Filled with LOVE!

A cold, dreary day here.  Compensating with some bright, happy art.

Surtex is around the corner & I've been working on some new art for the show.  Between now & then the weeks will fly by.  Nothing like a deadline!

Woke Up...

on a beautiful Saturday morning!  So excited that it looks like the warm weather is here to stay.  I'm also still on a tulip kick. This time of year I feel like I'm in overdrive. Wrapping up a couple different projects, beginning additions to the 2015 gift line & continuing to build some new art for Surtex.  Finding that balance is tough, especially this time of the year!  Hope you have a lovely weekend.

Happy Earth Day!

I am the Earth And the Earth is me. - Jane Yolen

Jagged Tulips

Today I'm posting some tulips I painted.  I've been inspired by all the flowers popping up. (love that!)  I am also inspired by all the runners who went back to the Boston Marathon 1 year later to finish the race they didn't get the chance to.  The human spirit is such a beautiful thing!

Happy Easter...

to you & yours!  

(*I made this for Luca from a basic muslin doll form-

Antonio helped with the pattern for the outfit- go teamwork)

Mary Blair Article

Mary Blair's signature style Small World city continues to inspire!

Love this Cinderella piece you can see a Matisse influence here.

Several months ago I was interviewed by the Guardian Stewardship Edition's.  They were putting together an article about Mary Blair's influence on artists today.  First off, I have to say that Mary Blair has always been one of my design heroes. I was one of a couple artist they selected.  Just seeing my art & name on the same page as hers gave me goose bumps- what an honor!

 I think Mary Blair is just amazing & that special kind of magic that doesn't come around that often.  I strive each year to keep making art that will stand the test of time & bring a little joy to those who see it.  Having role models like her to look up to gives me great inspiration.  Thank You Mary Blair!

You can read the article here.  

*My dear friend Gigi gave me a copy of I Can Fly over 10 years ago.  Still cherish this gift.  I love how she added my name next to the other kids who enjoyed this book.

Let's Count

Hello!  Did you have a nice weekend?  

I was looking for something spring appropriate to post today because
um, well, it's lightly snowing here :0 

I ran across my girls Let's Count book. Pastels, patterns, sweet icons & characters. 

This book is part of a really fun gift set I put together for my

JM kids line.  I'll post more about that soon.

Here's to Monday... Cheers!

Hello, Friend

it's FRIDAY!  Hope you have a lovely weekend.

*art is cut paper I painted with a couple digital touches on top

Painted Flowers

Because it's finally spring!

Oops...

I just realized that Easter is not this Sunday.  Can you tell I've been super busy? (spring is always a hectic time of the year around here)  I am happy to have the extra week to prepare.
Sorry for the confusion.

Just Around the Corner

I can't believe Easter is less than a week away.  So far I've completed none of my bunny duties.
(but I do have some cute Easter art)

Here's the checklist:
1.Eggs to dye- OK, I have a little time there.
2. Need to find new spring stuffed animal friends for the baskets.
3. Next on the list is selecting some candy that isn't too artificial or sickening sweet, then throw in the whole peanut free thing & it's barely candy anymore.

Are you ready for Easter this year or, has it snuck up on you too?

*On a totally different note I wanted to say THANKS SO MUCH for all the support & kind words I received from my interview on Smart Creative Women.  It means A Lot!

Smart Creative Women Interview

I recently did an interview with Monica Lee host of Smart Creative Women.  Monica interviews a wide array of creative women.  Her interviews are insigthtul & encouraging. She's a wonderful resource for all of us in the industry.  Here's the complete interview.

http://smartcreativewomen.com/jill-mcdonald-designs-joyful-memories/





A couple of thoughts I had after the interview...

1. The main message I'd like to get out is to STAY TRUE to YOU!
No one is going to tell you what you should do.  Yes, you get general guidelines but when is your own business you make decisions on how you invest your time & resources so knowing & being OK with yourself is KEY.

2. Being creative doesn't mean you easily fit into a specific box.  That's OK, it's actually really good! It just provides a challenge for you to find outlets where you shine. (and sometimes a little discomfort because it takes some work to chart your course)

3. Having a small business you love often comes with some sacrifice.  This is my 10th year & we've made some changes.  For years my studio did a lot of crib bedding work.  Mainly for Target and their Circo brand. We did this at my studio for 6 years.  During that time we had full time designers on staff to help with the tremendous workload.  (just too much work for one person)  This eventually lead to the opprotunity to have my own bedding line in big baby retailers.  After years of chasing this at full speed & learning the ins and outs of mass crib bedding projects I decided I needed to refocus my efforts.  We decided to go back to the basics of what I did best- Make art.  The studio is now just Antonio & I.  This has allowed me to be more selective about what I decide to take on.

4. In the interview with Monica I mention that you're not always going to make a master piece.  I think this needed some clarification on my end.  Not every project you take on will inspire you.  Some just resonate more than others.  There's also the factor of how you personally feel- is your head off somewhere else consumed with other concerns? I tend to be very competitive so I always want to have the best seller, or top myself in some way.  As I continue to do this & grow as a person I now realize it's counterproductive to add the additional pressure.

5. Last point.  I mention being tired after I had my son.  Yes, I have one child & I know many creative women that have several so I know I'm not the only parent out there.  With my business I've had a fierce work ethic.  (probably to a fault)  The first 5 years Antonio & I worked at least 6 days a week.  (religiously) When I was pregnant with Luca I worked up to the day I had him, a Thursday & returned to the studio on Monday.  I felt at the time that I had to I had Antonio on staff & two new designers at the time.  Today this makes me sad.  I wish I would have taken more time for myself.  By not doing so I felt  flat & exhausted for over a year. Lesson Learned!

I hope the interview is helpful.  I am introverted so this was out of my comfort zone.  Last year I was at a transitional point with what I wanted to take on next with my business & brand. It's easy to discuss your success when you feel like you're on the top of your game.  When your recharting the course, a little less so, but just as insightful- probably more so.