life according to my instagram

I don't share much personal information here on my blog but Instagram is another story! I am pretty much smitten with Instragram and it is a place where I am able to document, show and share a more personal look into our life (without words).You can follow me HERE for a peek into our daily happenings.

altered bench

It should come as no surprise that I like to draw on furniture and once in while something comes over me and I have this uncontrollable need to get creative altering something in our home! Recently it was a bench that was screaming for a makeover. A little spray paint and some of my doodles transformed the bench into something new!

I started by spray painting the bench in a dark teal color which meant I needed some light colored materials for the doodles-

Paint Pens- I love oil based paint pens because you can use them to draw on just about any surface.

Correction Pen (or white out pen)- I will use a white correction pen to draw on just about anything and believe it or not they are pretty darn close to permanent.

Nail Polish- I love adding dots to embellish my doodles and drawings and colorful, fast drying nail polish works great!

Then I filled the entire surface of the bench with doodles. The bench is BIG so I picked simple doodles and pattern that were easy to repeat over and over and over again. 

Doodling Tips-

Keep it Simple-

Doodles don't have to be complicated- sometimes using simple shapes or lines and repeating them is all it takes to create a surface filled with pattern.

Find Your "Go To" Doodle-

I think everyone (whether you consider yourself an artist or not) has a doodle in them. And it is very likely you have a design that comes easy to you (mine are flowers). Think about the things you draw over and over again when you are on a long phone call or bored in a meeting- I call these "go to doodles". Try using these doodles as as starting point in your creative projects.

Draw and Repeat-

The easiest way to create pattern or even the illusion of pattern is to simply repeat the same things over and over again. You can alter the size, placement or color to create 

creative make believe

interview with artist Megan Wells

Today I am excited to share an interview with artist Megan Wells. Friends, this gal is crazy talented and has all kinds of really inspiring projects in happening!

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey with art:

I've been obsessed with making things since I was a little kid. I pursued art in college and then landed my "dream job" working as a Display Coordinator for Anthropologie. This eventually led to teaching high school art for 6 years, but there was always the nagging voice in my head urging me to try "just being an artist". It's so scary to give up a paycheck, but I found it was the most exciting decision I've ever made!

hand drawn frames for Design Aglow

What inspires you? What motivates you to make art?

Too many things inspire me! Which is why I end up making so many things in so many different mediums and styles. Currently, I'm obsessed with lettering and portraits. Last year, it was florals and succulents. Before that, birds. I make art because I have to make art. I know a lot of artists say that - but that's because it's true. I can't NOT be making things. So when something inspires me, I get really obsessed until the next piece of inspiration comes along. I have multiple personalities artistically I think! 

What is your favorite medium to work in?

Well, my usual answer for this is paint (acrylics) but I love all types of two dimensional materials and I love experimenting with using them all together. I can't settle on one thing, so I have a lot of supplies in my studio!

I know that you juggle a lot of different projects. How do you organize your creative schedule?

The past year has been nuts. When I decided to pursue being an artist full time, I had so many directions I wanted to go in, but I wasn't sure what would satisfy me or be "successful" financially speaking. So, it has been a little hectic bouncing back and forth between custom lettering, design and illustration jobs, painting, and a large outdoor mural. I'm trying to narrow down what I do, but sometimes I choose to be overwhelmed as opposed to being bored. 

I could not survive without lists and calendars all over the house though. That's what keeps me on track. Somedays, I will write down what I want to accomplish each hour. But then the next day, I might throw out the schedule and just make what I feel like making that day. 

What is a typical day like for you?

I never start my morning without coffee, or end my day without chocolate. In between, there are all sorts of things going on, but never in the same order. I'm in the studio most of the day, but there are errands, cooking, jogs in the park and other things all mixed up together each day, in no particular order. My husband works  a lot from home as well, so there is plenty of silliness and laughter mixed in! I know once we have kids, there will be more of a "typical" day routine, but right now I'm enjoying not having one!

How did you start lettering? Can you tell us a little about the lettering process?

I fell in love with letters and typography while teaching AP Studio Art a few years ago. I never took a class in it personally, so teaching it was fascinating. I loved how letters alone could be art. I decided to put some fun, whimsical lettering styles on etsy just to see what type of reaction I would get, and it took off. It's fun, but there are so many other things I love to make as well.

Tell us about the mural project that you just completed.

Right around the time I started lettering, I entered a mural design competition here in Lynchburg, Virginia, and I won! Two opposite types of art... tiny little letters and a HUGE outdoor mural. I was hired to paint the mural and it was an amazing experience. It measures 139' in length and about 45' tall and is right on Main Street in downtown Lynchburg. I had to put all other projects aside for about 2 months in order to paint this (I finished May 1st).

What are you working on right now?
Right now I'm working a series of portraits for an upcoming show in September. I'm focusing on local people in the Lynchburg area, and combining my love for lettering and type with highly detailed paintings. I'm super excited about unveiling these for the opening Sept 6. For the next few weeks I'll be locked in my studio though, I have A LOT of work to do!


You can find Megan here-

Blog: www.makewells.typepad.com

Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/makewells

Instagram: www.instagram.com/makewells

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/megela15

a couple of updates from the studio

A while back I was contacted by Strathmore asking if I would be interested in creating doodle artwork for the packaging of some of their new products- Artist Tiles- 6x6 pads of paper made for doodling, pattern work and Zentangle style art. I've been drawing on Strathmore paper since I was a kid so this opportunity is a dream come true!

I've got two retreats coming this fall and still have a some spots left in both-

From an artistic perspective, growing up on the Oregon Coast made me a seeker of wonders.  From the old growth woods, perched above the ocean, to the thundering surf pounding against the rocky shore, to the fog hanging over sandy beaches- the landscape offers up its treasures and dynamic inspiration to the willing soul. “You, Me, and the Sea” is a small retreat designed to share the inspiration of the Oregon Coast and the opportunity to immerse yourself in sketching, painting and mixed media projects based on the natural wonders of the sea. Together we will spend 3 days in a whirlwind of creativity- drawing, painting and projects inspired by the ocean and its offerings. We will absorb the colors, materials, and treasures of the landscape and turn them into unique artwork. Visit my SHOP for more information

With a background in painting and printmaking I have discovered all kinds of simple and messy, graffiti inspired techniques that can be used in a variety of surface design projects. From painting to doodling to layering color- there are so many ways to create unique fabric with a graffiti vibe. And the best part is that alll that fabric can be used to create one of a kind accessories! In this two day class you will have the opportunity to design and create your own fabric and then transform that fabric into a unique handbag. I've been transforming my graffiti paintings into purses for the last ten years and I am excited to share my techniques and process with you! 

Visit my SHOP for more information

doodle bowls

Drawing on china and dinnerware is nothing new but I love the process! It is a perfect way to create unique and artistic plates, cups and bowls that make wonderful gifts. My favorite thing to use are tiny bowls that can be adorned with doodles and then used around the home to hold small things. 

While there are a lot of tutorials floating around about using a Sharpie on dinnerware (and then baking in the oven to set), I've found that the Sharpie technique doesn't hold up to washing and wear and tear. My favorite pen to use for decorating dinnerware is the Pebo Porcelaine 150. It is non toxic pen that is permanent and dishwasher safe once heat set.

Simply draw on dinnerware, let dry for 24 hours and then bake in the oven for 30 minutes.

necklace from Kelly Barton- Growing up Girl

earrings from Polished Two

cardboard city

andy's art

My husband Andy's latest drawings (in progress) are blowing my mind. I LOVE seeing how different our art and our process is (opposites do attract)! There are days when I can't believe that up until this year he spent twenty years not drawing. Watching his creativity explode has been such a great reminder that it is never too late to pursue your passion!