🌼 May vibes
I’ve labelled May ‘gentle month’ in an attempt to take off the pressure on productivity. The hard stuff: battling kindergarten bugs, attempt 1 at potty training our toddler, my husband and I taking turns to be sick and trying to hold it together for each other, freelance work commitments, and navigating the world’s horrific events. The lovely stuff: Our son’s birthday, Mothers Day, bursts of Summer weather and regular visits from a woodpecker in our garden! I’ve really leaned into noticing the micro joys of everyday as a way to stay grounded when the body and mind feels so weary. The smell of a wet forest after the rain, the joy of the dog leaping into a stream on a hot day. The kid learning to ride a bike with actual pedals. These have been moments of joy that have anchored me in a slow, gentle month.
➡️ Here on Designers Who Draw
This month for my paid subs:
I shared a longer deep dive into my Jan-March sketchbook. The start of the year was a crazy productive time, where I filled page after page and felt energised and inspired.
I started my Notes from the Forest private audio series. This is where I take you on a walk with me to the Forest, and share what’s foremost in my mind. There are 3 audio posts this month, which you can access via the app, or in your podcast feed. Let me know if you need help to set this up!
I shared a video focussing on developing my ink and line drawings, and how I want to evolve this into a separate body of work.
This month for everyone:
We had our second Live Co-Swatch Sesh! I LOVE having this hour dedicated to play, to ‘show up to our materials’. A chance to chat, relax the brain and have some swatching fun. Everyone is always welcome. The replay posts are a great place for sharing tips and inspiration, so its worth going back to check them out. The sign up forum thread will be updated each month with the new link to sign up, and it is also a good place to add any more inspo.
Industry Insights Series: In this series I will deep dive into one topic, coming from the perspective of my design industry experience. This month was all about getting your work seen by industry people, and generated some great comments. This series will always be free, so please do share far and wide.
🎨 In my Sketchbook
This month my sketchbook was really a place to go to for comfort, solace and calm. I had no more than 10-15 minutes at a time. I dipped into a life drawing replay hosted by Sarah Dyer for some solo time with my ink, brushes and A4 Moleskin.
🌟 Portfolio review waiting list is open!
I’ve had a few requests for portfolio reviews, following my Industry Insights posts. I will be opening 1-2-1 slots as soon as there is enough interest. If you want personalised, in depth guidance on how to strengthen your folio work to make it more appealing for brand driven illustration, register your interest here:
I hope your month has been nourishing and filled with pockets of joy.
Roll on Summer time!
Well done for going easy on yourself last month Raj, those toddler bugs are the worst and so persistent, I felt like my son's first 4 years were a continual cycle of snot, puke and Calpol! I hope June has been kinder to you all x
Ohhh nice idea to offer portfolio reviews! This sounds excellent for folks wanting to get into licensing.