27 Sep Always Keep Learning

“You will enrich your life immeasurably

if you approach it with a sense of

wonder and discovery,

and always challenge yourself

to try new things.”

-Nate Berkus

Quick story…see this runner?

This is my watercolor “Blue Hearts” fabric available through Minted. I had submitted this design for a Pottery Barn Kids x Minted challenge.

I had also submitted 23 other designs that did NOT get picked for Minted. Here’s the thing…they didn’t want to offer it as an art print. They wanted it to be a fabric and created into a repeating pattern. I’m all “Sweeeet!”And then all “Sh*****t, I don’t know how to do that.” Gulp.

After pulling my hair out for a few days trying to teach myself how to learn adobe illustrator on a tight deadline, I asked for help. My awesome artist friend, Kelly, came to the rescue and helped me transform this baby into a pattern. Crisis averted.

This experience led me to take a proper class in Illustrator and surface pattern design through Creative Live with the incredible Bonnie Christine. It was a little like learning a foreign language but it was SO exciting and empowering to learn a new skill that allows me to make the stuff I want.

Look for the clues that are pointing you to try new things in your practice.

Listen to what’s exciting your buyers.

Look for signs of life that will push you in new directions, possibly out of your comfort zone, but ultimately stretch you for the better.

Always keep learning.