Favorite posts of 2018

Hi guys - Happy New Year! Can you believe a new year is already upon us? Boy does time fly when you're having fun (and writing a blog, haha)!I'm not sure many people know this, but I started Swatch & Repeat almost two years ago, back in February of 2017. Since then I have published 90 blog posts! That's a lot of writing. Here are some of my favorites from the past year.

These are the ones that resonate with me the most and have most impacted the way I work and move forward with my creative business.

So without further ado...Enjoy!

Pattern by Lettie Mae Pieck-smith

1. Using your creativity to heal with Lettie Mae Pieck-Smith

   What I love about this post is how honest Lettie Mae is about her creative journey and how it has helped her heal after the death of her daughter. A favorite quote from the post: First and foremost, it’s important to realize that there is not only one way to discover your inner creativity. Try out different things until you find something that you start enjoying; something that wakens a deep joy or satisfaction inside of you.

2. Gin's Journey (an ongoing series by regular contributor, Gin Das Neves)

   If you are someone who has struggled to make your way and to establish a career as a creative, this is the perfect series for you. Not only is Gin a gifted artist, but she writes in such an honest, touching way that you immediately connect to her story. A favorite quote from the post: If I’ve learned anything these past few months it is that we are always learning. That experimentation is key. And that a life spent being creative, however that creativity chooses to manifest itself, is a life well lived.

3. Turning your art into a biz with Gretchen Warsen

   In this post Gretchen shares how she is building an art business and offering advice for those of us looking to follow in her footsteps. Gretchen is one of the few artists I've featured on the blog who I have also had the opportunity to meet in person. She is an absolute sweetheart and someone whose career I look forward to following. A favorite quote from the post: Once I realized that this thing I had always done and had seemed so “easy” and natural could actually be studied and developed in-depth, I switched majors to Studio Art.

4. Critiquing your work with Sofia Englund

   Full disclosure. I can pretty tough on myself when critiquing my art. Thanks to Sofia's blog post I've started to evaluate my work in a different way that helps me grow as an artist. A favorite quote from the post: Art and design is always going to be subjective to some extent, but critiquing your work should go beyond personal taste. Taste might reveal itself in what colors you choose and what style you’re drawn to, but there are lots of non-subjective standards you can use to measure a design by.

5. Behind the scenes of a pop-up show with Elena M. Sarni

   When I reached out to Elena I was pleasantly surprised to find someone who shares my passion for supporting artists. This post offers a behind the scenes glimpse into what it takes to host a pop-up through the eyes of a dedicated professional. A favorite quote from the post: It’s very hard to make a living as an artist. It’s difficult to continue to have the confidence to promote yourself and deal with the amount of rejection that creative people have to face. I understand this because I am a writer. And while I often find it challenging to sell my own ideas or pitch my own writing, it feels so natural to promote the work of other artists— whether it be to a gallery or a shop.

Every year it gets harder and harder to choose just five posts! I've been lucky to work with so many wonderful artists and to have covered so many great topics.

Here's to more fun writing and sharing in the new year!