It's the Halfway Point!

July 2nd is the “middle-est” day of the year which means we’ve reached the halfway point of Making Art Everyday!

Can you believe it? I just wanted to send a special email to thank you for joining in with this challenge. It’s been so wonderful to see the excitement and participation from this wonderful community. I’ve seen you push yourselves out of your comfort zones and support each while doing it. YOU ARE AMAZING.

I wanted to give a huge shout out to those that have been here since January 1st. There are a few incredible artists that I would love to share with you.

Caitlin Betsy Bell

@caitlinbetsy // website

If you’ve ever browsed the #makingarteveryday hashtag, surely you are familiar with Caitlin’s work. She has done every single prompt this year (wow!) and consistently shared her creations on her instagram. Her adorable illustrations are delightful, and she has done some amazing pattern work as well. Here’s what Caitlin had to say about the project:

“I have done every prompt so far this year and I can’t believe that it’s halfway done! Making Art Every Day has meant a lot for me, so far it’s helping me to develop my illustration skills, refine my personal style, and stretch me to do some creative problem solving.

I’ve had my iPad for a little over a year now and I love how easy it is to have a creative outlet that isn’t as material intensive as my other creative pursuits (my art degree is in Fibers). I think that’s a big part of why I’ve been successfully completing all the prompts. Life can get busy especially as a parent, but this gives me something each day to make sure I get something creative accomplished. Each prompt is a small step working towards where I aspire to be as a designer & maker. I feel like I’ve come a long way over the past six months and it’s already brought some neat opportunities my way. I can hardly believe just how much material that I’ve created (that’s so diverse) and it’s going to be so helpful going forward. It’s definitely building my portfolio and creative wheelhouse at the same time.”

Lisa Knutsson

@lisaknutssonillustration // website

Lisa’s illustrations are simple yet striking, I love her creative use of textures and color. and I have enjoyed seeing the artwork she’s posted and the way her style has evolved over the past six months. A few words from Lisa:If you’ve ever browsed the #makingarteveryday hashtag, surely you are familiar with Caitlin’s work. She has done every single prompt this year (wow!) and consistently shared her creations on her instagram. Her adorable illustrations are delightful, and she has done some amazing pattern work as well. Here’s what Caitlin had to say about the project:

“I really love taking part in the #makingarteveryday project. I always find it easier working towards a brief rather than making up prompts for myself, and with this project I’m getting help with what to draw for a whole year!

For me, this project is about a number of different things; first of all about losing the pressure of needing to create a ”perfect” piece. And the best way of doing that for me is drawing regularly, and also not giving it too much time. Not think too much, just do, instinctively. As a result my work has gotten both better and freer in a way – And that´s why I find this project great in so many mays!

But there´s more to it; I´m using this project to fill up my illustration library with lots of useful icons which can come in handy later in a project or for my portfolio, and since there´s a whole month on the same theme you end up with lots of different bits and bobs on the same subject.

I´m also experiencing and trying out new techniques (and brushes). Last but not least, I’m doing this for fun, and I seldom get to complete a whole week, and that’s okay too 🙂”

Bridgett Stahlman

@bridgett3602 // website

Bridgett has been in it since the beginning and I love the way she has experimented with different styles and even different mediums in that time. Making Art Everyday is a great way to try new things and figure out what you like and I think she has done a great job of doing that. Bridgett shares with us:

“I love the daily prompts that Lisa provides! For me the hardest part of creating daily is just coming up with ideas. Doing art every day has definitely helped me define my style more and it also gives me a chance to experiment and play. I don’t have to worry about putting out a perfect piece. Some days I only spend 10-15 minutes on a piece and some days I spend more. It all depends on my schedule/ and or mood. My best advice for someone who wants to create every day is don’t stress over your piece and don’t overthink it. Some days I think “okay this is definitely not a masterpiece”. I still make myself create it and share it. It still is valuable to me because I analyze it to figure out what I don’t like about it and what can I do to make it better. I love playing with different brushes and textures that keeps me excited about what I create!

My favorite prompts this year was the plant series. I usually work digitally but I broke out the watercolors for them. It was such a fun change of pace. Lisa’s making art everyday has been so valuable to me as an artist. Doing art now every day is really fun and I look forward every week for the prompts! “

More amazing artists!

There is SO MUCH amazing art that is a product of Making Art Everyday, and I could not be more proud of you ALL! Here are a few more favorites to inspire you.

Whether you just recently joined, or have been in it since January, whether you draw everyday or just as often as you can, know that what you are doing is important and it does make a difference. Every minute you spend drawing matters. You become more skilled, more confident, and there is that much more art and beauty you’re putting out there into the world, inspiring others. Keep it up!!