The Creative Portfolio
Of course, establishing a portfolio is an ongoing process, but today I’m sharing a couple points that I feel, played a significant role in mapping out the direction of my work. Although the main goal was to create projects that represented me as an artist, I also realised over the year how much experiences and learning from other people has shaped my work, it’s all about how much we are willing to step out of our comfort zone! So grab a hot chocolate, pull on your fuzzy socks and let’s dive in!
Happy December sweet things. I hope your Advent arrived with a bang, and that the confetti of seasonal frivolity showers you all month long. I already have a batch of ginger biscuits in the oven and Micheal Buble’s seasonal standards serenading me from the other room, so I’m set.
I had hoped to come up with something a little lighter for this month’s post, but as this is the last one of the year, I can’t help but reflect on the work I’ve made over the past twelve months. My biggest goal this year was to work on personal projects, that would fit into my portfolio and guide me on my merry way over the coming years. At the end of 2020 I felt hesitant and vulnerable when I considered navigating my creative career as a fresh-faced graduate, as well feeling disconnected from my inner creative voice. I wanted to build a portfolio that laid the foundations for my practice, to take time with projects that showed who I was as an illustrator, and influenced the types of projects I take on in the future.
Of course, establishing a portfolio is an ongoing process, but today I’m sharing a couple points that I feel, played a significant role in mapping out the direction of my work. Although the main goal was to create projects that represented me as an artist, I also realised over the year how much experiences and learning from other people has shaped my work, it’s all about how much we are willing to step out of our comfort zone! So grab a hot chocolate, pull on your fuzzy socks and let’s dive in!
Clarity
I was inspired by Rebecca Green’s post on navigating a creative endeavour to create this mood board to represent the direction of my portfolio. It’s vital to know your own preferences when it comes to style and themes to provide us with focus and direction, especially if you have a tendency to compare your work to other artists’. Getting clear with what you’re working towards gives you purpose and direction, and having a visual reminder is especially helpful to revert back to when you’re feeling uninspired.
Artists include: Miroslav Sasek, Campbell Grant, Julia Sarda, Mary Blair, Carson Ellis, Felicita Sala, William Morris, and my own work!
I sprinkled my board with images by artists I admire and my own work. You could consider colour palettes, artists, themes, pattern and materials to fill your board. Sometimes it’s tricky to put a style into words, but seeing this collection of images, and being able to refer back to it when I’m in a creative lull has been a lifesaver. It’s like my creativity at its core; a visual representation of my illustrative style, and a reminder of what I’m journeying towards.
Specifics
With this visual representation of the direction I’m headed in, I found it so much easier to let go of comparison. I know comparison comes from a feeling of inadequacy with ourselves and our practice, but by getting specific with what you’re aiming for, all the other things that used to seem important will fall away. I used to feel bad that I didn’t make digital illustrations, as it seemed like that’s what everyone else was doing. But looking at my mood board I can confidently say that I’m just not attracted to digital illustration. So why torture myself into feeling bad about not having those skills? If you’re in need of some practical steps to help shift your portfolio in a new direction, I found this podcast episode a great help in discovering my style specifics.
Expansion
As with every year, I made an effort to expand my comfort zone, just enough to feel myself growing in the process (which can be terrifying believe me!) But if I want to grow my art, I have to grow myself alongside it, and I try my best not to stagnate for too long, although lockdown made that difficult for the first half of the year.
With new experiences come new connections, and new opportunities to be inspired. Last month I went to practitioner training day which was TERRIFYING, but I met other artists there; artists who brought their own perspectives to the workshop, which pushed me to look at my own practice differently. I’ve reached out to other practitioners throughout the year, went to a bound book fair, and taught my first workshops. All of which become the building blocks of my creativity and my portfolio. Jumping into new opportunities will not only enrich your work but it’ll enrich your life too. Take a class. Find an online tutorial. Join a local arts group. Learning new skills keeps our brains alert and reminds us to stay humble.
Experiment
It’s scary for us illustrators to feel like novices. If we’re comfortable with a technique or material, don’t we tend to stick to it? This year I challenged myself to create projects using new materials. Nothing too drastic - I didn’t attempt to completely change my style, or use every material available. For one project I decided to work entirely on toned paper. For another I limited myself to a monochrome palette (I struggled so much with that one!) They didn’t always work, but now I can get specific on what I do and don’t like to work with. It’s a slow process, and an ongoing one, but being open to new ideas and new materials will help narrow down your practice, and you’ll become more sure of yourself as you progress.
TRY THIS NOW…
Create a one-day project and limit yourself to two tools. This could be a colour, size, material or time frame. You only have a day to create something, so no cheating! Often boundaries can spark problem solving and help get us out of creative ruts.
Joy
Harnessing a small spark of inspiration can, if we let it, become a snowball of opportunities that have a big impact on future projects. The illustrations that fill my portfolio are an ever-expanding body of work that aligns with who I am at my core. They celebrate magic and charm, friendship and colour, and most importantly, little people with big hearts. And over time, these projects will lead to newer projects and newer opportunities that will lead me further down my creative path. As the year winds down, I’ll be working on a project that’s close to my heart. I don’t have a specific purpose for it yet, but the important thing is that it sparks joy, and to me, that’s the only sign I need to tell me I’m on the right path. After all, isn’t that what making art is all about?
Treasures from November…
*I’m reading Moominland Midwinter over Advent and I CANNOT WAIT
*I recently heard Good Days by SZA and it’s beautiful. It’s quietly nostalgic and the perfect song to welcome in the New Year.
*I’m planning on making this hearty soup in December!
*Christmas cards are available to order from my Etsy store until the end of the year! There’s also 10% off all prints so now’s the time to grab something sweet before the big day!
And that’s all for December! If this was 2041 I’d hand you a virtual egg nog and mince pie fresh from the oven, but technology has yet to catch up with my virtual Christmas dreams. I hope you have the merriest of Decembers, a month filled with quiet snow, hot drinks loaded with spice and moments sprinkled with joy.
See you on the other side.
Merry Christmas Friends.
Catherine
Drama in the Theatre: Scene Process
For most projects I begin with a brain dump, mind map, or some kind of storyboard, where I spew out all of my ideas onto paper. I like to think of these ideas as clouds swirling in my head. Some are light and fleeting, some are heavy and storm-like, bursting at the seams with inspiration. This particular idea of a dancing bird, has been brewing in my head for quite some time. I decided to sketch out vague little thumbnails on paper, and rearranged them on my drawing board until a narrative began to emerge…
Hello my festive friends! It’s November!
To celebrate the longer nights and frost-filled mornings, I’m sharing another processes post with you! I wrote a similar post back in January, so what better way to welcome in the penultimate month of the year by revisiting some of those techniques! Some things have changed, some have remained the same. Either way, I hope you enjoy it!
A cloud of ideas
For most projects I begin with a brain dump, mind map, or some kind of storyboard, where I spew out all of my ideas onto paper. I like to think of these ideas as clouds swirling in my head. Some are light and fleeting, some are heavy and storm-like, bursting at the seams with inspiration. This particular idea of a dancing bird, has been brewing in my head for quite some time. I decided to sketch out vague little thumbnails on paper, and rearranged them on my drawing board until a narrative began to emerge.
Before I begin working on a scene, I like to get the skeleton of the narrative sorted, aka the storyboards, which over time can be fleshed out with colour and imagination. For this post I’ll be showing you my process for the theatre scene! I loved the idea of all those rich golds and reds filling the page, and my inspiration for this came from the Royal Opera House in London.
Out of the sketchbook and into the fire
As with most projects, I start out with a lot of messy sketchbook work, where I figure out the atmosphere, composition and content of the illustration. Some days I fill pages upon pages, and some days all I manage is a few brush strokes. But! Progress is always progress, so whatever happens, I like to keep my critical brain out of this initial stage, and trust my intuition by letting the ideas flow.
I knew the audience was an integral part of this scene, so I played around with different expressions and costumes until I felt that they worked well together on the page. I’ve tried to make more conscious choices when it comes to diverse characters within my work, whether that involves gender or age or race, and with this in mind, I attempted to create characters with a good balance of sensitivity and playfulness. Once I’ve tested each section like this - the orchestra, the stalls, the curtains, the audience - it’s time to pull them all out of my sketchbook and start playing!
Playtime
In my previous post I also called this part of the process experimentation, but play sounds so much more inviting! Essentially I use this time to piece together each part of the illustration on the page, testing composition, materials, colour etc, etc. Each time I complete a test I can step back and evaluate the entire image without burning myself out, or wasting time and materials on full size illustrations. For this particular scene I also tested different paper, opting for a smooth watercolour paper rather than my usual Bristol board, which wouldn’t have supported the large washes of paint I wanted to use. I shifted a shadow here and a music note there, until I felt that everything was just how I liked it.
This part sounds simple, but in all honesty I’ve found it can be quite disheartening. Every test begins with, “This is my final test!” but inevitably there’s always something I want to change by the end and I have to try again. I do however try and limit myself to three tests; not only do I get bored of drawing the same scene over and over, but endlessly trying to improve something inevitably feeds into procrastination, and I believe that some of the best illustrations are born from spontaneity.
Finals Finals!
Once I’m satisfied that no more improvements can be made, it’s time for finals! Hoorah! Overall this piece took me two days, working on it for several hours at a time. If it wasn’t for the effort I put in at the experimental stage, this section of the process would never go as smoothly as it does. Making sure that you test an illustration thoroughly means that you can be confident with the how the final piece will turn out, and be happy in the knowledge that you only have to create it once!
For this project I chose to work with gouache and pencil crayons (a mix of prismacolor and polychromos) on watercolour paper. I’ve been chopping and changing my materials this year, and honestly I’ve enjoyed discovering what works best for me my practice. I think a lot of us assume that once we get comfortable with a style or medium we’re not allowed to change. But experimenting with different materials can be one of the best ways to learn about what we do and don’t like. Whatever your style is, OWN IT! But if want to try a new medium, own that decision too! I think the best artists out there are the ones who are open to trying new materials and not being afraid to integrate them into their current practice.
Cleaning up
The final step was to scan and edit the illustration on my computer. I decided to add the music notes digitally, and balanced out any colour hues that had been altered by the scanner.
And there you have it! One scene done and dusted. What do you think of the final image? Do you have a different approach to this process? I’d love to know in the comments!
Gems from October…
*Every year my family and I visit Cholmondeley for some gorgeous autumn colours. I shared some photos from last year’s trip if you’re in need of some satisfyingly seasonal content, that one may be for you!
*Since watching Howl’s Moving Castle I read the book throughout October and loved it! It was interesting to see how to plot differed from the film, but overall it was a great Autumn read.
*Last month I met Hannah of Humbug Art at her lovely studio in Eccles. Hannah facilitates a bunch of art classes for all abilities and ages, so if you’re in the Manchester area you may want to take a look at what she offers! You can see her latest classes here.
*And if you’re interested in art workshops, I’m co-running online illustration sessions throughout November. You can sign up here if you haven’t already got your ticket!
Have a magical November friends!
Until next time,
Catherine
Autumn in the lakes
Last month I escaped for a few peaceful, grounding days to the lakes. We stayed in a village called Mickleton, surrounded by sheep-dotted hills and winding country lanes. It was a week of red skies and smoking chimneys, falling leaves and antique shops. I also collected a lot of visual inspiration with my camera, attempting to capture the magical landscape that I couldn’t bottle up and bring home. It’s been two years since I’ve truly been out in nature, and I’ve been tired of city life for a while. I hope this post brings a little peace to your day, wherever you find yourself!
Last month I escaped for a few peaceful, grounding days to the lakes. We stayed in a village called Mickleton, surrounded by sheep-dotted hills and winding country lanes. It was a week of red skies and smoking chimneys, falling leaves and antique shops. I also collected a lot of visual inspiration with my camera, attempting to capture the magical landscape that I couldn’t bottle up and bring home. It’s been two years since I’ve truly been out in nature, and I’ve been tired of city life for a while. I hope this post brings a little peace to your day, wherever you find yourself!
In those short few days I did everything I wanted to do for the longest time. I planned to really switch off from the outside world, watch the sunrise, and paint plein air. I befriended a deer, played chess, and enjoyed doing nothing but watch the clouds and the crows. I tried locally sourced bread and coffee, and explored a medieval castle. The whole trip did me the world of good, but I’m glad to be back, feeling recharged and well-rested for the darker seasons ahead.
The weather was mild for Autumn, but we had a mix of rain and fog, so each day was unexpected and wonderful. The first day we had gentle, steady rain. We visited Kirkby Stephen, a small market town with an old sweet shop where I bought a bag of pear drops (officially the best boiled sweet out there). The rest of the day was spent following the Tees river, which we eventually found after a long few hours spent losing it. In the evening I made a pile of mushroom pasta - needless to say we ate the lot.
The second day I woke up before the sunrise, which is a FIRST. But there’s something magical about sitting with nature before the world is awake, and truly appreciating the present moment. This was a day of crisp blue skies, and I decided to try something other than drawing. The problem with doing what you love every day is that some days it can really feel like a chore. So I decided I would paint a canvas! Something I haven’t done since my college days. I planned to not plan my painting, and instead allow myself to be inspired by the moment, letting go of any expectations. I was rusty to say the least, but I guess that adds to the charm. And it was fun to feel like a novice again. For lunch we made homemade toasties, and walked away the afternoon through country lanes, armed with a flask of tea and chocolate. On the Thursday we visited Barnard Castle which, for all you geographical novices out there, is a castle AND a town! The weather was unexpectedly gorgeous that day, and I explored the ruins, sketchbook in one hand, ice cream in the other.
Although it wasn’t a whirlwind trip, it was exactly what I needed after everything that was 2020, and I’m glad I didn’t put pressure on myself to capture everything I saw onto paper. Being in nature truly grounds me when I’m feeling low, and I hope that even if you are unable find some sort of calm right now, that this post adds a little calm to your day. For now though it’s back to the drawing table, but I’m sure I’ll stay inspired by those few days in the lakes for a good while yet.
Bits and bobs…
*I FINALLY watched Howl’s Moving Castle (I know, I really don’t know why it’s taken me this long). I’m still a Ghibli novice but I definitely enjoyed this one. The colours and aesthetics are always perfection. One to watch again I’m sure.
*This laptop stand doubles up as an easel! It’s lightweight and a great size for carrying in your bag if you have limited space!
*My Shop Around the Corner print has been super popular this year! There are still some left if you fancy getting your hands on one before the Autumn season bids it’s farewell. I suggest pairing it with a cup of hot cocoa and bouquet of sharpened pencils.
So long for now friends. Happy sweet Autumn.
Catherine
3 Simple Steps to find Inspiration
Last month I read Show Your Work by Austin Kleon, who explains that as soon as we become familiar with our creative practice, it’s time to ditch what we know and start searching for something new. That’s how we grow as artists - breaking away from what we’re comfortable with in order to discover new ideas that challenge the way we think about art. As creatives we are often aware of our finite cup of inspiration, which we must continually fill in order to stay in the flow of creating. But however inspired we may find ourselves, inevitably that cup will, at some point, dry up. So if like me you’ve been searching for new ideas this month, here are some of the simplest ways I stay creative when I feel uninspired.
Last month I read Show Your Work by Austin Kleon, who explains that as soon as we become familiar with our creative practice, it’s time to ditch what we know and start searching for something new. That’s how we grow as artists - breaking away from what we’re comfortable with in order to discover new ideas that challenge the way we think about art. As creatives we are often aware of our finite cup of inspiration, which we must continually fill in order to stay in the flow of creating. But however inspired we may find ourselves, inevitably that cup will, at some point, dry up. So if like me you’ve been searching for new ideas this month, here are some of the simplest ways I stay creative when I feel uninspired.
Back to basics
In this digital age there’s something special about seeing analogue artwork in it’s simplest form, whether it’s within the pages of a book, on a gallery wall or somewhere out in nature. Last month I treated myself to some picture books by my favourite illustrators, including this one by Carson Ellis, to inspire some new creative ideas. These illustrations hold a completely different value when you’re able to handle the pages - so much more than if you’re viewing them on a screen. I also have many hefty art books that I dip into occasionally, like Art by Susie Hodge, or this one on Claude Monet. Even if you don’t have access to art books, perhaps there is a character from your favourite novel, or a scene that you could sketch out in the moments you have before you start the day, to spark some new inspiration. A few months ago I tried my hand at chapter headings as a way to create illustrations when I felt uninspired by picture book spreads. Personal projects like this can often ignite enough interest to move you out of a place of stagnation and reconnect you back to your creativity.
I also recently dug out some of my old sketchbooks to remind myself of my own creative journey. If you still own your old work, try digging it out and ask yourself, what about this did I used to love? Why did I make it in the first place? What inspired me back then? If we are too disconnected from our own creativity we may attempt to make work that looks similar to other artists’, which is ultimately detrimental to our own artistic development. Connecting instead to past projects can spark a new source of inspiration, as well as reminding us why we loved creating art in the first place.
And if you’re an illustrator like me, don’t think that you can only look at other illustrators in order to be inspired! Research other disciplines that have been influenced by the same themes that interest you. If you are a picture book maker, look at set design. If you’re a ceramicist, research textile designers. If you’re a photographer, watch some performance art. Delve into eras and cultures, art movements and fashion styles, artifacts and sculpture. There really is so much out there for us to discover.
Hooray for technology!
Who said you have to leave the house in order to visit a gallery?! During lockdown I found many online resources that helped me to stay creative between bigger projects. This website is a great resource for referencing figures, or if you feel like having a go at life drawing. I also watched this live rehearsal from the Royal Ballet for movement and dance inspiration (these lives happen every year on World Ballet Day). If it’s fine art you’re after, this website has an amazing resource of traditional paintings. For photography, I tend to use the National Archives. (Remember these resources are for inspiration only. You must check the image copyright if you intend to use them within your work). I also LOVE a museum tour. There are so so many like this one on YouTube that take you on tours of various museums and galleries all over the world. This website is also great if you are looking for street/outdoor scenes. Just press play and sketch what you see! I promise that something from a drawing session like this will get you into the swing of creating again.
Another way to spark inspiration is to draw from film. It’s the easiest way for me to stay creative without having any pressure to show what I draw to the world. Whether it’s the colour palette, art direction, character design or costume, I can assure you there’ll be something you can take away, and you’ll enjoy the process! If you’re looking for imagination, try stop-motion animation. For atmosphere, German expressionist films. For colour, anything by Wes Anderson. This month my friend and I plan to have a Studio Ghibli marathon and I cannot WAIT. Of course, there’s also Instagram and Pinterest to fall back on for bursts of inspiration, but instead of scrolling, try looking at who your favourite artists are following. Often there are a few names on there you won’t already know, but they may share a similar style to you and it’s fun to see who your favourite artists are inspired by.
Broaden your horizons
Lastly, if you’re feeling uninspired, it could be a message from your creative brain that you need to take a break! I tend to split my time between illustration, workshops, teaching dancing, blogging, yoga, going for walks. These are all forms of creativity in different disguises. Prioritise your own creative outlets as much as your drawing practice as best you can. Often it is during these moments where we separate ourselves from work that sparks of inspiration begin to flicker. Devote more of your time to exploration. Indulge in your curiosities. Invite people into your creative circle and share ideas. Gathering little inspirations here and there can, with enough mental clarity, allow you to return to your work with a fresh attitude and a satisfying amount of creativity. In the end, don’t feel defeated if you’re lacking inspiration right now, it happens to the best of us. As long as you branch out often, stay curious and be kind to yourself, you can truly find inspiration anywhere.
Since July?
*Show your work as I mentioned before has so many valuable tips for creatives and it’s a very easy read. Highly recommend.
*Anyone else watching the Olympics? I don’t tend to watch sport regularly but the Olympics always seem to draw me in. I went to the London games in 2012 and I guess it brings back those happy memories. I think GB have three gold medals as I’m writing this, so here’s hoping for some more by the time this post goes up!
*If in doubt, make a CHEESECAKE! Recently I really enjoyed this one (sorry vegan friends this one isn’t for you)
Wishing you all a happy August whatever you’re up to. I’m planning to share a two-part post in the Autumn on processes if all goes to plan! For now though, let’s just enjoy summer, I don’t think my brain can grasp the fact that it’ll be September next month just yet.
Catherine