Artist Spotlight - Pencil Parade Collective

 

Tell us a bit about your collective:

Pencil Parade met in an online class in 2015. Our personalities clicked while chatting in the private Facebook groups and thought it would be a good idea (and fun!) to join forces as a collective. We use Google Hangouts for formal meetings about once a month and have a private Facebook group that we are active on daily. It wasn't until May of 2017 that we finally met in person, to exhibit at Blue Print trade show in New York City.

Tell us a bit about yourselves: Did you go to school for art? Are you self taught?

None of us went to school for art, but we all did creative majors: Betsy and Megan went for Photography, Brooke went for film (and taught Paint and Sip classes!), and Katie majored in theater! We’re all self-taught in art and have lots of individual experience that help in our collective.

Do you work in just one medium? Several?

We all have a range of styles and sometimes we like to change it up!  We work with watercolor, gouache, india ink, and even digitally: painting in Photoshop, Procreate, or vector-based artwork in Illustrator.  

What inspires you / where do you get inspiration from?

Betsy: Having little kids around invites lots of colorful patterns, books and doodads into my house. I also like to pick up vintage cookbooks and fabric at thrift stores when I see something I like.

Brooke: I get inspiration from exploring my city and trying new experiences. Recently I did an Escape room; the set design of the room was so cool and I found an old book that had amazing patterns on the spine. I was also inspired earlier this year by the tiles in the bathroom of restaurant by the beach. I guess it's just being curious and paying attention to the little details of the spaces around me.

Katie: I'm often inspired by what's in my own "backyard." From my literal backyard garden, to the nature that surrounds me, objects in my home, vintage textiles, and children's books.

Megan: Living with an engineer is quite inspiring in itself.  Every project he does is very detailed and logical - this often works its way into my artwork as fun little details and interesting ‘ah-ha’s!  I also enjoy practicing yoga which has a way of making you stop and breath and allowing your mind to think of things in a different way.

 

How did you start licensing your art?

Betsy: My first license was with a sock company. I sent in some designs for a contest but didn't win, but a few months later they got in touch to ask if they could license one of the patterns I submitted.

Brooke: Of course, I've started business relationships by sending new art to companies on a regular basis, but the Pencil Parade art collective has really helped me in my art career. As a group we're able to send out postcards more frequently, have a really well curated instagram account, and reach out to potential clients with a much larger selection of artwork. I think all these efforts combined has resulted in people paying a bit more attention to us. And in essence, it's basically doubling our marketing efforts as an individual.

Katie: I opened an Etsy shop to start selling art prints, tea towels, and stationery items. The first thing I licensed was with a company that found my work on Etsy. Around the same time I was also developing an online portfolio and starting to actively contact companies that I hoped to work with.

Megan: I began licensing when my eyes were opened to it while working in-house at a textile company in LA.  I didn’t even know it was a thing until I saw the work artists were getting after they submitted.  My first license was and is with a greeting card company who I still work with today!

What are you working on now?

We’ll all knee-deep in holiday designs for clients and also some personal work here and there when we can fit it in.

 

Any great advice for our readers?

Betsy: I have an alarm on my phone that reminds me to submit to 2 companies every Monday. I don't always do it if I'm busy with other work, but it's a great reminder to share my work.

Brooke: Find ways to connect with your artist community! It gets lonely working alone and having people you can bounce ideas off of or ask questions, is so important.

Katie: I struggled for years trying to find a style or feeling anxious that I didn't have one. My biggest piece of advice for people in the same boat is to keep making work. It's in there already, you just need to work and it will come out all on its own and then continue to evolve and change. Also, find a support system. Joining my art collective, Pencil Parade, has been one of my best decisions yet. We support each other, help each other, and push each other too.

Megan: I agree with everyone else, and in addition, I actually have some online tutorials and classes to help intermediate to advanced designers.  A lot of them are more technology oriented. I talk a lot about using Photoshop and Illustrator to their fullest and how to work like a graphic designer and not just an illustrator.

Anything else you would like to share with us?

Betsy Siber is really excited to share her first fabric collection in a few months! In January, she signed on with Michael Miller Fabrics as an exclusive designer, and it has been a wonderful experience so far!  All four of us have recently signed on to a photo card company, too, which we're all excited about!

Are you all early risers? or night owls?

Betsy is the only night owl of our collective (the rest are early risers!), but Katie enjoys the quiet of a not-too-late night.

What is your favorite food?

Being in Southern California, Megan enjoys fabulous Mexican food, Betsy likes buttered toast and sushi (though not together!), and Katie says her weakness is French Fries.

Pencil Parade:

Website: www.pencilparade.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/pencilparade

Betsy:

Email: info@betsysiber.com

Website: https://www.betsysiber.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betsy_siber

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betsysiberart

Brooke:

Email: hello@brookeglaser.com

Website: www.brookeglaser.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/paperplaygrounds

Katie:

Email: hello@katherinelenius.com

Website: www.katherinelenius.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/katherineleniusdesign

Instagram: www.instagram.com/katherinelenius

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-lenius-b0052b114

Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/katherinelenius

Megan:

Email: hello@megandunagan.com

Website: www.megandunagan.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/megannicoledesigns

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/megandunagan

Classes: www.megandunagan.com/tutorials-classes/

Want to be spotlighted? email me info@AnnGraphics.com. I am looking forward to your comments and thanks for sharing this great information on social media.

 

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Artist Spotlight - Valerie Hart

 

 

I met Valerie online first - then saw her fabulous booth at Surtex this year! 

Tell us a bit about yourself: Did you go to school for art? Are you self taught?
I was one of those kids that was always drawing and writing. I remember my Mom telling me “a lot” to get my head out of the clouds. I had the title of class artist during grade school. I dreamed of going to art school, but, unfortunately being an artist was not something my parents could wrap their heads around. So I studied business in college. I took a couple of art courses as electives and it was in my graphic design course that the teacher said to me one day, "Valerie, I don't know why you're going into business — you're an artist!" The validation from that teacher changed the direction of my life. After college I got a job at a small publishing company and went onto a 30 year career in advertising and marketing. I worked my way up from a graphic designer, to art director and then creative director. I got to be creative every day and get paid for it. It's only been over the past four years that I started painting, illustrating and developing my style.

What inspires you / where do you get inspiration from?
Everything seems to inspire me. I love cats, dogs and all animals. I’ve always been a very conceptual person. And being a creative director in advertising, it was my job to come up with ideas. I also love looking at other artists work, being out in nature, shopping, store displays, interior design, surfing the internet, Design Seeds, Pinterest, blogs, and driving around. I never seem to be lacking for ideas or projects to do.

Do you work in just one medium? Several?
I started painting in acrylics about four years ago and I've used watercolors over the years. About a year ago I started to work on my “digital style” because I’m targeting the art licensing market. Even though I had worked on the computer for years it was more of a design tool for me. Using it to create art was a different approach. I thought that my style wouldn't translate but it has and I'm building up a good portfolio of images. I first started drawing and scanning in my images but now I can create right in Illustrator and Photoshop. I still do a lot of drawing and painting too. And I’m working on my hand lettering.

What are you working on now?
I’m still working on my art licensing portfolio and reaching out to manufacturers after my Surtex debut this past May. I dreamed of doing Surtex for years and I decided to finally make it happen. And it was an amazing experience! The commitment to do Surtex was certainly a motivator to create art. I’m also adding items to my Etsy shop for the upcoming holiday season. I recently moved across the country to Abiquiu, New Mexico from NH. It was a little magical the way it happened. I’m new to the art licensing world, so I’m still following up and reaching out to potential manufacturers with my work. So many people have told me my art would be perfect for art licensing, so, here I go!

Anything else you want to tell everyone?
It takes a lot of courage to be an artist. If you are interested in doing creative work, you need to start where you are. If you're not currently self-motivated, take a class! I kept taking art classes at night all during my advertising career. You have to make time for yourself and for your art. Your style will emerge and your technique gets better. And I sincerely appreciate everyone who supports my art and has followed my journey.

Are you an early riser?, or night owl?
Definitely a night owl. Woot woot!

What is your favorite food?­­­­
I kind of go through food trends. Right now I’m into oranges, egg strata, animal crackers and this fabulous banana nut bread recipe I recently found!
http://www.copykat.com/2009/08/26/starbucks-banana-walnut-bread/

  http://www.valeriehart.com
  http://www.etsy.com/shop/ValerieHartDesign
  http://www.facebook.com/ValerieHartDesign
  http://www.pinterest.com/ValerieHart
  http://twitter.com/ValHartDesign
  http://www.linkedin.com/in/ValerieHartDesign

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Do You Take Pictures in Stores? (Art Licensing Research)

 

 

I LOVE visual reminders!

I wanted to bring up this topic that I ran into on social media somewhere. Ever since I joined the smart phone crowd last summer, I started snapping pics of things I see while out shopping. The above roosters are just to remind me I need to do some sort of rooster/chick collection. In the paintings above, I liked the complimentary colors used (blue and orange).

The other cool thing that happens is when I look at the photos months later - something completely different about the photo might inspire me!

I feel a bit "criminal" taking the photos! Not sure why. All they do is sit in my phone (until now!). I think it is because it isn't my store and I don't ask permission to take photos… That being said. I have been caught several times taking pictures and no one has minded in the least.

I am hoping to get a lawyers opinion as well as artists and agents. I know there are many others of you out there who do this too! So now that I have come out of the closet, do you like this sort of visual reminder for yourself?

Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

Changing Medium and Style - a Good Idea?

 

Only Amateur Artists Change their Style...

I thought you might find this interesting.
I change styles and medium. I know of artists who don't do that.

Some say changing it up makes it harder to brand yourself. I have read comments that only amateur artist change their style. Many fine artist feel they need a style to survive.

I can't argue with any of that.

So why do I change styles and/or medium? It keeps me excited and challenged. Each has a different strategy, tools and touch to creating the final images. It keeps me fresh and on my toes :-D

I am sure many of you make art because you enjoy the process as much as the final product. Me too! It is SO FUN to loose track of time while creating something. I call it getting into the zone. Changing it up does that for me.

SO I am posting this in hopes of finding out with your comments here (or on social media). How do you stay fresh. What inspires you!

Thanks for taking a peak into my world and sharing a bit of yours.

Toot Your Horn - Pattern Parade

Get Noticed! - New Month Reminder

Hi Everybody. It is a new month. Send a pattern and I will post it here and link it to your blog or website. Be sure to send  the link along with your pattern :-)

Creativity Feels Like...

What Does Creativity Feel Like?

Some of my "non-art" friends ask me what creativity feels like. I am assuming that they think I am more creative than they are. Maybe, but I don't think so.

It is just when you are a dreamer - yep looking out your office window and just relaxed in the moment. You can be lost in a project and loose track of time. When I played sports, we referred to it as being in the zone. Creativity can be enthusiastic, or just one of those moments when an idea pops in your head while taking a shower.

Tell me how you describe creativity? Thanks! ~Annie