We are so proud of our wonderful Make Art That Sells alumni and are pleased to showcase a series of gorgeous work that is being produced in the Self-Paced MATS A and B classes.
Today, we have student work from MATS A which helps students build a professional portfolio to sell art in 5 of the most lucrative markets: bolt fabric, home décor, children’s books, wall art, gift.
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Karen Vermeulen
I’m taking Mats A and here is my submitted work for the home decor market
What have you enjoyed most so far about the course?
I’ve enjoyed the home decor part the most so far, I really enjoyed the different format – round plates, and thinking how my illustration would work in this format and as a set of designs and looking at something like Straffordshire pottery which I would normally never consider as a theme out of my own accord, was really interesting and I was surprised at how much fun it was.
How is the MATS class helping you grow?
I think the Mats course has really helped me grow, I think my work has jumped up a level, it just forces you to do things out of your comfort zone, like fabric design, and being taken through the process in a structured way and having a supportive community online really helps.
What are you discovering about yourself?
I’m discovering that I can push through when I start doubting myself, that I can move through the self doubt, keep at it and end up with something that I’m happy with even though it is hard.
How would you describe the class to a friend?
Mmmmm I would tell a friend that the course exposes you to different markets of applied illustration, and that it breaks it down in a way that is less intimidating, it kind of takes you through this process so that something that seems really daunting becomes doable.
See more work here: Website | Instagram
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Laura Medei
I’ve taken MATS A class last October, just before Home Décor class. Also after Bootcamp, I’m taking MATS B. Full immersion.
Which market is your submitted work for?
This board is the one I created for children’s book market, and also the one I’ve loved most to work at. I took all the time I needed, more than usual, and yes, I feel it totally “mine”. I love fairy tales.
What have you enjoyed most so far about the course?
It has been a fun and creative journey, to be surely repeated. I was wandering how to turn my art into something that could be put on display on the shelf of a store and looking for some course to teach it. Here it is. The class was stunningly talented, I’ve loved to notice how differently each topic was developed by each one of us. So many styles!
How is the MATS class helping you grow?
The class helped me grow by supporting me and giving me the confidence to make my own style stronger than before. I learned to face all kind of challenges, often moving out of my comfort zones. It has been precious comparing my work with others. It’s like observing your art from a different point of view.
What are you discovering about yourself?
I’m discovering to be strong and adaptable, able to stretch myself in responding to any challenge. About my style… Well, it was quite moving to realize that objects can “wear” my art and be beautiful objects…
How would you describe the class to a friend?
MATS courses are eye opening, in some way they could change your life as an artist. I highly recommend ‘em.
See more work here: Website | Facebook | Instagram
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Ruth de Vos
I’m taking MATS a (self-paced). My plate image above was created for the home decor market.
What have you enjoyed most so far about the course?
I love how this course is pushing me to develop and finish off my drawings. I’m usually inclined to sketch lots, without taking the sketches further into finished illustrations. I also love that the themes Lilla sets encourage me to draw things that I wouldn’t normally choose to draw.
How is the MATS class helping you grow?
I’m learning to analyse my own work and to keep plugging away at it, to edit it and to try new things until it’s something I’m really proud of!
What are you discovering about yourself?
I’m discovering that I actually quite enjoy drawing to someone else’s brief – I have enjoyed all four assignments so far (one to go still) way more than I thought I would! I’m also discovering that I love to make hand-drawn/painted icons, and combining them digitally. (It was hard work getting to this point in the first couple of assignments – working out a work flow that works well for me!)
How would you describe the class to a friend?
A class that allows me to develop my illustration skills and my portfolio by working on specific assignments for a number of product markets. With the access to review videos as well as the opportunity to network with other students on Facebook, the class pushes me to extend my self and try new things with my illustrations! It also teaches how the different markets operate. Can’t wait to apply some of that ‘inside’ information soon!
See more work here: Website | Facebook
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Sabeth Elberse | Zoet & Stoer Ontwerp
Which market is your submitted work for?
Home decor
What have you enjoyed most so far about the course?
The different kinds op subjects and for me to go the extra mile with every assignment
How is the MATS class helping you grow?
I continue working on my dessin where in the past I would stop earlier.
What are you discovering about yourself?
That I am getting better
How would you describe the class to a friend?
Interesting, learning curve
See more work here: Website | Facebook | Instagram
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COMING WEDS 6 APRIL – FRI 8 APRIL, 2016
Watch this space as we will be launching a BIG SPRING SALE on Wednesday 6 April.
So does ‘Make Art That Sells’ actually work? Do artists who take the class actually sell more art? Well yes, they do. Students have since secured licensing deals in the gift, editorial, baby apparel, bolt fabric, wall art, greetings, home décor, paper and fashion markets, many have won competitions and a number have been signed for representation.
ALL of our classes will be on SALE.
