Friday, June 28, 2013

blog lovin' tour // self care



Hello everyone! and welcome to the fourth week of The Declaration of You! Blog Lovin' tour.
The Declaration of You will be published by North Light Craft Books this summer, with readers getting all the permission they've craved to step passionately into their lives, discover how they and their gifts are unique and uncover what they are meant to do! This post is part of The Declaration of You's Blog Lovin' Tour, which I'm thrilled to participate in alongside over 100 other creative bloggers. Learn more and join us, read here!

I started writing this post late for a particular reason. I haven't been blogging much lately and this past week I have been a lot away from my computer, so when I discovered the theme for the week (self care) it fit perfectly what I'm going through. I've taken a drastic decision hoping that it will help me become a healthier person, but also the person I've always wanted to be. I'm being a bit vague because I feel sometimes people judge my choice as the easy way out, but it has been everything but easy. I was planning to keep my decision among friends and family, but you know what? I've never feared judgement so I don't understand why I should start now. Plus, I find blogging a bit therapeutic and even though this is more personal than anything, I think it will be good for me to break down some taboos and to share the journey with you. (Prepare yourselves because this time it will be an only text post, lol.)

Exactly one week ago, I had gastric surgery done. More precisely, I had a vertical sleeve gastrectomy performed. What does it mean? It means my stomach was reduced 70% of its size. Why did I do it? To lose weight. Yup, I did it so that I can finally lose weight and be the persona I've always dreamt of being. I've not always been overweight, but I've always felt obese. I remember being a little kindergarten girl and comparing myself to my classmates while in tights in ballet class and feeling like the whale in the room. Now I look back at the pics, and I was a normal kid. What was wrong with me? I don't know... All I know is I've been carrying this whale complex for as long as I can remember. I look at pics of about 5 years ago and I now see a normal girl, maybe a bit overweight but not more than 10 kg, that used to feel like she was 300 kg. It's sad because my self image was stronger than what the others were telling me, and my obsession with whales eventually, made me really turn into one.

In these past 5 years I finally gained all the weight I thought I had throughout my life, and came to a point where dieting was more of a terrorist attack on my body and soul than help. I tried many diets, only to end up more frustrated and fatter. I had dieted in the past, but back then losing 5-8 kg didn't seem that hard? Was it my willpower? Had I lost it? No... I really started with great intentions, but along the way my primitive being overcome the lucid me that knew and wanted to lose weight. Each new diet ended in a failure, and me feeling even worst and immersing in food even more. My weight started to cause (and was also the consequence) of other syndromes that were not dangerous, but that could become it if I didn't take action.

Last December, while on a routine doctor's appointment, I pour my heart out and told him I no longer felt I could lose weight. It was easier for me to gain 3 kg a week than to lose 100g in a month. He suggested gastric surgery and I was really surprised because I had always thought I had to be much more obese to get one. He directed me to another doctor that explained the different options. My parents and sister were really scared, but I was finally starting to see a light in the darkness. My dad insisted I could do it with just dieting and exercise, but said it was my choice. He asked a vascular surgeon friend and colleague of his (my dad is a doctor) if he could see me. I went to the appointment with him and he just explained to me why the VSG was the best option for me (among the other gastric procedures), and said it would be a good thing for me. He did say it wasn't magic and it was just a tool, and that if I decided to do it, it would have changed my life.

I had six months to think about it, and the more I did the more I was convinced this was the best way to finally start taking care of myself. I understood it wasn't a magic potion, it was a serious procedure and I was going to, for the first time in my life, get surgery and be in a hospital. It scared me, a lot! But I had made up my mind. My dad on the other hand, hoped I had desisted on doing it on this 6 months and was really against it, and even though I really really wanted him to be on board (my parents' support means everything to me), I decided to go against his wishes and have it done.

It's only been a week, and the post-op hasn't been a joy, but I feel a bit better every day. Waking up from the anaesthesia was horrible! I really hoped I was one of those persons who got not reaction at all, but apparently, I'm not. So far I can only drink clear liquids, and to be honest, it hasn't been tough at all (I'm just a little bored of only drinking chicken broth). I see food and I know it is good, but I don't feel that anger I used to feel when dieting because I can't have it. On Monday I start with puree food, and hope it's good, hehehe.

Yes, I did this to lose weight, but losing weight for me is not just finally looking good and shopping without it being a nightmare. I did this, because I want to learn to love myself. I know I'm a good daughter, a good friend, a good student, a good worker, a good designer, a good teacher... I've been lucky to always been good in whatever I do (please don't think I want to brag here). The only thing I've never been good at, is loving myself and therefore, taking good care of myself. Last week, I started my new life. It is a new journey where my body and metal health must come first. Where my choices have to be wise and thought for my wellbeing. That includes exercising (which I've never been a fan of... maybe because that's the one think I've never excelled at.) I'm determined to learn to love it and appreciate all the pros people have always said to me. I might have to fake it until I make it (like a friend said to me), but I will become a healthier person, and I will eventually fall in love with exercising.

Self care is so important... not only your physical health depends on it, also your mind and soul benefit from it and as a consequence, the people around you and your work and passions. Taking care of ourselves is a symbol of the love we have for ourselves, and if we can love and take care of everyone around us, why can't we do the same with ourselves? I'm no master, and I'm still very early in my journey, but I feel I've taken the first step towards a better life where I will really treat my body as my temple!

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

freebies // The 2013 Designer Calendar :: July

Before I start, I'd like to say sorry if I'm again, not respecting my editorial calendar. I've had some personal stuff to deal with lately and haven't been able to do so. I hope to go back on track soon :P

Now, June is almost over and Summer has officially begun a few days ago! What better way to keep track of all your Summer activities than on this fun and fresh design created by the great Dawn Clarkson? I met Dawn through Spoonflower and then discovered she was actually a British living in Italy (Turin). She is also the person that first told me about The Art and Business of Surface Pattern and I'll always be grateful to her for that ;) Dawn is a wonderful designer, full of energy, and has also demonstrated to be a good friend (even if we hadn't had the pleasure to meet yet -but I hope we'll have it soon!) and that's why I was happy to invite her to my 2013 Designer Calendar project :D


download
About Dawn:
Dawn Clarkson is originally from the UK but has decided to make her home in the north of Italy. She adores her adopted home of Turin, which like most Italian cities is steeped in history and culture. Dawn is also inspired by nature, especially by her garden and the outdoors in general. Totally in love with the mountains she spends a lot of time in the Italian alps which are close to her home. 
After working successfully for over twenty years as a Graphic Designer she is now doing what she loves most, creating patterns. Her style is bold and colourful, Dawn loves to experiment and use texture in her work. It is quite easy to find a collage or two mixed in with her sketches and patterns! Her dream is to license more of her work and continue to create patterns for a living.

Her quirky detail

"I am a collecter (hoarder) of anything and everything to do with paper, fabric, and small items such as boxes and the like. The strangest objects I collect are fruit boxes because I love the imperfect typography and illustrations to be found on them. So I have piles of wood in my collections too! You never know when these items will come in handy for inspiration… my latest project revolves around using some paper which I have had for 15 years!"

Her favourite Designer:
"It is so difficult to chose one of the many designers I love and admire. I have always enjoyed Brie Harrison's work, it is so colourful and distinctive. She has her own personal style which is constant throughout her work (a thing I aspire to at the moment!) I love her colour palettes which are always bold even when she is designing delicate flowers and prints. I think this is what draws me most to her work and helps to create her strong signature style."
You can download July here or clicking on the download link below the image above, and remember, it can be printed as big as an A3 format (42x29.7cm / 16.5x11.7in). Don't forget to visit Dawn's beautiful blog, like her facebook page and follow her on twitter, and if you want to be delighted by more of her amazing designs, click here.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

blog lovin' tour // intention



Hello everyone! and welcome to the third week of The Declaration of You! Blog Lovin' tour.
The Declaration of You will be published by North Light Craft Books this summer, with readers getting all the permission they've craved to step passionately into their lives, discover how they and their gifts are unique and uncover what they are meant to do! This post is part of The Declaration of You's Blog Lovin' Tour, which I'm thrilled to participate in alongside over 100 other creative bloggers. Learn more and join us, read here!

This week is all about intention. I have so many of them, but rarely get to to make them come true. Most of the times because I don't believe in them strong enough, so when I read about intention on The Declaration of You and how it is just something you are willing to believe you can do, I felt so much better. Intentions can definitely be small or huge, what matters is you believe in them.


I wrote a very looooong list of things I'm willing to do/believe/say/receive/create, but the one that at the moment matters the most to me is the one following: 


All I've always wanted to be is a Designer, and not being it 100% of the time frustrates me. Next year I'll be 30, and I want to start my 30s feeling completely satisfied with the direction my career is going to. I don't expect to be rich + famous overnight (yes, as childish as it sounds, I do dream economic peace of mind and people recognising me and my work all around the world), but I do expect to finally pay my bills with what I've always dreamt being before I leave my 20s. It is easier to believe it is possible than to just repeat to myself it is real when it isn't yet, so from now on I'll read to myself my biggest intention of the year every day, and hopefully next January I'll have a huge smile on my face while I tell you about how my intention became a reality ;)

Monday, June 17, 2013

SPD RedCarpet // Jennie Whitham


Good morning everyone!

I hope you've enjoyed your weekend and had some time to check the great pattern pin hop that took place this weekend with over 50 designers' (including me) work. :) You can see my collection here.

Now, let's start with Monday's SPD RedCarpet, the series dedicated to surface pattern designers and their work. Today's guest is British designer Jennie Whitham (remember her? she's the fab designer that created June's beautiful freebie Designer Calendar).


Hi Jennie, tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Jennie Whitham and I am the name and face behind JLW Illustration. I began my creative journey into Surface Pattern as a fresh faced Graduate from Leeds Art College in 2010. Having spent a year out of designing to enjoy the newest addition to the family (my son Alexander), I decided it was time to get back to what I enjoy the most, making patterns. I entered competitions and that helped build my confidence and portfolio. I came across The Art and Business of Surface Pattern in early 2012 and enrolled to begin the April of that year. It was this that gave me the push to begin selling my designs on products, and approach business' with my designs. Before the course finished I submitted some designs to be featured on world renowned Print and Pattern blog. As a result of being featured I was approached and signed up with an agency and began designing freelance. A year on from taking the course, I now have 2 licensed contracts for several of my designs, designs soon to be published in the up-coming Patternbase book and my own successful Etsy store selling my designs on products.
What is it that you like about patterns? Which one is your favorite pattern style?
I love symmetry, everything is made from shapes after all. The simplicity that comes with creating patterns from basic shapes, and yet they can become the most complex of designs at times. I'm not sure I have a favourite pattern 'style', I like to work with half-drop repeats, and have a small obsession with basic repeats but I think that is the extent of it.

How would you describe your style?
A combination of simple geometrics and funky florals. I like to combine the two, and have begun to dabble in character designs, although I am a long way off perfecting my style with that particular theme.
Where do you find inspiration? Do you follow trends?
I try to follow trends, but its so hard and I find places like Pinterest are a godsend. I like to think I'm inspired by my fellow designer friends, there are so many styles that I have yet to try, and I love seeing the variety of design styles that everyone brings to the table, but I am now aware of my own distinct design style thanks to the e-course I took last year and enjoy the way I work.
What color palettes do you prefer?
The brighter the better. I love a good vibrant palette to bring my designs to life. I have had to work with some toned down and pastel palettes recently and found it harder to work with the colours. All a learning curve I assume and it didn't detract from the designs.
When you design, do you do it thinking of a final product? Which market would you like your designs to be on?

Not particularly. I like to think I design more for the paper-based market (think Paperchase). But have often found that my designs work well throughout interiors and sometimes fashion. When I design for 'me', I just go with the flow and see where I end up. When designing for my agent I have to bare in mind the final products (home-ware based), and competitions vary from fabrics to greeting cards, so for those instances I do have to think of final product.

Which Design tool can't you leave without?
My wacom tablet. Although it stays at home beside my desk, if it were ever to break or disappear I honestly wouldn't know how to draw with a mouse. Recently, my bamboo pen broke and needed replacing. Those 2 weeks were a no-go for designing. I downed tools and waited for my new pen to arrive as I couldn't contemplate using a computer mouse, or even a pen and paper to work with.
What has been your greatest achievement so far? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
My greatest achievement so far has to be my little family. But design wise, I'd say the last 12 months have been a rollercoaster ride. I began a blog, have over 15 online features, had work selected for publishing, gained an agent, two licensing contracts and a lot of rejections. But those knock-backs are there for a reason, because bigger and better things are meant for me, so I'm okay with that. 
I'd like to think 5 years would bring me my own studio (from home, elsewhere, I don't mind), a steady income (wishful thinking) and a label that I am proud to put my name on.
What's your favourite patterned possession? Why?

My Rachael Taylor tea towel hangs Pride of place in my dining room. It was the first 'designer' product I ever bought and it was so beautifully wrapped and came with postcards and a thank you from Rachael. I have admired her for years before I took the course, so it is nice to have a little piece of her work beside my own creative products.

Who is your favorite surface pattern designer? Why?
It really is Rachael Taylor, she was a constant source of inspiration from being at university and I think because we live in the same city, she proves that it doesn't matter whether we live in London, Milan or a small village, you can be a success wherever you are.
Where can we find more of your work and products?
I can be found on my website/blog, facebook page, and twitter. You can contact me via email and buy my products on my Etsy shop.

I hope you've enjoyed getting to know Jennie a bit better. Don't forget to check the other places you can find her (above!) :D to see more gorgeous patterns!

Saturday, June 15, 2013

events // Pin Hop June 2013


Welcome to the Pin Hop of June 2013. This is the first ever pin hop and it is the innovative idea of Tina Olsson (Fyllayta). Before I continue, I'd like to thank Tina and Gill Eggleston (creator of the fab Find New Designers first surface pattern designers' directory) for organising the pin hop. I'm very excited to be part of this fun pattern event, and hope you'll love it! 

Première Vision + Indigo - A/W 2013-13 - Print Trend Report - Patternbank

We were given the chance to choose from four of the themes part of Patternbank's A/W13-14 print trends forecast. I absolutely loved all 4 themes (Urban MetropolisHistorical AdornmentMidnight Garden + Optical Day), but wasn't feeling they quite suited my style. After thinking what to do for a while, I decided to just choose the one that was sticking out the most to me, and adapt it to me. I chose Historical Adornment because it immediately made me think of Marie Antoinette (I love Louis XVI and Versailles Palace's fashion and decor), big Rococo wigs and cameos (you can see my inspiration board here). 

RocoWigs designed by 2013 © Maria José Bautista V

I'm glad the themes weren't so right up my alley, that way I got to challenge myself and created a new collection that I really love, hehehe. It is now with great honor that I want to present you my RocoWigs Collection. Enjoy!

RocoWigs [detail] designed by 2013 © Maria José Bautista V

RocoFlorals designed by 2013 © Maria José Bautista V

RocoRibbons designed by 2013 © Maria José Bautista V

RocoCake Damask designed by 2013 © Maria José Bautista V

I hope you've liked it, and if you have, don't forget to leave a comment below (it is always super nice to read them ☺). Click here to go back to the Pin Hop and decide where to stop next. If you prefer to hop in order, continue with Ella Tjader Designs' blog and see her gorgeous designs! 

Thursday, June 13, 2013

blog lovin' tour // uniquity



Hello everyone! and welcome to the second and last week of The Declaration of You! Blog Lovin' tour.
The Declaration of You will be published by North Light Craft Books this summer, with readers getting all the permission they've craved to step passionately into their lives, discover how they and their gifts are unique and uncover what they are meant to do! This post is part of The Declaration of You's Blog Lovin' Tour, which I'm thrilled to participate in alongside over 100 other creative bloggers. Learn more and join us, read here!


This week's theme is uniquity, and I have to be honest... at first I didn't really know what it was or what I was supposed to write about. I'd never heard of the word so I thought it was some kind of fancy word I didn't know and looked for it in the dictionary, only to discover it wasn't a real word... lol! So I decided to put two of my neurons together and started decomposing the word: the word unique was in it, so it definitely had to be something about the uniqueness of each of us. Then I remembered I bought The Multi Passionate Must Haves kit of goodies a while back (but haven't really had the chance to enjoy it yet :( ), and that there was The Declaration of You ebook and decided to read about uniquity to be sure I was on the right track; and I was! hehehe.

For soooooooo many years I struggled going back and forth Loser Land, constantly comparing myself to others and harshly criticising my own work and telling myself it wasn't perfect nor good enough. The Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design helped me a lot boosting up my confidence, but I still took the train back to that horrible place whenever discomfort or rejection came. Early this year, while reading Lilla Rogers' new book, I had a huge aha! moment: I realized I DON'T have to be perfect, and in fact... it is within my imperfectness that my uniquity lies. I now love every single wrong trace I draw, my non-symmetrical shapes, my doodled style... I no longer try to draw perfectly normal things, I just draw with my own style and love my weird looking characters and objects: I finally fell in love with my style and aesthetic. 

There are other things that add up to being imperfect to complete my uniquity (see my visual declaration above), but I strongly believe my blunt honesty is the quality that really makes me stand out everywhere I go, whatever I do, and whoever I meet. I've been judged many times for being too honest, but I just can't help myself: if I think/believe it, it'll show somehow (on my face, in my words, in my work...) and I really love this about me; I wouldn't change it for anything! 

Uniquity might not be a real word, but it should! We should all discover what makes us unique 'cause it is in our individuality that real perfection and beauty are. Looking up to other people is ok... in fact, I think it is a great way to explore yourself; identifying why you look up to that other person might help you find your uniquity. I still look at others' work, but now I do it with real admiration and love for their art. I no longer compare myself to them (to avoid sad and frustrating trips to Loser Land), but try to learn from them. (FYI... I love many maaaaany designers -I discover at least a new one I like every day-, but my latest design crush is Flora Chang; you should definitely check her out!). Admiration is easy to feel but not so easy to believe you can transmit to somebody else. I'd never thought someone could look at my work the way I do at that of others' and think of me as an example to follow. The first time (and only, so far) another fellow designer told me "I, one day, want to be like you", I felt like a Super Star -hehehe- and it just encouraged me to keep working hard and developing and evolving myself and my art so that I can, one day, inspire more people around the world :)

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

news // The Art of Typography e-class + more

class starts Friday June 14th ^_^

Are you fascinated by typography? Would you like to learn all about it? Create your own font? Be able to make better choices when using fonts? Then, I really recommend you enrolling the Skillshare class The Art of Typography: How to communicate effectively through the power of typography. It is taught by Faye Brown, a very good friend of mine and fellow Surface Pattern Designer with over 10 years of experience. She's a type geek genius and after watching a couple of her video lectures, I can assure you you'll not only learn lots but also have fun!

Click here to enroll and use the code TYPE30 to get 30% off (instead of $20 you'll pay $14!)

If it is your first Skillshare class, click here to enroll and get $10 off (you'll pay only $10). 


Plus, Tigerprint just launched their latest design brief competition, and it is all about Typography and Patterns  Isn't it perfect timing? Learn all about typography with Faye and learn how to create perfect repeat patterns with me! My Skillshare class Reign Repeats started last Friday, but since it is a self-paced class you can enroll whenever you want :) Just click here to enroll and use the code REPEATS to get 30% off (pay $21 instead of $30) :)

In your hands you have the possibility to improve your skills and create the perfect designs to submit to the contest! Tigerprint  has even endorsed both our classes on their blog, yaaaay!

ps. Tigerprint are a UK based design company that creates beautiful greeting cards and giftwrap paper to M&S. The winning design will receive £200! 

Monday, June 10, 2013

SPD RedCarpet // Antonela del Vecchio


Good morning everyone!

I've been out of blogging for a while 'cause a was preparing my Skillshare class. I'm so happy I was able to make the deadline, and that since it started on Friday, I've already started to get lots of good reviews and students are happy with it. I still have many many things on my to-do list, but blogging is  finally back on it, and I'm happy to re-start my editorial schedule with Monday's SPD RedCarpet; the series dedicated to surface pattern designers and their work. Today's guest is my friend Antonela del Vecchio; an Argentinian living in Germany I got to meet online.

Let's meet her a bit better:


Hi Antonela, tell us a bit about yourself.
I studied textile design in the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina and graduated in 2008. My final project was all about reusing scraps from textile companies, and you can see a little bit of it here. Then I worked for textile companies in the production area. Soon after that I got married and in October 2011 I moved to Germany with my husband. I always thought I was going to work in a company, but since i moved my focus changed. I started thinking of becoming a freelance designer, and that is what I want now.
What is it that you like about patterns? Which one is your favorite pattern style?
I have always been fascinated by patterns and textiles. Since I have memory my mum has sewed me different clothes and we went together to buy fabrics. I can remember myself staring at magazines such as Burda for hours and hours. I love patterns and I just think patterns make our lives happier! 
I don't have any favorite or particular pattern style, I only know when I like something or not.

How would you describe your style?
My style is happy, colorful and with the beauty of simple things.
Where do you find inspiration? Do you follow trends?
I find my inspiration in daily little thing: I love taking pictures, walking, drawing. But I also find lots of interesting stuff in the web in sites such as Pinterest. I have to admit I don't follow trends at all. I just try to follow what I like to make a unique pattern.

What color palettes do you prefer?
As you may have realized, I love pinks, magenta, greens and neutrals colors.
When you design, do you do it thinking of a final product? Which market would you like your designs to be on?

I would love to see my patterns in home textiles, in blankets, bed sets, cushions.

Which Design tool can't you leave without?
My scanner.
What has been your greatest achievement so far? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
One of my greatest achievement so far was to see one of my designs woven in Jacquard and used to produce blankets, cushions, etc by an Argentinian company. 
In 5 years I see myself with 1 or 2 kids :) and continuing working as a textile designer and why not, producing my own fabrics and eco-friendly products.
What's your favourite patterned possession? Why?

My civil ceremony dress. My mum sewed it and the fabric is an old fabric that her mother gave her long time ago (she doesn't even remember when).

Who is your favorite surface pattern designer? Why?
I love Luli Sanchez work.
Where can we find more of your work and products?
You can see my work here and on my personal blog (sorry it's in Spanish!), and buy my designs on Society6 and my Etsy shop,

I hope you've enjoyed getting to know Antonela a bit better. Don't forget to check the other places you can find her (above!) :D to see more gorgeous patterns!

Friday, June 7, 2013

blog lovin' tour // enthusiasm


Hello everyone! and welcome to the first week of The Declaration of You! Blog Lovin' tour.
The Declaration of You will be published by North Light Craft Books this summer, with readers getting all the permission they've craved to step passionately into their lives, discover how they and their gifts are unique and uncover what they are meant to do! This post is part of The Declaration of You's Blog Lovin' Tour, which I'm thrilled to participate in alongside over 100 other creative bloggers. Learn more and join us, read here!

We start the tour with the word enthusiasm. It is defined by the Oxford Dictionary of English as an 'intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval'. To me is what makes you go to work with a big smile on your face! I've had many working experiences… design related and non. I still do: I teach English and Spanish to pay the bills in the meantime that I can really make a living off my real and true passion: design. I've learnt from every single one of the jobs I've had, and don't regret any of them. I've always worked hard and done them right, but I've noticed only designing makes me really happy and sparks in me feelings of fulfilment and joy. It makes me challenge myself and want to learn and improve and evolve as much as I can. That energy that runs through my body, soul and mind when I design I call it enthusiasm, and I really invite you to pay attention and discover what makes you feel it :)