The black tax, microaggressions and biases

Urban Dictionary definition of the Black Tax:
“The notion that Black people have to work and perform regular tasks twice as well as White people.”

My mom taught me from a very young age that I had to work twice as hard as non-blacks to get ahead, to be seen, to be heard, which is termed the “Black Tax”. It is a common ideology amongst black people and shared between parents and their children. Being one of few minority families in our area, staying under the radar was a survival technique. My mom valued appearances - we look neat, clean, presentable, we speak clearly and study hard. Don’t be too aggressive, loud, militant etc. I was taught to not cause any waves and work hard in school and in life to rise up. Education was emphasized and I was encouraged to do well in school and go to college. I honestly didn’t have any issues with looking nice and playing along. I appreciated having parents who were rooting for me to do well in school and in life, even at an early age. I fell right in line.

We lived in a predominantly white town, a small town in New England, where I was one of a handful of minorities in my school from kindergarten through high school. I was used to being the “other” in class and always had it in the back of my mind that I needed to work harder, be a leader, stand out, be seen, be heard to get ahead or just get the same respect and acknowledgement as my peers. Living life by the black tax comes with a price though, well at least for me it did - I interpreted it to mean that I had to strive for perfection, be ridiculously tough on myself when I made mistakes, become a people pleaser and have unrealistic expectations - something I struggle with and have worked through over the years. I also think a lot of the issues I had was about pleasing my folks. They were rooting for me and I didn’t want to let them down. I’ve often heard from others “you are so hard on yourself”. I now know where that comes from. I am sure I am one of many black women who have struggles with perfectionism among other things as a result of their environment and upbringing. The people-pleasing issues started as early as I can remember I think in 1st or 2nd grade. I would have crying outbursts in school when a girlfriend got mad at me over whatever 7 year olds fight about. I would sob and say “she doesn’t like me” over and over. I remember the teachers trying to calm me down. It happened a lot. Not until my adult years did I realize why I was so emotional. I was so young and I needed to be accepted. I didn’t feel like I fit in and blamed myself for people having issues with me . They didn’t like ME. I felt abandoned and was so desperate to fit in - somewhere, anywhere. I eventually outgrew the outbursts but felt and expressed pain in other ways.

Microaggressions and biases were constant in my world when you are one of few minorities growing up. I learned to accept it was a part of life after a while. You get to the point where you can’t be mad or hurt anymore and then just give up. I remember being in 3rd or 4th grade where I went from having long ponytails to coming to school one day with a short, puffy 80’s bob (I had a massive haircut). The kids didn’t know what to do with it and I remember feeling coins hitting my head in the cafeteria from boys at a nearby table wanting to see if my they would bounce off my hair. Kids said things like, “Oh your not “black””. I had cousins that were half white and people never believed we were related. They thought I was kidding. I felt so dismissed. I also felt outnumbered to even speak up for myself many times since I would be in school with these kids for many many years. Most would say I was extra talkative and very expressive and creative (like father like daughter - thanks Dad). I remember feeling alone, misunderstood and over the years would have identity crises. Finding the balance of being more than perfect or just as good, being heard but not too loud, fitting in and not being too different and so on was a lot for a kid. I was bursting with energy and things to say but was conflicted because I felt I had to tame it. School is hard enough and adding in that extra pressure was so exhausting. Since there was hardly anyone like me to identify with and no one to talk to, I walked into my elementary school counselor’s office and poured out my heart to her regularly. She was a new counselor, a young, gentle woman, and I felt instantly comfortable with her. She helped me work through my emotions using creative outlets where I journaled, danced and drew my feelings. I don’t even think my parents knew I was going to see her. I am so grateful for her and the time I got to spend in her office decompressing, healing and being heard.

Over the years the microaggressions, biases and blatant racism continues. I was always told how well I spoke and dressed. When I began dating the white boys in school that made people uncomfortable. I could feel their eyes on us, them whispering when we were in public. I also had a guy tell me he couldn’t date me because his parents didn’t want him dating a black girl. They made us break up. I dated another white boy whose friends called him “Count Chocula”, named after the cereal, because he liked black girls. That enraged me. I told his friends that it was insanely racist and offensive but they thought it was playful. SMH. URRRGGGHHH. Even shopping can be maddening. I get followed around in stores from the store clerks thinking I am going to steal something. That happened as recently as last year! I buy things I don’t even want because I don’t want them to think I stole something if I just walk out. Try having a last name of latin descent too. Boy does that confuse people. I am in waiting rooms and “Ms. Gonzales” gets called out. I am the LAST person they think is going to stand up and walk towards them. The look on their faces (and people in the room) is always predictable. Some people are so uncomfortable that they start nervously asking me where I am from. Are you from the Caribbean? Puerto Rican? Are you married to a Mexican man?” WTF? NO! Then here’s the answer they never expect to hear, “Gonzales is Filipino”. BOOM! Boy does that blow their minds. Can’t a girl have mixed heritage? I once heard “How does a pretty girl like you get a name like Gonzales?” I was beyond shocked. The audacity of some people!

That is just a taste of my unique experiences with racism. I say this to not make you feel bad for me but to demonstrate that it is not acceptable. Racism causes trauma early in life and since it goes unchecked, it becomes a painful wound that Black people have to endure their entires lives. I am proud of my blackness but others have tried to make me feel less than, shameful and not worthy. They can’t bring me down but it doesn’t mean that I live without pain and fear. I live in fear daily for my black, male family members and friends who could get pulled over by the wrong cop. Getting pulled over is an unfortunate, common part of life and it is very worrisome. Every day I am in gratitude for having my loved ones safe and sound, including me. I am hopeful that this new movement will bring much needed change. I see you listening, learning and discussing racism. Let’s continue these amazing efforts and put our power into voting for change at the local levels and beyond.

Printable Coloring Pages for you!

I created TWO coloring sheets for you to print at home and color with your favorite markers, crayons or colored pencils - or all of them! Color away and feel free to share on Instagram! Tag me @nettdesigns with your colorful creations! I can’t wait to see them! Watch my video below on my process and see below to download. Trouble seeing the video? Go here to watch.

The two designs are a tiled pattern and a floral design!

TO DOWNLOAD: Enter your info below and check your email to download.

Send Me the Coloring Pages

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8 Ways to Help Manage your Health During the Quarantine

At this time it is important that we are taking care of ourselves mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Overwhelm, frustration, anger, deep worry and panic are just a few of the many emotions we are feeling. In our own way, we are all trying to navigate through these feelings and challenging circumstances at this unique and confusing time.

When you take care of yourself first you can then give from your overflow. You can support yourself and others from a place of peace while being aware of your triggers and behavior. If you give from your reserves you have nothing left for you and your health is often compromised. Now is the time for us to put our own overall health in the spotlight and make sure we are doing all we can to be as safe and as healthy as possible - for ourselves and for others. We have to do our part.

Here are 8 tips on how you can manage your overall health:

1. Monitor and limit the amount of news you are consuming.

FOMO can play a big factor here since it seems every day we are hearing something new. Try to watch bits of news throughout the day and read it online. Listen to informative podcasts and radio shows. If you find yourself channel surfing between cable and local news for hours on end you will burn out and your anxiety will elevate leading to helplessness and depression.

The news is designed to keep you feeling a heightened state of alertness and puts you on edge. It is bombarding you with inconsistent information, constant speculations and discussions that will keep your head spinning and not sure what to believe. It can confuse you and create panic and overwhelm. Be conscious of what you are hearing and who the source is. Is it just their opinion or just fact? Don’t let the news mislead you. That’s where we jump to conclusions and make decisions that aren’t rooted in facts. By choosing your news sources and when you consume will allow you to hear what you need to hear for the day and not be affected by extraneous or conflicting information.

The news will be there tomorrow and to be honest, at this rate, it hasn’t turned a corner. It is on 24-7 and is designed for 1. Ratings 2. Sharing Propaganda 3. Stimulating anxiety, fear and panic. Few questions to consider: Do you find you are addicted to watching the news? Talking to others about it constantly (especially those who are obsessed with it)? Creating thoughts and beliefs that are projecting possible (or unlikely) outcomes?

TIP: I tend to to turn off the news as soon as it gets too repetitive and the talking heads are sitting around speculating what’s going on. I don’t want their opinions to influence me after a while.

2. Find the activities for you that keep you calm and fill up your tank.

You may know yourself better than you give yourself credit for. What are the things you like to do to unwind, to feel happy, to feel healthy? How do you want to feel right now? Less anxious, less worried, more calm and in control? Things like bubble baths, your favorite cake, a trashy reality show, a walk with your dog, puzzles with your kids, singing and making art can take the focus off of the doom and gloom and get you focusing on yourself and your mental health. This is self care and it can come in many forms. You are present (not thinking too far into the future or the past), doing things you love, fueling your well-being and spending time with those you love and activities you love – filling up your tank with the good stuff like love, togetherness, support, creativity and fun.

Other activities you can use to keep you in a calm state is listening to music, deep breathing, meditation, sleeping, reading a book, doing yoga, going for a walk, exercising, journaling, being creative/making things with your hands, praying, playing an instrument, cooking, gardening, cleaning and organizing (believe it or not it makes you feel better once things are clean and tidy) and playing with your kids and pets.

3. Pay attention to how you are using your time.

How much energy are you putting into “distractions” and not on you and/or your loved ones? Are you spending your time watching news all day, vegging out in front of the TV binging entire seasons of shows? Spending time doing productive, constructive and creative things or just letting the couch support you?

Now is a great time to get as industrious, innovative, creative and productive and turn lemons into lemonade. If you are home with some free time take a minute to list all the things you always wanted to do (when you said you would start when you had the time). Get started on that list! Use this time to learn new hobbies, start up old ones, take online classes, join online groups, paint your bedroom, fix something, build something, make a series of artwork, start on an online shop like Society6.com or Etsy, start blogging, taking photos, write that book etc. OR do nothing. If you are a person who is always go-go-going, doing the opposite and taking care of yourself for a change can do wonders to your health. Use this time to slow down and get healthy on the inside and outside. Learn how to meditate, take yoga classes, find relaxing hobbies. This could just be the slow-down you need.

Put your energy into contribution, support and community. Finding ways to be useful and impactful will also help elevate your mood and give you something positive to focus on outside of you and your life. Helping others helps yourself. Be there for someone in need. Sew and donate masks, sell an online course and give proceeds to a cause that you believe in, deliver meals for an organization, help tutor kids online, make meals or baked goods and drop off to those you know who would love a homemade dish. There are so many ways you can use your talents and knowledge to help others at this time.

4. Notice what you are saying, doing and thinking.
Monitor your behavior and notice when you are feeling down, happy and in-between. What are you doing, hearing or experiencing to feel down? What are you experiencing to feel happy? Do more of what is making you feel better. Make an effort daily to do more of these things to keep you in a higher vibe and mentally calm.

What we consume affects our mental state and behavior. Are you always repeating what you hear on the news or on social media and believing even the “speculations” even though it isn’t necessarily true? Notice how it is affecting your behavior overall.

When you manage what you are saying, doing and thinking, you manage your emotional health better.

Please catch yourself when you notice the TV has been on all day and you haven’t stopped thinking about it. Please take care of yourself and limit the triggers that put you in a panic mode, make you feel depressed and/or anxious.

TIP: If you are having a hard time emotionally, now more than ever, limit all triggers as much as possible and be gentle and loving to yourself. Find someone to speak to who can help you through your tough time.

5. Ask yourself, “Are you safe right now?”
You probably are but your mind is telling you otherwise. When you spend a majority of your day worrying, listening to the news, talking about bad stuff with others and consuming doom and gloom information you will feel anxious and worried constantly. Your mind hasn’t had a break and is running wild. Asking yourself if YOU are safe RIGHT NOW – really asking it clearly and from a calmer state will give you some relief. Note that it says “right now”. This is an important part to keep you present. You aren’t projecting into the future and asking from where you are right now in this moment. Once you get present and meet yourself where you are at you can get calm and move forward from that place.

TIP: Take some time with that question and journal out your thoughts if you need to go deeper or clear your head. Going for a walk or doing deep breathing for a few minutes can help too. List ways you are safe in this moment and let it calm you. If negative thoughts are coming up debunk them. Are they really happening? or say positive affirmations to help like “I am safe”, “I am calm”, “I am willing to believe I am safe”, “I am ok”, “I will be ok”. Saying “I am” statements are affirmative. Refer back to this question when you feel panicky and create a method to calm yourself like making the list of why you are safe, saying affirmations and/or deep breathing.

6. Don’t let your normal life lag.

As much as you can, don’t drop your personal projects, work, life as normal, morale and zest for life. Maintaining a normal life as much as possible and doing your best to do activities and things to light you up will help keep you calm and feeling more “normal”. Your emotional/mental state needs be strengthened so you can take care of you first, then you can tend to your personal life and those you love.

TIPS: I found that just driving my car around town and listening to the radio made me feel like I was doing everyday activities (even if I was just going to the store). Wearing a more “put together” outfit other than sweats makes a difference, put on some makeup and do your hair for a zoom call, keep your regular workout schedule even if you have to modify it (work out in the garage, driveway or your backyard), have date nights - make a nice dinner, get out of your sweats. There are so many things you can do to feel a sense of normalcy and that your regular routine is somewhat in-tact.

What can you do to keep things feeling more normal?

7. Monitor what you are eating.

Not only observe the information, content, media and noise you are consuming but also pay attention to what you are putting into your body. Being home and feeling all the cozy feelings can equal weight gain, sluggishness, brain fog, laziness and so much more. There’s nothing wrong with indulging from time to time. Trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle while home 24-7 isn’t easy but doable. Buy less junk food, cut back on drinking alcohol if you notice an uptick in your alcohol consumption, eat more fruits and veggies and prepare them in healthier ways (like less fried foods). Also meal prepping is a great way to plan your meals and cooking for the week and helps you prepare a grocery list that eliminates wasteful spending and shopping. Your body will be happier and healthier on the other side of the quarantine and you’ll be glad you can fit in your jeans!

8. Watch who you are spending time with.

Are you often talking to others who are on high alert? It is contagious. Be cautious of who is influencing your thoughts and behavior. Maybe tell Aunt Fran that you’d like to change the subject or switch the conversation when it gets to be too much. Limit those types of interactions to help manage your emotional state.

In summary, weave in regularly:
1. fun activities (that elevate your mood)
2. compassion and support (donate to a worthy cause, find ways to help out or chat with someone who needs your support)
3. limit all news and things that trigger a negative emotional state
4. creativity (get creative and productive)
5. find ways to maintain a sense of normalcy
6. self-care (a must!)
In doing these you’ll find a peaceful, healthy, mental place to land that balances it all out for you.

What things can you do to limit the distractions, take care of youself and feel more “normal” during this time?

Valentine's Printable Card

Valentine’s is around the corner and I have a printables for you, my loves! Take this printable heart and use it as a gift tag or a card. Print on card stock, cut out and punch a hole to thread ribbon through it to add to a gift. Print out the “Love” greeting card, fold and give to someone you love. Enjoy! xo

I’d love to see photos of your cards! Feel free to snap a pic and DM me on Instagram or shoot me an email! xo

Download Heart Valentine Gift Card HERE

Download Greeting Card HERE

Goal Planning Worksheet for your BIG New Year Goals!

This time of the year we are all thinking about what we would like to accomplish and how we can make this year count. I sat down to write out my goals and plan them for the year ahead and came up with this worksheet that helps to easily see the year at a glance, assign deadlines and break down your goals into tasks. I needed this when I realized I had a few big, hairy goals and couldn’t see how to best plan them for the year using my regular planner. It helped tremendously to have a worksheet to assign the goals to different quarters and then break down the tasks per month. Now that the heavy lifting is done I could plug in the new deadlines and tasks into my actual planner.

Here is a video I made on how to use the planner worksheet to explain it further.

Grab the planner worksheet and get started on your new year’s goals!

What a year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I've been reflecting a bit on this year and see that it has been a year of realizations, growth, achievement and fun. Here are some highlights:

In January, February and March I was a blog contributor for Spoonflower.com writing about designing for products and using Spoonflower and designing stronger patterns. Read them here.

In late April/early May my article for Uppercase Magazine came out. I gave 10 tips for artists.

In July I had a LIVE interview with Janine of Uppercase Magazine where we held a conversation based on my article and answered reader's questions about surface design.

In August I attended Minted’s 2019 creative conference, Camp Minted. Read about it here.

In June, September and October I did three podcast interviews that were so much fun and very different from one another. Listen to me on Proof to Profit, Live with Lauren Taylor and Dear Handmade Life.

In October I made my return to the tradeshow world and exhibited at Blueprint Show in San Francisco. Read about it here.

In November I created new products for the shop! Check out the umbrellas, mugs and art prints!

2019 was a year of realizations, growth and fun. As I am entering 2020 I have a couple of things brewing that I can’t wait to share. 2020 is looking really promising. My intention for the year is to be more consistent and courageous. It is all about feeling powerful, confident and going for it. I will be showing up for my audience more, creating art more consistently, sharing valuable information and educating more. Here’s to 2020!

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Gifts for the Artsy Person

I curated a mini gift guide for the artsy folks in your life. If they are a fan of patterns, color, lettering and art prints they will be pleased with any of these fun items!

In clockwise order starting with the top right tea towel 2020 calendar:

1. Tea Towel 2020 Calendar - use as a wall hanging or a tea towel. Beautiful birds and butterfly art.

2. Watercolor floral umbrella - this pretty umbrella will brighten your rainy day!

3. Thank you rubber stamp - stamp anything with this stamp as a thank you note

4. “Wildwood” tiger pattern cell phone case - this tough case is available for many phone brands

5. “Plant Addict” mug - this illustrated mug is perfect for the plant lover in your life!

6. Zipper Pouch - a wild cheetah pattern is one of 4 fun designs available for this pouch

7. Art Prints - “Sun. surf sand” and “Believe in yourself” art prints. More styles available.

8. Teal Floral T-bottom zipper pouch - this stand up pouch is stylish and handy

MPIX Cards and Blankets!

I love working with MPIX and this year I am pleased to announce I have customized fleece blankets available for purchase this holiday season. Featuring my lettering, these blankets can be personalized with a name - makes a perfect gift. Choose from two designs in a baby blanket or adult size: 1. Oh Merry Me 2. All Things Holiday.

I have also designed 4 holiday cards found on mpix.com this holiday season. Customize with your photos and text! MPIX's cards are top-notch and I know you'll love them. Let me know if you purchase them! I'd love to see how they came out.

Choose from 1.Bountiful Greetings 2. Pastel Poinsettias 3. What Fun 4. Mottled Cheer

On Dear Handmade Life Podcast chatting about Creative Blocks

TODAY my podcast episode with Dear Handmade Life dropped! Dear Handmade Life is a podcast for creatives discussing all things beneficial from entrepreneurship, productivity and more. I was honored to be asked to come on and discuss my experience with creative blocks. Nicole is such a pro and has thoughtful, insightful comments and keeps the convo going in exciting directions. We dug deep into the topic and discussed ways to overcome blocks, tools for managing the negative inner voice, perfectionism and tips on getting unstuck. It’s chocked full of strategies I use with my coaching clients, advice I give others and use myself. I think you’ll enjoy it! Listen and hang out with Nicole and me on this informative and fun talk!

Go here to listen on their site or listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts - oh and please leave a review - it really helps their show!

Exhibiting at an Art Licensing Trade Show (after 3 years)

I recently exhibited at the Blueprint Show in San Francisco. Blueprint is a trade show for artists to license and sell their art to manufacturers to produce on their products like home decor, stationery and greeting cards. The last few years for me have been challenging (loss of parents and other personal things) and I toyed with exhibiting again but it wasn’t in the cards. I had the opportunity to exhibit this year and the timing felt right. I needed a push to make a body of work again and jump back into the industry. Nothing like having a goal and a deadline to motivate you! I made some of my favorite pieces to date and excited to see where I go from here.

Previous shows:
In 2016 I exhibited at Surtex in New York. It has been the leading art licensing show originating in the 1980’s. I was one of hundreds of exhibitors bringing their A game in hopes to make deals and sales. I exhibited in 2013 and 2014 with a collective and decided to go it alone. Preparing for this show is a ton of work mentally and physically and a substantial financial investment. I prepped for months designing my art and the booth. I purchased a corner booth (2 walls facing the aisle) and wanted it to feel like a room that I designed and branded thoughtfully. I was really happy with how it came out and received a lot of compliments from my peers and attendees.

Surtex 2016. Here is my booth before and after with my friend and booth volunteer, Rachelle.

Disappointment and burnout:
The show wasn’t as much of a slam dunk. Lots of factors played into lack of traffic in my end of the row (partly because I was in the very back of the show unfortunately - but I wasn’t when I originally signed up, sigh). I had a huge build up before the big show where our Heart 2 Art Periscope show created a worldwide, supportive community where we conducted interviews at the show (watch here) and held a fun happy hour event. It was thrilling to meet all the viewers in person and it energized the show for me. But the anti-climatic ending was crushing. The few leads and potential deals I had didn’t go through (that happens unfortunately), follow up and submissions didn’t go any where and I didn’t see a return on my investment. Our Periscope show ended too. I took some time off from the industry after that. I needed a break. Fortunately I did get a couple of smaller deals early in 2017 and it kept hope alive for me.

Things took a turn:
The following year my elderly mom’s health took a turn and she passed in the fall. I officially took off 2018, working minimally. After much healing, support and self care I found myself making art again in late summer of 2018. I wanted to work on my art style, try new techniques and give myself a project to work towards (read about it here). I opened my online store in time for the holidays with my new art on products such as original art, home decor items and art prints. I started to feel like the fog was lifting more and more and decided it was time to get back into exhibiting this year. This time it was different - I didn’t have any expectations, wanted it to be fun, create work I love and enjoy the show. Just being there was a big deal for me and I knew it meant a fresh start. It was all that and more and I am so glad I did it.

Blueprint San Francisco 2019 is held in the marina in Fort Mason with views of the Golden Gate Bridge!

A Fresh Start:
Exhibiting at Blueprint in their San Francisco show (they have a show in May in NYC) meant I could do a show closer to home (I could drive there) and be a part of a smaller show where I could get my feet wet again. It didn’t require a large booth design and investment as before and was in a familiar place I love. I only had 3 months to prepare. which isn’t a lot of time, but I had a lot of work from my previous show and had time to make new pieces that could make an impact. I was laughing at myself having minor moments of anxiety about not having anxiety over the show prep. This show was so much easier to prepare for than Surtex and I kept thinking I was forgetting something or that things should take more effort and time. NOPE - it was just easier and less details to handle. What a relief. With only 3 months it really was the perfect show to jump back into. I was able to feel more at ease and enjoy the art-making process.

My promotional postcards for Blueprint Show

I began to work on my new art for promotions and create my postcards and banner art. I created birds, flowers, plants and people. I didn’t even come close to creating the art I wanted and am excited to jump back into making the rest of the list this year for future submissions.

After a long, 6-hour drive I met Diane, a friend and previous coaching client of mine, at the show venue. Wow what a venue! I had a perfect view of the Golden Gate Bridge from my booth. The light filled room made it so pleasant and memorable. Set up went quickly (I set it up in my living room before I left to learn how to raise the banner). I am not that tall and Diane perfectly handled all the tall-person tasks. She helped me day 1 of the show too!

Another coaching client, Lisa, who lives in the Bay spent day 2 with me and day 3, Usha, joined me. It is always nice having booth help and also allows me to show other artists firsthand how the show works.

A BIG Realization:
Once there I had a realization that Fort Mason is where my journey in surface pattern design began. I moved to SF in the early 2000's and was seeking creative activities. I attended a talk on marketing your artwork and to my surprise signed with an art agent who was looking for art for Surtex. I had NO idea what she was talking about and proceeded to make the ugliest art and patterns ever. The internet was in its infancy and there were no resources on art licensing or surface design.

Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture

I didn't end up working with her but took all the classes I could - even taking one right there at Fort Mason on pattern design! We used graph paper and rulers and made intricate, tesselated patterns. I also attended a class at the Fabric Design School and made floral patterns using carbon paper and gouache - all pre-computer. I continued to take classes over the years and even use my new skills at my design job making patterns. I also met a consultant who encouraged me to exhibit in NY and not until 10 years later (2013) I finally did it with a collective. It floored me when I realized that this was the place it all began. It all came full circle.

Booth neighbors

I had such a great time meeting my amazing neighbors Ansada Licensing, Kenzie Frenzy, Katja Designs and Squinks Art. Thanks to Betsy Beier, Urban Daisies and Pomelo and Pomelo for all your support and fun chats. The show proved to be just what I needed to get back into it all. I met the most amazing and inspiring artists exhibitors, reconnected with previous exhibitor friends, had the pleasure of meeting some existing clients after 3 years and met a few, new potential ones. It wasn’t a super busy show but I was able to get some new contacts and work with some existing clients again. It was the perfect re-entry. Looking forward to the follow up and all the new work I will be making now on. Thanks Blueprint for such a warm welcome and the most amazing venue to be seen in.

I'm exhibiting at Blueprint Show October 1st-3rd!

I am exhibiting at Blueprint show in San Francisco! It is my first show in 3 years and I am so thrilled to be doing it. I had a long break but ready to go again and show all my newest work along with some older work that was never seen or submitted. Follow me on Instagram on September 30th- October 4th as I travel to San Francisco, set up my booth and exhibit for 3 days. I will be posting on IG Stories daily. See you then!

September Wallpaper Design for Subscribers

This month’s desktop wallpaper was inspired by the PSL, “Pumpkin Spice Latte”! It is that time of the year already as they are moving up the holidays and seasons faster and faster. Last year I heard Christmas music in a store on Halloween! SO since the PSL is in full effect (but it’s still hot out) let us pretend we are drinking one and enjoy this month’s desktop wallpaper.

Get on the mailing list to get the monthly wallpaper designs for all your devices! Don’t miss out!

Camp Minted Retreat 2019

I had the pleasure of being invited to Minted.com’s conference, Camp Minted in late July in Las Vegas. I am a veteran of creative conferences and this one didn’t disappoint. Minted.com put on an event that is perfect for their global artist community - a beautifully branded conference, workshops and presentations catered to their artists’ interests, their artistic and career growth and community building. Artists from all over the world came through to attend this fun event.

Upon registering you receive a tote bag in the camping theme filled with a t-shirt, water bottle, keychain and journal (that had the schedule printed inside - a huge plus)! Here are some highlights!

We attended fun workshops like writing in sumi ink and learning advanced watercolor techniques!

Attending the sumi ink workshop by Deborah Velasquez at Camp Minted 2019.

Pricilla Lee’s advanced watercolor workshop at Camp Minted 2019.

I also attended an informative presentation from Pinterest that provided tips on using Pinterest efficiently for promotion and driving traffic to your site and shop. I was very excited to sit in Adobe’s demo on their Textile Designer plugin for Photoshop. It was fascinating to see how to you can now make patterns easily in the program. It’s a game changer!

Adobe and Pinterest presentations at Camp Minted 2019.

My friend, Agnes, provided a block printing workshop that ran throughout the retreat. She brought her beautiful blocks from her workshop company, Crave, to stamp on paper in fun colors. It was a hit!

Crave Workshop block printing workshop at Camp Minted.

What a treat to be entertained by the brilliant and talented, Adam JK. His keynote speech was hilarious, very relatable and inspiring. Perfect pep talk for us artists looking to make an impact with our creativity. He encouraged us to be authentic and put our ideas out into the world. We also received a signed, copy of his book “Things Are What You Make of Them” and we even got a photo booth pic with him! Thanks Adam for your important work and taking a photo with us!

We concluded the retreat with a formal dinner ceremony. We took “class” photos in the year we joined Minted.com. I was in the 2013 class. I thoroughly enjoyed this conference. It was intimate, the minted.com employees were approachable and easy to chat with, they made you feel connected to the brand and a part of the community, they encouraged feedback on improving our experiences and provided great presentations and talks that aligned with our creative businesses and aided with skill building. I am so honored to be invited and can’t wait to participate more in their opportunities and growing brand. Thanks Minted for this special event!

10 Benefits Artists Receive Working with a Coach

Working with a coach or a mentor is extremely important for artists interested in furthering their career. Being an artist is a vulnerable state. Artists put their heart and soul into their work and presenting it to the world for consumption brings up lots of insecurities. Us artists want our work to be well-received and even sold. Commonly we hit creative blocks, bouts of self doubt and struggles with our business growth.

Working with a coach or a mentor can help with these things and more. Let’s get into the 10 benefits!

1. COACHES PROVIDE CLARITY
   If an artist isn’t clear on the direction of their work or business, a coach can provide much needed clarity. They will review their work, their past efforts, their current strategies, what’s working and not working and provide an assessment and advice for the artist to see things clearly.

2. COACHES HELP RELIEVE CREATIVE BLOCKS
   Creative blocks are the worst and can kill an artist’s flow. Sometimes artists are stuck and aren’t sure how to proceed or lose their way. Coaches can help identify the cause of the block - it may be a personal issue causing it or a mental issue. Sometimes it can even be an emotional one. Coaches will work with the artist on a personal level, getting to understand their motivations, interests and passions. They are trained to see the patterns and signs and can help energize the artist again to find inspiration and get back to work.

3. COACHES HELP WITH GETTING YOUR MOJO BACK
   Sometimes artists get in slumps creatively, their tank is low and they have no new ideas, no interest in their craft or pursing their career. Coaches can come to the rescue and help them find their mojo again. Working closely with the artist they can help bring back their passion for creating and find new ways to approach their work and business breathing new life into it.

4. COACHES PROVIDE BUSINESS STRATEGY
   The business of art is tricky and depending on the discipline it can have many routes to success. A coach can help navigate the waters and point the artist in the right direction, work with them on their vision, goals and give them a plan to follow to achieve them.

5. COACHES PROVIDE TRAINING AND HELP WITH SKILL-BUIILDING
   Artists may need more training in their discipline to further their work. Maybe they need more training in using Photoshop, making digital presentations, help with advancing their abilities using certain traditional media, sharpening their composition skills, drawing skills and more. A coach trained in these particular skillsets can work with the artist individually and teach them the technical skills they need.

6. COACHES HELP ARTISTS PLAY TO THEIR STRENGTHS
   Knowing your strengths as an artist is a invaluable. Once they find their special sauce they can be unstoppable. A coach can recognize their client’s strengths and abilities and help them play to them in their work creating stronger pieces and work that will be more cohesive and well-received.

7. COACHES INSPIRE AND SPARK CREATIVITY
   To get the most out of an artist it helps them to be inspired to work. Finding motivation to spark creativity can be hard to do on your own especially when the spark isn’t there. A coach can help remind the artist of the things that they love and why. Using methods such as journaling, visiting their favorite places for inspiration, listening to music that puts them in a high vibe and more they can help provide tools for generating more than enough creativity and inspiration.

8. COACHES HELP WITH MINDSET
   Having a positive and healthy mindset is important for artists and their careers. Artists are their own worst critic and sometimes they need to express their emotions and thoughts outside of their art. A coach will work with artists closely, helping them work through their personal challenges which is most likely affecting their work. They will counsel, support and uplift the artist, providing an outlet for the artist to vent. The coach will also provide tools for overcoming these challenges and help restore them to a healthy mindset of positivity and optimism.

9. COACHES PROVIDE MARKETING AND PROMOTION STRATEGIES
   If an artist needs help marketing their business the coach can strategize their online and traditional marketing plan, help with PR, promotions and outreach. These efforts will bring in new work, opportunities and income.

10. COACHES PROVIDE ACCOUNTiBILTY AND GOAL SETTING
    Coaches can help with setting goals, creating plans to execute them and see results. When the plan is in action the coach will keep the artist accountable for their work and keep them on track to achieve their goals.

As you can see artists can really thrive when working with a coach or mentor. They can receive the guidance they need to help them have a successful career!

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INTERESTED IN RECEIVING MENTORING WITH YOUR CREATIVE WORK AND CAREER?

I have worked with many creatives (fine artists, surface pattern designers, illustrators and designers) providing them with:
- help seeing their strengths, full potential and vision for themselves (mindset work and clarity)
- strategies and assistance needed to achieve their goals (business audit and strategy)
- technical training needed to improve their skills, work and practice (art technique and digital art training)
- lessons on the business of art licensing and help preparing their work for submissions (art licensing training)

VISIT MY WEBSITE HERE to SCHEDULE a FREE 20 Minute Call!
Let’s talk about your needs and I will let you know how I can help you!!!

Uppercase Magazine Live Q&A

On June 20th I had the pleasure of participating in a live Q&A with Uppercase Magazine. I chatted with Janine, the founder of the magazine, and we answered reader’s questions about surface pattern design such as the business of it, promoting your work and finding clients. I haven’t done a live video in awhile, let alone a Q&A so it was a first for me and a fun one at that. I enjoyed answering the questions and sharing my knowledge, hearing Janine’s great answers and tips and spending time live with her audience.

If you are an artist or creative you can join the Uppercase Circle to see the replay. Uppercase Circle is a forum for Uppercase readers to share information on their creative projects, ask questions, connect with others and receive resources, fun weekly prompts from Janine and hear interviews with industry leaders on her magazine’s monthly topics. Join the Circle to get all the interview and Q&A replays! Also check out Uppercase Magazine. It is beautifully designed by Janine herself and filled with inspiration, artist’s work and profiles, articles, tips and more. Each month has a theme and I was featured in issue #41 - the Surface Pattern Design Issue.

I'm on Proof to Product Podcast!

What a great experience talking to Proof of Product about my journey, art licensing and advice for artists. I love sharing my story and speaking to creative audiences. Proof to Product is a podcast for creative entrepreneurs and product-based business and I am honored to be among such great company. We cover:

• Tips for people that are putting together their portfolio

• How I define my artistic style and keep it original

• The importance of experimenting

• What it took to overcome fears of failure and success (always on-going)

• My 10 year journey of learning and creating to do my own thing and break into licensing

• When I started to see traction in my design work

• What I learned from tradeshows

• Being okay with not being perfect

• Pivoting from my day job and shifting into licensing

  Listen here (episode 107) and please leave a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you!

Setting Up my Studio for Wellness and Comfort

A few years ago I moved out of my downtown studio (RIP) and decided to work from home again. It was a tough decision at the time but it was worth it financially and leaving behind the commute, parking and other things made it worth while. Working from home again meant making some adjustments to how I work and setting up the studio efficiently for optimum productivity and overall wellness. I turned our small apartment dining room back in to an office - some paint and creativity goes a long way.

DOWNSIZING and SETTING UP ZONES:
I had a larger space before and fitting all my studio furniture, supplies and equipment was a challenge. I pitched a lot and got more streamlined (I think I can still do this more - it’s ongoing) and rearranged the space many ways over time to find the right layout. I need three stations: a drawing/painting station, a computer station and a standing station. As seen above I have a laptop and an iMac. I had the iMac first then got a laptop and Wacom Cintiq for portability purposes. I find it is nice to be able to switch it up and work from the antique drawing table and then over to the standing desk. I get restless in one space too long (computer work chains you to your desk). Having different zones helps me stay organized with certain tasks and allows me to switch up the energy from standing to sitting to be in a new work position (so I don’t get antsy or uncomfortable, thus unproductive).

Finding a place for supplies, books and papers was tough. I had to get creative with shelving and small storage solutions. I find that as it gets messy when I am working I need to constantly stay on top of it and clean and clear out as much as I can as I am working or in between projects. The small space can get really cluttered. This Maximalist loves to be surrounded by things I love but it can get out of hand easily when there’s not a lot of room to spread out and put things.

COMFORT and WELLNESS
Speaking of being surrounded by things I love, candles, flowers and collectibles are a must in the studio. Their beauty makes me happy and brightens things up in here. I love fancy candles and saving fun things that people give me provide design inspiration. A large foam core board makes a great pinboard and I am always changing it up based on what I am working on or what I want to look at.

ERGONOMICS
I have had my share of erognomic issues over many years of being a graphic designer. I have had tendonitis in my wrist, pinched nerves in my shoulder and hip and back issues. I make it a priority to find the right set up wherever I am working. Because I sit a lot I tend to have hip issues and tight calves. I have a chiropractor on speed dial and am always getting adjusted in some way. Because I have this job that causes repetitive stress issues, I make sure I have the right work chair (I have an Aeron) and a standing desk option (Ikea desk with adjustable legs). The height of my computer is important too. The drawing table is at a good height for me. I do have to look down but it isn’t a strain on my neck. The white table where I do my painting can be swiveled perpendicular to the drawing table so I can see the computer screens and have a different vantage point. I sit in the “cute” mid century chair when I am working on something that isn’t as time consuming so I don’t sit in it too long.

Standing desk:
The antique drawing table can raise to standing height. I first got this in the old studio and used it as the standing desk before. After moving home I realized that I needed more space for the Cintiq so I raised the other white desk. It is working out great and as I go back and forth I can bring over the Cintiq to the standing desk to change it up or even draw on the antique desk in front of the laptop. Standing gives me more energy during the day, helps my hips and back and also with digestion. I tend to hunch over and slouch - not great to do after lunch - so standing keeps me and my posture in good shape. I especially like to switch to the standing desk after a meal or for a few hours after I have been sitting awhile.

The newest addition to the studio is the Ergoslant Anti-Fatigue mat. It is the icing on the cake for my perfect studio set-up. I noticed when standing my legs got tired and feet felt sore if I wasn’t wearing the right shoes. I was approached by AnthroDesk to try their mat and it has been a game changer. No more sore feet and legs and I can stand longer on this comfortable surface. It doesn’t matter if I wear socks or shoes either! The slant gives extra support too. I highly recommend it if you have a standing desk or looking to set up one.

Setting up a work space is a personal and individualized process. It takes knowing your work flow, your ergonomic issues and behavior. I have definitely found out the hard way and realize that comfort is key. We spend a lot of time working. Make your space feel like home!