Earlier this year I got really clear with my goals.  I opened myself up to the possibilities that exist for new artists like myself.  I experienced a few "aha" moments and really "felt" what my artistic style and process should feel like.  By "feeling" I mean how it feels to put on your most favourite and flattering pair of jeans.

When you wear them, they feel...  comfortable.   flattering.  easy.  make you happy.  confidant.  and even a little sexy.  You know what I mean?!

Getting to this point in my business wasn't easy.  I've tried on A LOT of jeans! I've practiced many techniques, used a variety of mediums and canvases and even cried through a number of challenges within Illustrator and Photoshop.  Yes, technology is fabulous when you know how to use it and it is behaving.  Not so fun otherwise.

Once I realized my big goals that felt "so right", I set-out to take action steps to achieve them.  I am currently working on a formal portfolio showcasing my art-work to land a few licensing deals with manufacturers and I even have my eye on an agent whom I'd loooove the opportunity to work with.

Having decided on those two goals, I am now in the process of a 6 month, portfolio building course called MATS {make art that sells - by the amazing Lilla Rogers - whom I'd love to have represent me!}

And shortly before starting this course, I was hired to create art-work for my friend Andrea's company Easy Peasy Patches - they manufacture the coolest patches for kids! You should check them out.  I brainstormed, sketched and designed artwork then created vectors for these really great, colour-your-own patches!

Check out the process below.

After a few emails and a coffee date, we nailed the theme and size of each patch and I let the creative flow happen organically.

Above is the peace patch sketch and below is the nature patch sketch.

Here are the finished patches, printed on fabric, ready to decorate and adorn backpacks, jeans, and even my daughter's netbook!

Andrea was kind to give me a few samples for my daughter to try-out and so this past weekend we made tea, ate a few cookies and coloured!!

These fine-tip dual brush markers were just the thing to colour and play with.

My daughter had a brilliant idea to decorate her netbook by cutting out individual images out and stick them to the lid, personalizing her netbook.  Easy Peasy right?!

My view across my desk, while I work on sketches for my first MATS assignment - cuckoo clock iphone cases.

I'm not quite there yet with my final design, but I'm confidant I'll bang out a few more lay-outs these next few days and see what fits me and my style.  Stay tuned for an update with my submitted design and a link to the gallery so that you can enjoy seeing all the amazing and creative work that happens around the world.  It's truly inspiring and a little intimidating all at the same time.

Nickixo