Sketchbook Diary 2019 #4

Sketchbook Diary 2019 #4
Click on the images for a closer look

Hello there!

What a mad few weeks it has been... it has felt like Christmas levels of busy lately, but I'm very grateful! I've been working on a really fun mix of projects and not a lot of them I can share yet... but one big project is near completion and I'll be very excited to share that. It is a mural... and it's big! I'll explain the rest when it is out in the world soon...

So here's my latest installment of my sketchbook diary. I'm sorry I actually completed it a couple of weeks ago and am only just putting it here. Some of the things in this spread (the 18th March to 24th April) feel like ages ago now. I got a three month guest stockist spot in the lovely Sheffield Makers Winter Gardens shop - woo hoo! It has been going really well and it's such a good feeling to have my products in a great city centre spot, where people can easily buy them, while I'm working away in my studio.

But, even more importantly... something pretty major happened on the 25th of March. Some birds were eating a WAFFLE in my garden! It was a truly entertaining watch, as they worked their way through the whole thing. I couldn't work out from my viewpoint whether it was Belgian or potato though... and it will remain a mystery to me forever.

Back to work things, The Mummy Lessons got published! You can read all about it on the last blog post. My samples arrived and they look gorgeous, with lovely shiny spot UV finish on my hand lettering and icons. Lee and I went to see the amazing Phlegm exhibition - a little land of giants, asleep in a warehouse in Sheffield.

The spread finishes with that crazy hot weather we had, so a barbecue and paddling in a stream! I'm looking forward to more fun sun times ahead.

Not a bad few weeks really... 'till next time!

Thanks for reading!

Sketchbook Diary 2019 #3

My sketchbook diary - see below for a closer view!

Pancake Day - one of my most favourite days of the year!

Hello there!

Here's a new instalment of my sketchbook diary. It's been an exciting month! It was my birthday right in the middle of London Book Fair, so in between my days of meetings, we went to see the Lion King at The Lyceum. It was amazing! I continued to spread out the birthday vibes after coming home, with a quiet relaxing weekend and a big roast dinner.

I really enjoyed the book fair. It was great to chat to lots of publishers about my work as well as have my illustrations on display in the gallery. Unfortunately, my visit did confirm that I am doomed to get headaches at conference centre events, but that I can keep them at bay if I constantly snack! I had this nailed by day three - so that is my number one tip for anyone visiting the fair. I went along to some of the talks and panel discussions too. It was a delight to listen to David McKee talk about his career as an illustrator/storyteller and it was lovely to meet Ren Renwick and Lou Bones from the Association of Illustrators, having been a member for a few years now.

Me with my book illustrations in the Illustrator's Gallery at London Book Fair

I've also been drawing some fun patterns in my sketchbook lately, which I will share soon - I'm looking forward to sitting and colouring them all. So as for the rest of the diary, it was some nice food, cosy times with netflix and the sofa, a little trip to Oxford and some rather elegant looking yoga moves (they totally looked this good in person. I swear).

Click to enlarge!

Sketchbook Diary 2019 #2

Hello!

I'm back with another instalment of my 2019 sketchbook diary.

My sketchbook diary spread for the second half of January... (click to enlarge!)

I've been enjoying the quiet spell after the madness of late last year and taking advantage of the chance to work on some portfolio pieces. I did have my tax return to complete though... and my display board designs for London Book Fair. 

My work will be on display at the LBF Illustrator's Gallery from the 12th-14th March. I am feeling really giddy because I've just found out that the illustrator of the fair will be David McKee - the artist behind Elmer, Not Now Bernard and MR BENN! Someone told me once that my work reminded them of Mr Benn and I can see the similarities too, especially in the detail of the houses and the black outlines. I'm excited to hear him talk about his career and to go to the other seminars going on while I'm there. I will be sure to report back with my illustrator's take on the book fair. It will also be my birthday while I'm there!

So, besides the book fair prep, I also got my hair played with by a cat, took a trip down memory lane with The Babysitter's Club Movie (I loved those books as a kid!), sent a drink flying out of a lady's hand while I imagined I was Penny from Dirty Dancing, and dreamt about spontaneously breaking out into song with all my friends. It's nice to have a record of these nice things when otherwise, I would have probably looked back and thought I'd been cooped up in my studio working on my portfolio for these couple of weeks.

Crab roe broad beans, tax returns and a missing red panda in Belfast!

Drink spillage, korean barbecue and dog farts (gross I know, sorry).

Sketchbook Diary 2019 #1

As you might have seen in my last post, I decided to have a go at keeping up my sketchbook diary again this year. As much as I have found last year's drawings useful as miniature full pieces, I did find it hard to stick to, as I was a little ambitious in the way I set them out. I have a tendency to be consistent within my projects - thanks to my commercial design background and not something I particularly feel is a weakness. But as I felt I wanted to give each drawing similar time and space, it became difficult at busier times.

So this year, I've set out to simplify. I'm not spending as long on them, but that should make it more achievable to do every day - which was originally the whole point of doing it. They sometimes serve as quick warm ups when I start my day, but as I'm being less precious about it, they've been much easier to fit in whenever I have a spare five minutes.

So here is my first spread of the year! I've not thought so much about how to lay them out, but drawn them closer together this time. It means I can simply take a photo and post it, rather than have to scan in and adjust multiple files ready to post. This way, I hope I can keep on sharing regularly.

Daily Sketchbook Drawings - Click to enlarge

Besides the benefits of daily drawing practice, I also find that from a personal perspective, it's nice to record a snippet of something about each day, just to look back on. I sometimes take my sketchbook in my bag when I visit my Grandma. She is in her nineties and doesn't chat much anymore, so it has made a nice little talking point to show her my sketchbook and say 'look, this is what I've been up to lately' and it makes her smile.

Seeing this visual representation of all the things I've actually done (or eaten) - in what feels like a flash since Christmas - makes me feel better about how fast time goes. January started off with New Year celebrations in Edinburgh. I then laid low while I got over a nasty cold/migraine spell, caught up with my tax return, tried some new recipes and ate lots of cheese.

My next spread for the rest of January and part of February will be complete soon, so until next time... bye bye for now!

My Sketchbook Diary, Week 21 - featuring Karen O, lollipops and broken chairs

As the last straggler bits got sold and collected from Ebay, I prepared myself for a mad month coming up. With three London trips over the next month, the first would be for All Points East festival! I loved watching LCD Soundsystem, Soulwax and taking a trip down memory lane with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. It was sweltering hot weather and poor Lee had to put up with me verbally expressing my exhaustion and aching feet as we walked for what felt like miles, before realising we had left the tickets behind! I insisted I needed a lolly on Sunday before we drove back from sweaty London.

My Sketchbook Diary, Week 20 - featuring strange eating habits, unusual instruments & pink jackets!

It was royal wedding week! Ooh, I love a good royal wedding. I set up camp with my blanket on the sofa, wore red and blue and had a little party for one. We went to an uber-controversial Radio 3 gig this week at the Picturehouse Social Club. The artists handed out sheets of words to everyone in the audience and got us all to shout the words at random to take part in the art. It tickled me. I also welcomed into my life my new pink jacket! It's super bright and super cool! I will add a picture below of the moment I tried on said jacket... and you can see how cool I look.

My Sketchbook Diary, Week 19 - featuring failed BBQ's, bowling & Eurovision!

I had a delightfully retro bowling experience at MFA Bowl in Sheffield this week. They were playing back to back Beegees (which became quite amusing) and the machine that places the pins kept playing up. It also kept giving me extra goes for no reason! I think this made it all the more fun! I also tried - for the first time in my life - one of those machines you put 20p in and get loose sweets out! Despite the unhygienic nature of getting the bare naked sweets out of the bit where all manner of children's dirty hands have been, this also added to the excitement of the excursion.

My Sketchbook Diary, Week 18 - featuring Peddler Market, Mad Men and a little bit of disco dancing!

Hello!

I'm back with my sketchbook diary, I'm sorry it's been a while! As you know, I'd been renovating my old house and it was taking aaages. It was really hard splitting my time between that and getting newly full time freelancing off the ground, so in the end, I wrote off the month of April to get the house finished once and for all. It was tough, but it was probably good for me to switch off from work things and just focus on that. I'm so glad to be back to my work (full time for real, finally!) but I've got some catching up to do on here!

I've been keeping up with my sketchbook but not the blogging. So I'm going to post last weeks and then backtrack a little at a time. Despite all the grotty cleaning jobs and pain-inducing decorating (yes, really! I'm on Naproxen!) there has been some mega fun times to fill you in on! I had an amazing trip to New York, a fun weekend in Copenhagen and I'm oh so grateful for the sunshine we've had! So watch this space (well, maybe scroll backwards every now and then!) to see what's been keeping me quiet.

Thankyou so much for reading my blog. I know commenting on blogs is a bit old school but I'm an old school person really - I would love to hear what you think!

It was great to get back to a working routine this week and get ready for my first Peddler Market of the year. For anyone who doesn't know, Peddler's takes place in Kelham Island at 92 Burton Road - a big warehouse building with some outdoor bits too. They get different gorgeous food and drink stalls in and several artists/makers each month. It gets super busy and has a great atmosphere!

I was excited to show my new extended collection of Sheffield Mini Prints! Previously, the 'Kelham Collection' featured Alfred Beckett & Sons, The Chimney House, the Kelham Island Tavern and Green Lane Works. I've been working on some new prints to add to the collection, which now also features the Fat Cat Kelham, the Three Tuns, the University Arms and the much loved old Henderson's Relish Factory. You can click on the names to see them in my Etsy shop.

You'll also spot we went to Blue Moon Cafe in Sheffield. I love this down to earth cafe, they serve different vegan and veggie mains with a choice of healthy side salads, a good spot in the city centre for when you're fancying something healthy!

Lastly, we went to a lovely wedding reception where I took a spin around the dance floor with my lovely other half, Lee! He's got some really good moves.
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March Meet the Maker - My Best Bits

Hello!

I'm sorry if you've noticed I'm a little behind with my diary posts, I've had a mad March really. I had a mega-exciting trip to New York, plus my birthday, a weekend in the Lakes and various projects going off.

I did March Meet the Maker over on Instagram this month, a challenge set by Joanne Hawker. I Was surprised what an effect it had on other things sometimes, having that extra job I had to squeeze in every day. It has left me with a few things to catch up on since my holidays, but I am glad I did it! Hopefully if you were following, you feel like you know me a little better now. If not, here are a few of my favourite posts from #marchmeetthemaker...

Day 1 - You 

I'm Josephine, an illustrator from Barnsley, living in Sheffield. My favourite food is Yorkshire puddings, I live with my super cool boyfriend Lee, I'm the youngest of 5. I love cook books, trips to the seaside and the sound of a synthesiser! I love drawing so I made it my job! I have an etsy shop and sell at markets and do different kinds of commissions for people. Nice to meet you!

Day 2 - Where

So here I am in Sheffield, where I moved less than two months ago! I’m from Barnsley, so pretty close anyway and have spent lots of time here over the last few years. I feel very at home here. I love the big creative vibe the city has and the amount of events going on (as well as the myriad of gorgeous places to eat) and I still have lots to explore, it’s all very exciting!

Day 6 - Workspace

It’s my favourite #marchmeetthemaker day - workspaces! I love seeing where other people work. Here are some shots of my new studio! I only moved in a couple of months ago, so there is still mess that needs sorting, which I craftily angled the camera away from! I try to keep my table fairly clear so I can put my drawing board out easily or use it to wrap orders. We replaced the old postage stamp sized window with this big beauty before I moved in and it’s now the best room in the house for light. I love it!

Day 8 - Flatlay

Of course, I’ve taken photos from above for my shop before, but to compose a flatlay just for the fun of it - like the super cool ones on instagram - was a new one for me. I have to confess, my other half Lee helped with the idea to make my Cantastic cookbook zine the star of the show. The Cantastic Cookbook is available on my etsy shop for £3. 

Day 9 - How it's Made

For today's post I shared a multiple of images that show a simple explanation of the screen printing process (and making of the screen). You can take a look at the Instagram post here, or follow this link to read my previous blog article on how a screen print is made. 

Day 10 - Time to Relax

Considering how busy I make myself, I think I’m pretty good at relaxing. I really enjoy most things I do! Here are some of my favourite ways to unwind... 

Food - cooking/eating/going to restaurants. I’m obsessed and 9 times out of 10 I’ll eat every last crumb.

Tea & Netflix - either cuddled up to my boyfriend or wrapped up in my blanket like a walnut whip.

Yoga - my most favourite exercise, I love it and I also love to swim!

Fresh air - I love to go for a walk and shriek with delight every time I see a squirrel or hear a rustle that might be a squirrel. 

Day 13 - Work Clothes

It was my birthday this day, so I was in a great mood. 

What I wore to work in seemed much less important than a smile!

Day 14 - Dreams and Plans

Today’s #marchmeetthemaker is all about ‘Dreams and Plans’ so I chose dreams. My other half tells me I should draw my dreams, maybe he’s trying to detract my attention from me having to tell him them when I wake up (or text him them if he’s not here). Swipe sideways to see what’s going on in the picture... Oh. Wait. Ambitions!! I’ve got a lot of those too! As well as my crazy dreams. But you do feel like you know me better now, don't you?

Day 29 - Community

I think getting involved with your local community is pretty essential when you're learning to run a business. I've learnt such a lot from members of Sheffield Sellers on Etsy and The Crafty Business Network - through meetings, fairs and on the Facebook groups. I'm finding living in Sheffield amazing for community events and opportunities to meet fellow creatives and business owners. I recently joined Sheffield Creative Guild and also discovered Creative Mornings Sheffield and looking forward to going to more! It's also good for me to make sure I'm getting out and chatting to people, now I no longer have colleagues to tell my silly stories to!

Day 30 - Tips and Advice

•Under promise, over deliver is one I've picked up from the Honest Designers podcast and has stayed in my head as a handy reminder when agreeing to work and delivering something delightful!

•'If in doubt, take it out' is something Warren, one of my tutors told me at uni when I was putting my portfolio together. I hear it back in my head often! I particularly like advice that rhymes!

•'It'll all come out in the wash' is something my Dad used to say. He was a pretty laid back dude!! It reminds me not to worry or stress about things that would be forgotten in a few weeks! (Yes, sometimes it takes me that long to do my washing. It's ok, I have lots of clothes).

So that's a wrap for March Meet the Maker. I definitely recommend doing a challenge on Instagram to show your work to more people and give yourself accountability to post every day. I'd like to think I might have time to do Inktober in October... let's wait and see! Here is a link to my Instagram, if you'd like to follow my illustration adventures!

Dellow's Diary Week 10

Last week was good, a mix of work and house renovating (again...) interspersed with some lovely treaty food and outings and even a spot of adulting (check out the DIY skills...) hope you had a lovely week!

P.S. Spring is coming!

Dellow's Diary - Week 9

This week was the ice blast that snowed me and a lot of the country into the house for days. I feel very aware at the moment of how long it's taking to finish renovating my old house... So it was nice to be 'powerless' due to the snow and stay in the studio, concentrating on my work for most of the week! I had commissions to work on so it was good to get my head down and listen to lots of podcasts, getting out for some fresh air when I needed to venture to the post office. I am massively grateful that I don't have to worry about driving in it anymore - even though working from home means I no longer get to sit and watch disney films all day because it's a 'snow day'!

Dellow's Diary - Week 8

This week you'll see more sad faces than you're used to on my diary post - the week started with sore throat and nasty headache - but thankfully, the magical healing powers of pineapple sorted my throat out quickly!

I was feeling much better towards the end of the week and nothing puts a spring in your step more than a free slice of cake and an interesting talk on a Friday morning! It was my first time at Creative Mornings Sheffield and I was super impressed - what a fabulous event! Creative Mornings takes place all over the world, it's a 'breakfast lecture series for the creative community' and yes, they provide top drawer refreshments! And it's free!

Dellow's Diary - Week 7

Last week was mega eventful! Not only was it Pancake Day and Valentines Day (aka. Franz Ferdinand Day) but I also got a big surprise, went to some creative networking events AND won at Scrabble! I hope you had a nice week too!

Dellow's Diary - Week 6

Had another pleasant little week, despite the dramatic 'cold snap' we were warned of on Monday morning.

My weeks have been so full of work and decorating, I haven't had time to go out and try a new yoga class yet, since moving to Sheffield. I loved my class in Royston (Wednesday nights at 7pm, if you're local and looking!) and went to it for over four years. For now, I'm trying out Yoga with Adriene on Youtube and rather enjoying it! It's amazing how much more like myself it makes me feel. 

Finished the week with a lovely weekend of charity shop shopping, mashed potatoes and jigsaws!

Dellow's Diary Week 5

This week I went to a Speed-mateing event at Union St, organised by Girl Gang Sheffield. It was such a unique experience - over 50 ladies all in one room, getting to know each other! It was LOUD but so much fun... and I did indeed make some lovely new friends! On Sunday, my boyfriend Lee flew to Boston with work for the week, giving me some bonding time with my new crib (ie. watching gilmore girls). But before that, we fitted in some fun food, a gig and a cinema trip...

...and I hate to sound like I'm bragging, but I did also smuggle a Pizza Hut into the cinema once.

Here is a link to find out more about Girl Gang events and their next Speed-mateing session!

Dellow's Diary! (...of an Illustrator) Week 4

It's been a bit of a mad January really, lots of nitty gritty jobs as I've been sorting out the house I moved from and organising myself at the new one. I have had some lovely new commissions come in this week, plus a new cosy sofa and nice food to brighten up the cold and busy days!

I think Porter Pizza might be my most favourite pizza on the market. #justsaying

Dellow's Diary! (...of an Illustrator) Week 3

Another pretty busy week of unpacking, settling in and work jobs! Here are some of the nice things I did, watched and ate! I hope you had a pleasant week!

Dellow's Diary! (...of an Illustrator) Week 2

I haven't been able to fully experience the joys yet of working from home and focusing solely on my freelance business, as I have also been dealing with another life changing event - moving house! I loved my house to bits, but I'm very excited to have moved to Sheffield and be settling in to my shiny new studio!

So last week I had a mix of work days and house-sorting/packing days, interspersed with some Netflix and yoga...

Dellow's Diary! (...of an Illustrator) Week 1

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Hello! I'm sorry I've been quiet for a while (and I'm sorry I've said that before!) but loads of stuff has been happening... apologising for not posting lately is (after today) a thing of the past for me. The last few months of 2017 in particular were a whirlwind of busy-ness, lots of exciting stuff, but it was also exhausting and it was lovely to have a much needed break over Christmas.

I had some really exciting commissions that popped up, including illustrations for a card game and spot illustrations for a humorous non-fiction title. I can't share the artwork just yet, but have other commission work I will share soon.

For now, I'm sharing a new little project I've set for myself. As you may have seen on my Instagram or Facebook, I recently took the leap to full time freelance after working at UK Greetings for the last five years. Aside from live brief work, I knew it would do me good to get into the daily habit of drawing something about my day in my sketchbook. I might share bits as I go along on instagram, but this is more of a blog thing - I'll post a round up here every week.

So, here is my first week of Dellow's Diary! I hope you enjoy!