Giveaway: Creative Biz Book Duo!

Isn't it awesome to have the tools, tips, and resources you need to help your freelance business along and realize your creative dreams? I'm  excited to be giving away TWO creative business books to one lucky winner: The Creative Entrepreneur by Lisa Sonora Beam, and Make Your Creative Dreams Real by SARK!

To enter: Simply share in the comments - what's your biggest creative dream?

For additional entries:

1. Tweet about this contest using this link!

2. Share this post on Facebook!

3. Pin this post to Pinterest!

(Make sure to come back to this post and leave one comment for each additional entry, along with a link to your tweet, share, or pin!)

The details: US residents only (because mailing books can get spendy!). Giveaway closes 11:59PT on Wednesday November 7, 2012. The winner will be chosen at random and announced on the blog. 

Creative Inspiration: The Best Things...

That's good advice, no? Sometimes waiting patiently is what's best, but other times you've just gotta pick up your bootstraps and get to work.

Happy Tuesday!



PS. My apologies to Google Reader and Bloglovin' subscribers - you may have seen a post yesterday about a giveaway that I accidentally published early (and unfinished). So...stay tuned, it's coming soon!
 

Indie Business: The Yips

Sometimes it's nice to look back on artwork you created years ago to see how much you've grown, isn't it? While this quote still rings true to me, it's neat to see how my style and aesthetic has evolved over the years. There's a part of me that misses this carefree creative era (when I was making collage art just for fun and not as a business), and sometimes it's a good reminder of what I'm capable of when I'm feeling stuck...

...but, yeah. I'm still suffering from some major creative block here. I've made and re-made a pair of collages for a client, and I'm still not happy with them. I think I have the Yips! (Any HIMYM fans out there?) I'm over-thinking something that used to come so naturally to me that suddenly can't do it anymore! I'm at the point where I just need to get them done and out the door to my very sweet client, but at the same time, I don't ever want to put something out there that I'm not happy with and that doesn't live up to the potential I know is in me. 

The Yips. Ugh.

Have any other creatives been through this? How did you defeat The Yips?

"Be smart, be nice, do what you love, have fun!" [Steve Pavlina]

 

Life Lately: Arts + Crafts Night!

It's been a challenging couple of weeks for me physically, emotionally, and spiritually, but I'm finally starting to feel a shift and a return to "normal" in my life. (I think a hot bath and a cup of spiced hot chocolate last night certainly helped!) I'm super grateful this week for my friends Sarah and Rachel - they are incredibly beautiful and talented ladies that I'm honored to call my friends. The three of us teamed up for an Arts + Crafts night this week (with cupcakes and wine, naturally), and it was so inspiring to create a couple of collages alongside them. Between Sarah's skillful paper cutting and Rachel's charming knitted patchwork blanket, there was no shortage of crafty inspiration in my living room. 

Feeling quite blessed right now to have an amazing husband, wonderful friends (even if some of the dearest ones are far away), and a loving family. 

Happy Friday. xo

Lovely Web Links: October 25, 2012

+ How to make fonts with your handwriting on an iPad (along with two free font downloads!).

+ Interesting thoughts - is Pinterest killing blogs?

+ How to be an organized blogger.

+ Me vs. Fear. I completely agree with what Becka has to say. Anyone else struggling with fear and feelings of inadequacy lately (besides me and Becka)?

+ Cat bounce. That's really all you need to know.

+ More cat fun - cats that look like pinup girls!

Happy Thursday!
 

Creative Inspiration: Moonrise Kingdom

I am not a movie buff. I don't like most movies. (Probably because I fall asleep during them and have no idea what's happening when I wake up.) But this weekend I saw Moonrise Kingdom - and not only did I stay awake, I loved so much I couldn't wait to blog about it.

Moonrise Kingdom tells the story of two hopelessly-in-love 12 year-olds who each try to escape their own lives by running away to start a new life together. I don't want to spoil it for you - just know that it's all-at-once heartwarming, lonely, sad, honest, and lovely. But most importantly, the styling and aesthetic of the movie is stellar. The retro fashions, the charming Instagram-esque look of the film, and the carefully curated vintage vibe really work in harmony to create a whole world that you're instantly enamored with. I want to grab my yellow suitcase (I feel like such a cool kid because I have the exact same American Tourister as in the film!), fill it with vintage magazines, craft supplies, and a battery-powered record player, and retreat into the woods with my love for a creative adventure. 

Have you seen Moonrise Kingdom? What other movies have been a source of creative inspiration for you?

Happy Wednesday!
 

Let Go and Let God

I'm just going to admit it - I'm feeling overwhelmed. Feeling inadequate. Feeling stressed about a couple of freelance projects that have been lingering (because I'm feeling stuck with both of them and don't know how to move forward). Feeling frustrated with being sick for a week. Feeling disappointed in myself for neglecting my lovely little blog (and its lovely little readers). 

Perhaps as a small business owner I shouldn't be admitting all of this, but heck, I believe honesty is empowering. So, my name is Lesley and I'm woefully inadequate. 

I admit that I don't have control, and the more I desperately grasp at it, the faster it slips away. Maybe the reason that things aren't flowing in my life is because I'm trying to do everything myself, instead of following God's leading and trusting in His timing? 

Time for God to step in and take control, instead of fighting for control in my life that I'm never going to have. (I'm an INFJ - organization and planning are kinda my thing, so this is very counter-intuitive for me.) As my mom says, "Let go and let God". And aren't moms always right?

Commence letting go. xo

 

Lovely Web Links: October 18, 2012

+ Kyla Roma has a lovely and inspiring post about focusing on your passions. Indie business owners, bloggers, and creatives - this is a great 'lil link. 

+ The best free fonts for a blog.

+ Is integrity being sold to the highest bidder?

+ There's a great discussion going on about schedules, priorities, and balance. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the subject.

+ As an interior designer, I fully agree with these words. 

+ This album is awesome. 

+ And just for fun: 27 reasons why kids are THE WORST.

Happy Thursday!
 

On Schedules, Priorities, and Balance

My busy schedule is starting to take its toll on me...I spent yesterday sick in bed, soothing my sore throat with green smoothies and coconut water popsicles while catching up on Project Runway and 30 Rock. (Sounds like a tough life, right?) My introverted self has definitely hit its limit, and I know that getting sick is my body's way of saying "Slow down, girl!". I want to be productive by being fully present at my awesomesauce full-time job, by getting freelance projects done, by investing in my friends, and by spending quality time with my husband - but sometimes my brain's ambition and packed calendar is not what my body needs. I think it's time to re-visit my schedule and re-think how I prioritize my time. Because an inattentive, overbooked, kinda sick Lesley is definitely not the best Lesley. (Lesley will now stop speaking in third person.)

How do you find balance in your life? How do you choose to prioritize your time? I'd love to know how other bloggers/creatives/full-time employees/humans find that elusive work/life balance.

In other news, how awesome is the bed above? Artist Alisa Burke created a piece of art on a large stretched canvas as a headboard. I would have loved to spend today in that bed.

Happy Wednesday. xo
 

Dreaming + Wishing

Guys, I have some big news - my birthday is in LESS THAN TWO MONTHS! December is my absolute favorite month of the year, with my birthday, Christmas, and my wedding anniversary all rolled into 31 glorious days. I don't usually make a wishlist, but thanks to Pinterest, I've been bookmarking little things here and there that I am not-so-secretly lusting over.

Here's a peek at some of the little lovelies I'm wishing for this holiday season:

+ "Love Me" sweater

+ Bulova Caravelle watch

+ French bear print (Seriously, a bear who speaks French and eats children? Hilarious!)

+ Jeweled Skull and Crossbones candle

+ "Holy Shit Balls You're Awesome" print

+ Inspiration Talisman Necklace

+ Faux leather leggings

Also on my list: full-body striped pajamas, and a calendar about pugs. I have sophisticated tastes.

Happy Monday!
 

Have a Lovely Weekend!

Happy weekend everyone! It's been a cold and stormy week - which I couldn't be more excited about. It's finally cool enough for scarves, jackets, and boots here in SoCal, which are pretty much my favorite things. Add a Pumpkin Spice Latte to that combo and I'm one happy camper.

Ironically, we're heading out of town towards the heat this weekend - to Palm Desert! Getting away for a couple of days really is a lovely treat, isn't it! Back Monday with a peek at my birthday/Christmas wishlist (yes, it's almost that most wonderful time of year!).

 

Lovely Web Links: October 11, 2012

I'm sorry, OCTOBER? When did you sneak in? I guess I shouldn't be so surprised - I'm thrilled that the nights are finally cool and I can bring out my coveted collection of scarves and leather jackets again! Anyhoo, on to the good stuff:

+ I just discovered the work of Ariana Perez on Pinterest. I am in love.

+ 10 words every successful blogger needs to know.

+ Black Crow Studios makes the most incredible custom wallpapers I've ever seen.

+ "I won't hire people who use poor grammar".

+ Adorable closet organizing solutions.

+ The 15 year-old in me who was obsessed with Titanic loves this: Could Jack and Rose have shared that board at the end of the movie? 

+ Oh, Clients from Hell. You always make me laugh. 

Happy Thursday! What are you lovin' this week?
 

Henri Matisse on Creativity

I think Matisse was on to something...

If being a successful artist was easy, everyone would do it. It takes real courage to be truly creative and defy the norm.

Happy Monday!
 

Happy Friday!

Bonjour friends! How was your week? I'm wrapping up a super busy and productive one that involved shooting videos on location in Hollywood for Lamps Plus (I know, right?); printing and shipping Etsy orders, starting a new workout routine with the help of a personal trainer; and mentoring a lovely new friend through Mosaic. (Oh, and indulging in a pumpkin spice latte too. That's practically an essential for fall.)

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! I'm hoping to finally get started on reading Blog Inc... what's on your weekend to-do list? 

Happy Friday!

PS. I'm pretty much obsessed with this crazy black and white bathroom. I not-so-coincidentally matched my outfit to it yesterday. 
 

Lovely Web Links: October 4, 2012

+ Have you heard of this delightfully subtle iPhone photography app?

+ Adorable checklists from Matchbook Magazine. If you've ever wanted to read 50 classic novels or know the 50 classic must-have pieces for your closet, these are for you.

+ The top 20 most influential fonts in graphic design.

+ Fancy words every girl should know. My favorite? Osculation.

+ How well do you see color? This nifty test will tell you. (I scored a 26.)

+ "Breaking news: babies are completely portable. Which means they can come along with you while you pursue your dreams."

Happy Thursday!
 

Creative Inspiration - Jose Romussi

Hello, lovely ladies! I adore the gorgeous simplicity of these collages by Jose Romussi - black and white photographs embellished with embroidery thread take on a whole new dimension. Sometimes the best art is the simplest, isn't it? Jose has some other pretty rad art pieces too - be sure to take a peek at his portfolio. 

Happy Wednesday!
 

Indie Biz: Graphic Design Inspiration on Dribbble

Have you heard of Dribbble? My super talented graphic designer friend Sarah introduced me to it this weekend, and I'm obsessed! Think of it as Pinterest for graphic designers...

"Dribbble is a community of designers answering that question each day. Web designers, graphic designers, illustrators, icon artists, typographers, logo designers, and other creative types share small screenshots that show their work, process, and current projects."

If you're looking for inspiration for a graphic design project, Dribbble is a great place to bookmark ideas and be inspired by what other talented creatives are designing. (I've already started a couple of "buckets" of inspiration images for a new logo design project...)

Happy Monday! Do you have any go-to sites for design ideas and inspiration?