We are so proud of our wonderful Make Art That Sells alumni and are pleased to showcase part 4 of the festive designs and products they have created for the season. See all the festive showcase posts here
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Mara Penny
Winter Forest: Winter birds, pine cones and edelweiss inspired by Bavarian folk art.
I have taken MATS A twice, MATS B twice, Bootcamp twice, Global Talent Search twice, MATS Creating Collections for Home Decor and attended the Global Art Gathering – I’m a little bit obsessed ;)
MATS changed my life. True story. MATS started a fire inside of me that I thought had gone out. I am madly chasing my dream to become a full time artist and MATS has given me the tools to do that. I met a group of women in Brighton, at the Global Art Gathering, and was asked to join their art collective, Finch and Foxglove. We are showing as a group at Surtex this spring!
See more of Mara’s work here: Website | Instagram | Facebook
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Francesca Iannaccone
“Comfort & Joy”- I’m posting a Christmas artwork every day on Instagram to build up my Christmas portfolio. This one was for ‘Mulled wine’ and is available for licensing. It will also become a collection, with a pattern design and various other illustrations on the theme.
I have taken MATS Bootcamp twice and entered the Global Talent Search. My work has grown immeasurably since joining. Bootcamp really helps you grow your portfolio because each month is themed for a different market. Little ideas become big projects and ideas flow.
My plan for 2016 is to grow my seasonal portfolio (Christmas, Valentines etc) with lots of new designs available to license. And I would love to find an agent, I’m raring to go!
See more of Francesca’s work here: https://francescaiannaccone.com
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Rebekah Melchert | RebekahA designs
I was listening to the Nutcracker soundtrack this season and thought, “Just what the heck is a sugar plum anyway?” This artwork was inspired by that thought. It is available as a print but my favorite, is the pillow. Purchase here
I have taken MATS A & MATS Bootcamp
I took a sabbatical from a corporate gig in 2014 and used the time off to do MATS A. In February of 2015, I resigned from that corporate gig to focus on making art. MATS classes gave me hope and courage. Being surrounded by the “best of the best” artists in class inspires anyone to work towards that level. The community of artists help you feel so not alone and Lilla’s cheerleading and insights are invaluable. Her most recent thought, “You won’t be right for 99% of jobs, but you will be for 1%.” is on constant loop in my head. Reminds me to just keep going….
See more of Rebekha’s work here: https://www.rebekaha.etsy.com
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Mitzie Testani
Christmas card, wrapping paper and gift tags
I have taken Assignment Bootcamp, MATS Creating Collections for Home Décor, MATS B (and I’ve signed up for more!)
Lilla’s classes have been the kick in the pants that I needed to start producing more and to put energy back into my work. In one year, I have created almost as many pieces as I had in the previous 3 years. I have also become so much more confident about producing quickly. I have also experimented more, while strengthening and embracing my own unique style.
Maybe most importantly, I have found an amazing group of artists who continually push themselves, while encouraging and motivating me to keep challenging myself and who let me lean on them when necessary. It can be difficult to work alone, even if you love what you are doing. My art life feels so much more joyous.
See more of Mitzie’s work here: https://www.mitzietestani.com
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Lucinda Kidney
A fun animal themed holiday train card which I designed in MATS 4B
I have taken Bootcamp 2014 & 2015, MATS A twice, MATS B twice, MATS Creating Collectiongs for Home Decor and taken part in the Global Talent Search.
I found the MATS classes extremely helpful in terms of kickstarting my career after a 12 year break to raise my family and live abroad.
The MATS minis helped me to rediscover my love for drawing and experimenting with different media and I can see my style developing and evolving.
In my sketchbooks I continue to use the mini concept to develop ideas for new briefs which I find to be a valuable tool!
In 2016 I plan to put what I have learned through MATS over the last couple of years into practice and get my art out there!
Last, but by no means least, I have met wonderful friends through the private Facebook groups! :-)
See more of Lucinda’s work here: Website | Instagram | Facebook
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Jules Gissler
My Holiday card below: Painting (20” x 16”) and boxed set of 8 cards tied with a ribbon, available through my website
I have taken Mats A & B, Bootcamp, and Home Decor classes. It made me push my style in other directions. I found myself paying more attention to the colors I use and thinking twice in the way I use black line. I realized I need to take photoshop classes and become more familiar with that. I redesigned my logo during the classes.
Being exposed to all areas of applications in which to use my art, I realized my strengths and areas of weakness. I also became more apparent which areas gave me more joy in creating and which were more work. In 2016, I hope to find representation for my art and have it become more my stable income and hopefully quit my part time job and concentrate fully on the future of my art.
See more of Jules’ work here: Website| Facebook | Book
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Kim Fleming | Kim Fleming Illustration
I love illustrating animals, and this piece was created for all the woodland animal lovers out there. Made with watercolours, hand-carved stamps, and a whole lotta love. Available to purchase here
I have taken MATS A+B plus 2 rounds of Bootcamp
The MATS classes have helped my art improve immeasurably. Moving over into the world of licensing from publishing, the classes helped me to understand what makes a successful licensing image, and pushed me to always go add that ‘extra’ to make an image sparkle. Next steps for my art in 2016 are expanding my licensing folio, and also a foray into writing and illustrating picture books (up until now I have only illustrated).
See more of Kim’s work here: https://www.kimflemingillustration.com
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Transform your art career and Make Art That Sells. Registration is open for Creating Collections for Home Decor (starts 25 January, 2016), Assignment Bootcamp (starts March 2016) and our amazing self-paced versions of MATS A & MATS B which include a huge vault of reviews from Lilla and class assignments from all our previous sessions.
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