My MATS Bootcamp 2015

Magic Carpet Ride

This is my final submission for MATS Bootcamp online course, 

taught by art licensing agent, Lilla Rogers and produced by 

Beth Kempton of Do What You Love.

June's assignment : illustrate an article about digital nomads

Each month we receive an assignment. 1st we're given hints and reference for 

sketching and a week or so after, we receive the final assignment.

I really love having these deadlines, despite nearly missing this last one. 

I mistakenly thought we had another week. 

It's been a busy month.

I was proud I knocked out this piece on Sunday in time to submit. 

My work is more suited to a teen or kids' magazine than it is for Forbes where - 

Tips for Becoming a Successful Digital Nomad was printed.

Even so, I like it :)

Above - May's assignment : crustacean + pattern - plate designs

April's assignment : design a poster for The Global Art Gathering held in Brighton, UK

February's assignment : wall art on wood 

(we skipped March while the MATS B course ran)

These were some other paintings I made. You can view them larger on my website or here

and see sketches if you'd like - here

Our 1st assignment - January : create a journal cover (Edwardian brooch/jewel inspired)

You can view my sketches here

This was an extra little piece - A Manifesto for the class

I had another very good experience taking this course.

The Facebook private group is super for support and sharing opinions and resources.

Plus, the projects are fun and tailored to the current market.

I took Make Art That Sells part A (one week deadlines) 

in spring of 2014. I've signed up for Lilla's Global Talent Search

that begins in August. I'll keep you updated on that one! 

Thanks for taking a look!

Hope you have AC, I finally turned mine on.

xo, A

Making a Poster! Make Art that Sells :)

This month in MATS Bootcamp, our assignment was to design a poster for 

Lilla Rogers' Global Art Gathering event in Brighton UK this summer.

We were encouraged to participate in a contest where the winner is paid and

has their design produced and used as the official poster and postcards for the event.

Here's the April Gallery if you'd like to see all the submissions! I'm on page 4 :)

I made some loose sketches and then just went for it, since I had some other 

projects to finish last week.

I stuck to my painterly, kid-centric style, which could limit my chance of winning.

The event is about creating commercially viable art, not solely for the kids' market.

but, you know ...

I've Gotta Be Me - Sammy Davis Jr

I Am What I Am - Shirley Bassey

I Yam What I Yam - Popeye  :D

I still look forward to trying some Skillshare classes to make more 

elegant, funky and/or fanciful lettering, but I think mine worked for 

the overall feel of my illustration. I wanted the Make Art that Sells to appear

as if it was drawn in the sand, but kinda tricky to do. 

Our brief included a color palette, dimensions and the essential information. 

I made my image too long and had to resize it in photoshop.

In the end, I think it actually helped to shorten it, but it sure is annoying 

when you realize your mistake.

Brighton - ice cream man in waders - photo by George W. Hales 1939

Of course, I went to Pinterest to see what Brighton is all about.

I really wish I could attend this event. I'm sure it will be fun and informative.

Plus, Brighton looks delightful!

Below - some of the reference I used for my piece. 

I love vintage travel posters, beach umbrellas and amusement park images.

My dog pays homage to this guy ;)

Pesaro would make a nice trip, too!

Have a great week!

xo, A