What I Made Last Summer

…and what I hope to make this summer.

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Through my 5 Things (subscribe to my newsletter :)), I’ve fully embraced being an interdisciplinary artist - continually exploring in all corners of my creativity.

Looking ahead, I am thinking about what this next season will look like. I already know that once the sun’s out, I have one Inside Out character that will be screaming to get outside. But hey, it fuels the flow to get outside and return to the studio with a glow.

I am really excited about upcoming projects and goals that will unapologetically take their time, demand more focus, and grow through slower, deeper development. Sketching, writing, even submitting from my back deck…balanced with sunny work days at the desk.

To move forward, I always find it helpful to look back. I genuinely loved last summer. I spent quality time with family and friends. My partner and I made pact to swim at the beach every weekend. I bought a vintage picnic basket and made it my personality. ANd I began my 5 things. All considered, how much did I accomplish? What did I enjoy? What was challenging? Did I set goals? Did I achieve them? Did my work elevate? Below are bits from my camera roll, May - August 2024. These projects were completed but, for the sake of the blog, I thought the ~in progress pictures manifested more making energy.

I find these crazy costume drawings enjoyable and relaxing. They make for a good warm-up and altogether are forming quite a series. I hope to find a special space to showcase the series soon.

You can see more of my pen work @laurenandpen on tikok. It’s a new thing.

Penny Portraits! These were for Father Day!

I finished the giggly puppets..

…and began to make a storage solution.

Made new puppets too. coo coo.

Freelance Projects! This particular project went through so many iterations. We landed with a whole new style.

Which, phewph. I later realized in this iteration, the top center chaos kind of looks like an ogre giving a double thumbs up. Please, let me know if you see it too, or if I am insane.

I made this 2D/3D illustration for a contest I was psyched about. I had a blast combining procreate, tiny ducks, and popcorn in one piece. A winner was never announced, so all rights remain with me and I am grateful for the push to do something a little kooky.

Lastly, I put a lOt of love into this collage for my partner, so I had to include it. With pictures of us and our memories, I collaged the base of a backgammon board! I love collaging and I love my guy, but ohmygod I underestimated this project. Though I’ll say, it does the soul good to make something for another person, solely out of love.

What doesn’t feel as good is forgetting that - well, acetate exists! And instead, attempting (and not succeeding) with resin for the first time.

This is me reflecting, lol.

I hope this summer has longer, more focused strides and is working towards work that will exist further than in my studio or on my blog. There’s a goal. There’s a challenge!

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Thank you for reading.