a little inspiration to get creating, then check out our Monthly Design Briefs. We’ve done all the strategic thinking and hard work into putting together beautiful themes, mood boards and colour palettes to kickstart your creative juices. Go check them out!

Do you have an Instagram account? Is your account safe? And what happens if it gets hacked? We spoke with artist, Tara Reid, about her wild ride with her hacked Instagram account. Buckle up because it’s a rollercoaster of emotions and lessons learned.

Imagine waking up one day to find your blood, sweat, and tears—aka your Instagram account—snatched away by some sneaky hacker. Tara knows that feeling all too well. She poured her heart and soul into building her account, sharing her artwork, and fostering a beautiful community, only to have it ripped away in the blink of an eye. It’s like losing a piece of yourself.

And to add insult to injury, the hacker had the audacity to demand money from Tara’s account back. Talk about rubbing salt in the wound! And don’t even get me started on the amount they asked for—it was downright disrespectful.

But fear not, because Tara’s story isn’t all doom and gloom. With the support of her amazing community and a whole lot of resilience, she bounced back stronger than ever. Starting fresh with a new account, Tara received an outpouring of love and support from fellow artists and followers alike. Because let’s face it, nothing can keep a good artist down!

Tara’s top tips for safeguarding one’s Instagram account include using two-factor authentication, changing your passwords regularly, and being cautious about clicking on suspicious links or messages.

The hacking incident changed Tara’s perception of Instagram and has led her to reevaluate her relationship with the platform. She now spend less time on Instagram and focus’ more on her website and other platforms.

So what’s the moral of Tara’s tale? Stay vigilant, back up your work, and cherish your community like it’s the last cup of coffee on a Monday morning. And remember, if the worst should happen, your fellow artists have got your back. We’re all in this together, folks!

Today, let’s dive into the colorful world of finding your unique artistic style. Buckle up, because you’re about to embark on an exciting journey filled with creativity, self-discovery, and a whole lot of fun!

Have you Ever felt overwhelmed by the pressure to find your “signature style”? Yeah, us too. But here’s the thing: it’s not about reaching some destination where you suddenly have it all figured out. Nope, it’s more like a never-ending adventure, a journey of self-exploration and growth.

Picture it like this: you’re on a winding road with twists, turns, and unexpected detours. Along the way, you’ll experiment with different colors, brush strokes, and mediums, constantly evolving and refining your craft. And you know what? That’s totally okay!

Some artists swear by sticking to strict rules and boundaries, and hey, if that works for you, go for it! But for many of us, creativity thrives when we’re free to explore and play. It’s about embracing the joy of making art, letting go of perfectionism, and allowing ourselves to be curious and adventurous.

And please, for your own sake, don’t get too caught up in comparing yourself to others. Your journey is unique, and what works for someone else might not work for you—and that’s perfectly okay! Instead, focus on discovering what brings you joy, whether it’s intricate line work, vibrant color palettes, or experimenting with different textures.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to finding your artistic voice. It’s about embracing your quirks, following your intuition, and staying true to yourself. So go ahead, play, experiment, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes along the way. After all, that’s where the magic happens!

So here’s to embracing the journey, celebrating our unique selves, and creating art that’s as vibrant and colorful as we are. Let’s paint the world with our creativity and make our mark in our own special way!

As an Artist, do you ever find that you set out to accomplish a specific task, only to find yourself lost in a sea of other activities? We certainly have. In a recent chat, we delved into the significance of maintaining focus and effective time management—a conversation that offers valuable insights for anyone juggling the complexities of a hectic schedule.

Have you ever made a comment similar to this?
“Like yesterday, I was determined to work on those images for you, but somehow, I ended up doing something entirely different.”

It’s a scenario that hits close to home for many of us—a constant struggle to stay on track in a world filled with distractions.

So, what’s the remedy? How do you get to the end of your day with a sense of accomplishment? Structure! You need to focus in and set timers. By allocating dedicated time slots to specific tasks, we empower ourselves to stay focused and achieve our intended goals.

It is also very important to spend some time prioritizing tasks based on the current season of life or business. Seasons, both in business and in life, are inevitable. It is important to be able to recognise them and accept the ebb and flow of time availability and business growth.

“Some seasons offer plenty of time, while others feel more rushed. Your business may sprint in some seasons and take a leisurely stroll in others.”

The underlying message is crystal clear—embracing the changes and tailoring your strategies to fit your current season is not just adaptive; it’s a powerful formula for success.

As Artists and Designers, in this journey of adapting to different seasons, we’re all in it together. So, let’s embrace the changes, set our timers, and move forward, knowing that each season brings its unique opportunities for growth.

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!

2. 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.

3. 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!

4. 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!