I have my coffee in hand (not literally, because I’m typing and that would be ridiculous) and my heart super pumped (both literally, because of the coffee and figuratively, because of my guest) to write this blog.
To give you some context, I would like to share of piece of my own heart. I get hung up in life quite often questioning my purpose and talents in this world…I am a “textbook over thinker” as Kevin Malone would say. This can send me into a whirlwind of doubt. My beautiful friend, co-yogi, and graphic designer and UX/UI specialist, Kaci Bartlett and I talk (often) about how to find comfort in those times.
“I have moments when I’m really proud of what I’m doing and others I feel like I’ll never ‘get it’. But since all of this is about making sense of life, I think the fact that I’ve accepted I am constantly learning means I’m getting pretty good.”
What Kaci says here really highlights the importance of community and creativity. When we surround ourselves with people who encourage, support, and speak freaking truth into our lives, we find confidence. We find purpose. We find comfort.
“Within a month, at the beginning of this year I made the decision to leave marketing and advertising for UX/UI, start a 200 hour yoga teacher training, and start making and selling chalkboards.”
Talk about discomfort (I realize how corny that sounds, and I’m sticking with it). Finding comfort in everyday life is hard, and sometimes it feels nonexistent which is why Kaci strives to bring a sense of belonging and understanding to her work. To connect with real people in real life is so important. Kaci says she wants to “just make people laugh, feel at home, and to smile” using her art, creativity, and her Lorne Michaels-driven sense of humor.
Let me just say, she is killing it in these categories. Check out her art on her website (linked below) and prepare to be amazed (more corny-ness, I know)!
Also, if you are wondering what UX/UI is, you are in good company. All I know is that it means User Experience and she gets to test and create all kinds of online platforms to connect the world (pretty awesome).
All that to say, Kaci and I still doubt, question, and struggle to have faith. We find comfort in community, creativity, and simply choosing to believe that who we are is enough.
Fun facts: I downed two cups of coffee writing this blog and Kaci loves French fries. A lot.
Click on the links below to see more of Kaci and myself!
2017 was a year of celebrating new life together, mourning the loss of loved ones, re-branding, and learning how to extend grace and choose joy, every stinking day. This time around I’m taking my time, and will post a new blog once a month. I am so excited to be back, creating cards and writing blogs for you—-in other words, DOING WHAT I LOVE. What did you learn in 2017?
Speaking of amazing (smooth transition huh?), I would like to introduce this week’s creative spotlight! Colinde van Dal is a talented illustrator from The Netherlands.
said, “I think that my illustrations got a lot of foundation from the animations I saw as a child.” A few of these animations were 
Beautifully said.
And of course, I’m saving the best for last! Colinde is in the process of releasing her own picture book (this also happens to be her favorite project ever). It’s called Lange Leen en de Achtling. (In English it is called tall Leen and the Octuplets). It’s a funny book about family, working together to overcome differences.”
Thank You Ink Design Co.:
s killing me, WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?!
(Lindsey speaking), my fiancé was listening to me gush over my love for funny greeting cards when he finally asked, “Why don’t you just make your own?”
he coolest adults (I just tried to spell ‘adult’ with a U instead of an A, oh my gosh).
inside your soul, and I promise—you can make anything. So please calm down now and get back to work, okay?’ I think the last sentence is the reminder that I need more than anything- stop overthinking everything and just work.”
MADE BY LINDSEY DESIGN CO.
“I come from a very long line of engineers in my family, but in the midst of all the math, there have also been makers. Both of my grandmothers were quilters, both my grandfathers were wood craftsmen, my great aunt is a painter and textile artist, my mom sewed and smocked all my dresses growing up and is now a quilter. For a while, I wondered if I was the black sheep in my family tree, not being a mechanical, petroleum, or computer engineer. But in hind sight, I’m so proud that I carry on a piece of my family’s heritage through their artistry.” – Emily Mayne
Even when we doubt ourselves (because, let’s be honest, we ALL have insecurities), we can take courage in our ability to create. “To me,” Emily says, “’being creative’ means to have original ideas and thought process – being a visionary who seeks and finds inspiration and is bold enough to convey their keen sensibility. It takes courage to truly be creative.”
the artwork for my business celebrates and commemorates the sweet moments and milestones in people’s lives.”
of the Rings soundtrack on blast. I am a shameless Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Marvel fan. My favorite superhero of all time is Spiderman and my H.P. patronus is a dolphin.
love with the letterpress printing process. I was immediately drawn to the texture of the paper, the impression and the fact that I could create something tangible – that I could hold from concept to completion. I started turning my (somewhat terrible) illustrations into greeting cards infused with my odd sense of humor. My favorite card I’ve ever made is very simple but it’s the humor that I really love – that I feel totally sums up my personality. It says “Love is patient, love is kind, love takes out the g*ddamn trash.” My husband helped me come up with it and it still makes me laugh every time.”
On some level, don’t we all feel that way? Growing up, my younger sister was (and still is) the “artist” of the family. But since she is so talented, I thought I could never claim “creative” as a characteristic of mine.
When I asked what Brittany wants to communicate with her art, she said, “Mainly just positivity where possible. I am unfortunately the first person to take on other people’s issues, take things personally or get down in the dumps after a bad day. But I love that I can go home and pick up a marker and scribble a few positive quotes, as it can change my mood instantly – and hopefully someone else who I reach through social media too.”
Thank You Ink 