Taking on any creative endeavor into adulthood is never a straight path. There’s no linear plan to follow and because of that studying under working artists can help clear up that foggy journey. Their experiences and how they approach the turbulence of a creative career can be that lantern when you need it.
Read MoreAs much as I am writing this to help someone else, this also serves as a reminder to myself. Do the art, Ashlee. When life gets busy the first thing that gets put off until tomorrow is the one thing that counteracts the effect of stress the most. I have a bad habit of putting my art on the back burner until my schedule lightens up.
Read MoreWaking up early has become a ritual not only for productivity but also because it is the time of day when I have the most space. When I am working, I like to sprawl out. Whether it's packing prints or working on portraits, my things are everywhere.
Read MoreWe try our best but sometimes weekends aren't relaxing at all and by the time Monday rolls around you feel more exhausted than you should. Weekends can get away from us all. These are my go-to’s to make the most of them and not let that to-do list take over.
Read MoreBeing able to stay on task when working from home is easier when you recognize when and where your attention slips away from you.
Here are some tips that have helped me.
Read MoreAlmost four years ago we took a massive unplug vacation. We went to a cabin with no tv, no cell service and no internet.
Read MoreOne thing I'm only starting to get the hang of is working around the constant kiddo-tech-support. The secret for me has been 30 minute work intervals.
Read MoreIf I can concentrate for thirty minutes without pause or judgement and allow myself to just make something I am usually kinder to myself in the end. The mistakes or wonky lines become charming little quirks and I keep going.
Read MoreIt took me years to find the word to describe my tendency to make art but never show it to anyone. Most people assume that I would enjoy sharing my work online. While there is a feeling of pride and good gushy stuff, there’s also a worry and pit in my stomach that sets in.
Read MoreI always thought “under the same sky” had a ring to it . This is the first print in a series I’ve been meaning to finish for some time. You know how life has a way of conveniently getting in the way.
Read MoreWhether your partner is a merchant mariner, in the military or in any line of work that can take them away for longer stretches of time, your best ally is keeping your mental game tight. Make steps to combat your lonesomeness and turn your time apart into something constructive.
Read MoreI have accepted that I am not a morning person or a particularly good planner. I will not be dropping my kids off in matching gym clothes nor will I have my day mapped out. I take the good with the bad though. I may be an anti-morning Momma but multitasking is my super power. I have figured out a way to prepare for school mornings the day before and make them a little less crazy for everyone. Here are some of the good habits that have stuck around.
Read MoreYour fresh out of school, eager to work, or maybe you just don't feel like you have the skills to charge more. Maybe you're a stay-at-home Mom and simply too enthusiastic to make a side hustle. Let me fast forward and tell you exactly what happens when you get into the cycle of working for the wrong clients and undercharging. You stop taking yourself seriously as an artist. Your confidence is shit and you're not making any real bux so you're broke. Sounds nice, doesn't it?
Read MoreI am by no means a therapist, just a mom who has been through the gauntlet of emotions that can arise from the absence of a spouse. I like to think my children are pretty well adjusted but every month a new challenge will arise and I feel like I am back to square one. Here are few tips I have collected along the way.
Read MoreWhether you're a novice sign painter or type fanatic, here is a simple way to get a really cool effect and create your own hand painted sign with a few easy-to-find supplies.
Read MoreI have taken a cue from my kids. They love making absolutely anything and are always so proud to show me when they're done. I envy their boldness. Every week I am creating with the kids and showing you the process.
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