Black paper sketchbooks have become increasingly popular among artists for their unique ability to make colors pop and create dramatic effects. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic beginner, incorporating a black paper sketchbook into your artistic practice can open up new creative possibilities and elevate your artwork.
In this post we’ll explore the benefits of using a black paper sketchbook, discuss different art techniques and media that work well on black paper, and provide some example artwork to inspire you.
* Please note, some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase using these links I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support and it helps me create more great content for you to enjoy!
The Benefits of a Black Paper Sketchbook
Enhanced Contrast and Vibrancy
One of the most compelling reasons to use a black paper sketchbook is the enhanced contrast it provides. Colors appear more vibrant and stand out dramatically against the dark background. This can make your artwork more striking and eye-catching. For example, a bright yellow sunflower drawn on black paper will look much more vivid and lively compared to one on white paper.
A black paper sketchbook allows artists to experiment with unique artistic effects that are difficult to achieve on white paper. For instance, white gel pens or metallic markers create a striking contrast and can be used to draw intricate details that stand out. These effects are particularly stunning in artworks like night-time scenes or galaxy-inspired drawings.
Encourages Experimentation
Working on black paper encourages experimentation with different media and techniques. It pushes artists out of their comfort zone and invites them to think differently about light and shadow. Techniques like using paint (acrylic or gouache) or layering colored pencils to build up vibrant colors can lead to new discoveries and skills.
Techniques and Media for Black Paper
Metallic and White Gel Pens
Using metallic and white gel pens on black paper can produce stunning, high-contrast artworks. These pens are ideal for creating intricate designs, mandalas, or lettering. The reflective quality of metallic inks adds a shimmering effect that is particularly captivating.
Colored Pencils
Colored pencils, especially high-quality, opaque ones, work beautifully on black paper. The dark background makes the colors appear more saturated, allowing for rich, vibrant artwork. Layering and blending colors can create depth and dimension that stand out vividly.
Chalk and Pastels
Soft pastels and chalk are excellent for creating soft, dreamy effects on black paper. The dusty texture of these media lends itself well to blending and creating smooth gradients. They are perfect for landscapes, abstracts, or any artwork that benefits from a soft, ethereal quality.
Acrylic and Gouache Paints
Acrylic and gouache paints are opaque and cover black paper well, allowing for bright, solid colors. They can be used for a variety of techniques, from detailed illustrations to abstract pieces. These paints are ideal for artists who enjoy working with bold, vibrant colors and want to create striking, high-contrast artwork.
Conclusion
Incorporating a black paper sketchbook into your artistic practice can significantly enhance your creative process. The vibrant contrast, unique effects, and opportunities for experimentation make it a valuable tool for any artist. Whether you’re using metallic pens, gel pens, colored pencils, pastels, or paints, black paper can elevate your artwork to new heights. Explore the possibilities and add a new dimension to your creativity with a black paper sketchbook!
Welcome to this guide on creative and aesthetic sketchbook art ideas and inspiration! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, your sketchbook is a canvas waiting to be filled with creativity.
In this post, we’ll explore a variety of beautiful and imaginative sketchbook art concepts to fuel your artistic journey. From whimsical illustrations to captivating doodles, get ready to discover endless possibilities for your sketchbook. So, grab your pencils and let’s dive into the world of aesthetic sketchbook art ideas!
Collage
Explore the world of collage in your sketchbook by layering different textures, colours, and images to create visually stunning compositions. Cut out images you like from a magazine or print them off and paste them in your sketchbook. Then, draw or doodle around them.
Insects
Delve into the intricate world of insects as a theme for your sketchbook art. Capture the delicate beauty of dragonflies, the industrious nature of ants, or the fascinating patterns of beetles. Experiment with different mediums and techniques to bring these tiny creatures to life on the pages of your sketchbook, and let their unique characteristics inspire your creativity.
Metallic Pen on Black Paper
Explore the striking contrast of metallic pens against black paper in your sketchbook art. Let the shimmering pigments dance across the dark background as you create intricate designs and patterns. Experiment with different strokes and techniques to achieve mesmerizing effects that catch the light and add depth to your artwork. Whether you’re drawing celestial constellations or intricate mandalas, the combination of metallic pens and black paper offers endless possibilities for stunning compositions in your sketchbook.
Mushrooms
Dive into the whimsical world of mushrooms in your sketchbook art. Capture the intricate details of these fascinating fungi, from their delicate gills to their whimsical shapes and textures. Experiment with different drawing techniques to bring your mushrooms to life on the page, whether you’re sketching realistic portrayals or adding a touch of fantasy to your creations. Let your imagination run wild as you explore the diverse forms and colors of mushrooms, creating enchanting scenes that transport viewers to magical realms within the pages of your sketchbook.
Animals
Explore the animal kingdom in your sketchbook art, from majestic owls to playful dolphins and everything in between. Whether you prefer realistic depictions or whimsical interpretations, there’s endless inspiration to be found in the animal kingdom. Experiment with different styles, techniques, and mediums to bring your favourite creatures to life on the page. Whether you’re sketching from life, referencing photographs, or drawing from your imagination, each animal sketch is an opportunity to hone your skills and express your unique artistic vision. So grab your pencils, pens, or paints, and embark on a creative journey through the fascinating world of animals in your sketchbook.
Abstract Shapes, Patterns and Colours
Dive into the world of abstract shapes, patterns, and colors in your sketchbook. Experiment with bold designs and vibrant hues to create visually striking compositions. Whether minimalist or intricate, unleash your creativity and explore endless possibilities.
“Zen” Art
Discover the tranquility of Zen art as you transform everyday objects into serene compositions. Embrace simplicity and harmony, infusing ordinary subjects with a sense of calm and mindfulness. Let your creativity soar, just like this hot air balloon floating peacefully across the page.
Colourful Doodles
Unleash your imagination with vibrant and lively colorful doodles. Dive into a world of endless possibilities as you explore a spectrum of hues and playful designs. Let your creativity run wild, filling the page with whimsical patterns and cheerful motifs. Embrace the joy of doodling as you infuse each stroke with bursts of color, creating a kaleidoscope of visual delight.
Body Parts
Dive into the fascinating world of sketching body parts, from the delicate curve of lips to the expressive depth of eyes. Each stroke brings anatomy to life, capturing the intricate details and emotions of the human form with skill and precision. Sketching body parts like lips and eyes allows artists to explore the intricacies of form and emotion, creating compelling visual narratives with every stroke.
Mandalas
Delve into the meditative world of mandalas, where intricate patterns and soothing symmetry converge. Let your creativity flow as you craft circular designs that radiate harmony and balance. Explore different styles and techniques, from traditional motifs to contemporary interpretations. With each stroke, find peace and tranquillity, as you immerse yourself in the rhythmic beauty of mandalas.
Flowers
Indulge your senses in a garden of artistic delights with floral sketches blooming with color and life. From delicate petals to vibrant blooms, flowers offer a timeless muse for artistic expression. Whether you’re capturing the elegance of a single rose or the exuberance of a wildflower bouquet, let your creativity blossom on the canvas. Explore the intricate details of each petal and the graceful curves of each stem as you bring nature’s beauty to life with your artistic touch.
Maps
Embark on a cartographic journey as you reimagine maps through artistic expression. Explore the contours of the world, from sprawling continents to intricate cityscapes, through your unique artistic lens. Capture the essence of place and wanderlust as you blend geography with creativity. Whether you’re sketching fantasy realms or tracing real-world landmarks, maps offer endless possibilities for artistic exploration.
Conclusion
Incorporating a variety of styles and subjects into your sketchbook can fuel your creativity and enhance your artistic skills. From intricate mandalas to whimsical doodles, and from abstract patterns to detailed body parts, the possibilities are endless. By exploring these aesthetic sketchbook art ideas, you can create a rich tapestry of visual art that reflects your unique perspective and inspires continuous growth in your artistic journey. Keep experimenting, keep creating, and most importantly, enjoy the process of filling your sketchbook with beauty and imagination.
Welcome fellow mandala art lovers! If you’re seeking some fun and aesthetic mandala art ideas and inspiration, you’re in the right place. This post is your gateway to a world of creative and accessible mandala art drawing ideas that are sure to spark your imagination.
What is Mandala Art?
Before we dive into these awesome mandala art ideas, let’s take a quick look at what exactly defines a mandala. A mandala is a symbolic geometric design that represents harmony, unity, and balance. You can read more about mandalas in this blog post.
Now, without further ado, let’s dive into this list of aesthetic mandala art ideas that will surely ignite your artistic spirit.
And if you’re eager to take your mandala drawing skills to the next level, don’t miss out on my mandala drawing class – a wonderful opportunity to enhance your craft!
Aesthetic Mandala Art Ideas and Inspiration
*Note: all mandalas shared below were drawn by me, unless otherwise stated
Begin by embracing simplicity. Opt for a straightforward design and employ a contrasting, complementary color scheme to achieve a bold aesthetic impact.
Experiment with creating mandalas on black paper using metallic or gel pens.
Explore the fusion of intricate mandala patterns with animal forms for a captivating and artistic result.
Divide the mandala down the center and infuse one side with florals or an entirely contrasting element for a unique touch.
Speaking of flowers, you can integrate blossoms into your entire mandala design to create a breath-taking impact.
Explore a unique approach by transforming unexpected objects into mandalas, like these ice cream cones.
Experiment with embedding a scene within your mandala artwork, like this example featuring a mountain and forest design.
Explore color variations and overlaid shapes, as demonstrated in this cloud-themed mandala design.
Get creative by crafting mandalas in unexpected locations or materials, such as etching them onto seashells or drawing them in beach sand.
Explore diverse materials like gel pens to add variety and texture to your mandala creations.
Consider placing mandalas within other objects, such as this example of a hot air balloon mandala design.
Alternatively, keep it minimal with black and white. Add shading or use varied pen thickness for a bold impact.
Add an element of surprise by placing unexpected objects within your mandala, like this captivating Jupiter-themed design.
You can see even more examples of aesthetic mandala designs in my sketchbook tour video below.
For even greater mandala art inspiration, you might find my mandala drawing workbooks with prompts truly enjoyable!
Conclusion
Mandalas are like your artistic playground – experiment, explore, and enjoy! Whether you love simple designs or want to try something unexpected, the world of mandala art is full of possibilities. So, grab your tools and start creating your own unique mandala masterpieces!
If you were inspired enough to create your own mandalas from these, share it on Instagram make sure to tag me @julieerindesigns.
Hey there, welcome to my blog! In this post, I’m excited to share with you how to design your own wedding invitation suite with Zazzle.
It was an incredible opportunity as Zazzle reached out to me to create a video for their YouTube channel, where I could showcase the process of creating my own wedding invitations that beautifully represent my wedding theme.
Join me as I walk you through the steps, tools, and inspiration behind this creative journey in the video below.
How to Design your own Wedding Invitation Suite
To get started, I made a list of all the items I needed to assemble my wedding invitation suite.
From the main invitation and RSVP cards to belly bands, custom envelopes, stickers, and more, Zazzle had everything I needed to bring my vision to life.
For design inspiration, I turned to my curated wedding Pinterest board, where I have been gathering ideas and inspiration for the overall theme and style I want for my wedding.
Items needed for the invitation suite:
All of the items I used for my invitation suite are linked below, with the exception of the return address labels which I creating using the “Design Transfer” option. This is demonstrated in the video above.
Using Zazzle’s Design Tool, I was able to customize every aspect of my invitations including the colors, fonts, and layouts to achieve the exact look I envisioned. Plus, I could select different paper types and sizes to ensure my invitations looked exactly how I wanted.
Digital Download or Physical Products
When it came to acquiring my customized invitations, I opted for the printed version. However, it’s worth mentioning that Zazzle’s digital download option is a great cost-saving alternative, and offers flexibility if you prefer to send your invitations electronically via text or email. It’s a modern, eco-friendly approach that still ensures your invitations look stunning while accommodating different preferences and budgets.
Putting the Invitation Suite Together
Once all of the different pieces arrived, it was time to put it all together. You can watch the process of putting together the invitation suites in the video above.
I started with the main invitation and then put the RSVP card on top. Attaching the belly band neatly held the components together, creating a cohesive suite. Adding custom stickers and return address labels to the envelopes added that extra touch of personalization. Lastly, I used an embosser to add a custom touch to the envelopes.
The Finished Product
I’m very happy with the finished result. Each invitation showcases our unique style and attention to detail. The suite truly sets the tone for our special day and leaves no doubt that our wedding will be an unforgettable event.
My friends and family loved these wedding invitations and said they would keep them as cherished mementos for years to come!
Conclusion
Designing your own wedding invitations with Zazzle was a fun and rewarding experience. It allowed me to bring my vision to life and create invitations that were exactly how I wanted.
Zazzle’s affordability, convenience, and customization options made it the perfect choice for this creative endeavor. If you’re seeking personalized wedding stationery that stands out from the crowd, I encourage you to explore the possibilities on Zazzle’s website.
I hope this post has inspired you to design your very own wedding invitation suite.
Hey there, fellow creatives! I’m excited to share with you a fun tutorial on how to make your very own coloring pages on your iPad using the Procreate app.
In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll dive into the world of creating beautiful mandala coloring pages on your iPad, complete with inspiring quotes that will uplift your spirits. So, grab your iPad and let’s get started!
How to Make Coloring Pages on your iPad with Procreate
Step 1: Setting up your Canvas
To start, open the Procreate app on your iPad and create a new canvas. Choose the dimensions and resolution that you prefer for your coloring page.
To create coloring pages for print, I suggest using the Paper size, which is 8.5 x 11 inches.
Step 2: Drawing the Mandala
Navigate to the Actions menu (the wrench icon on the top left of the screen), click on Canvas, turn Drawing Guide on and then click Edit Drawing Guide.
Then go down to Symmetry > Options, and select the Radial option.
Now, using the drawing tools in Procreate, begin drawing your mandala. Play around with different shapes, patterns, and intricate details to make your mandala unique.
Step 3: Adding Inspirational Quotes
Now, it’s time to incorporate an inspirational quote (or other text) into your coloring page. Select a quote that resonates with you or your audience.
To add your text, go to the Actions menu again, click on Add, and then click on Add Text. Type out your quote, then go to Layers, tap on the text layer, and then select Edit text. Under Attributes, select the icon that looks like an O (next to Underline). This will make the text appear as just the outline of the font (note: this does not work on all fonts).
Then, you can go through your fonts and select one you like. You can download additional fonts from Creative Fabrica, if you like.
If the letters of your chosen font are connecting, they may overlap. You can then go to Layers, tap on the text layer and select Rasterize. Then you can go in and erase the overlapping lines to make the text connect cleanly.
Finally, position the text around the mandala, ensuring it complements the overall design.
Step 4: Final Touches and Exporting
Once you’re satisfied with your coloring page, take some time to add any final touches or details.
When you’re done, export the file in a high-resolution format, such as a PDF, PNG or JPEG, depending on your specific needs.
To share your mandala go up the Actions menu (wrench icon), click on Share, and then select the file type you require, and save it to your iPad.
Now you’re ready to print or share your new coloring page however you like!
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully created a stunning inspirational quote mandala coloring page using Procreate on your iPad.
Coloring pages are not only a great way to relax and unwind but also make wonderful gifts or digital products to share with others. You could even make and sell your own coloring book if you make enough of these.
You can also download the coloring pages featured in this tutorial by clicking on the image below or visiting the Downloads section of this website. There, you’ll find a collection of intricate mandalas and uplifting quote designs ready to be colored and enjoyed.
Whether you choose to unwind with a cup of tea or share the joy of coloring with friends and family, these printable coloring pages are sure to bring moments of tranquillity and creativity into your life.
I hope this tutorial has inspired you to create your own coloring pages! Feel free to experiment with different styles, themes, and techniques to create unique coloring pages that reflect your artistic vision. The possibilities are endless!
If you enjoyed this tutorial, don’t forget to like and subscribe to my YouTube channel for more art-related content. Stay tuned for future videos where I’ll be sharing additional tips, tutorials, and creative inspiration.
Thank you for joining me, and I can’t wait to see your beautiful creations!
In this post I’m sharing a new feature on the print on demand website Zazzle, which is the ability to add your own custom cover photos to your listings! This is a really great way to make your listings stand out on the Zazzle marketplace.
* Please note, some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase using the links I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support and it helps me create more content for you to enjoy!
In a world filled with nearly identical products, it’s important to find ways to make your products stand out. Zazzle custom cover photos are one way to do this. With a little creativity, you can use cover photos to give your products a unique look and make them more reflective ofyour own brand.
Zazzle custom cover photos are easy to create and can be applied to any product via the individual product page. Cover photos can be changed at any time, so you can experiment with different looks to find the one that best represents your brand.
To learn more about the custom cover photos directly from Zazzle, read their cover photo landing page.
In the video below I demonstrate how to add custom cover photos to your listings, and how I’ve been designing them on my iPad. Aside from creating your own cover photos in Procreate or another app like Photoshop, you can also purchase or find free mockups for your listings on Placeit, Creative Market, Google and other websites.
A great way to make your products stand out from the competition.
When potential customers are browsing through all the different products on Zazzle’s marketplace, it’s the cover photo that will initially catch their eye. Therefore, it is important to have an eye-catching and visually appealing cover photo.
People are more likely to purchase a product if they are able to see what it looks like in a realistic setting. If you have a great product but are using unappealing or generic stock photos, then you are not doing your product justice. Take advantage of Zazzle’s custom cover photo feature to make your products stand out and attract more customers!
You can purchase a sample of your product and take your own photos of it, use a mock-up you’ve purchased, or create your cover photo in a graphic design software. Either way, adding a custom cover photo to your product will make it more eye-catching and likely to sell.
Use a variety of backgrounds and graphics to create a unique look for your product.
If you want your products to really stand out on Zazzle, you need to put some thought into your cover photos. Luckily, there’s a lot of flexibility when it comes to design. You can use a variety of backgrounds and graphics to create a unique look for your product.
The first thing you need to do is decide what kind of mood you want to create. Do you want something fun and whimsical? Or are you going for a more sleek and modern look? Once you’ve decided on the overall tone, you can start finding or creating some backgrounds and graphics. If you’re not sure where to start, take a look at what other people have done. See what kind of designs are popular and see if you can find any inspiration there. I’ve personally been using my own photographs, and actually going out and finding textures and photographing them specifically for cover photos.
Also think about the real-life setting you might find the product being used in. For example, I used a sandy beach background for flip flops vs. a wall texture background for a clock.
Once you have a general idea of what you want your cover photos to look like, it’s time to start putting it all together. Remember, your cover photo is the first thing people will see when they come across your product. So make sure it’s something that will grab their attention and make them want to learn more. With a little effort, you can create a design that’s truly unique and will help your product stand out from the rest.
Keep your cover photos high quality and eye catching
There are a few things to keep in mind when creating custom cover photos for your products.
Make sure the photo is high-quality and resolution. Zazzle recommends using a PNG or JPG file that is at least 300 DPI. This will ensure that your photo looks sharp and clear.
Next, consider the size of the photo. You want to make sure that the photo is large enough, but not so big that it looks blurry or distorted. A good rule of thumb is to use a photo that is at least 1000 pixels wide.
Finally, think about the background of the photo. You want to make sure that the background is simple and uncluttered so that your product is the main focus. A simple background, blurred photo or a contrasting solid color is usually best.
With these tips in mind, you can upload your own photos to create unique and eye-catching cover photos for your Zazzle products.
Conclusion
There are a few things to keep in mind if you want to use custom cover photos to make your products stand out. First, you want to make sure the cover photo is high-quality and fits well with the product. Second, you want the cover photo to be unique and not like anything else that’s out there. And finally, you want to make sure the cover photo accurately represents the product. If you keep these things in mind, then you’re well on your way to using custom cover photos to make your products stand out on Zazzle.
I hope this post has inspired you to add custom cover photos to your Zazzle listings. Go ahead and give it a try – you may be surprised at the results!
When it comes to running a successful art business, a big part of standing out from the crowd is creating a strong and recognisable brand identity. But what does that actually entail? In a nutshell, your brand identity is how your business is perceived by both your current and potential customers. It’s more than just your logo or website design – it encompasses everything from your company values and mission statement, to your overall aesthetic and the way you communicate with your audience.
Luckily, creating a strong brand identity for your art business is not as daunting as it may seem. By following a few simple steps, you can develop a clear and recognisable brand that will help you to attract and retain customers.
Define your art business and what it does
An art business is anything that involves creating, marketing, and selling art. This could be anything from fine art to digital art to craft supplies. To create a brand identity for your art business, you need to first define what exactly your business does and what makes it unique.
One way to do this is to sit down and brainstorm what your business offers and what makes it different from other businesses in the same industry. For example, if you sell paintings, what makes your paintings different from others? Do you have a specific style or focus on a certain type of painting? Who is your target market?
Once you have a good understanding of what your business does and what makes it unique, you can start to create a brand identity that reflects this. This can be anything from creating a logo and tagline to choosing a colour scheme and overall aesthetic for your business.
Whatever you do, make sure that your brand identity is cohesive and reflects the overall tone of your business. Creating a brand identity for your art business is an important step in making your business more visible and recognizable. By taking the time to define what your business does and what makes it unique, you can create a strong foundation for your brand that will attract new customers and help you stand out from the competition.
Research your competition
When you’re ready to start creating a brand identity for your art business, it’s important to do your research and find out what similar businesses are doing. This will help you get an idea of what’s working well and what you can improve upon.
One of the best ways to research your competition is to simply search for them online. Check out their websites and social media pages to see what they’re doing right. Make a list of the things you like and the things you don’t like about their branding. This will help you narrow down your own preferences and come up with a brand identity that’s unique to you.
Another great way to research your competition is to talk to them directly. If you know any other artists or art business owners, reach out to them and ask for their advice. They may be willing to share their own experiences and help you avoid making the same mistakes they did.
Finally, don’t forget to ask your customers for feedback. They’re the ones who will be interacting with your brand identity the most, so it’s important to get their thoughts on what you’re doing. Send out surveys, post on social media, or simply ask them in person what they think of your brand. By doing your research, you’ll be able to create a brand identity that’s unique, appealing, and sure to attract more business.
Find your niche and focus on what makes you different
When it comes to creating a brand identity for your art business, it’s important to find your niche and focus on what makes you different. This can be a difficult process, but it’s worth taking the time to figure out what sets your business apart from the rest.
One of the best ways to find your niche is to think about what you’re passionate about. What are the specific areas of art that you’re most interested in? What do you enjoy creating the most? Once you’ve identified your passions, you can start to focus on creating a brand identity that reflects those interests.
It’s also important to focus on what makes you different from other art businesses. What are your unique selling points? What can you offer that no one else can? By highlighting these differences, you’ll be able to create a brand identity that really stands out.
Finally, don’t be afraid to be bold with your brand identity. This is your chance to really put your own personal stamp on your business. So go ahead and be creative! Use your brand identity to show the world who you are and what you’re all about.
Create a mission statement for your brand
Creating a mission statement for your brand is a good place to start shaping your brand identity. This statement should be a clear and concise description of what your business is and what it stands for. It should be easy to understand and remember, so that your customers can quickly identify with your brand.
Your mission statement should be reflected in everything you do, from the products you sell to the way you market your business. It should be an integral part of your brand identity and should be communicated to everyone who comes into contact with your business.
If you take the time to create a strong and clear mission statement for your brand, you will be well on your way to creating a successful and recognizable brand identity.
Mission statement examples for an artist’s brand:
To create art that evokes emotion, inspires creativity, and encourages a deeper appreciation for beauty in the world.
To use my artistic talents to shed light on social issues and promote positive change in the world.
To connect with audiences on a deep, personal level through my art, and inspire them to find their own creativity and passion.
To bring joy and happiness to people’s lives through my colourful and whimsical artworks.
To use my art as a platform to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainability.
To capture the beauty of nature and the human experience through my paintings, and share it with the world.
To create art that transcends language and cultural barriers, bringing people together through the universal language of beauty.
To inspire and empower women through my art, celebrating their strength, resilience, and unique beauty.
Develop a visual identity for your brand
As an artist, one of the most important things you can do is develop a strong visual identity for your brand. Your visual identity is what will help you stand out from the crowd and attract attention from potential customers and clients. This includes your brand colours, logo, banners, avatars, social media posts and more.
Here are five tips to help you create a visual identity for your art business:
1. Define your brand. What are your core values and attributes? What makes you unique? Once you have a clear understanding of your brand, you can start to develop a visual identity that reflects who you are as a business.
2. Consider your target audience. Who are you trying to reach with your art business? What kinds of visuals, colours, textures etc. will resonate with them? When you know your target audience, you can create visuals that appeal to them.
3. Keep it simple. When it comes to visuals, less is often more. You want to create a simple, elegant visual identity that is easy for people to remember.
4. Use high-quality visuals. The visuals you use should be high-resolution and professional-looking. This will help you create a strong impression and build trust with your target audience.
5. Stay consistent. Once you have developed your visual identity, it is important to stay consistent with it. Use the same colours, fonts, and overall look and feel across all of your marketing materials. This will help people easily recognize your brand.
Check out this Skillshare class DIY Branding for Creatives to help you design a visual identity for your brand!
Monitor and adjust your brand identity as needed
Like any business, it’s important to regularly monitor how your art brand is performing and make changes and re-iterate as needed.
Here are a few tips:
1. Keep an eye on your sales. If you’re not selling as much as you’d like, it could be a sign that your brand identity isn’t resonating with your target audience. Take a look at your branding and see if there’s anything you could change to better appeal to your desired customers.
2. Pay attention to your online presence. What are people saying about your brand? Are they sharing your content? If not, it could be a sign that your brand identity isn’t strong enough. Again, take a look at your branding and see if there’s anything you could change to make a bigger impact.
3. Monitor your competition. See what they’re doing that’s working and try to replicate it. But also, be sure to differentiate yourself from the competition so you’re not just another “me too” art brand. By regularly monitoring your brand identity and making changes as needed, you’ll be sure to stay ahead of the game and keep your art business thriving.
4. Update your branding regularly. It may take some re-iterating until you’ve reached a point where you feel like your brand truly reflects you and your art business.
Conclusion
Creating a brand identity doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a professional and unique brand identity for your art business that will help you stand out from the competition. With a little time and effort, you can develop a strong brand that will attract new customers and help grow your business.
If you’re an artist, there’s a good chance that you’ve thought about turning your passion into a business. After all, what could be better than getting paid to do something you love? While there are no hard and fast rules for becoming a successful artist-entrepreneur, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of achieving your art business goals in 2024 and beyond.
Start with a well-defined goal. This may seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. Without a clear and specific goal, it will be difficult to measure progress and know when you’ve reached your destination.
Create a plan. Once you know what your goal is, it’s time to put together a plan of action. What steps will you need to take to achieve your goal? What resources will you need? Who can help you along the way?
Be prepared to work hard. Achieving any goal takes dedication and hard work. This is especially true of art business goals, which often require long hours and lots of hustle.
Stay focused and stay positive. It’s easy to get sidetracked or discouraged when pursuing any goal. But if you want to succeed, it’s important to stay focused on your goal and remain positive even when the going gets tough. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your art business goals.
Create a plan
The first and most important step is to create a plan. What do you want your business to achieve? What are your long-term and short-term goals? Do you have specific revenue goals? Who is your target market? Answering these questions will help you focus your efforts and make it more likely that you’ll achieve your goals.
Once you have a plan, the next step is to put it into action. This means creating a marketing strategy, developing a website or online portfolio, and actively promoting your work. You might also consider exhibiting your work at art fairs or galleries, or selling your work online.
Of course, running a successful business takes more than just marketing and selling your work–it also requires maintaining a high level of quality and consistently creating new and exciting work that your customers will love. But if you’re passionate about your art and willing to put in the hard work, there’s no reason why you can’t achieve your business goals.
Put your plan into action
Now that you have figured out your art business goals, it’s time to put your plan into action! Here are a few tips to get you started:
Set a scheduleand stick to it. Having a set schedule will help you stay on track and ensure that you’re making progress towards your goals.
Set realistic goals. If your goals are too unrealistic, you’re likely to get frustrated and give up. Make sure your goals are achievable and within reach.
Get organized. This will help you stay on track and ensure that you’re using your time efficiently. Create a system that works for you and stick to it.
Take action. Don’t wait around for things to happen, make them happen! Get out there and start working towards your goals.
Persevere. Things will inevitably get tough at times, but it’s important to persevere. Don’t give up on your goals, and you’ll eventually achieve them.
Measure progress
If you want to achieve your art business goals, then you need to be able to measure your progress. There are a few key ways to do this:
Keep track of your finances. This includes both your income and your expenses. Knowing where your money is coming from and where it’s going will give you an idea of what’s not working and where to double down your efforts.
Set milestones. Milestones can help you track your progress over time and see how far you’ve come. They can also give you something to strive for and keep you motivated.
Get feedback. Ask your friends, family, and even strangers for their honest opinions on your art. This feedback can help you see what’s working and what isn’t, and make necessary adjustments to your business plan.
By tracking your progress, you can stay on track to reach your art business goals.
Get organized
One of the most important things you can do to set yourself up for success in your art business is to get organized. This means having a system in place for tracking your inventory, expenses, sales, and other important business data. It also means staying on top of your marketing and social media efforts.
One way to get organized is to use a spreadsheet to track your inventory, sales, expenses, and other business data. This can help you spot trends and make informed decisions about your art business.
Another way to get organized is to use a customer relationship management (CRM) system to track your marketing and social media efforts. This can help you stay on top of your customer relationships and ensure that you’re providing the best possible experience.
Make sure to check out my Art Business Toolkit which is a template I developed for Notion to help you get organized, set goals for your business, keep track of finances, create a marketing plan and more. Check it out at the link below!
Whatever system you use, the key is to make sure that you’re consistent in using it. This will help you get the most out of your data and make better decisions for your art business.
Delegate and seek help
One of the most important things you can do to ensure the success of your art business is to delegate tasks and seek help when needed. Trying to do everything yourself can lead to burnout and ultimately, a failed business.
When delegating tasks, it’s important to give clear instructions and deadlines, and then trust that the person you’ve delegated to will complete the task to your standards. It can be difficult to let go of control, but if you want your business to grow, you may need to delegate.
It’s also important to seek help when needed, whether that’s hiring an accountant to help with your finances, or asking a friend for advice on social media marketing. No one knows everything, and there’s no shame in admitting that you need help. By delegating tasks and seeking help when needed, you’re setting your art business up for success.
Also consider using automation tools or systems that can help you to more efficiently perform repetitive tasks.
Stay motivated
As an artist, it can be easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and lose sight of your long-term goals. Here are a few tips to help you stay motivated and on track to achieving your art business goals:
Set realistic goals. It’s important to set goals that are achievable. If your goal is to sell 100 paintings in a year, but you only sell an average of one painting per month, that goal is going to be very difficult, if not impossible, to achieve. On the other hand, if you set a goal of selling one painting per week, that’s a much more achievable goal.
Create a plan. Once you have your goals set, it’s time to create a plan of action. This plan should include things like what type of artwork you’re going to create, how you’re going to market and sell your artwork, and how you’re going to keep track of your progress. Having a plan will help to keep you organized and on track.
Take action. No matter how good your goals and plans are, they won’t do any good if you don’t take action. Make a commitment to yourself to work on your art business every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. The more action you take, the closer you’ll get to achieving your goals.
Get help. If you’re feeling stuck or like you’re not making progress, reach out for help. There are a number of resources available, whether it’s hiring a business coach or taking an art business course. Getting help from someone who knows what they’re doing can make a huge difference.
Stay positive. It’s easy to get discouraged, especially when you’re not seeing the results you want. But it’s important to stay positive and believe in yourself. Remember, it takes time and consistent effort to build a successful art business. Stay focused on your goals and don’t give up.
Reward yourself. As you achieve your goals, be sure to celebrate your successes. This will help to keep you motivated and focused. Give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Celebrate milestones
You’ve set your sights on some lofty art business goals and you’re ready to achieve them. But how do you keep motivated throughout the journey? How do you ensure that you don’t get bogged down in the day-to-day and lose sight of the bigger picture?
One way to stay on track is to celebrate your milestones. When you reach a goal, big or small, take some time to reflect on your accomplishment. This will not only help you maintain your momentum, but it will also give you a much-needed confidence boost. Here are a few tips for celebrating your milestones:
Set aside time to reflect on your achievements. Take some time, even if it’s just 10 minutes, to really think about what you’ve accomplished. What did you have to overcome to get to this point? What did you learn along the way? How does this new accomplishment make you feel?
Share your successes with others. Telling others about your accomplishments can help you to solidify them in your own mind. It can also be a great way to get some much-needed positive feedback. So, don’t be shy about sharing your news, whether it’s with your inner circle or a wider audience.
Treat yourself to something special. After all your hard work, you deserve a little reward. Whether it’s a night out, some new art supplies, or simply some extra time to relax, take some time to enjoy your success.
Use your achievements as motivation for the future. When you look back on your accomplishments, it can be easy to get complacent. But instead of letting your successes lull you into a false sense of security, use them as motivation to keep pushing forward. Remember, you’re capable of great things and you have what it takes to reach your goals.
Keep a record of your milestones. One way to keep track of your successes is to maintain a record of them, whether it’s in a physical journal or an online document. This can be a great way to look back on your progress and see how far you’ve come.
Set new goals. Once you’ve celebrated your current accomplishments, it’s time to set your sights on new goals. What do you want to achieve next? What’s your next big challenge? By continually setting and achieving goals, you’ll keep your art business journey interesting and rewarding.
Celebrate often. Don’t wait until you’ve reached your ultimate goal to start celebrating. Instead, take the time to appreciate your successes along the way. By celebrating often, you’ll stay motivated and inspired to keep reaching for your goals.
Conclusion
Setting and achieving your art business goals is a lot of work but also highly rewarding. If you can create a plan, work hard, and stay motivated, you can build something that is all your own and that you can continue to build for years to come.
Are you an artist wondering how to sell your art on Spoonflower? You’ve come to the right place.
I’ve spent the last year uploading nearly 300 designs to Spoonflower. I’ve made over $1000 so far, so it’s definitely been worth it for me! And that’s why I wanted to share it with you today.
Spoonflower is a print on demand retailer, similar to Redbubble or Society6, who specialize in fabric featuring seamless pattern designs. But they also sell other products like wallpaper and home décor!
So if you’ve already got some seamless pattern designs that you’ve created, or you’re just starting to dabble with pattern design then Spoonflower is definitely worth taking a look at.
Completely new to seamless pattern design? I’ve got a couple of tutorials to help you out:
Open a Spoonflower account and start uploading! It’s a pretty simple process to add your designs but there a few things you should know before getting started.
The main thing is that your designs won’t be enabled for sale in the marketplace until you have purchased samples.
I know, that sounds annoying, but I found a way to get the samples for really cheap so don’t worry about it too much. More on that below.
Store Front
The store front shows the designs of yours that have been enabled for sale. You can customize it with a banner, profile photo, short intro/description and social links.
If you want to view the designs that you have uploaded but have not enabled for sale yet, you can see them under Designs Not for Sale, or you can see them in your Dashboard.
Products
Spoonflower mainly sells fabric!
They cater to people who are looking for unique fabric to use for their own projects, either for personal use or even to sell in their own Etsy store for example. It’s really very satisfying to see people create things like clothing and accessories using fabric you’ve designed.
I’ve only ordered the cheapest possible fabric swatches and I don’t sew myself, so I can’t tell you much about the quality. However, they seem to have a broad range of fabric types for all sorts of projects. And plenty of return customers.
They also sell wallpaper and other home décor items like tablecloths, bedding and pillows which look really nice in the mockups, as you can see.
Ease of Upload
Uploading to Spoonflower can be a bit tricky. Your design MUST be a SEAMLESS pattern repeat. You can upload a non repeating pattern, but if someone buys it Spoonflower may contact you to fix it. So keep that in mind, I suggest to save yourself the headache and just check your patterns first.
Below is what it looks like after your pattern has uploaded to the site. This is where you can add your title, description, tags, and edit the size and tiling of your print.
Underneath Design Size is where you can adjust the size of your pattern (Click Smaller or Bigger). Hit Save Changes and then you can click on where it says Your Design is available on 20+ Products to see how it looks on the mockups.
Wallpaper is on a separate tab, next to Fabric as you can see on the top. The wallpaper size can be changed separately and is not affected by any changes in the Fabric tab.
Once you’ve uploaded your design and added the title, tags and description, you have the option to make it public. This means people can see it, but they still can’t buy it until you order samples and enable them for sale.
The Cheapest Way to get Samples from Spoonflower
The cheapest way to get samples is by getting the “Cheater Quilt” which includes 42 different pattern swatches. The cost for one of these quilts is $18.50 USD (in April 2022).
I wouldn’t really call it a “quilt” in the way you might think, and it probably won’t be too pretty unless all of your patterns match nicely together. Mine definitely don’t!
What I suggest doing is wait until you have uploaded 42 designs and then order the quilt, then you can go through and enable all of your patterns for sale at once.
Below is a photo of one of my ugly cheater quilts with bonus appearance by Miss Kitty!
The whole buying samples thing sounds annoying but I actually think it’s a good thing. This barrier to entry means you kind of have to be a serious artist to open up a shop.
I find that it keeps out the people who are just trying to make a quick buck with sub par or stolen designs. It also means less competition and higher quality designs overall.
In this video I demonstrate step by step how to set up and purchase the cheater quilt from Spoonflower.
Earnings and Payment
Spoonflower pays twice per month if you reach the $10 threshold by the payout date.
The payment dates are around mid month and again near end of the month. This is actually much faster than other Print on Demand sites that can make you wait months for your earnings to clear. They pay via Paypal.
I’ve had some orders cancelled after they had already paid me, in which case they just deducted it from my future earnings. So, no big deal.
Marketing
Spoonflower will market their top selling designs, and also new art that is submitted to the Spoonflower Design Challenges and ranks near the top. I highly recommend entering thesechallenges to help you get more exposure to both the people who work at Spoonflower and potential customers.
There is also a hashtag for challenge entries on Instagram which is a great way to participate in the community: #SpoonflowerDesignChallenge.
It’s easy to pin images to Pinterest from their site, so that helps for marketing. They have several stunning mockups which look great on social media.
However, most people just seem to find my designs through searching on Spoonflower’s marketplace. So having good key words and SEO, accurately describing your design helps a lot.
Shipping
Spoonflower is located in the U.S. and I have found they offer reasonable shipping costs to Canada, and even more reasonable within the U.S. The shipping is generally pretty quick, and you can choose a faster shipping method if desired. Sometimes they even have free shipping promotions which work for Canada, however, I’m not sure about overseas.
Conclusion
While I was skeptical about Spoonflower at first due to the barrier to entry with the purchase of samples, it’s actually a great platform for artists to sell their art online and join a community of other creative people.
However, it is more for someone who designs seamless patterns, and serious artists who have a little bit of money to invest in their art business.
I hope this article has helped you learn how to sell your art on Spoonflower, and decide if it’s right for you!
Do you want to learn how to digitize your art for Print on Demand websites?
You’ve come to the right place, because I’ve been selling my art online for over 7 years. During that time I figured out how to produce the highest quality work for my stores. I have sold thousands of products featuring my artwork through my Print on demand stores, from hand drawn line art to watercolor paintings.
For example: I created a t-shirt from my drawing of a ladybug from the Mandalatober challenge (an art challenge I participated in on Instagram.)
This technique will work on your hand drawn line art, doodles and illustrations, or even paintings, as long as they are small enough to fit in your scanner bed.
In this tutorial I will take you through the following steps:
Scanning your art into Photoshop.
Doing some preliminary clean up of the artwork in Photoshop.
Cleaning up the artwork and smoothing out lines in Illustrator, using the Image Trace tool.
More Photoshop tricks for prepping the artwork to upload to the Print on Demand sites.
Required file types you need for the Print on Demand sites.
Several tips and tricks along the way.
I created this video to take you through the process of digitizing my own hand drawn artwork, using a combination of Photoshop and Illustrator. I figured this would be the easiest way to demonstrate this process, rather than trying to describe it to you.
You can watch the whole class for free when you sign up for a 1 month trial of Skillshare membership!
I hope you’ve found this tutorial useful, and learned how to digitize your art for Print on demand websites properly! If you want to learn more about how to sell your art through Print on Demand websites, check out these posts:
If you’re looking for ways to create purely digital art for use on Print on Demand websites, you may enjoy this class on how to Create Your Own Sublimation Designs.
