This is what October means to me...

Have you every had one of those days, moments, times when things just don't seem to come together no matter how hard you try?!  You problem solve. You think outside of the box and look for alternatives.  You try your best and things still don't seem to work out as planned.  Or even at all?!

Part 3 of How to Create A Collection with life i design.  Everything from brainstorming, to sketching your ideas to bringing your creations to life.  www.lifeidesign.com

Part 2 of How to Create a Collection with life i design gives you a glimpse into the creative process of brainstorming, sketching and create a new line of products, artwork etc.  www.lifeidesign.com

Being an entrepreneur is hard work! When you've had a bad week and need to get yourself out of a slump, how do you find that inspiration to stay positive and keep going?! This week's note to self is a good tool! 

Fun, tropical new wallpaper for free to download for your iPhone, iPad and desktop!  Sun sand beach please!!!  www.lifeidesign.com

A great 3 part series on how to create a collection for your shop, for new products or whatever you are dreaming up.  Informative and interesting behind the scenes perspective in the life of an artist, entrepreneur and designer. www.lifeidesign.com

The simple phrase, “Actually, I can” paired with a bold sky blue hue watercolor background painted by Nicki, made for a perfect wallpaper.

We hope this can provide a daily reminder that, yes, you are capable and, yes, you should go follow that dream!

RIP Prince.  A hand lettered quote of one of my many favourite versus from one of my many favourite songs of yours.

It wasn't until recently that I discovered a few great podcasts that I now tune-in to regularly.  Some I'd recommend specifically for creative entrepreneurs and some are just fun and interesting stories that inspire creativity in other ways. 

Have fun and learn how to set intentions for 2016 by downloading and printing these free work sheets designed by Nicki Traikos of lifeidesign.com.  I have decided to set intentions vs goals.  I've decided to choose how I want to feel and let nature takes its course and guide me where I need to take action.

Everyone needs a "note to self" every once in a while.  I've been writing notes to myself for a few years now and feel that words can be so uplifting and inspiring so I began sharing these "notes to self" on social media and realized that everyone can use a "note to self" or a little nudge once in a while.

This month is the month of #inktober where I've dedicated myself to inking a page in my sketchbook for each letter (or in some cases 2 letters) and sharing them on social media.  I have inked a few pages of other than the alphabet to keep things interesting, but for the most part, it's just letters - beautiful letters I might add!

"Every October, artists all over the world take on the InkTober drawing challenge by doing one ink drawing a day the entire month. I created InkTober in 2009 as a challenge to improve my inking skills and develop positive drawing habits. It has since grown into a worldwide endeavour with thousands of artists taking on the challenge every year." Jake Parker

Today is a designing day. I have been sketching, brainstorming and creating new Christmas designs.  While looking through an old sketchbook, I found notes scratched into one of the pages listing what happiness was to me.  All day long "happines is..." kept popping into my thoughts...

Earlier this year I did something that terrified me.  One morning, when I had trouble focusing on what I needed to do next in my day, I sat with a cup of coffee in hand, eyeing a magazine that is never far from me. Then bang! something hit me.  I needed to express gratitude.  Something inside me urged me to send an email to the editor of one of my favourite magazines

Sometimes all you need is a found stick from your morning walk, some gold paint and wire and a bit of time.  This quick an easy DIY gave me a fun break in-between client work today. 

If you've been following my story here on l.i.d. you'll have been experiencing the evolution of this blog, my art and a bit of my personal life.  With every journey, there is a new road to turn onto, a new sight to see and a beautiful experience that unfolds naturally. I've recently turned down yet another new road and have become clearer with how I want to share my experience here on this blog.