Custom Artwork

I feel like I've really found something I love, doing custom portraits for people. Lately they're my favourite thing to tackle on my to-do list. I get to spend a lot of time doing some cool things; designing blog headers for people, custom graphics for various websites (I've had some great opportunities lately!) and handling social media for people. However among all this, if I have a custom portrait lined up, I'm usually way more excited for this than anything else. THIS. IS. MY. JAM.

Open For Business

It's gotten to the point where a fire has lit up inside me, and the fierce desires to follow my passions are scratching their way to the surface, unyielding. I've mentioned before how important blogging has become to me (here), and that's because it fuses so many of my passions into one outlet in a way that makes me happy. It's brought me some amazing opportunities so far, and I've found myself wishing I could push things further and really testing the waters to see what I can make of myself. 

And then I realised; why am I sitting around wishing for things to just happen to me? Are things just magically going to get better? Well, maybe... Some people are lucky like that. But, do I really want to leave it all in the hands of luck? Certainly not. The last time I took a big chance, I really didn't believe anything would come of it, but I was proven wrong. It's taught me I should just go for things anyway, you never quite know when magic will strike! But you do actually have to go for things, to strive, to try.

So here I am, I'm going to try. If I fall, which I may; well that's just fine.

I've decided to really push myself in various ways to to get a little bit closer to my dreams. I'm doing this creatively, professionally and bravely. 

Creatively; I've opened up an Etsy store. This is going to be where I put all my creations and crafty adventures for sale. I hope someone out there will like something I do, and believe in me enough to buy a little piece of me one day. I'll keep adding to this, so you should keep checking back! 

Professionally; I'm doing a variety of things. I'm now offering my design services, and this is something not just for fun or creativity, but to actually put my Art  and Design education to good use. If you fancy a new blog header or button, I'm your gal! I'm offering custom blog headers for only £16, and new blog buttons for just £4. You can see a header I designed recently for the lovely Aymie below, and a blog button for Dee.

I'm also doing custom illustrations, if anyone would ever want a portrait of themselves doing, or perhaps one for someone else as a gift. I'm really keen to push myself and my work to the best of my capabilities, and would love new challenges.

I'm also branching out into freelance Social Media Management. This is something that terrifies me, which bring me to how I believe I'm being brave. It's actually what I do full time for my job at the moment, but I want to venture out into freelance work for myself, as that would give me more freedom to work on my Art/Designs and professional brand. I'm skilled and knowledgeable in social management on a professional level, but learning how to do this for myself will be an experience, I'm sure. I already have a small business lined up as my first client, which I am doing on a temporary trial basis for free, just so I can start off my freelance portfolio with a bang. I'm excited to start this adventure and take a risk in going for my dreams to be honest! Wish me luck.

And as always, I'm going to be here. I'm going to be typing away on this blog and spilling my guts to you guys, in the hopes that someone out there will care what I have to say and support me. Every time someone reads my posts, leaves me a nice comment or just generally takes an interest in my life; it baffles me a little. In the best way possible of course! So thank you.

So here's the bit I ask for your support, you lovely people behind those screens. Send me your positive vibes, buy a piece of my artwork, hire me for a custom design for your blog, book an advertising spot with me, suggest ways in which I can improve, recommend someone to my services, keep up with my adventures, or simply wish good thoughts my way? I know, all of those a big asks of you. I appreciate that. But I have to ask, because going for your dreams means not holding back. It means being brave and not worrying about falling flat on your face. It means sending out positive thoughts into the universe, and just praying some come right back to you.

Or, it means getting lucky. But guys... I have terrible luck to be honest.

Let's stick with working hard and chasing those dreams like your life depends on it, eh?

I love you all xo

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12 Projects

Well hello there gorgeous readers! You've found your way to my very first official post about my 12 Projects challenge for the year. I've had this planned for about two months and I'm really excited to get started. It's also kind of one of my resolutions, but I didn't wanna tell anyone that until I revealed this project. So basically; I'm challenging myself from right now, to embark on one creative venture each month. I will need to explore various ideas and encourage creativity in my day to day life. That's the biggie right there. 2014 Was an awesome year, even if I didn't realise it at the time. Everything began to really come together, and I starting doing more things that made me happy. I really want to take that proactive attitude into 2015 with me, and make it a daily thing. One of the most prominent sources of happiness in the last year was from rediscovering my creative side. I started this blog, I began keeping Art journals again, I wrote every day, I made more hand crafted things, and I felt inspired. I would like to take all of this to the next step, this year. This means; I'll be completing one project a month. It can be anything, so long as it's creative in some way and I enjoy it. I could paint, draw, collage, write, photograph, film, sew, bake, use clay, wood, paper, glitter, silk, anything. As long as I create something or explore a project each month, I've succeeded. I'll be posting about it here as I go, and showing you when it's completed. Who knows what I'll get up to? Maybe I'll try out poetry (probably not), or attempt a short story (I would love this), or maybe even some creative DIY? After all there's lots I can do for our new home. It really doesn't matter what the project is, big or small, as long as I'm engaged. I'll be taking you guys along this challenge with me, every step of the way. I'll be posting updates of how the current project is going and maybe give you some glimpses into what I'm tackling each month. Then by the the end of the month I will produce my idea, along with any thoughts, criticisms, loves or hates I've had about each submission. It doesn't matter if it goes wrong sometimes, it doesn't matter if I fail or end up hating what I make or do. Because that's the whole point of the 12 Projects, to discover plenty more about myself.  I hope I have fun. I hope I feel inspired. I hope it pushes me to try new things. I hope I will discover new things I am good at. I hope 2015 is my most creative year yet.
Will you join me along the way?

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Wallpaper Doodles

The title of this post may lead you to believe I have been reliving my childhood, by drawing along the walls of the house. But fortunately for my deposit; I have not. I have in fact been doodling on my laptop using my tablet. Much better.

I drew this anchor in a much bigger size, and really liked it. It was for practice more than anything to be honest, but then I decided I quite like it as a desktop wallpaper image. And so here it is! I'd love to create much more intricate designs for future wallpapers, what do you guys think?
Anyway, the full size image is here if you'd like to use it, feel free :]
Merry Christmas! x




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Puurrfect Prints*

Roar! ...is the theme of today's post. Hey guys :)
Lately I've been after some new tees and needing some colour injected into my clothing, because somehow I've gotten into the habit of wearing only neutrals. And as much as I do love neutrals, I found myself getting so bored with the contents of my wardrobe. Like you know when you get annoyed at everything because it's not quite right, or you? Yeah, that.
What better solution than to tweet out asking some recommendations for great Tshirts/designs? (It's at this point you should know I do wear dresses/girly things, but on a day to day basis I am a full on jeans and tee kinda girl!) Within minutes of my tweet, I was contacted by Cat from Catillest.com, who kindly offered to send me not only one of her Tshirt designs, but also a poster print too! I had a look around Cat's website, (as you should too!) and seen that all her designs were all illustrated by herself, and then put onto Tshirts, hoodies, tote bags and prints. She specializes in animal designs, and each month adds a new furry illustration to her list of available prints. You can then choose one of these designs, and what product you would like to incorporate it into. Pretty awesome eh? Even better; you can ask for custom prints too!
Obviously I said UMM YES PLEASE, and she kindly posted them to me within a day or two.

The poster is such beautiful quality; printed on thick, slightly glossy paper. You can see from the photograph above that she puts so much work into every design, down to the smallest detail. This print is now proudly displayed on my wall in my bedroom along with my other favourite Art.
I was going to photograph my drawers (don't be rude!) to show you guys how much colour I seriously lack in my clothing lately, but then realised I'd have to tidy them up & that idea was thoroughly forgotten ;) But just trust me okay? I am the queen of black, grey and white. This does not represent my personality at all, if I say so myself. So when I popped this beautiful forest green tee on, I felt much more like myself! It's fantastic to have such a unique design on my clothing, and is so comfortable to wear. The only thing to take note of, is that I don't find the sizing quite as accurate as I'd have hoped. The Large (which I asked for) is supposed to be a 16-18, and I thought I'd go for something a little baggier just in case. I can say I'm glad I did because all my tops from a whole variety of clothing lines are always no bigger than a 16, and some baggy at that. This one is definitely only fitted at a 16, and while I still find this nice and I've been happily wearing it since; I wouldn't think it was suitable if you are an 18.
However, I am beyond thrilled with these items, and I really can't say enough of how good the quality is. Each item is made with care and love, and it shines through every product. I do suggest you all go take a moment and see if you can find something you love at http://catillest.com/ ! 
Toodle pip!


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