Michelle Alexander | MishiMoooDesigns

5 Tips For Beginners Who Want to Start Creating Digital Artwork

Michelle Alexander — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 03:14:32 GMT

Are you ready to dip your toes into the world of digital artwork, but feeling a little intimidated? Fear not, my friend! In fact, my Apple Pencil sat in my junk drawer in its perfect white packaging for 2 years before my digital art journey began, so I understand what it feels like to put off trying something new.

As a seasoned digital illustrator (okay, maybe "seasoned" is a bit of an exaggeration), I'm here to share my top 5 tips for beginners who want to start creating digital artwork. Let's get started!

1. Get the tools you need

First things first, you'll need a drawing tablet, a stylus pen, and a drawing program.

Sure, you could use a mouse instead of a stylus pen, but that's like trying to paint with a toothbrush - it's just not the same.

Procreate is a very powerful and intuitive digital illustration app that is affordable (one-time purchase of $12.99) and beloved by everyone I know that uses it. Keep in mind that it is only available for Apple iPads and iPhones.

I personally use an iPad Pro (tablet), an Apple Pencil (Apple’s own iPad stylus), and Adobe Fresco (built specifically for iPads) to create my digital illustrations. Adobe Fresco is available in a freemium model (i.e. you can use it's basic plan or upgrade to a paid version to get the premium features).

2. Start small and simple

When you're first starting out, it can be tempting to try to create a complex masterpiece right off the bat. But trust me, it's better to start small and simple. Pick a subject that's relatively easy to draw, like a piece of fruit or a simple shape, and focus on mastering the basics - like creating clean lines and choosing the right colors. It's also tempting to tackle all of the advanced program features, but start by simply drawing.

3. Practice, practice, practice

The more you practice, the better you'll get at creating digital artwork.

It's as simple as that. So set aside some time each day to work on your art, even if it's just for a few minutes. Try different techniques, experiment with different brushes and tools, and don't be afraid to push yourself out of your comfort zone. The more you practice, the more confident you'll become in your skills.

4. Learn from other artists

One of the best ways to improve your digital artwork is to learn from other artists. Check out tutorials on YouTube, follow other artists on social media, and join online communities where you can share your work and get feedback from other artists. Don't be afraid to ask questions or seek out advice - most artists are more than happy to share their knowledge and help others improve their skills.

I remember the eagerness I felt when I first watched a YouTube video of an artist creating a piece of digital art with the same drawing program I now had access to. It felt like an entire new world of digital art open up to me, and I was ready to dive in.

If you ever have any questions, please feel free to Contact Me, or reach out to me on Instagram (@MishiMoooDesigns).

5. It's supposed to be fun!

It sounds cheesy, but it's important to remember to have fun! Creating digital artwork should be an enjoyable, fulfilling experience. Don't put too much pressure on yourself to create perfect artwork right out of the gate. It's more than okay to make mistakes and when you do, you'll appreciate the 'undo' button. Enjoy the process, try new things, and most importantly, have fun with it!

In conclusion, these five tips are the perfect starting point for anyone looking to begin creating digital artwork. Get the right tools that work for you, start small and simple, practice regularly, learn from other artists, and most importantly, have fun with it! Before you know it, you'll be creating stunning digital artwork, and you can be proud that you learned a new skill!

If you received value from this post, I’d love your support! Subscribe to my blog to receive content designed to help you lead a more creative life by going against the norm. Because no one wants to be boring.

Thank you and happy creating!

About the author

My name is Michelle Alexander and I'm a Canadian artist with a sweet tooth. I started MishiMoooDesigns in 2020 and specialize in combining my love for junk food with everyday objects in unusual and often 'punny' ways. If this sounds interesting to you, I'd love for you to check out my Gallery and/or follow me on Instagram @MishiMoooDesigns.

I'm proud to be included in Feedspot's Top 30 Digital Art Blogs and Websites To Follow in 2023.

Children’s Growth Chart Ruler Idea: Brilliant Tree Hack

Michelle Alexander — Sat, 16 Oct 2021 20:10:38 GMT

There are a lot of children’s growth chart ideas out there but here’s a simple hack to take yours to the next level.

Easily transform your kids growth chart/height board into a tree with only a shelf and some plants.

What You Need:

A growth chart. You can buy one or get crafty and make it yourself (easy DIY instructions below). Tip: Brown is a good option because it looks the most tree-like.
A floating shelf. I recommend one that matches your growth chart.
Plants.

Instructions:

Install the shelf directly above the measuring chart.
Decorate with plants and voila!

How to Make an Easy DIY Growth Chart:

Step 1: Find a flat board that’s your preferred height. I bought this one from Home Depot.

Step 2: Prep the board. I sanded this one smooth and stained it grey.

Step 3: Add the measurement ticks and numbers. I drew these on with pencil first before painting with white acrylic paint. I also used stencils for the numbers but you could screw in house numbers, use decals, draw it on with a sharpie, whatever you’d like!

Now you're ready to finish it off and turn your child(ren)'s growth chart into a tree! Enjoy watching your plants and family grow over the years but as they say, don't blink.

If you received value from this post, I’d love your support! Subscribe to my blog (at the top of this page) to receive content designed to help you lead a more creative life by going against the norm. Because no one wants to be boring.

Thank you and happy creating!

About the Author

I'm proud to be included in Feedspot's Top 30 Digital Art Blogs and Websites To Follow in 2021.

50 Genius Ideas: Instagram Stories & Reels for Artists

Michelle Alexander — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 17:41:55 GMT

Sharing your work as a creator has never been easier, but it often doesn’t feel that way! In many cases it takes the same amount of time and effort to promote your art as it does to create it in the first place.

In order to get the most out of your Instagram account, you’ll need to incorporate a healthy mix of grid posts, Stories, Reels, Live and Instagram Video.

Below I’ve included 50 Story/Reel ideas to help get you started! They were written with Instagram in mind but many can be used across other social/content channels (e.g. TikTok, YouTube, used for blog articles, etc.)

Workspace Tour: Pull back the curtain and show viewers a behind the scenes of where you create your work.
Sketchbook Tour: Simply flip through or focus on a specific design.
Progress: Show the different stages of a piece of your work (e.g. initial sketch, outline, adding colour, etc.)
The Detail: Film a closeup of you working on a detailed part of your art before zooming out to reveal the big picture.
Finished Artwork: Show it from different angles, zoom in and zoom out, explain the inspiration behind the piece.
In-Person Experience: Share your experience at a specific place or event (e.g. art gallery, exhibition, market, shop, art class, etc.) Share your favourite parts and explain why. Be sure to tag anyone relevant!
Tutorials: Pick something you’re good at and show people how to do it. Provide value while establishing credibility.
Unpacking: Unpack an art purchase, give your initial thoughts, test it, give a review, and/or compare to other similar items.
Pack an Order: Show viewers a behind the scenes of what happens after an order is placed.
Tips for Other Creators: Share your wisdom! This could be an art tip, marketing or business tip, etc.
Repost Other Artists Work: Share art from artists who inspire you, or who you like. Don’t forget to mention them so they are notified.
Art Supplies: Show the tools and materials that you use in your work. Give recommendations, tips, do comparisons, etc.
Tips for Customers: Best places to print art, how to choose a frame, how to hang up art, what makes the best gifts, how to choose art for your home, etc. Solve their problems.
Ask Me Anything: Use the ‘ask me anything’ feature to encourage your followers to ask you questions. When you reply, get creative and use a combination of photos, text and video.
Helpful Resources: If you come across a helpful article, video or website, share it with others!
Ask Questions: Questions can be related to your art, or not! It’s totally up to you. Just be sure the question is easy enough to answer to maximize engagement.
Polls: Get your followers involved while conducting your own market research! You can ask them which finished pieces they prefer (e.g. this or that), get input on a work in progress (e.g. what colour background do you prefer), receive feedback on what you should create next (e.g. dangly earrings or studs), etc.
Quizzes: You do not have to do a quiz with a specific correct answer, you can use this like a poll, but with four answer choices. E.g. how old do you think I am? What content of mine do you enjoy the most?
Progression in your Art: Show where you started and how far you’ve come.
Your Story: Tell your story. Why did you become an artist, what inspires you, what have you learned along the way, etc.
FAQs: Answer your most frequently asked questions.
Sliders: Boost engagement with this easy to use built-in tool. E.g. How happy are you that it’s the weekend? Sliders can also be used to select different options (e.g. Which design do you like best?)
Promotions: Share any upcoming promotions, free giveaways, etc.
Apps/Tools: Share your favourite programs/apps/services for your art and/or business.
Art History: Share some information about the history of your craft. Where did it originate? How did it become popular?
Memes: Share a funny and relatable meme, or better yet, make your own.
Quotes: There’s a reason quotes are so popular on social media! They can be inspirational, cheeky, or downright hilarious. Choose quotes that align with your brand.
Ask for Suggestions: Ask what people want to see from you next.
Let Them Into Your World: What are your daily/weekly tasks? What are your short and long-term goals?
Testimonials: Include reviews from customers, the more specific the better. This could be a screen shot or better yet, a video testimonial!
In the Wild: Show your art displayed wherever it’s final destination may be (e.g. in a home, office, on a person wearing it, etc.)
Provide Reviews: Share your thoughts on courses that you have taken, books that you have read, podcasts you’ve listened to, etc.
Share Past Posts: Share relevant past posts. E.g. On national donut day, I shared all of my past donut designs.
Blog Content: If you have a blog or offer other online resources or downloadables, promote them!
DTIYS or Other Art Challenges: There are no shortage of ‘Draw This in Your Style’ challenges, art prompts, or contests. Join one that speaks to you or create your own.
Where Else Can People Find You: Do you have a website, a sweet YouTube or Discord channel, Pinterest or Facebook page? Just be sure to tell people why they should check it out.
Media Features: Share media links that feature you (e.g. articles, interviews, artist profiles, videos, etc.)
Sneak Peeks: Include a teaser/inside scoop of what’s to come.
Most Popular Posts: Re-share your most popular posts, or better yet, change it up slightly to make it new.
Promote Local Brands: Spread joy and give shout outs to your favourite local businesses.
Time-Lapse: Share a sped up video of you creating your art.
Get Personal: Share personal photos or videos from your life so your followers can get to know you better.
Spread Awareness: Choose a cause close to your heart and help educate others. Include what the issue is and what viewers can do to help.
Features/Benefits: Let followers know what the features of your product/services are and how these features will benefit them. For example, I sell digital downloads of my illustrations (which is the feature). Benefits include not having to wait for delivery, there are no shipping fees, artwork is inexpensive, and it's eco-friendly.
Buyer’s Process: Explain the process of buying your product/service. What can the buyer/client expect?
Trends: Keep your eyes open for online trends and jump on them while they’re still hot.
Something Satisfying: Guaranteed there’s something you do when making your art that others would deem ‘satisfying’. E.g. Icing a cake, cleaning paint off of a dirty brush, anything to do with making pottery, etc.
Have Fun With Transitions: Create a video and experiment with transitions. Maybe your art progresses at the ‘snap’ of your fingers, maybe you’re a makeup artist and go from natural to glam in a flash, perhaps art supplies appear like magic to the beat of the music, etc.
Show Your Face: I know this isn’t for everyone but the fact of the matter is that people connect with faces! Show yours and allow your followers to connect with you.
Thought-leadership: What’s going on in your industry and what are your specific opinions on it? E.g. Should you start selling NFT’s, what are your thoughts on the latest art controversy, how has the pandemic changed the lives of artists, etc.
*BONUS* Dogs: Everyone loves dogs.

I hope this list helped get the creative juices flowing! Here are a few additional tips when creating content:

Set realistic content marketing objectives so you know what you’re working towards.
Use a combination of text, photos and videos for your posts.
Repurpose your content! E.g. If you have an amazing blog post that your followers love, repurpose that blog into something else (video series, social posts, webinar, info graphic, etc.)
Having a plan for what you want to post and when you want to post it is a game changer.
Experiment to see what works and what doesn’t.
Have fun, obviously.

If you received value from this post, I’d love your support! First, subscribe to my blog (at the top of this page) to receive content designed to help you lead a more creative life by going against the norm. Because no one wants to be boring. Second, I encourage you to share this article with your fellow artists.

Thank you and happy creating!

About the Author

I'm proud to be included in Feedspot's Top 30 Digital Art Blogs and Websites To Follow in 2021.

5 Things I’ve Done to Increase my Revenue as a Digital Illustrator

Michelle Alexander — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 03:58:19 GMT

Maybe you’re just starting to think about selling your art and aren’t sure where to begin, or perhaps you’ve been at it for a while and are looking for ways to generate more revenue. Whatever stage you're at, I’ve outlined my top strategies that have brought me the most financial success as a digital illustrator in hopes that they will help you grow your creative business.

Disclaimer: If you’re looking for quick and dirty tips, or gimmicky shortcuts, keep looking because you’re not going to find those here!

1. I found my niche

If you’re trying to appeal to everyone, you’ll appeal to no one. Zoom-in and find a niche you’re passionate and/or curious about, and bonus points if it’s different enough to have minimal or no competition on the market.

Finding your niche is easier said than done and here's the best way I can describe it. You know when you’re single and everyone tells you that you’ll meet someone when you least expect it, and all you want to do is roll your eyes because that information is not helpful at all? But then one day you meet someone and realize they were right all along and you even go as far as to give the same seemingly ridiculous ‘advice’ to your single friends? Well that’s how I feel when I tell you that if you haven’t found your niche yet, one day when you’re not expecting it, it’ll find you. If you’re rolling your eyes right now, just you wait.

Years ago I was at my desk trying to concentrate on my tasks when my niche idea hit me like a ton of bricks. I finally had my aha moment and it was all I could think about. I create junk food inspired designs that combine my love for food with everyday objects in often unusual or punny ways.

A good rule of thumb is to create art that you would buy. At the risk of sounding vain, I’m my own biggest fan when it comes to my art and I feel like that’s the way it should be.

2. I built this website

Too many artists are relying solely on social media. Spending all of your time and resources building a social media following is like building a house on rented land.

Algorithms change, how audiences consume content on social media can change (e.g. Instagram announcing they’re becoming a video sharing platform), and even though you feel like your profile and followers belong to you, the reality is that they don’t. Social media is becoming more ‘pay to play’, organic reach is dropping, and we really don't know what the future holds. One day we could wake up and POOF! Our social platforms are trapped behind a paywall or gone forever.

Okay, that was a bit dramatic… but what I’m trying to say is that social media is good but email subscribers are better because you have more control over it. Social media is a great tool to point potential customers to your website.

Also, one way to drive more people to your website, add authority and boost SEO so that you can be found more easily on the search engines is to incorporate a blog (kind of like this one!)

3. Multiple revenue streams

I manage multiple revenue streams, which means that if one is drying up a bit I have the others to help balance it out. On the flip side, if one is doing particularly well, I can lean into it through my marketing.

For me, my artwork is available on various products via Society6, ready-to-print digital downloads can be purchased through Etsy, I do commission work (mostly people and pet portraits), have dabbled in NFTs, and have partnered with various online and brick and mortar retailers. Some streams are more seasonal than others, others allow me to make passive income when my life is too busy to take on additional commissions, a couple require more effort on my part, but all of them have been worthwhile learning experiences.

Diversification doesn’t happen over night but it’s something to keep in mind and strive for.

4. I didn’t quit my day job

If you’re looking to make money from your art, do yourself a favour and do some quick math before you decide to quit your day job.

If you are hoping to make your creative business your main source of income - that’s exciting, but first you’ll need to figure out how much money you need to make on a monthly basis to live comfortably. Then if you’re worried about hitting that amount, I’d suggest determining and focusing your sales efforts on your low hanging fruit. This does not necessarily mean that this is your cheapest offering (in fact, it could be the complete opposite), it just means that it's the easiest thing for you to sell. This is also helpful in predicting future income. In my case, my pet/people portraits are my low hanging fruit.

From my personal experience, nothing sucks the fun out of running a creative business more than having to make enough money from it. I accepted work that didn’t excite me and worked with clients I knew I shouldn’t have. Now that my maternity leave has come to an end and I have returned to a full-time Marketing role, I have drastically reduced my commission work, which allows me to focus on my niche.

Being in a good place financially allows for freedom in your art. Don’t be a starving artist if you can avoid it!

5. Delight my customers

Of course you need to reply to messages in a timely manner, deliver work on time, ensure accuracy and quality, etc. But I’m talking about those little extras you can do to delight! The most efficient and effective way to get new customers is through your past/current ones. Here are a few examples of ways I’ve surprised clients:

If a client can’t choose between two background colour options, I send them both.
I always include an extra file, sized perfectly for a phone wallpaper.
I provide printing tips and recommendations.
Occasionally I’ll provide a time lapse of me creating the piece.
Sent promo codes to receive future discounts.
I give a shit. I like to understand why I’ve been asked to create a piece and the meaning behind it. If there’s any way I can sneak something special into my illustration that maybe only they will notice, I will do it.

Now there will always be those people. Someone wanting to pay you in free exposure, use your work inappropriately, not wanting to pay a deposit upfront, etc. To ensure your stellar customer service doesn't result in people trying to take advantage of you, set expectations in advance, learn from your mistakes and remember that one of the great things about running your own business is that you get to make the decisions!

To recap, find your niche, take control over your marketing, be strategic, be smart, and delight others. Doing things the right way takes patience but if you leave with anything today it’s that you get out of your creative business what you put into it.

Thank you for reading my top strategies for increasing revenue through my creative business and I wish you boatloads of future success. Lastly, if you've received value from this article, I'd love for you to subscribe to my blog (at the top of this page).

About the author

I'm proud to be included in Feedspot's Top 30 Digital Art Blogs and Websites To Follow in 2021.

How to Make Your Own DIY Christmas Cactus Tree

Michelle Alexander — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 03:22:53 GMT

We were at Home Depot standing in line to buy a fake traditional Christmas tree when my husband said, “I’m surprised you want a regular tree, I thought you’d want something weird.” After pretending to be offended, I realized he was right and we didn’t buy the tree after all. Instead we made our own Christmas Cactus and you can too!

What You Need

Home Depot:

PVC pipe (black, 3-inch diameter):
- 2 - 5-foot pipes
- 2 - 45-degree elbows
- 2 - Wyes
1 toilet flange (make sure it fits a 3-inch PVC pipe inside)
Something to use as the base to keep the tree from tipping over (you can use a large piece of flat wood but we used a large planter filled with rocks)
~24 black screws to keep garland in place as well as attach toilet flange to a wood platform (if you choose this route).

Total cost of ~$60-$70 (purchased in 2020).

Walmart:

10 strands of 9ft garland (have little loops at the end). $4.99 each x 10 = ~$50 (purchased in 2020).

Tools:

Electric drill
Saw (we used a table saw)

Instructions:

1. Cut the PVC pipe into pieces. As you can see in this diagram, we cut the following sizes: 2.5 ft, 2.25 ft, 1.5 ft, 1.0 ft (x3), and 0.5 ft. I used a table saw but a regular saw would work as well. The ends don’t need to look pretty.

2. Prepare the base. You can either attached the toilet flange to a large flat piece of wood or if you have a large enough planter like we did, you can fill it with rocks to keep the tree in place.

3. Once the base is secured, build the cactus shape! Make adjustments as needed (e.g. ours was originally too tall for our window). We did not glue our PVC pipe together.

4. The garland we bought had small loops on each end which were very handy. I used an electric drill to sink a screw about 3/4 of the way into the PVC pipe. Then I’d hook the garland, wrap it semi-tightly around the pipe so that you couldn’t see much of it underneath and then loop the end of the strand on another screw. If your garland doesn’t come with loops, you can either tie your own, use a strong adhesive like Gorilla Glue, or perhaps wrap the ends around a screw a few times to secure the garland to the pipes. Whenever I finished a strand, I’d ‘fluff’ it up. The middle section of the cactus was the most complicated but I was able to use additional screws to wind the garland around the way I liked without too much trouble.

5. Decorate! I’ve seen some really pretty boho-styled cactus trees but we opted for traditional Christmas ornaments, garlands and a Santa hat topper.

For storage, you can take it apart, or remove just the side arms if you’re happy to rebuild the following year. Luckily we found it a happy home in our furnace room fully intact (we even left the lights on).

Not including the lights/decorations, this unique DIY Christmas Cactus Tree cost ~$120. I’m so happy we went with something ‘weird’ and can show our kids that you don’t have to do things the same as everyone else.

Lastly, expect a lot of people slowing down outside your house!

About the Author

I'm proud to be included in Feedspot's Top 30 Digital Art Blogs and Websites To Follow in 2021.

Why Instagram is my Secret Lover

Michelle Alexander — Mon, 05 Jul 2021 17:01:34 GMT

My affair with Instagram started in July 2020 when I created my art account (@mishimooodesigns). Like many relationships, we started as friends. I’d share a new design every once in a while, I’d get a few likes from my close friends and family, and I’d go on with my day.

However, as my art business evolved, so did our relationship. Today I’m ready to admit that Instagram is my secret lover. Here are the tell-tale signs:

I spend time with it whenever I can slip away from my family, even if it’s only for a few minutes.
I receive validation in the form of engagement/growth. Hello dopamine!
I know it’s not good for me or my relationships but it’s too hard to resist.
It’s a distraction from my real life, as I spend a lot of my days being yelled at by my two toddlers.
The guilt.

My husband is a smart guy and there’s no doubt he knows what’s going on. Although, I’ve seen the way he looks at Reddit…

My relationship with Instagram is further complicated by the business side of things. It’s not as simple as taking a break or deactivating my account since an Instagram presence is basically a prerequisite for being an artist. What I need is balance.

In order to do this, I need to let Instagram know that I just want to be friends. This won’t be easy because it sure as heck isn’t planning to let me go anytime soon. In fact, when it starts feeling insecure that I’m not visiting as much, it pushes me notifications to draw me back in.

Obviously I need a plan in order to hold myself accountable and transform our relationship into a mutually beneficial one:

I will turn off all push notifications.
I will designate specific times to post and be on Instagram each day.
I will set a daily reminder that will notify me when I’ve reached a predetermined amount of time on the app. I had no idea until now that this feature was available right in Instagram (under ‘your activity’ in account settings).
I will move all my social media icons off my home screen and into a folder so it’s slightly less convenient to access and those little red notifications aren’t staring at me every time I unlock my phone.

Luckily for me, even if my plan fails miserably, I will be starting a new full-time job very soon (I’m currently on maternity leave). Even though I suspect the problem will resolve itself when I have far less time to be on my phone, I’d still love to prove to myself that I have the self control to manage this on my own. Wish me luck!

Instagram, considered yourself friend-zoned.

- Michelle

If cute illustrations that combine my love for junk food with everyday objects in unusual and often punny ways sounds interesting to you, I'd love for you to follow me on Instagram @MishiMoooDesigns and/or on Facebook.com/MishiMoooDesigns.

I'm proud to be included in Feedspot's Top 30 Digital Art Blogs and Websites To Follow in 2021.

Can You Wear Only 33 Items of Clothing for 3 Months?

Michelle Alexander — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 01:59:57 GMT

Hear me out! There’s a minimalist clothing challenge called Project 333 where you choose 33 items from your wardrobe (including shoes, outerwear, and accessories), and dress yourself with only those items for 3 months. I don’t know that I ever would have agreed to this until I realized that I had inadvertently accepted this challenge while I was pregnant. When you’re expecting, clothing options are limited to say the least. Here are my biggest takeaways from this experience:

1. Less options = less stress (we make thousands of decisions each day, so it’s nice to not let trivial ones, like what to wear in the morning, sap our energy)

2. No one cares/notices if you wear something more than once

3. Quality > quantity (so-so items need not apply)

4. As an artist, I value creativity. It’s amazing the number of complete outfits you can put together with so few items. Don’t you remember permutations and combinations from high school math class?

My ‘capsule wardrobe’ consisted of 5 tank tops, 1 t-shirt, 6 long-sleeve shirts, 1 zip-up, 3 sweaters/cardigans, 2 pairs of tights, 2 pairs of pants, 2 pairs of runners, 2 pairs of boots, 1 bag, and 2 jackets. I was actually under the 33 items.

After I gave birth to my second bouncing baby boy, it was time for my body to bounce back as well (ha! Like it’s that easy...) If you’re one of the few that do return to your regular size, you might be looking forward to wearing whatever you want but if you’re a nursing mama, think again. Nursing requires special clips, retractable pieces, zippers, etc. to allow for easy access for baby. Project 333, bring it on (again)!

Even though I’m no longer pregnant or breastfeeding, you can bet I continue to choose a new capsule wardrobe before each season.

There are many other benefits of participating in Project 333 such as saving money, being more eco-friendly, and so on. However, the biggest reason this works for me is because decluttering my closet declutters my brain. Life is hectic and making seemingly simple decisions can take up much more mental capacity than you'd think. On a related note, what I wouldn't give for someone to tell me what to have for dinner every day.

If you want to learn more about Project 333 and the ‘rules’, visit https://bemorewithless.com/project-333/. Heck, during the pandemic it feels like I've been participating in Project 33 (i.e. the same 3 items for months on end).

- Michelle

About the Author:

Overcoming Impostor Syndrome As a Creative

Michelle Alexander — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 15:36:33 GMT

I didn’t go to art school and am often humbled by so many talented artists. I would think to myself that they have more talent, more creativity, more clients, more followers (okay, a lot more), more experience, are classically trained, have money to advertise, and the list goes on. I’ve also feared that all the people who I’ve convinced I’m an artist will wake up and realize that I’m not. Ugh, Impostor Syndrome strikes again.

Impostor Syndrome (according to Webster's Dictionary): "A psychological condition that is characterized by persistent doubt concerning one's abilities or accomplishments accompanied by the fear of being exposed as a fraud despite evidence of one's ongoing success."

Imposter Syndrome in Creative Business

Creatives may be more susceptible to Impostor Syndrome for the following reasons:

• You’re creating something that inevitably some people will not like. Subjectivity is the nature of being in the creative space.

• Your art is a reflection of who you are, which makes you more susceptible to judging your own self-worth based on your work success.

• Work is often displayed for the whole world to see.

• The stories you tell yourself in your head can take on a life of their own because you’re such a creative person.

What Can We Do About It?

Now, I’ve caught myself describing others as “real” artists (implying that I am just pretending) and have just started making a conscious effort to stop making air quote gestures with my hands when I refer to my small business, so why would anyone turn to me for advice on how to overcome Impostor Syndrome? I’m not sure I have the answer but I can tell you that the following list has personally helped me on the daily.

1. Vulnerability

Imposter Syndrome is a symptom of being vulnerable. Your brain: Oh, you’re putting yourself out there? Cue the insecurities.

Another way to look at it is that your vulnerability is your superpower. I don’t want to use the ‘A-word’ because it’s used so often but in this case it feels warranted. People crave authenticity.

For example, my blog post ‘Publicly Being Called an Art Fraud and What it Taught Me’ has been my most viewed post and has led to some pretty cool opportunities. I write about my lowest and most embarrassing moment as an artist and by sharing it, not only did I feel freed, but it shows that I’m a human who makes mistakes and learns from them.

Use your vulnerability to your advantage because if people get to know you, they’re also more likely to support your creative business.

2. People Don’t Care About You As Much As You Think

I know this sounds harsh, but it’s actually liberating. Stop worrying about what others think about you because:

It doesn’t matter.
Even if it did, they likely aren’t thinking about you anyways.

To be honest, most people are too interested in themselves to be worrying about what you’re doing all the time. When’s the last time you saw something that someone else made and thought, “Oh, that person is such an imposter.” Never? Bingo.

3. Know Your Value

Embrace your talent. Need some help? Here are a couple exercises:

Exercise 1: Write down all the reasons someone would believe you’re an impostor. Now write down all of the reasons why you’re exactly where you should be.

Exercise 2: Talk to yourself like you’re talking to your best friend.

4. Do It Scared

If you look at Imposter Syndrome in another way, it actually means you’re being brave. Whoop!

For example, I know there’s a chance that hardly anyone will read this blog post but as you can see, I wrote it and posted it anyways. At the absolute least, I get to express myself and feel proud that I was brave enough to put myself out there.

At the end of the day, nobody really knows what they’re doing but we’re all figuring it out. That’s the fun part.

Remember, you’re not a muffin, you’re a delicious cupcake. Now go create something because the world can't wait to see it.

- Michelle

Your Guide to Growing Organically on Instagram (Sort Of...)

Michelle Alexander — Sat, 27 Feb 2021 21:54:22 GMT

If you’re selling (or hoping to sell) anything on Instagram then you’re likely aware that there are a lot of growth strategies, unspoken rules, and hacks out there to help promote your brand. Here are some of my personal favourites:

Don’t post more than once a day but also post as often as you can to grow your account, but also wait longer so that each post is seen as more valuable.
Stick to a consistent colour palette but also mix things up so your posts don’t get boring.
Don’t over hashtag but also use the maximum number of 30 hashtags per post, but also use 0 hashtags so Instagram is more likely to push your content to the Explore page instead.
Use your Insights to post when your followers are the most active, but also don’t post during these times because everyone is posting and there’s more competition.
Make as many authentic connections as you can but don’t follow too many people.
The number of likes you get don’t matter but if you don’t get enough likes, take that sh*t down.
Follow all the latest trends but don’t be basic by doing what everyone else is doing.
Schedule all your posts in advance but also be authentic in sharing your in the moment experiences.
Download all of the latest third-party photo/video editing apps but also be authentic and real and don’t use them.
You don’t need thousands of followers but you also very much do.

Follow all these rules and you can’t lose... but rules are also meant to be broken.

I want to apologize if you were hoping to find some concrete Instagram strategies but I hope this shows just how many conflicting messages are out there. Your best bet is to experiment yourself and see what works best for you. You don’t need to understand the Instagram algorithm (which is constantly changing), you need to understand YOUR followers.

Lastly, if cute illustrations that combine my love for junk food with everyday objects in unusual and often punny ways sounds interesting to you, I'd love for you to check out my Instagram page (@MishiMoooDesigns).

Good luck out there!

- Michelle

You’re Not Boring and Your Home Decor Shouldn’t Be Either

Michelle Alexander — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 04:07:19 GMT

We’ve all seen it. The perfect home in 50 shades of grey (literally, the entire house is grey). Grey vases, decorative grey balls displayed in a grey dish, a perfectly tousled throw blanket draped across the bed or couch as if it wasn’t staged, and black/white artwork on the walls to perfectly match the aesthetic. For many people, this is the goal - a house as curated as their gorgeous Instagram feed, but to be honest, that’s not for me.

And maybe I’m just jealous because my floors are covered in fluorescent ABC tiles, and I’m pretty sure there’s peanut butter on my wall, but more likely it’s because I grew up with an amazingly creative mom who handmade everything in our house and wasn’t afraid of colour. I would eat breakfast at a kitchen table covered in Dilbert comics with my feet on a stool made from pop cans and a frisbee. (Shameless plug: Check out @createdbyflorence on Instagram where I show off my mom’s creativity).

Now maybe you don’t think you have the skill, imagination or time to pull off a house transformation, but I challenge you to pick an area in your home that you spend a lot of time in (or a room you’d like to spend more time in) and just make it a tad more fun! Here are a few ways to get started:

What Are You Into?

This question is easy to answer for some people but for others, they may need to think about it. Tip: Look at what you post/like on social media and at your wardrobe (e.g. always rocking classic rock tees, gardening gear, a train conductor’s hat?)

Once you have it figured out, don’t hide your interests/hobbies! Whether you love books, traveling, cats, kick ass feminist leaders, or limited edition sneakers, incorporate your interests into your decor.

What Colours Make You Happy?

Paint your walls, an interior door, or add a patterned wallpaper. Go wild! If you have commitment issues, a colourful piece of artwork can also do the trick. Tip: Not sure what colours make you happy? Look at your phone case.

Make it YOU!

Generic art can be beautiful but I’d suggest opting for something more personal! Here are some examples from my own home.

We love to travel so we bought this enormous canvas map from IKEA and I made photo magnets of all the places we’ve travelled. Instant conversation piece.

Speaking of IKEA, here’s another print they used to sell. I wasn’t feeling the black and white so I turned the sky into a floral collage with two magazines, scissors, a lot of glue sticks, and some moderate to heavy hand cramping.

Do you want something personal but don’t want to DIY? I get it. The good news is there hasn’t been a better time to support local and there are tons of vendors near you that would be ecstatic to make you a special [fill in the blank]. If you're interested in custom people or pet portraits (classic and minimalist options available) and/or you have another vision you want brought to life, Click Here and select 'Commissions'. I look forward to hearing from you!

I hope you found even a tiny bit of inspiration to go from 50 shades of grey to 50 shades of YAY.

Lastly... grey, no shade. - Michelle

About the Author

I'm proud to be included in Feedspot's Top 30 Digital Art Blogs and Websites To Follow in 2022.

The Hardest Illustration I've Ever Made

Michelle Alexander — Tue, 02 Feb 2021 03:37:36 GMT

I did what I thought I was suppose to do and kept my pregnancy a secret. I even waited a few weeks past 12 weeks ‘to be safe’. Then just days after our big social media announcement, we announced that we, like so many others, had experienced a miscarriage and lost our first son. Did we regret announcing to the world we were expecting? Nope. There was beauty in connecting with others and we were shocked by how many people (including good friends we thought we knew so well) reached out who were also suffering.

I am 1 in 4. And once everyone knew, it was like I was welcomed into the club. An awful one to be a part of but at least I was in good company. I never felt alone.

When I was pregnant again, I did everything I could to push those sad memories and negative thoughts away. Perhaps it was to preserve what is suppose to be a magical time in my life and I didn’t want to feel paranoid or robbed of the excitement I so desperately wanted to experience again.

I’m extremely fortunate to report that bright days were ahead. Our rainbow baby, Chase, was born in 2017, and his baby brother Bodie was born late 2019.

In October 2019, after hearing news from friends that they had gone through yet another miscarriage, I was completely overcome with emotion. First, I was devastated for them and second, all of the unresolved feelings I had tucked away had resurfaced. Dammit feelings!

It was also October, which is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. That’s when I knew I had to sit in my discomfort and remember. I drew an illustration of an oven, with no bun inside. It was emotional. Sadness that we never met our first baby, guilt because I wouldn’t have changed a thing (otherwise we wouldn’t have our Chase). Relief that my family is complete, yet heartbroken for all of the other families who are not.

I shared it on social media and was flooded with responses. I did my best to welcome those who felt alone into the club with open arms. The worst club.

I was able to best express myself through a digital illustration but there are many other creative outlets to choose from if you need. For example, you could write a letter, poem, song, create a collage, playlist, or special box with mementos inside, design a tattoo, piece of customized jewelry, etc. I encourage you to explore your creativity. It just might help.

Thank you for reading and for anyone who needs to hear it, brighter days are ahead. - Michelle I'd love for you to follow me on Instagram @MishiMoooDesigns and/or on Facebook.com/MishiMoooDesigns.

How to Make Your Own Moss Wall Art

Michelle Alexander — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 21:59:38 GMT

If you're looking to liven up your space, you might take a lichen to my DIY moss art. Here's everything you need to know to make your own for a fraction of the price!

Materials:

Reindeer Moss
Frame
Glue gun and a lot of glue sticks!

Reindeer Moss:

I ordered 'reindeer moss' directly from ByNature (https://bynaturedesign.ca/products/preserved-products/reindeer-moss/).
In 2021, I purchased 4 lbs of moss for $40 (I was told that a box of 9 lbs is $80 total if you're looking for more). My total was $40 + $35 shipping (the moss came from British Columbia and I live in Alberta) = $75 total. Of course the price is subject to change!
There are over a dozen colours to choose from and I chose 'spring green'.
I ordered 4lbs of moss to cover a 24' x 36' surface BUT I had a lot leftover and could have definitely gotten away with 3lbs. However, the extra moss allowed me to choose only the best and brightest for my wall art and I was able to make smaller 5' x 7' frames as gifts.
From the ByNature catalog: “Our Mossart - Still Nature collection made from real plants that have been stabilized using an eco-friendly process. They do not die nor grow and therefore require no maintenance no water and no light.”
Heads up, it smells very earthy when you first get it but it does fade away.
The moss is normally soft to touch, however, if the air is really dry in our home the moss will get hard. To make it soft again, just spray with water using a spray bottle. We normally don’t bother because it looks the exact same and we know it will return to normal once there’s more humidity.

Frame:

I used a 24' x 36' Gray Belmont Frame By Studio Décor from Michaels. It cost $33.99 (purchased in 2021). Whatever frame you choose, you'll need to make sure it has a sturdy backing and you will need to remove the plastic/glass insert.

Instructions:

Fire up that glue gun and start securing the moss to the surface! I purposely chose all of the fluffiest/brightest moss for my frame but you can create more of an earthy look by incorporating more of the ‘less perfect’ chunks. As you can see in the video/photo below, I started around the edges and worked my way towards the center. Lastly, I know this goes without saying but watch your fingers in the hot glue!

Not feeling thrifty or crafty? ByNature also sells custom 'Mossart' frames but it’s a lot cheaper to make it yourself.

If you create your own moss art, I'd love to see it.

Happy crafting!

- Michelle

About the Author:

Publicly Being Called an Art Fraud and What it Taught Me

Michelle Alexander — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 21:03:55 GMT

You know you’ve officially made it when you have a hater! Back in September 2020, a stranger took a VERY vested interest in my work (it’s funny what people get up to in the wee hours of the night during a pandemic). Anyhow, it was very eye opening for me on various levels.

I woke up to multiple notifications where an anonymous person was publicly calling me a thief and a fraud for copying images on the internet that I didn’t have permission to use. They also said my ‘entire gallery was stolen’, that I was going to be sued, they contacted the owners of the original images, as well as Society6 and Etsy, and were sending messages to people that had previously complimented my work. Needless to say, I was panicked.

Although there were many strangers who took time to look past the headline and stand up for me, overall, people believe what they read on the internet. One comment said I am pretending to be more talented than I am. Ouch. I was already experiencing ‘impostor syndrome’ as a new artist so it didn't help that now I was starting to doubt my own talent.

This art journey was suppose to be fun, an escape, an exciting adventure where I was exploring my creativity for the first time in what felt like, well, ever! Then here I was feeling like I just wanted to quit and disappear.

I, like most artists, reference many sources from my day to day life including my kids, nature, funny jokes, other artists, etc. The way I create my art is to brainstorm an idea, then find photos to reference, combine and transform into my own style. Based on the research I had done, I felt comfortable with my art because more often than not I:

Completely change the context of the photo (e.g. pretty hard to find a photo of an orangutan already in a pie)
Create it in my own unique style
Most often I’m turning a photograph into a cartoon
I am not hurting sales of the original photographer/artist
The images I’ve used are all widely accessible.

My friends and family, various online articles, and even a lawyer had told me that I had done nothing wrong, but if I had done nothing wrong, why did I still feel the way I did?

Upon further reflection and research the conclusion that I came to was I can do better. Here’s the commitment I made:

Use sites like unsplash.com and pixabay.com for millions of free images.
Ask permission to illustrate photos when applicable.
Cite references when I can.
Take my own photos whenever possible (sadly I don’t just have access to an orangutan).
Change up my drawings even more if I use a photo reference.
Go back through my work and update any designs I made that make me feel uncomfortable.

I am not perfect and want to fully own up to being too lazy to get up to take a photo of my own toothbrush and instead opting to find a photo on the internet for efficiency sake! I am also a work in progress but am excited to share that all of my art from that moment forward came from a better version of myself.

So mysterious stranger... thank you.

- Michelle I'd love for you to follow me on Instagram @MishiMoooDesigns and/or on Facebook.com/MishiMoooDesigns.

Ladyfinger photo reference: @piesandtacos

5 Things I’ve Learned From Being an Artist for 3 Months

Michelle Alexander — Mon, 17 Aug 2020 06:00:00 GMT

My name is Michelle Alexander and I’m a Canadian artist with a sweet tooth. Although I’ve always loved desserts, I haven’t always considered myself an artist. I started creating and selling my artwork in June 2020 and I’ve outlined 5 of the lessons I learned very quickly along the way.

1. CREATIVITY IS NOT SOMETHING YOU HAVE OR DON’T HAVE: Creativity is a skill that can be developed and practiced. I’m often asked how I come up with my ideas and the truth is that I work on it constantly. Then I ride the snowball effect because creativity leads to more creativity!

2. IMPOSTOR SYNDROME CAN BE OVERCOME: Truthfully I had never considered myself a ‘real’ artist because I didn’t go to art school and I was so often humbled by other artists. An exercise that helped me with this was writing down all the reasons why someone would think I’m an impostor, and then all the reasons why I’m right where I should be. 3. GREAT CONTENT ISN’T ENOUGH: It takes vulnerability to put your artwork on display and in an effort to remain authentic it can feel ‘icky’ trying to push sales. Unfortunately artwork doesn’t just speak for itself so this is where my marketing and business background has really helped me to succeed. It’s also been a fun challenge learning the ins and outs of platforms that I used to have little experience with (e.g. Pinterest, Wix).

4. IT TAKES A VILLAGE: The art community has been overwhelmingly supportive. Instead of treating each other like competition, it’s been encouraging to see so many artists champion other artists! We have so much to learn from one another and you get what you put out there. 5. HUSTLE IS KEY: I originally assumed I’d have my most sales during month 1, after my close friends and family purchased my work ‘to be nice’. I was wrong. I kept at it, introduced a variety of designs made specifically for face masks - capitalizing on a unique opportunity, put intention into analyzing analytics, kept creating artwork, learned new skills, and I continue to put myself out there, every day.

It took me 35 years and a global pandemic to begin this artistic journey. Luckily it’s never too early, or too late, to learn the value of your creativity. With all this being said, I’d love for you to check out my junk food inspired art and let me know what you think. Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mishimooodesigns/ Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mishimooodesigns