Tag: creativity

Resisting Convention

Be careful what you wish for
cause you might not be dreaming big enough.

This short talk from Dar Williams is full of truth and creativity goodness. Williams is a singer-songwriter, but her experiences and advice apply to anyone working a creative field.

Be Unique – Be You

I don’t know if I believe in Fate, but I do know when the universe is nudging me in a certain direction. While thinking about today’s blog post for EBSQ I stumbled upon two things: a wonderful calligraphy message from illustrator and designer Fathima Kathrada and a quote by Seth Godin.

Message by Fathima Kathrada

 

***

 

Of course it’s difficult…

Students choose to attend expensive colleges but don’t major in engineering because the courses are killer.

Doing more than the customary amount of customer service is expensive, time-consuming and hard to sustain.

Raising money for short-term urgent projects is easier than finding support for the long, difficult work of changing the culture and the infrastructure.

Finding a new path up the mountain is far more difficult than hiring a sherpa and following the tried and true path. Of course it is. That’s precisely why it’s scarce and valuable.

The word economy comes from the Greek word for scarcity. The only things that are scarce in the world of connection and services and the net are the things that are difficult, and the only things that are valuable are the things that are scarce. When we intentionally seek out the difficult tasks, we’re much more likely to actually create value.

Seth Godin

Both messages essentially say the same thing. Be you. Be unique. I think we all need to be reminded of this from time to time, but artists especially. We are surrounded by other amazing artists and all of us at one time or another have thought, I want to paint like that! But if you want to stand out–make a mark for yourself–you need to be unique. You need to be you.

EBSQ Friday Five: Youtube for Artists

This week’s Friday Five is a collection of just a handful the amazing Youtube Channels to be had for artists.

1. New Masters Academy – Their Daily Life Drawing sessions are what I love most about this channel. Don’t have the time or means to sit in on a life drawing session?  They have both nude and non-nude, timed sessions!

2. Will Terry – Looking for tips and advice on becoming a children’s book illustrator? Will Terry supplies this and much, much more.

3. ImagineFX – Digital Artists and Fantasy Artists will love the invaluable resources from one of the best magazines in the industry.

4. Blick Art Materials – Did you know Blick has been around since 1911? Their Youtube channel offers more than just product reviews. Take look!

5. Strathmore Artist Papers – There are a wealth of tutorials to be found in this channel, even entire workshops!

I’ll highlight more of my favorite channels next month. Do you have a go-to Youtube channel for art learning and inspiration?

What will you create in 2015?

Paintbrush by C.E.S.
Paintbrush by C.E.S.

A new year is nearly upon us and like me, I’m sure some of you have been thinking about your creative plans for 2015. I began thinking of my goals for next year a month ago: art shows to enter, direction for my art, conventions, kickstarter plans, continuing education, etc. Let us know in the comments one goal or plan you have for your creative career in 2015. I’ll start us off!

In 2015, I’m going to publish a collection of my sketches, a sketchbook. Here’s a look at the cover (in progress):

Sketchbook Cover by Amanda Makepeace

What do you have planned?

EBSQ Friday Five

Blue Green Abstraction by Luba Lubin

1. This week’s featured Friday Five artist is Luba Lubin and her Blue Green Abstraction. I can’t resist those blues!

2. Enjoy TED Talks? Check these out: 5 TED Talks to Kickstart your Creativity.

3. James Gurney has a new instructional watercolor video and he’s posted a list of the materials used, with links and notes — Watercolor in the Wild Materials.

4. Looking for a way to improve your figure drawing skills? Sketch Daily References let’s you pick what you want to draw and the time you want to spend on each and then creates a slideshow for you. You can select clothed figures, nude, specific body parts and even animals.

5. Are you an EBSQ Artist with an upcoming exhibition or other event you’d like to share? Get in touch with me to be included in the Friday Five: amanda[at]ebsqart[dot]com.

 

EBSQ Friday Five

Summer Flowers by Mats Eriksson

1. Summers are hot, humid and uncomfortable where I live. Mats Eriksson’s painting Summer Flowers reminds me of trying to stay cool, but also yearning for those summer hues.

2. Apply to an artist residency in the Rocky Mountains – Rocky Mountain National Park Artist in Residency Program.

3. 7 Tips for Creative Success from artist Anita Kunz – You’ll want to bookmark this one!

4. Using Shape and Value for Better Compositions – Excellent article from Dave Palumbo over at Muddy Colors.

5. It’s time for the 14th Annual EBSQ Ripped Off Show! Here’s a snippet from the exhibit prospectus:

If you haven’t done a Ripped show in the past, here’s how it works: you pair up with a fellow EBSQ Artist, and go through their portfolio and “rip off” their artwork. It can be one piece or a combination, or your interpretation of their work, ideas, medium, and technique. We invite you to check out past years’ exhibits to get an idea of the sort of things you can do. You MUST pair up with someone from EBSQ. Rip-Offs of non-EBSQ art, like redoing the Mona Lisa or ripping off Picasso, are NOT allowable for this show.

So, go ahead and pair up! If you’d like assistance looking for a partner, sign up in the EBSQ Forums or on our Facebook Page. Feel free to contact someone privately and see if they’d like to partner with you. The artist whose work is being ripped doesn’t have to rip off your work in return, but they do need to consent to their work being a springboard for your own.

EBSQ Friday Five

The Sea is my comfort the Moon is my rest Painted Art Quilt

1. This week’s featured Friday Five artist is Lisa M. Nelson. I love the title of this serene Art Quilt – The Sea is my comfort, the Moon is my rest.

2. At first glance, this post on Muddy Colors (The Art of Fitness)  might look like a spoof post, but it addresses a serious concern – Fitness. Keeping our bodies healthy is good for our creativity.

3. Chasing the Hotness – Are you wasting your time trying to update a gazillion online portfolios?

4. Who’s planning on entering an EBSQ exhibit this month? Did you know there’s prize money for the Member’s Choice winner? Take a look at Medieval Inspired Mosaics and Flower of the Month: Bluebells.

5. Take a tour of the Icelandic Sea Monster Museum! – I couldn’t resist sharing this great post from ImagineFX. Sea Monsters have long been an inspiration for artists.