I so enjoy a finished product, partly to be over with it and partly to see an actualized version of the vision! I had given myself a challenge of doing a portrait of a friend’s favorite musician for his birthday (which is today) and I finished right on time. It will be framed and gifted tomorrow- phew- I have struggled with portraiture since those self portrait assignments in high school. I have always had a hard time with the technical aspect of them, however I have finally found a method and style that suits me! This style is inspired by American traditional tattoos, it really embodies bold outline and color. My finished product is the side profile of the country musician Benjamin Todd from a band called Lost Dog Street Band. *This was a really fun challenge and lesson on drawing a person who has tattoos. Direction and orientation is important to keep in mind ESPECIALLY when using a reference photo that maybe got altered or mirror flipped. I have included my proof of concept sketch where I was able to swatch my final piece, and experiment with texture in the hair, and rose leaves as well as with shading using Posca Markers. I have also included a couple of rose drawings I did to practice! All in all I’m so happy with my final product and so excited to gift it!

I’ve been working on a piece for a friends birthday and I have the final sketch finished and I am so happy with it…. Now it’s time to add the color. Does anyone else feel trepidation when approaching an all white sketch? Something you’re happy with but afraid of ruining with the next phase of the piece?

Something I’ve really come to appreciate over the years is the power of preliminaries! ✏️Creating a pre-sketch or composition helps me map out ideas and bring my vision to life. It’s a gentle way to ease into a new piece to explore forms, adjust balance, and refine concepts before diving into the final work. I’ve found that this process removes hesitation and opens up more creative freedom in the final stage. Does anyone else use this method (or others) to develop their pieces? How many drafts or sketches do you usually create before you feel settled on an idea? If you have any before-and-after shots, I’d love to see them! Let’s share our processes and celebrate the evolution from concept to completion. 🎨✨

What’s one small creative thing you did for yourself this weekend~ even if it was tiny? ✨ A doodle, a color swatch, a five-minute sketch, rearranging your desk, a new idea popping into your head… it all counts. Drop your little creative win below so we can celebrate the small things together. 🌿🖌️

We all have that one time of year that just feels right~ when ideas flow, creativity hums, and everything seems to click. Personally, I'm a winter soul. Something about the crisp air, quiet nights, and cozy warmth makes the work just flow so much easier. ❄️☕ 💬 How about you? What season makes you feel the most energized and inspired? 🌸☀️🍁❄️