We don't get the newspaper anymore but I don't want to deny myself of my favorite Saturday ritual... Dream House Hunting. So I've made myself a list of all of Stockholms realtor sites so I can visit virtually ever Saturday morning.
Look what I found today, a lovely little cute green duplex community with creamy white interiors just outside of Stockholm. Seems like a really sweet place to live.
Meet Sawyer! My little sister's super pretty doggie and new best friend. I've been working in Adobe Illustrator all week, getting more comfortable working with strokes and fills (going rather well). Sawyer's got a super sweet face to practice on. Such a good girl.
p.s. This illustration may or may not have something to do with the secret sister project I was hinting about, wink!
Hello Friday! I'm so happy you're here. What a whirlwind week! I don't even remember what I did these past few days... I think I sat infront of my computer hours on end working on many many projects. A few custom illustrations and so many things I can't tell you about. (I had some fun too, don't worry.)
One of which I'm extremely excited about and even involves my beloved little sister. (When we were little we always dreamed of working together... I hope this dream becomes a reality.) As soon as it does I'll be screaming from the rooftops. I'd love to save her from her cubicle hell life and give her the freedom to do something she actually loves.
I'm so glad that it is finally Summer! Swedish summer always comes a bit late and doesn't last long... but when it does arrive it is just fabulous. I enjoy the short summers by eating lots of fresh fruit at all meals, have many picnics, work outside, and sit by the sea as much as possible. If it's not raining, Swedish summers are mild and perfect with long days and lovely but maybe a bit chilly mosquito filled evenings.
Hello Wednesday! I'm insanely busy, neck deep in a few really fun projects (a little behind on a few perhaps but otherwise doing rather well)... also got tons of orders to ship off to happy new owners, and even going for an interesting interview in the city this afternoon. Lots of funness!
Anywho, so even though I'm a bit busy I thought I just needed to share these gorgeous illustrations by Becca Ashby of A Constance Posey. Sometimes I get just a teensy bit jealous of fashion illustrators with fluid expressionistic lines and forms. Imagine being able to draw perfect sexy scribbles. (My scribbles certainly don't resemble any of the lines below... and merely look like scribbles.)
I can't stop staring at this photo.... just imagine a warm, light filled sunroom with huge windows, exotic palms, golden tin trays, and a pair of these gorgeous turquoise wicker chairs. A perfect place for a quiet morning cup of tea.
Today's Question: How do you stay updated with new trends and techniques?
I love learning new things and I especially love teaching myself. When I was little (I was a big nerd) I went to the library often and brought home piles of books on different subjects; painting, paper crafts, history, textiles, cookbooks, etc. I loved learning things quietly and at my own pace, I sucked up new things quickly like a sponge, and lived in my very own dream world. I thought it was way more satisfying and fun teaching myself something than being taught. Lots of Go Me moments! haha
Now a-days we have the marvelous internet where I can read tons of blogs and watch youtube tutorials about just about anything. I like learning about digital drawing techniques, simple html, pattern making tips, and other artist's tricks. I love that I can now teach myself new things that are not just for personal enjoyment but will actually help me develop my business. Plus I don't even have to leave my apartment. (Gosh I'm such a hermit!)
Right now I'm in the process of teaching myself more photoshop and illustrator techniques as well as think it would be fun to learn how to make simple videos. (My plan is to make a few simple video tutorials of how I create my illustrations and designs, would you like that?)
You can learn just about anything on your own... just Google it!
A few things I've taught myself:
• How to use Photoshop
• How to make my digital illustrations
• How to make patterns
• How to customize my blog template with simple css changes
Today is Midsommar, one of Sweden's biggest holidays. (The majority of Sweden's population will be rather/completely wasted today, haha) We gather friends and family and all go out to our country houses, have a pickled herring snaps lunch, dance around the may pole, play games, and celebrate the summer solstice. The sun doesn't really set this time of the year, we enjoy midnight sunsets and sunrises at 3am. Hope you all have a Happy Midsommar! I surely will :)
It's a little difficult to plan for the future as a freelancer especially when funds are a bit low and you're not really sure if you're going to have any projects or sell enough the following month (especially this last one).
The only advice I can give you is to save save save.
Save for your taxes... very important!
Always have at least 2 months rent saved... just incase.
Save for trips to Paris, gorgeous pairs of shoes or a fancy new computer. :)
One should save for retirement (but I'm not even that good.)
I am naturally a saver (thank goodness!) I almost feel guilty when buying something for myself (unless it's a special occasion.) Fortunately in Sweden I don't need a credit card to build credit (credit is based on other credentials.) Therefore I don't have a credit card and can't get caught spending money I don't have (another thank goodness!) I would suggest using your credit card as little as possible if you have one. I also have my money organized in several banking and savings accounts. I have 5 accounts... this may seem a lot, but they help me to stay organized and I always know how much money I have to spend on food, my business, or myself.
I have big plans for the future. I'd love to have a gorgeous house and a big family both of which are expensive. Also I'd love to create/produce more EmmaKisstina products which also requires a large amount of funds. Marrying rich isn't in the cards for me (also not my style) so I'm just going to have to continue to save my pennies the old fashioned way and hussle to get bigger and better jobs in the future. Workin' on it!
