I'm an artist, surface pattern + fabric designer, author, mama, and online teacher in Portland, OR. I believe in the power of art-making as a tool for radical self-care. I help people feel a little bit brighter and a little bit less alone through the art and products I make, the words I write, and the classes I teach. Come join 18k+ people in my colorful, uplifting world!
Studio Notes | No. 2
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Studio Notes is my (mostly) weekly creative letter – part reflection, part art, part inspiration for real life. Inside this week:
Hi Reader, Mid-January already?! Make it all slow down, my goshhh!! My girl G turns seven tomorrow, and I'm having one of those mama moments where I truly can't believe how fast time goes. Everyone told me this how it would be! But there's just no way to know until you know, I guess. I gathered with some of my friends this past weekend who all have kids either in college or about to be in college, and hearing about their adventures – 3 months in Italy! A year in Madrid! Boyfriends! Applying to grad school! – simultaneously makes me feel so excited for my kids' bright futures as they get older + more independent and also it makes me want to keep them right here safe and snug in my house forever and for them to never grow up. Being a parent is such strange mix of feelings, pretty much all the time. My older kiddo, who's 10, had a piano recital this weekend, which was another opportunity for one of those strange mama moments. Like, look at this kid who used to be a tiny baby and is now all of a sudden up there performing by himself in front of a room full of people?? It's just incredible! He did great, and I was so proud. :) In studio news! My friend Merriah owns a postpartum doula company here in Portland called Bridgetown Baby, and for the past 4 years she's asked me to create a very special painting that illustrates and embodies the energy that will guide her, the business, and all the doulas that work for/with her for the coming year. (Isn't that so cool?) She also gifts a print of the painting to each of the doulas, and it's always such a fun and meaningful project for me to work on around the holidays and the start of the new year. I finished up this year's painting last week and thought the message was meaningful and pertinent for all of us. Eyes on the water, not the rocks. A good reminder on most days, I think! I'm also getting ready for the start of my new 100 Creative Days workshop – the workshop + community space opens this Thursday, January 15th! Our kickoff call is next Wednesday, January 21st, and our first day of art-making is Thursday January 22nd. I'm busy prepping a bunch of small wood panels that I'll be painting on and am planning to share my creations over on Instagram and Substack as I go along. 👉 100 Creative Days The workshop + community space open THIS Thursday, January 15th! This is a 100-day creative adventure. Make art daily, grow your confidence, and feel supported every step of the way. Weekly videos and live gatherings guide you through a transformative 100-day creative practice. Small efforts made on a consistent basis can add up to incredible things. 👉 Pattern Camp Live Mark your calendar if you want to join in the next live intensive session of my Adobe Illustrator pattern design course! Registration will open in mid-February. Learn more here > Just think about this delightful image when you're looking for something to smile about this week. :) I could not love this photo more! Thanks so much for being a part of my world. I hope you have a wonderful day and week! Until next time... LET'S CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM: |
Jessica Swift.
I'm an artist, surface pattern + fabric designer, author, mama, and online teacher in Portland, OR. I believe in the power of art-making as a tool for radical self-care. I help people feel a little bit brighter and a little bit less alone through the art and products I make, the words I write, and the classes I teach. Come join 18k+ people in my colorful, uplifting world!
Studio Notes is my (mostly) weekly creative letter – part reflection, part art, part inspiration for real life. Inside this week: What's Happening Lately In the Studio Loving Right Now A Little Joy Calendar For the Week Ahead Hi Reader, How ARE you? Happy February! January whizzed by, and this just about sums it up for me: Image via James McCrae on Substack Right?? January went so fast, it makes me wonder what the rest of the year will feel like. It's the year of the Fire Horse, so the...
Studio Notes is my (mostly) weekly creative letter – part reflection, part art, part inspiration for real life. Inside this week: What's Happening Lately In the Studio Loving Right Now Try This Calendar For the Week Ahead Hi Reader, Yesterday I had this bunch of adorable (and loud) rascals in my house to celebrate my sweet girl's 7th birthday. We crafted some fantastic headband crowns, and as promised, here are a couple photos: It was a fun, chaotic, crafty time! It was interesting, too,...
Hellooooo and happy Thursday! I wanted to send a gentle nudge your way today – not a push, not a "you don't want to miss this" – just a heartfelt invitation. My 100 Creative Days workshop begins very soon, and I keep thinking about how powerful it can be to choose creativity before you have it all figured out. You don’t need a perfect plan.You don’t need to know exactly what you’ll make or what you're doing.You don't need be a seasoned artist.You don’t need to be consistent yet. You just need...