BE CREATIVE Nicki Traikos BE CREATIVE Nicki Traikos

How to Easily use a Watercolor Brush Pen & Paint

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of watercolor and waterbrush pens. I teach workshops and online classes that feature a waterbrush pen to easily paint stems and leaves as well as create a variety of brush pen lettering.

As a designer and artist, I find that having a variety of mediums and tools to create with keeps my art interesting and fresh so that I stay inspired and creative.

I thought I’d share with you a few quick videos that I recorded using the Timelapse feature on my iPhone - I have to say, it’s quite an addictive feature to be able to record these timelapse videos!

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BE INSPIRED, BE CREATIVE Nicki Traikos BE INSPIRED, BE CREATIVE Nicki Traikos

Give Yourself Downtime - how it can help you

Over the last few years, I’ve taught a lot of people modern calligraphy and lettering skills. I’ve shared with them all the tips and tricks they need to get started. I’ve armed them with the best tools in their kit to continue their practice at home. I’ve even created online classes for those who can’t make it out in person to be able to sit at home and learn everything that I teach. But what I haven’t been able to give them is downtime!

Downtime; time during which a machine, especially a computer, is out of action or unavailable for use (I love this definition and relating it to humans), a time of reduced activity or inactivity.

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BE CREATIVE Nicki Traikos BE CREATIVE Nicki Traikos

What's the difference between hand lettering and calligraphy?

There is a difference between hand lettering and calligraphy. Some would argue that there’s a big difference. I personally feel that any form of lettering, is simply letters that are “drawn” vs. “written”. In both cases, we draw strokes that are very purposeful and consistent. The difference between hand lettering and calligraphy is that the elements of those strokes vary. I recorded this video to help with explaining the difference between hand lettering and calligraphy in the hopes of helping to show how the elements of each art form vary.

Click play to watch the video.

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SIDE HUSTLE, BE CREATIVE Nicki Traikos SIDE HUSTLE, BE CREATIVE Nicki Traikos

Why take online courses?!

I believe in taking online courses so much so, that I have taken time away from my art and creative practice, to create courses to help others achieve their personal goals. I’m excited to share everything that I’ve learned over the years in the hopes of inspiring, empowering and saving you time and money! No matter what your goal is. [More about life i design online in another post]

Here are the reasons why I think taking online courses is the way to go! Read to the bottom to see my top online class resources.

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