We are so proud of our wonderful Make Art That Sells alumni and are pleased to showcase a series of gorgeous student work that was produced in our May session of Creating Collections for Home Décor
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This is my presentation sheet for MATS Home Decor, wood/mdf week. The theme was Paris Love Nest and this piece shows my ideas for surface design and finishing techniques for a collection of wood items. It’s my favourite because it was for the final week of the course, at which point I felt my ideas finally clicking into place. It was the turning point in defining what I feel is “my” style.
How did the Home Décor class help you grow?
The course was incredibly intense and a huge learning curve, so I had to really think on my feet and work very quickly, whilst taking on board how to improve my work every week. I could really see my style develop and my confidence grew over the 5 weeks. It was invaluable learning some valuable industry insight from Margo Tantau.
What did you discover about yourself?
I rediscovered how totally in love with drawing I am and how to turn my ideas into 3-d concepts across many substrates.
How would you describe the course to a friend?
The most intense 5 weeks of your life, but very rewarding! It’s a fast track way to discovering your true artistic self.
See more work here: Website | Instagram
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Throughout the MATS classes, ceramics has become such a favourite of mine! This board was a lot of fun to do in the Home Decor series, it was so exciting seeing your illustrations coming to life on ceramic homewares. I also started to feel a lot more comfortable at this stage in the course doing hand lettering which has led me to pursue that more & really push myself in that field.
How did the Home Decor class help you grow?
The Home decor class was truly amazing, a lot of work pushing myself out of my comfort zone but it was so so fun! It opened my eyes even more to where I can gather inspiration. It also gave me a lot more creative areas to go into, i.e hand lettering.
What did you discover about yourself?
I did discover that I need to trust my own instincts a lot more, instead of dwelling on ideas for too long & worrying whether they work or not. If you love it then go for it and really enjoy it!
How would you describe the course to a friend?
The Home Decor class is a complete game changer when it comes to your work. It enhances your best talents but pushes you into exciting areas of design which you never envisioned your work. The support of all the other talented designers really helps you creatively. You just have so much fun & learn so much but also come out with some great creative buddies.
See more work here: Website | Instagram
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MELISSA MEEKS | MELLMEE COMPANY
I chose the “House of Whimsical Birds” for my theme for the Home Décor assignment with a coastal theme, with the soft muted peach of the shabby chic chair, and all colors of whimsy to me… sea blue and whimsical birds and the little cat that’s almost hidden, allowing the little blue birds to perch perilously upon his furry head…to bring a smile, and make people feel happy and carefree.
How did the Home Décor class help you grow?
The Home Décor course, and Lilla Roger’s advice, and guidance, really encourages us to embrace what we envision, to be confident in our own unique artwork. That our artwork being different is a “good” thing, it’s what people are looking for and therefore, makes an artist memorable and attractive. The course encouraged us to slow down, and study the specific color schemas/palette and making several objects come together.
I was also very excited that our artwork would be reviewed by so many talented and successful creatives in the industry, I both recognized and respect, providing valuable feedback and the “spotlight” of some of our work – really invaluable. I also want to thank Lilla Rogers for making personal appearances on Periscope series, and displaying other artist’s work, and addressing our questions, and encouraging us to all participate…it was just so warm, and resonating – and so connecting with other artists and creators.
It provided me with a new level of confidence, and encouragement to pursue my dream of my own artistic “Artware Bakeware” TM, which influenced my specific patterned artwork, “Tropical Oranges”, and “Margarita Cheesecake” encouraged by the new techniques, and guidance from Lilla Rogers in the Home Décor Class. My vision became my reality, and currently, my innovative Artware Bakeware metal baking pans and Ceramic coated pans manufactured and featured at a with LuLu’s Restaurants featuring Lucy Buffett, celebrity chef, and inspired by her recipes in her new cookbook.
What did you discover about yourself?
Really listening and absorbing Lilla Roger’s journey as an artist and a designer, her message was very clear, direct and resonating. Do not shy away from calling yourself an artist, a creator, a designer, etc. She is also very educated and has great recommendations for you to read, greatly assisted me in finding my distinct purpose, and identifying what is really the center of my art passion.
She repeatedly emphasized the need to continuously build your own unique presence, to hone your particular style, and not shy away from being different, and unique in the artwork you are creating. And as you know, we truly never stop growing, learning and expanding ourselves as creatives. To be unique and while being cognizant of the trends and markets, and studying what is “popular”, don’t let it be your driving force, to work on “honing” your own unique and individual style – which is what really begins to build my “brand” and that resonated with me and was my “take away” from the Home Décor course with Lilla Rogers. Draw and create what YOU like and do this a lot.
How would you describe the course to a friend?
I actually have described this course to several of my friends who are creators, artists and designers, and I also brought it to the attention of new business prospects, design companies that are reviewing my art portfolio for potential products, this is a very impressive accomplishment to list on your artist bio/resume.
See more work here: Website | Instagram
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This image is from Glass week. The trend board was Paris Love Nest which had gorgeous, rich colours and this image is my favourite because I feel like I had an art breakthrough and was finally able let “me” show.
How did the Home Décor class help you grow?
The Home Décor class helped me grow as an artist because it opened my eyes to all the possible applications of art on products. I felt free to explore my painterly style without fear. I discovered that people respond to the looseness of paint, which was a bit of a relief, to be honest!
How would you describe the course to a friend?
I would tell a friend that if you have a passion for interiors and home décor and have always imagined your art on products, this is the course for you! Each week, a different substrate is explored, the trend boards are current and fun and Margo Tantau’s and Lilla’s tips and explanations are always fascinating and entertaining. The course is so nice I took it twice!
See more work here: Website | Instagram
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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 will take place in August 2017 and teaches you everything you need to know to create killer presentations with your art.
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