by Linda | Feb 19, 2014 | my creative journal
I often have no problem diving into sketch mode and drawing to my hearts content. It’s fun to invent characters and bring them to life with pen in hand.
The trouble is how to finish it all off. That’s where I definitely fall short. I can never decide how to color up my work. Should it be an acrylic painting? A watercolor? Collage fun? Copics? There are too many possibilities and that seriously drives me into a panic and wide-eyed, head-twirling stand still. Sigh.
Enter the computer. Oh, for the love of digital tools and the Undo button! With a scanner and Photoshop, I’m able to load up my sketches onto the computer and play with a million color combinations. Yes, it can be a time consuming affair, but it’s definitely worth the time. This is what they call color studies, right?
I’m loving the variation and freedom to play with color, since I consider color theory one of my weaknesses! How do you like my little girl sketch variations?
Pretty cool that with technology, we really have so much power – muhahaha! Now, if I could only decide which version to go with! What do you think?
by Linda | Feb 12, 2014 | DIY printables, my creative journal
My first venture into the online digital world was when I was only 14 years old. I think it was a local library class that taught HTML, so I created my very first web page and declared my existence online. Do you remember those flashing marquees and gaudy web colors?
The online world has definitely changed since then. Don’t you think we are all so darn sophisticated these days? With just a few clicks, you can make yourself a beautiful blog. Although I know, ultimately it’s always easier said than done.
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about this blog and how to move forward. I know that we all curate what we post, more or less. But the more I planned, the more I felt it was too mapped out. There are a lot of tips and tricks out there about blogging successfully, but the heart of the matter is figuring out what blogging means to you personally.
I’ve been blogging since my teenagers years, on and off, from platform to platform and I must admit that ultimately, I write because I need to express my thoughts. Something about getting them out and published, as if I was chatting to a friend about my life. Now that I live abroad, more than ever I feel so detached at times and often miss the company of just hangin’ with my girls, you know?
I also like to create and experiment with DIY crafts and my design and illustration. And I’m not ashamed to admit that having an audience gives me motivation. Perhaps it’s simply the act of documentation that really does it, no matter how many or few people read this blog.
Finally, there’s this thing with community and being a part of a larger whole. I’ve always loved being online and involved in the digital sphere of life. Although commenting was much more common in the beginning days of blogging, now the conversation has simply moved to the various social media outlets. But I think it still all starts with the content on a blog.
So, I will continue to blog. I’m just readjusting my focus and ultimately going to get a bit more selfish about this space. I’m not a professionally blogger, so there’s no need to follow editorial rules or business tricks. That’s not what this space is for.
It’s definitely nice to have some clarity, even if there are still a lot of questions and fuzziness all around. A single point of clarity is something I can hold onto. In trying to unknot all the issues in my head regarding this blog, first I had to identify the issues. I’ve run into problems of trying to create content just for the sake of blogging, thus losing my passion. I’ve also run into censorship issues, wondering if I should share this or not that… whether it “fits” the focus of the blog or not. I’ve always had trouble keeping up with posts as well and being a new mom, time will only become more and more scarce.
My blog problems aren’t really that dramatic – many of us run into these issues every so often. I’m shifting my perspective and realizing they can be easily resolved. First, I must have my heart into this space, so I will blog only what I want to. There’s no need to fit into any kind of box… this is MY blog after all. Everything fits in the category of me (duh!). And the easiest way to keep up is to lower expectations and commit to a realistic schedule.
Sounds pretty straightforward and non-dramatic, huh? Should have realized all this sooner, I know.
All those words above lead me to my real point (see how I like to write?) – that I should be living more authentically and proudly. Enough of feeling inadequate or not up to par or outside the popular crowd. Who cares! There’s no need to make pretense and seem a certain way just for the blog. Living abroad in Italy is exciting and amazing, so I need to embrace it. And we can never do it all, but we can do a whole lot with the time we are given nevertheless.
So this blog is about documenting my sort of normal, yet not so normal wondrous life. From living as an expat in the beautiful Tuscan hills to designing and illustrating the cuteness that I adore to motherhood to DIY crafty goodness that just makes me happy!
Now, I feel so much better about moving forward and doing what’s real and true to my heart. Yay! The guiding principle is to remember that it’s about living my authentic life and making sure it’s something I can be proud of.
I’ve created a printable of inspirational hearts (since it’s Valentine week as well) to remind myself of these principles.
Feel free to download the PDF for your personal use.
I hope you are inspired to just be yourself and do what is best for you. Thanks for reading and sharing in my story. I really do appreciate the time you take to visit my blog.
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by Linda | Oct 9, 2013 | my creative journal
For those gloomy days when everything seems to go wrong for you…
For those days when it seems as if you’ll never ever come up with another good idea…
For those days when you doubt yourself in so many ways…
Today was one of those days. So I turn to my sketchbooks and journals. I flip back through them and remind myself of the good times.
All those cool ideas I thought of and the rush of creativity.
I’ve been in the zone… I can do this!
However, it’s not just for picking yourself up after a creative failure… it’s helpful for any kind of bad day.
Your past gives you strength to move forward, don’t you think?
Gotta dust myself off and move on.
by Linda | Oct 4, 2013 | my creative journal
I’ve been working on my creative dreams for years now and although I’ve conquered many fears and achieved much success, there’s still a long road ahead of me.
When embarking on something new the initial excitement and rush of adrenaline propels me forward. But I often get stuck and start doubting myself at some point. Perhaps I don’t see the results I expected or plans don’t go as planned. I get impatient and disheartened. I can see my dream so clearly, but it’s just out of reach… or it’s not materializing fast enough.
I know how frustrating those feelings are.
Often, I step back and take a look at the big picture to get better perspective of the situation. Know that everything requires it’s due time. I look back to celebrate the successes and look forward to see what is worth working towards and waiting for.
Anxiety and anticipation can be excruciating, but try to flip it around and enjoy the excitement and ride over the bumps. Savor the moments, because they will pass by so quickly and one day you will look back with nostalgia.
Todd Henry from the Accidental Creative says that “we are either growing or we are dying creatively.” I really take that statement to heart. We must be open and flexible – perhaps even eager and willing to grow and change with the times.
Roll with it, my dear. If things need to be reworked, replanned, rescheduled… STOP … take a deep breath … and go for it. Nothing is a waste of time. It’s only experienced time, contributing to your life, building your character and wisdom.
A big lesson I’ve learned is to never give up on myself – no matter what is happening all around me.
I am not defined by the results of my business… never.
With hard work and determination, it will work out in the end. Be practical, but be an optimist. Life is definitely sweeter that way.
This post is a part of the blog tour for the Soul*Full Summit hosted by Catherine Just. I’m excited to join in on the event that empowers creatives to take action toward their passions and dreams while helping create more opportunities for people with Down syndrome.
by Linda | Sep 4, 2013 | my creative journal
I’ve always been a fan of Blurb and have made many photobooks throughout the years printed by them. I’ve loved the results and it’s really a great way to get lots of photos printed and ready for friends and family to enjoy.
Currently there’s a deal with Blurb with the idea of creating thank you books for your relatives – in celebration of Thanksgiving! User code TAKE15 now through 9/9 to get 15% off – sweet!
What’s your experience with photobooks? Will you give it a try?
