Have you seen the latest issue of Good to Know zine by Pikaland? It’s a little zine made up of real responses by artists on business, art and life. Each issue tackles a question and you get a peek into what artists really think. I also share my thoughts on fear in the latest issue and excited to dive in as I receive my copy in the mail today. I think it’s very enlightening for all creative folks to hear each other opinions. Check out all the Pikaland books!
Although the immediate image of a bubble bursting came to mind, my thoughts then wandered to the emotional interpretation of bursting with joy. So this Illustration Friday is particularly special, because I suppose it’s as good a time as ever to share a lovely announcement with all my bloggie friends. We’re expecting!
That there would be my illustrated interpretation of me with something special inside… I’m bursting with joy, emotions and probably hormones as well – LOL! Not to mention feeling like I’ve eaten too much way to often and that I might physically burst as well. These past months have been very interesting given that it’s a brand new experience for me. I’m totally anxious, a bit afraid, but totally excited at the same time. Since I’m feeling much more “normal” now in the 2nd trimester, I hope to be sharing more on the blog… illustrations, thoughts and all my creative musings!
In another installment of sharing my music inspiration, I simply must give props to Mindy Gledhill. She’s an indie folk singer that has been around for awhile and you might have heard many of her songs on sitcoms or commercials. I actually discovered her from other blogs who featured her inspirational song Whole Wide World.
It’s one of those super motivating, make you a bit teary eyed kind of songs. Maybe it’s the little girl perspective, all those hopes and dreams to be realized, just totally gets to me. Not to mention photographer Sue Bryce used the song for a promo video and it again shows how kick ass it can make you feel about yourself and life…
Watch above and read below.
I’m gonna walk a hundred miles,
I’m gonna whistle all the while,
If that’s what it takes to make me smile,
I’m gonna walk a hundred miles.
I’m gonna rend right up this hill,
Summer sky or winter chill,
If I gotta take a break I will,
But I wanna rend right up this hill.
I wanna hold the whole wide world
Right here in my open hands,
And maybe I’m just a little girl,
A little girl with great big plans.
I’m gonna go and take a chance,
I’m gonna learn to ballet dance,
Learn a little something about romance,
I’m gonna go and take a chance.
I’m gonna live a crazy dream,
Impossible as it may seem,
Doesn’t matter what the future brings,
I’m gonna live a crazy dream.
I wanna hold the whole wide world,
Right here in my open hands,
And maybe I’m just a little girl,
A little girl with great big plans.
I wanna hold the whole wide world,
Right here in my open hands,
And maybe I’m just a little girl,
A little girl with great big plans.
You tell me, don’t try it,
I’m warning you that I won’t buy it.
All the failure is fleeting,
I trust it always has its meaning.
I wanna hold the whole wide world,
Right here in my open hands,
And maybe I’m just a little girl,
A little girl with great big plans.
I wanna hold the whole wide world,
Right here in my open hands,
And maybe I’m just a little girl,
A little girl with great big plans.
However, Mindy has lots of other great songs and I found out that she was actually quite popular in Korea as well! Just cool, huh?
You can listen to clips of her latest album Anchor via
Meaghan Smith is a Canadian singer-songwriter that I discovered through the film (500) Days of Summer. Her cover of the Pixies song, Here Comes Your Man changed to Here Comes My Man totally rocks. I like her old timey vocals, so decided to dig a bit deeper and just love how creative she is… have you seen her animated biography?! Instant creative girly girl inspiration crush!
I just had to doodle away while listening to her music. I suppose I do have a thing for female singers in general and perhaps it’s because I can easily imagine myself in their singing shoes. The music I’m drawn to is usually of the cute nature, happy and boppy… that’s just what inspires me and puts me in a smiley mood.
I really love the song A Little Love – listen and watch above, read the lyrics below. I think we can draw inspiration from the visual, auditory and text… as if you are reading poetry.
Here I go again
Smiling too sweet
Can’t seem to hold it in
Every time that we meet
I get this rosy glow
And weak in the knees
I hope you don’t know how fast
you make my heart beat
I’m in a little love
And I’m in a little deep
Though I’ll never say a word
It’s a secret my heart can’t keep
Keep my feet upon the ground
Whenever you are near
But my head is in the clouds
While the rest of me is….
Here I go again
Smiling too sweet
It seems that my heart
Has finally gone and told on me
Her debut album, The Cricket’s Orchestra is completely adorable with smooth vocals, cuteness, happy boppy songs and sentimental sweet songs… a combo that I can never resist. Take a listen and get inspired!
You can find The Cricket’s Orchestra through my affiliate links to
A while back I had the honor of being interviewed by Sister Diane over at CraftyPod. We talked about drawing fearlessly and how much it means to me to simply “doodle.” Go ahead and check out the free podcast and let me know what you think -> (free for a few more days only!)
In the midst of vacation and the scorching summer heat here in Italy, I had forgotten to post about the podcast earlier. But it’s not too late to listen in. I hope that sharing my thoughts will help to spur others into the hobby of drawing. I really do feel that it’s one of those skills we should all learn to a certain extent, like reading and speaking and dance! We all did those things as kids with no second thoughts. And how wonderful was that freedom in our childhood years? It’s all apart of enabling yourself to express your feelings and thoughts in different ways. Through words, through images, through movement…
How do you feel about drawing and does it help your creative process even though your art might not be in illustration or visual media? Any comments or thoughts you would like to share?
Girls are definitely my default doodle. When nothing else comes to mind, just draw a girl, give her some attitude… and that’s that.
Decided to do a bit more experimentation with stitching and transforming one of my drawings into the language of thread. It can definitely get tricky with the details, but I love the results. Fun fun!
Years ago, I started a embroidery stitch sampler, but never completed it. I got stuck on a square and the project was soon abandoned. But my love for embroidery still lives on. I think of stitching as drawing with thread… it’s just so darn cute! At least, that’s the style I gravitate towards.
This past week, I’ve finally gotten around to dusting off my incomplete sampler after signing up for a class with Amy Powers at Big Picture Classes – Happy Go Lucky Stitchalong!
I was able to get past the square of my puppy’s face, then added a few more squares. It’ll still be a slow going project since I’m a slow stitcher, but I’m happy to have started up again. Suddenly, I have all these ideas for stitching my drawings on things.
Do you like to embroider and stitch in your creative endeavors?
It’s been a long time since I’ve posted, but I’m still here and creating behind the scenes. I’ve simply taken a lot of time off from the online digital world. Living and experiencing… without the thought of posting and sharing about it. Everyone should take a break, once in a while. But I’m feeling the urge to share, so for now, let me show you a little peek of what’s going on in my art studio.
I’ve been playing with paint and bits and bobs of materials I have lying around. Art journaling is a fun and relaxing activity, and I’m trying to loosen up and explore more, going through a new book – Brave Intuitive Painting-Let Go, Be Bold, Unfold!: Techniques for Uncovering Your Own Unique Painting Style (find it on Amazon). I love Flora Bowley’s work and since I’m too far away for an in-person workshop, I thought the book would be a low-cost alternative.
I’ve been slowly working my way through The Right-Brain Business Plan (Amazon link) and as always, I found myself stuck in the middle of the book. In thinking about my life map – illustrating the significant personal and professional milestones that make you the most qualified person to head up your business – I suddenly dropped into doubt and more doubt. My experience is broad, but many may see it as a jumbled mess. As with last week’s thoughts regarding an about me page, I find myself struggling to define myself. It’s difficult to toot your own horn and I can’t help but feel too pompous or not qualified enough. Oh, it’s a fine balance.
Maybe I really need to take a few more left-brain chill pills, as Jennifer Lee says often and writes in the book as well. I get hung up on the details and intricacies that exist (probably only in my mind). All the what ifs, shoulds, doubts, worries… details that really don’t need to be addressed right now. I let them block me. After the holiday rest, my goal this week is to push through the whole book and have my action plan done. Analysis paralysis needs to stop!
Then it’s just a matter of keeping it all up. Easier said than done, I know! With all the information and great advice accessible these days, it seems that nothing is out of reach for anyone. (Despite my worries, I’m totally an optimist at heart!) I think the ultimate problem is getting off your butt in a constructive way. Not just being busy, but truly productive and inline with your plans. I feel like that is probably the killer of most great ideas out there, because they simply aren’t acted upon. Don’t you think so?
Hello!
I'm Linda, the girl behind this printables blog. I post free printables and share my creative projects along the way.
Contact me: tortagialla@gmail.com
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All free printables posted are for PERSONAL USE ONLY. Feel free to share as long as you link back to this website. Thank you for spreading the love!
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