Recess Studio

I’ve been 95% done with this one for two weeks, but 95% done isn’t done enough. It feels amazing to finally figure it out and get ‘er done. I’m stoked on this one and I hope you are too. 🌵

I had a big eureka moment that has me very excited about the future of my work. 💡 In September I switched from creating art with pen and paper, to iPad. I saw other artists advancing their skillset via screen, and I thought it would be a great way to streamline my workflow, create content faster, give me more flexibility, and ensure that I wasn’t falling behind with the rapidly-changing technology of today. 👩🏼‍💻 I went from time intensive stippling by hand to rapid-result shading, imperfect freehand lines to software-assisted smoothness, permanent pen to erasable pixels. The stakes were lowered, it was easier, and I enjoyed picking up a new software and medium. I got what I wanted, but not what I needed. I started feeling less excited about the new work I was creating, and less invested in what I was building. Instead of standing out from other content, I felt my digital pieces sinking. ☁️ And through that struggle, and after not having found personal fulfillment in this new direction, I was able to see my work in a way I hadn’t been able to before. ⛅️ It’s not about creating the perfect piece, it’s about celebrating the beauty in imperfections (looking at you, wabi-sabi). 〰️ Squiggly, imperfect, time intensive pen has power over software-aided, rapid-result, pixel perfection. 🌤 I now know what gives my work soul, makes it stand out, and what makes me feel inspired and excited to keep creating. ☀️ Get ready to see some new work with a lot more time investment, but a lot more heart. Cheers to celebrating the imperfections, and the never ending creative journey. Thank you for reading 💗
Note: If you’re an artist reading this who uses an iPad, please see my note in the comments.

Looking at the ornaments on my parents' tree, I saw so many different shapes, texturese, materials, colors, and lighting, that I couldn't resist creating a still life pattern of some of my favorites. You know how it is. I managed to crank this sucker out over the course of one day. So thankful to have had time to recharge and put energy towards my own creative pursuits, and I hope that wherever you are, you're able to as well. Happy creating, and I hope you had a Merry Christmas! 🌟

Creative-type, millennial, kook, probably played college basketball, definitely 6’3” because I’m 5’11” and she’s wayyyyy taller, patio herb garden farmer, sun worshipper, wannabe small business owner... whatever you think of me as, it’s nice to meet you 👋 (hint: six are true, bet you can guess)

My very first 🍷🧀🥖🎨 I couldn’t help myself with this beautiful reference image! If I could climb into this drawing and nibble on some of that bread and cheese, that would be great 🐭