For all the lovers everywhere, I’d like to wish you a “Happy Valentine’s Day!” May your day be filled with love (and chocolate, although my husband bought me the low fat option – a bunch of pretty flowers!).

This is a drawing from last year’s 100 Day Project and I’ve just added a fun and simple caption, “You’re the only crab for me!”

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Emma Jayne x

Happy New Year and I wish you all a great 2019, filled with joy and good health!

Well, what a year 2018 was! Both personally and professionally, 2018 was a year for growth, creativity, patience and perseverance.

I really pushed myself to try and find my creative ‘voice’, starting with the 100 day project and through concentrating on creating artwork which I felt very passionate about.

As a designer, you tend to produce art pieces that are somewhat directed by client requirements and my portfolio consisted mainly of pieces like that. Last year, I decided to produce work which had more meaning to me and showed some of the things which interest me.

Here are my best nine for 2018 on instagram.

I love colour and mainly prefer to use a strong colour palette as a starting point, before the actual designing begins. For 2018, I decided to tone down my colours slightly, adding in more organic tones, such as greys and browns.

Do you make new year resolutions? I don’t usually, yet after reflecting on how busy 2018 was, I felt that I needed to make a few changes in my work schedule and lifestyle.

Number one, starting with making better use of my time! I’ve decided to organise my workload, so it doesn’t interfere with my personal life. I want to cut down on the amount of hours I spend on design work per week i.e. not work so much in the evenings, and to make time for my family.

Number two, to look after my health. I’ve already started cutting down on meat (love my veggies), which is also better for the environment. I aim to exercise more, whether that be walking, running or taking an exercise class. I think it will be pretty cool to join a dance group, possibly ballroom dancing! I seem to invest many hours of the day with my artwork and it would be a great way to spend time with my hubby!

Number three, being more focused on what I’d like to work on in 2019. I’d love to create illustrations for magazines and illustrate a children’s book (or two!), have my own greeting card collection, designs fabrics for children’s apparel and sell different types of products in my etsy shop, such as tea towels, bags and mugs, as an example.

Looking back on 2018, I’ve achieved so much and feel very proud of what I’ve accomplished.

From a couple of years ago to now, I’ve developed so much as an illustrator and pattern designer. It’s really good to keep reminding ourselves of how far we’ve come and be proud of the milestones we have completed, no matter how big or small they are. I feel we are always evolving and developing as people, and as artists, this is often reflected in our work. I’m pretty happy with the way my work is aesthetically and I know my style will change and progress over the next few months as I try out new techniques. I’m loving using my iPad and also painting with gouache and watercolour. Each have their own great qualities.

I’m excited about what 2019 will bring and I intend to continue enjoying the process!

Happy New Year!

I’d like to share with you two of my recent festive illustrations. I hope you like them!

*Please refrain from using any of the above illustrations. Thank you kindly!

Emma Jayne x