Nicki Traikos | life i design |

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getting clear is like putting on your most favourite pair of jeans...

Earlier this year I got really clear with my goals.  I opened myself up to the possibilities that exist for new artists like myself.  I experienced a few "aha" moments and really "felt" what my artistic style and process should feel like.  By "feeling" I mean how it feels to put on your most favourite and flattering pair of jeans.

When you wear them, they feel...  comfortable.   flattering.  easy.  make you happy.  confidant.  and even a little sexy.  You know what I mean?!

Getting to this point in my business wasn't easy.  I've tried on A LOT of jeans! I've practiced many techniques, used a variety of mediums and canvases and even cried through a number of challenges within Illustrator and Photoshop.  Yes, technology is fabulous when you know how to use it and it is behaving.  Not so fun otherwise.

Once I realized my big goals that felt "so right", I set-out to take action steps to achieve them.  I am currently working on a formal portfolio showcasing my art-work to land a few licensing deals with manufacturers and I even have my eye on an agent whom I'd loooove the opportunity to work with.

Having decided on those two goals, I am now in the process of a 6 month, portfolio building course called MATS {make art that sells - by the amazing Lilla Rogers - whom I'd love to have represent me!}

And shortly before starting this course, I was hired to create art-work for my friend Andrea's company Easy Peasy Patches - they manufacture the coolest patches for kids! You should check them out.  I brainstormed, sketched and designed artwork then created vectors for these really great, colour-your-own patches!

Check out the process below.

After a few emails and a coffee date, we nailed the theme and size of each patch and I let the creative flow happen organically.Processed with VSCOcam with f2 preset

Above is the peace patch sketch and below is the nature patch sketch.

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Here are the finished patches, printed on fabric, ready to decorate and adorn backpacks, jeans, and even my daughter's netbook!

patch photoAndrea was kind to give me a few samples for my daughter to try-out and so this past weekend we made tea, ate a few cookies and coloured!!

Processed with VSCOcam with f2 presetThese fine-tip dual brush markers were just the thing to colour and play with.

Processed with VSCOcam with f2 presetMy daughter had a brilliant idea to decorate her netbook by cutting out individual images out and stick them to the lid, personalizing her netbook.  Easy Peasy right?!

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sab netbook My view across my desk, while I work on sketches for my first MATS assignment - cuckoo clock iphone cases.

Processed with VSCOcam with f2 presetI'm not quite there yet with my final design, but I'm confidant I'll bang out a few more lay-outs these next few days and see what fits me and my style.  Stay tuned for an update with my submitted design and a link to the gallery so that you can enjoy seeing all the amazing and creative work that happens around the world.  It's truly inspiring and a little intimidating all at the same time.

Nickixo