The MATS Festive Student Showcase – part 6

We are so proud of our wonderful Make Art That Sells alumni and are pleased to showcase part 6 of the festive designs and products they have created for the season. See all the festive showcase posts here

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Lisa Nishimura

I designed this Vintage Holiday Ornaments Card in the self-paced Mats B class.

I have taken MATS A, and started MATS B self-paced

Taking the MATS classes have been the best things I’ve done for myself in 2015. I’ve learned so much and experimented with different styles in such a short amount of time. I’ve signed up for the big bundle so I am looking forward to continuing to learn and grow in 2016.

See more of Lisa’s work here: Website | Blog

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Christine Anderson

I wanted to take a vintage and unique spin on Christmas. This is approx. 14″x 17″ and done with color pencil.

I have taken Bootcamp and MATS Creating Collections for Home Décor. These classes have really helped me with the thought processes involved in creating art for commercial use. The way I think about projects before I start is very different now. The assignments have allowed me to play with themes and color that I wouldn’t normally. The next steps for me this coming year is to start getting my work out there and licensing and selling it! And of course, making more great art :)

See more of Christine’s work here: Website

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Anke Weckmann

A festive (and a little grumpy) cat, hiding in a forest of Christmas trees which can be purchased here.

I have taken MATS B

I had been feeling a little stuck with my work for a while and taking the MATS B class this autumn was the best idea I had! It was so much fun and I feel so happy and inspired again every day to be making art. I have plans to send my work out to the markets we learned about in class and I’m looking forward to taking the Bootcamp class in 2016!

See more of Anke’s work here: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Shop

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Anne Lehman | Sunny Spot Studio

My holiday card design, Snow Globe with Dove, evolved from my idea to illustrate a snow globe that could represent a world full of joy, peace, and love. The cards and gift tags are available on Etsy

I took MATS Bootcamp in 2014 and 2015. I also participated in the Global Talent Search in 2015. Before taking the MATS courses, I had no idea how I should build my portfolio and learn about the world of art licensing. Since taking Bootcamp in 2014, I have built my illustration portfolio greatly and discovered joy in making art again. My process of creating art and my career have changed in positive ways. I look forward to building on this even more in 2016. A huge bonus from the courses is the community of other artists that you meet and connect with. It is a constant source of inspiration and encouragement for me!

See more of Anne’s work here: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Etsy

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Ashley Lotecki Design

I’ve recently been working on a collection of fun handcrafted recycled paper holiday greeting cards and tags.

Classes taken: MATS A + B (original run), MATS Bootcamp 2014 + 2015

Being part of the MATS community and taking the courses has really pushed me to constantly explore and strive to evolve my creative voice. Looking forward to 2016, I’m excited to be working on a line of handmade products that will be sold in a retail store, creating more fun surface pattern collections, and developing new relationship with clients.

See more of Ashely’s work here: Website | Facebook | Blog

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Allyn Howard

This is a little acrylic painting called “Holiday Bliss” because it includes some of my favorite things like a dog, gum drops, hot cocoa, ornaments. I would like to make it gift wrap and I think it could even be used for fabric. If you’d like to see some of my other Christmas-y art, I just posted some New (& a few older) on my blog

I took MATS 3A and bootcamp last spring. It’s hard to say what has influenced me the most from classes, but I made some of my favorite pieces in them, especially for the bootcamp assignments. The design I’m including here, illustrates a use of icons that Lilla often emphasizes. I’ve made several holiday inspired pieces recently and I like the idea of having a collection of icons from which to pick and choose for various art. I think Lilla’s course really motivated me and gave me confidence to move forward, especially looking at surface design more seriously. I appreciate the encouragement to connect on social media.

The private Facebook group is great because everyone on there shares information, inspiration and advice when we need it. Meeting and befriending some classmates from other parts of the world, and here (in NYC) also, makes you feel less alone in your endeavor. I also do a lot more sketching without worrying about the end result. I loved getting the mini assignments before the main one, which always has a little twist to it. All in all, I think MATS gave me a better idea of what is marketable, while encouraging me to push my own ideas and style, making sure the work stays fun, allowing your “joy to show through” as she would say.

I’m currently working on my goal list for 2016. It includes contacting art directors/ manufacturers, hopefully leading to some partnerships with the companies on my ‘dream list’ and potential ‘bread & butter’ list ;) At the moment, I really want to design some fabrics, wall paper and gift wrap and ceramic dishware. Children’s books remain on my priority list, as well. Ok, everything I want to do everything. As of yesterday, I have an “accountability partner”, an artist in the business. This should help push us both and help me prioritize my goals for 2016. I also have some Skillshare classes on lettering, pattern making and other technical related classes -(photoshop & illustrator) that I want to get to.

See more of Allyn’s work here

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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.