I often get asked by my Students what are my favorite free typefaces. There are a lot of them, so this is the first of a few posts. Click on the image to go download these awesome typefaces! (And Check out Nicoles Classes for more of my free tips and tutorials!)
Lately things have been a little nuts around here. Ok scratch that, make that the past 3 years things have been a little nuts. I feel like after I had kids, my life went spinning out of control. I am in no ways complaining, I love my kids- and they are what make life fun and wonderful. And also crazy.
Do you ever fill like that? Like your life is crammed with so many good things, and you wonder how on earth you can get it all done. How can I take my daughter to that awesome art class, squeeze in that eye exam for myself, throw dinner in the crock pot since I know things will be crazy later in the day, and call that client who is not happy with that 4th round of logo design? I find myself thinking, someday I will be able to get this all done… when I am all organized; when I get through this list of clients; when my kids get older.. when, when, when.
And this my friends, is called the Impossible game.
I was introduced to this concept a few weeks ago by the amazing Mindy Gledhill (who spoke at last week’s creative collaborative) She said that we often tell ourselves that we need to do it all, and that we can do it all. And this is the impossible game. Because it is IMPOSSIBLE to do EVERYTHING. I cannot now, or ever, do everything I would like to.
So, its all about priorities right? I love to make lists, and lately I have been trying a new technique. I use to make a list of everything I need/want to do, and then trying madly to do it all (and then having a breakdown about how I am overwhelmed/insufficient, etc)
So now, I make a list of everything (I am taking baby steps), and then I pick just 3 things that I will do the next day. It’s all about changing expectations. Most of the time I am finding, I just get these 3 things done- and that is a reason to celebrate! Sometimes I can get a little bit more, but most of the time– I get less done than I want. It is hard work changing your expectations, and what you really can accomplish in a day.
So friends- I have to improve on this. So I designed this poster to put on my desk- to remind me to not play the impossible game. I think this quote sums it up pretty well.. Please print it out and put it wherever will help you to remember to not play that impossible game!
(note: green border not in download) for personal use only, please do not distribute without permission.
One of my favorite things about my childhood is how much my mom fostered in us a love of art. I remember being signed up for lots of different art classes: drawing, painting, papermache, etc… We were constantly doing crafts and learning, and going to museums to look at beautiful paintings and sculptures.
Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I would later become an artist and designer. I can’t tell you how glad I am that my mom instilled in me this love of art at an early age. (Even though I was too cool for art in high school- but that’s another story)
Now as a mother and an artist, it is especially important to me to encourage my children in the arts. I believe that allowing them to draw, paint, and make messes gives them a creative edge they will need all their life, in whatever field they go into. We are constantly making art and messes over here- whether it be putting food coloring in yogurt and finger painting, making chalk drawings, watercoloring, or making macaroni necklaces- we LOVE getting creative.
A few months ago, my friend Annie announced some art classes in her basement called Bear Cave Studios. I was beyond excited- and we have been going to those regularly, and loving it. (Even though we will be moving in a month here, one of the first things I am going to do is find a mommy and me art class.) Anyways, we have been loving these art classes so much, that I designed the following print to help promote these art classes.
So now- I am giving it to all of you. There are 5 different colors included in the pdf for whatever color suits your little artist best. We have one hanging in my daughter’s room, and it is possibly one of my most favorite sayings- reminding us that there is an artist in all of us!
Friends-
Can you believe it’s already May? Its so crazy to me….The days are long and the months go by fast right? Things have been so wild here- but beyond wonderful.
Back in January, I teamed up with a social media company called Mom’s Best. We have been busy getting everything together, and we are excited to announce a new site: Mom’s Best Network.
Our focus is to empower women and help them become their very best. We feature some really talented women, and have business tips, crafts, design tips, fashion tips, food recipes; just TONS of good things.
Anyways, head on over there to see the line up- you won’t want to miss it!