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Studio Chat – Time Management, Juggling Life and Staying on Track with Your Business Goals

Studio Chat – Time Management, Juggling Life and Staying on Track with Your Business Goals

by | Jul 22, 2024 | Uncategorized

Studio Chat: Time Management, Juggling Life and Staying On Track with Your business Goals

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.

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

Get Access Here
How To Get Your Design Chosen For An Art Call

How To Get Your Design Chosen For An Art Call

by | Apr 29, 2024 | Uncategorized

7 Tips for Art Call Success: Getting Your Design Noticed & Selected

So you’ve read the brief for an Art Call, and you’re itching to jump in and start designing – but wait! Not quite so fast! There are some key details that you need to pay attention to before you put pencil to paper! 

Here are 7 of our tried and true tips when designing for an Art Call:

  1. READ THE BRIEF CAREFULLY!
    We can not stress this enough, take the time to carefully read the brief. A quick tip is to take out a pen and paper and write down important details as you are reading that you want to keep in mind while you’re designing.


    2. THEME: 
    Make sure that your submission aligns with the theme of the Art Call. You need to understand and respect the brand you are submitting to, which means submitting work that aligns with their specified theme, work that aligns with their visual style, and work that is tailor made for them to consider, not just something that you have created previously with an abstract reference to the art call. 

3. COLOR PALETTE:
Art Calls often include guidance on color palette.  Submissions that don’t take that color palette guidance into consideration are rarely going to be considered. In our art calls, we’ve seen some beautiful patterns that most likely won’t be selected because specified color palette requests are ignored.
Tips for color:
Use at least one of the prescribed colors in your palette or similar tones.
Visualize your design on the product you are designing for, how would it look in a real life setting? Would the colors of your design look like it was from the art call collection?

4. OLD WORK VS NEW WORK:
You are more than welcome to submit artwork that you have previously created for an Art Call. However, you will want to make sure that it is artwork that is available for a licensing or a buyout and that you take the time to ensure it has a color palette that coordinates with what the brand has requested and meets the criteria of the Art Call.

5.SHARING YOUR DESIGN
Often times it’s stated within an Art Call if the company wants you to keep your design exclusive or not. If it’s a non-exclusive that means your welcome to upload your design to places such as Spoonflower and most of the time you are also welcome to go ahead and share your design on your website, social media, etc. If it is exclusive, you will often need to keep it private until you know the results.

6. FILE REQUIREMENTS
Does the Art Call include specific details on final file specifications for your submission? These details are incredibly important! If you do not submit the correct file type your submission will not be included for consideration in the art call. It is a good idea not to start designing until you know all the specifications of the final file type required (eg: colour profile, DPI, file format etc). Many submissions don’t even require you to have your motifs in a repeat to submit – so make sure you read carefully to save yourself a lot of time!

7. SPACE:
We are not taking about scale when we talk about space. Please take into consideration how much “white space” or “empty space” you have in your design. If you are designing for a product with a smaller surface area you will want to take that into consideration. A design with a lot of white space or empty space won’t work as well for a small product, eg: baby clothes, as it would on a larger product such as wallpaper.

In an art call, details matter. 

So, now that you’ve made sure you’ve read the brief through once, twice and even three times, it’s time to grab your pencil and dive into designing!

Join us!

Xx ~ Fleur & Ryann

Now that you’re equip with all the tips you need for your next art call, it’s time to refine your portfolio. If you aspire to enhance your portfolio with well-rounded, marketable, and high-quality artwork, you’ll adore our Creative Design Brief Membership. It equips you with all the necessary tools, meticulous planning, and strategic thinking to ensure you have your most successful year yet! Click the link below to learn more and unlock the potential for your artistic journey.
PS. If you would love to stay up to date we everything we do then join our newsletter HERE 
 
 
Learn More Here

Yeah Baby Goods Art Call Results

by | Feb 12, 2024 | Uncategorized

Yeah Baby Goods Art Call: Winner and Licensing Results for Our Creative Design Brief Members

Cue the fanfare and let the celebration begin! 🎉 We’ve just concluded our latest ART CALL in collaboration with the beloved brand, Yeah Baby Goods, and the outcomes have been absolutely extraordinary!

We’re over the moon to celebrate the achievements of our Brief community members. With this latest initiative, we’ve seen a total of 5 of our talented members have their designs licensed through these Art Calls, a testament to the incredible opportunities these events provide.

First and foremost, a heartfelt THANK YOU goes out to our amazing community. Your creativity is the lifeblood of what we do, and we are continually awed by your skill, passion, and commitment to your craft. The joy of hosting these Art Calls is immeasurable, especially when we witness your brilliant takes on our briefs. The effort, time, and creativity you pour into each Art Call shine brightly, and please know, your hard work is truly appreciated.

This time around, Yeah Baby Goods had the tough task of selecting from nearly 200 outstanding submissions, with 10 designs advancing to the final voting round. This speaks volumes about the quality and appeal of your creations! And for those who weren’t selected this time, remember, your efforts have contributed significantly to your growth. These Art Calls are a golden chance to enhance your portfolio and hone your skills in aligning with a company’s design brief, expanding your range and showcasing your versatility. Moreover, this isn’t the end of the road—far from it. It’s an open invitation to continue presenting your innovative designs to Yeah Baby Goods, especially if you believe your vision aligns with their ethos and appeals to their clientele.

To all surface pattern designers, this moment is for you. Let it serve as a beacon of inspiration, a call to explore new horizons, and a reminder of the boundless possibilities that await in your creative journey. Keep pushing boundaries, keep innovating, and remember, every Art Call is a new beginning.

 

Now, let’s dive into the results!!

Yeah Baby Good’s top pick 🥇 goes to @kittenlane!  We can’t wait to see this beautiful design on Yeah Baby Goods in the coming weeks. Let’s support Nikki and congratulate her on this exciting step forward in her creative journey.

A massive shoutout to our partner in this artistic journey, Yeah Baby Goods. This wouldn’t be possible without them!

Remember, even if your creation didn’t make it this time, keep creating, keep shining, and stay tuned for more exciting opportunities on the horizon! 💛

Want to join our next Art Call? Be sure to join our Portfolio Building Creative Design Brief Membership!!

Not a Portfoilo Building Creative Brief Member yet?

Join Us Today

WHAT YOU’LL GAIN FROM OUR DESIGN BRIEFS

Our design briefs offer you valuable insights and advantages:

– Recommended Pitching Timeframes: Each brief is carefully timed to align with the season and industry trends, helping you pitch your work at the right moment.

– Insider Knowledge: Gain access to insider knowledge about what to design and when. Stay ahead of the curve and create designs that resonate with the market. This has taken us years to figure out & perfect!

– Work in Advance: With our design briefs, you can work well in advance, ensuring you never miss out on opportunities. Be prepared and proactive in your creative journey.

OUR COMMITMENT TO QUALITY

We created these design briefs in 2022 because we needed them ourselves. Since then, we’ve used them every month in our own design businesses alongside our members. We pour our hearts and energy into crafting each month’s Design Brief to provide you with quality, well-researched, trend-driven creative design brief challenges.

We’ve done all the strategic thinking and planning for you. All you need to do is show up and dive in. Our design briefs are not only affordable but also packed with value. Plus, there are even more bonuses inside!

Did someone mention ART CALLS?

READY TO TAKE YOUR PORTFOLIO TO THE NEXT LEVEL?

 

Click the button below to learn more about this wonderful design tool we’ve created to help you on your creative journey in art licensing, surface pattern design, textile design, and product development.

Join us in the adventure of artistic growth, portfolio enhancement, and creative empowerment!

Learn More Here

Xx- Ryann & Fleur

From Meh to Wow: How to Make Your Pattern Designs Stand Out

From Meh to Wow: How to Make Your Pattern Designs Stand Out

by | Nov 7, 2023 | Uncategorized

From Meh to Wow: How to Make Your Pattern Designs Stand Out

Let’s talk about how surface pattern designers can take

their designs to the next level! 

1. Keep Your Finger on the Pulse: First off, stay in the loop with what’s hot and happening in the design world. Trends, colors, and styles are like fashion – they come and go. Embrace the current wave to make your designs more appealing.

2. Find Your Design Groove: It’s time to put your own stamp on your work. Think of creating style as your design superpower. Whether it’s a particular color palette, a favorite motif, or a unique technique, let it shine through in your patterns.

3. Get Experimental: Don’t be shy to try new things! Explore different techniques – from traditional hand-drawing to digital. Your willingness to experiment can lead to some amazing breakthroughs.

4. Tell a Good Tale: Your patterns can tell a story. Whether it’s a whimsical narrative or a deep concept, infuse your designs with a bit of visual storytelling. It adds layers to your work and can make it more impactful.

5. Seek Inspiration Everywhere: Look around and let the world be your muse. Nature, architecture, vintage knick-knacks, or even science – they all hold inspiration that can spark your creativity.

6. Embrace Cultural Diversity: Dive into the rich tapestry of global cultures for fresh ideas. Borrow elements from different traditions to add diversity and uniqueness to your patterns.

7. Think About Scale and Harmony: Play with different scales in your patterns. Big, bold designs can be just as captivating as smaller, intricate ones. And don’t forget balance – it’s like the secret sauce for visual harmony.

8. Color Theory is Your BFF: Become pals with color theory. Understand how colors work together, create beautiful palettes, and set the mood with your color choices.

9. Don’t Fear Feedback: Be open to feedback and critique. It’s like a creative workout that makes you stronger. Seek input from others, learn from it, and watch your designs grow.

10. Eco-Friendly is Cool: Think green! Create designs that are eco-friendly and perfect for sustainable products. It’s not just good for the environment; it’s a selling point.

11. Team Up with Fellow Creatives: Collaboration can lead to fresh ideas and fantastic designs. Working with other designers, artists, or manufacturers can be a game-changer.

12. Tech is Your Friend: Stay up-to-date with design tools and software. The digital world offers endless possibilities to take your designs to the next level.

13. Never Stop Learning: Keep the learning fire burning. Take courses, attend workshops, and stay curious. The design world is always evolving, and the more you know, the better you can adapt.

14. Spread the Word: Don’t just make great designs; let the world know about them. Market your work, build an online presence, and use social media and e-commerce to reach a bigger audience.

15. Create a Design Diary: Jot down your ideas, sketches, and inspirations in a journal or sketchbook. It’s your creative treasure chest for future projects.

Elevating your surface pattern designs is a journey – an exciting one! With your creativity, some willingness to contine skill-building, and paying attention to the world around you, you’ll be crafting designs that stand out in no time. Happy designing! 🎨💫

READY TO TAKE YOUR PORTFOLIO TO THE NEXT LEVEL?

Join Us Today

WHAT YOU’LL GAIN FROM OUR DESIGN BRIEFS

Our design briefs offer you valuable insights and advantages:

– Recommended Pitching Timeframes: Each brief is carefully timed to align with the season and industry trends, helping you pitch your work at the right moment.

– Insider Knowledge: Gain access to insider knowledge about what to design and when. Stay ahead of the curve and create designs that resonate with the market. This has taken us years to figure out & perfect!

– Work in Advance: With our design briefs, you can work well in advance, ensuring you never miss out on opportunities. Be prepared and proactive in your creative journey.

OUR COMMITMENT TO QUALITY

We created these design briefs in 2022 because we needed them ourselves. Since then, we’ve used them every month in our own design businesses alongside our members. We pour our hearts and energy into crafting each month’s Design Brief to provide you with quality, well-researched, trend-driven creative design brief challenges.

We’ve done all the strategic thinking and planning for you. All you need to do is show up and dive in. Our design briefs are not only affordable but also packed with value. Plus, there are even more bonuses inside!

Did someone mention ART CALLS?

READY TO TAKE YOUR PORTFOLIO TO THE NEXT LEVEL?

 

Click the button below to learn more about this wonderful design tool we’ve created to help you on your creative journey in art licensing, surface pattern design, textile design, and product development.

Join us in the adventure of artistic growth, portfolio enhancement, and creative empowerment!

Learn More Here

Xx- Ryann & Fleur

Little Cocalico Art Call Results

Little Cocalico Art Call Results

by | Oct 31, 2023 | Uncategorized

Little Cocalico Art Call: Winners and Licensing Results for Our Creative Design Brief Members

🥁 Drumroll, please! 🥁 Our latest ART CALL with the online Fabric Print-On-Demand retailer Little Cocalico just wrapped up, and the results are nothing short of spectacular!

Guess what? They didn’t pick just one Portfolio Building Creative Brief member’s collection; they chose TWO amazing collections from our member submissions to be licensed with them – and it totally blew their minds! 🏆 We are thrilled about the success of our Brief members. Over the last two Art calls, four members have had their artwork licensed, which is absolutely amazing.

Before we dive into the details, we want to send a massive THANK YOU to this incredible community. You guys are the heartbeat of creativity, and we’re endlessly inspired by your talent and dedication! Hosting these Art Calls is a true joy, and seeing your unique interpretations of our briefs? It’s pure magic! You all put so much time & energy into this Art call, and it does not go unnoticed.

We were excited to see Little Cocalico choose from over 100 submissions, with 29 collections making it to the voting stage – that just goes to show how amazing all your work was!! Even if you didn’t get picked, your hard work will not have gone to waste. This was also a great opportunity to build your portfolio & practice working to a Design brief from a company, to flex your skills & widen your portfolio. This is also not a closed door; it is still a wide-open door, and you can still pitch new collections to Little Cocalico if you feel you are a good fit for their company & customer base.

Now, let’s dive into the results!!

Little Cocalico’s top pick 🥇 goes to @studio.rianne, and their 2nd place collection was none other than @poppiesanducks! We can’t wait to see these two beautiful collections with Little Cocalico in the coming weeks. Let’s support Rianne & Benedetta and congratulate them on this lovely move forward in their creative journey.

Find Studio Rianne’s collection on Little Cocalico here and Poppies and Ducks collection here.

And to all the talented souls who entered but didn’t make the final cut – you are AMAZING! 🌟 Your work shone brightly, and we appreciate every stroke of your creative genius.

 

A massive shoutout to our partner in this artistic journey, Little Cocalico. This wouldn’t be possible without them!

Remember, even if your creation didn’t make it this time, your talent is boundless. Keep creating, keep shining, and stay tuned for more exciting opportunities on the horizon! 💛

Our next Art Call drops in December for our Portfolio Building Creative Design Brief Members, so stay tuned!!

Not a Portfoilo Building Creative Brief Member yet?

Join Us Today

WHAT YOU’LL GAIN FROM OUR DESIGN BRIEFS

Our design briefs offer you valuable insights and advantages:

– Recommended Pitching Timeframes: Each brief is carefully timed to align with the season and industry trends, helping you pitch your work at the right moment.

– Insider Knowledge: Gain access to insider knowledge about what to design and when. Stay ahead of the curve and create designs that resonate with the market. This has taken us years to figure out & perfect!

– Work in Advance: With our design briefs, you can work well in advance, ensuring you never miss out on opportunities. Be prepared and proactive in your creative journey.

OUR COMMITMENT TO QUALITY

We created these design briefs in 2022 because we needed them ourselves. Since then, we’ve used them every month in our own design businesses alongside our members. We pour our hearts and energy into crafting each month’s Design Brief to provide you with quality, well-researched, trend-driven creative design brief challenges.

We’ve done all the strategic thinking and planning for you. All you need to do is show up and dive in. Our design briefs are not only affordable but also packed with value. Plus, there are even more bonuses inside!

Did someone mention ART CALLS?

READY TO TAKE YOUR PORTFOLIO TO THE NEXT LEVEL?

 

Click the button below to learn more about this wonderful design tool we’ve created to help you on your creative journey in art licensing, surface pattern design, textile design, and product development.

Join us in the adventure of artistic growth, portfolio enhancement, and creative empowerment!

Learn More Here

Xx- Ryann & Fleur

Top Tips For Starting the 100 Day Challenge

Top Tips For Starting the 100 Day Challenge

by | Oct 24, 2023 | Uncategorized

Tips for getting started on the 100 Day Challenge 

OUR TOP TIPS FOR EMBARKING ON THE 100 DAY CHALLENGE

Are you longing for a creative outlet. The need for something to get back in the game and regain your confidence.

The saying ‘practice makes perfect’ holds true but we like to think of it as ‘practice makes us better’. Regular artistic expression can transform your art style into something you’re genuinely proud to share with the world.

The 100-day challenge is a remarkable method for achieving this. By committing to one small creative act each day for 100 days, you refine your craft and steadily progress towards your larger dreams and goals.

We wholeheartedly recommend setting this challenge for anyone looking to discover their unique art style or striving toward a significant goal. There are no strict rules, except for completing the project every day.

TIPS TO BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY

  1. Choose a Manageable Format: Opt for a small art diary (A6 or A5) to make the project achievable even on busy days. If life gets hectic, don’t be disheartened by missing a day; resume the next day (but avoid missing two days in a row). Consistency is key to maintaining momentum. If you are in the flow of things & are inspired to do two on one day & know you will be busy the next you can save it to post on your busy day.

  2. Start Small, Dream Big: While a 100-day commitment might seem daunting, consider beginning with a 7-day or 30-day project. However, we highly recommend the 100-day duration for deep self-exploration and fun exploration. The longer you stick at something the better the results.

  3. Share Your Progress: Utilize social media and hashtags like #100daychallenge, #the100dayproject, and #the100daychallenge. You could also create a unique hashtag for easy project tracking.

  4. Set Guidelines: Establish rules to refine your project and prevent overwhelm. Consider focusing on one subject (flowers, patterns, landscapes, portraits, daily events), using a specific medium, experimenting with different mediums, limiting colors, or setting a time limit.

  5. Diversify Your Subjects: Explore a variety of subjects throughout your challenge. Incorporate elements like nature, everyday objects, emotions, or abstract concepts. Diversifying your subjects will keep your creativity flowing and prevent monotony.

  6. Experiment with Techniques: Use the 100-day challenge as an opportunity to experiment with different artistic techniques. Vary your strokes, shading methods, or try out new tools and materials. Embrace the learning process and discover what techniques resonate most with your style.

  7. Incorporate Personal Reflection: Integrate a reflective element into your challenge. Consider adding a brief description or journal entry alongside each piece, sharing your thoughts, feelings, or the inspiration behind the artwork. This can create a more profound connection between you and your audience. 

8.

Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements along the way. Designate specific milestones, such as every 25 days, to reflect on your progress and growth. Consider sharing a compilation of your work at these intervals, allowing yourself to appreciate the journey and inspire others.

Remember, the key to a successful 100-day challenge is consistency and the willingness to explore and evolve. Enjoy the process and embrace the learning opportunities that arise during the creative journey!

SHARE YOUR WORK AND GROW

Before our 100-day challenge, sharing our work on Instagram was a challenge due to self-doubt. However, once we started, the support and interest from a newfound community were overwhelming. Our following grew through consistent posts and hashtag usage. It was a unique experience, unlike anything we’d encountered in our previous years in the industry.

So, our collective message today is: CREATE MORE & SHARE MORE.

We hope this collective experience inspires you to embark on your project. 

Check out our 100 day projects over on instagram 

@h_u_f_t_o_n 

@charlierowandesigns

Join us!

Xx ~ Fleur & Ryann

PS. If you would love to stay up to date we everything we do & this challenge then join our newsletter HERE