We are so proud of our wonderful Make Art That Sells alumni and are pleased to showcase a series of gorgeous work that was produced in our January session of Creating Collections for Home Décor
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Kym Orr
The items shown are from fabric week with a focus on flora and fauna. My chosen mood board was “La Marina,” a seaside/ocean theme. I tried to capture the look of seaweed in a contemporary way, presenting it alongside other ocean elements, which I then applied to pillows, lampshades, tea towels, and ottomans. This image is my favorite from the course because it most closely represents my style, and I would actually love to own all of the items.
How did the Home Décor class help you grow?
It helped me see the bigger picture, that my artwork could be applied to a whole world of objects. Seeing my artwork mocked-up on products encouraged me to think in 3-dimensional terms and made me realize that my work is salable.
What did you discover about yourself?
While I wasn’t in love with everything I created, the thing I discovered is that I’m actually better than I give myself credit for. The course proved to me that I really CAN deliver a look that represents my style and that I’m proud of…and in a very short period of time.
How would you describe the course to a friend?
Fun, fun, fun, but intense deadline-wise. The minis give you permission to just draw, paint, and explore. And the assignments let you give your drawings/paintings new life. I’d say that If you’ve been curious about how your artwork might work on products for the home, take the class. If you do the work, the creations that result will open your eyes to new opportunities.
See more work here: Website | Instagram
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Misha Zadeh Graham | Misha Zadeh Illustration & Design
My LaMarina ceramics collection features watercolor and acrylic ink illustrations in rich blues, pinks, red and ochre. Swaying seaweed, coral and urchins mingle with schools of fish, highlighting the magical world at the bottom of the sea.
This grouping was my favorite, because it was created in the week that I really hit my stride and let the art speak for itself. I was particularly happy with my dessert plates collection. Each plate features a separate illustration in a monochromatic color palette, but they really also hold well together as a set. You see many of the elements combined in a layout, along with a Rumi quote, on the large, oblong platter. I also had a lot of fun with showing additional icons on the final product page.
How did the Home Décor class help you grow?
I hadn’t worked yet in massive icon creation at the onset of a project. I had previously nailed down a big picture concept or two and then set to creating. In the home decor class, we did lots of loose illustrations first, and somehow, those illustrations spoke to each other and collaborated organically. Additionally, I feel more confident creating lots of new art that works together in a collection, rather than simply repositioning the same art onto different formats.
What did you discover about yourself?
I need deadlines to be held accountable and put forth my best work. I create better art when I have a connection or interest in the theme (and I really connected with LaMarina!) The class confirmed that I do have a style, regardless of the media I’m using, and that the more I create, the more clear and distinct that style becomes.
How would you describe the course to a friend?
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Kirsten Katz
This is my final collection made up of my favourite products that I designed for the Home Décor Course based on the country theme ‘Farm Fresh’. I chose one item from each of the 5 weeks where we designed products made out of different substrates, which included metal, fabric, glass, ceramics and wood.
How did the Home Décor class help you grow?
The Home Décor helped me by challenging me to design artwork and patterns based on subject matter and themes I would not normally do and in doing so it challenged me to find my style and to create work that fitted with the mood and feel of the trend board.
What did you discover about yourself?
I learned that I should trust my own intuition and draw from the heart in a way that is me and not to worry or focus on what is right or wrong and just to embrace my own style and way of doing things. When I did not overthink things or try too hard to be perfect I actually found my flow and I loved the artwork and designs I created.
How would you describe the course to a friend?
The only course I have ever found that really focuses entirely on designing products for the Home Décor market. You will learn about all the small things that go into making just one product, everything to consider with design, surface art and decoration to manufacturing techniques, industry terminology and expert advice and feedback by industry specialists.
But be prepared to work extra hard and set aside lots and lots of time because there is so much to learn and you will be rewarded by seeing all the wonderful work that you were able to produce in just 5 weeks not to mention all the wonderful connections and friends you will make with the other artists and designers taking the course. I have done The Creating Collections for Home Décor twice and I have enjoyed it immensely both times. Lilla and Margo are ever so supportive and giving, there is just so much you will learn from them in this course.
See more work here: Website | Instagram | Facebook
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I chose the wood grouping as my favorite because it showcases my fine art in a way that could be produced commercially and still retains what I like best about my paintings. I think it captures my spirit!***
Want a piece of the $60 Billion Home Decor industry?
What is home décor? It’s all the gorgeous and/or functional items in your house. It’s a booming market that needs tons of art, with over $60 billion in annual sales. Its massive growth is due in part to the popularity of home design TV shows, Pinterest, and Instagram, and stylish online retailers like One Kings Lane and Dot&Bo.
Art directors NEED your great art!
Our next live e-course, Make Art That Sells: Creating Collections for Home Décor starts May 16 and teaches you everything you need to know to create killer presentations with your art. Registration is open and we look forward to seeing your gorgeous designs.
Can you do a payment plan.