I am one of the 50 Semi-Finalists in the Lilla Rogers Studio's 2013 Global Talent Search

You are darn right. My recent submission towards Lilla Rogers Studio's Year 2013 Global Talent Search had been chosen from over 1500 participants from over 30 countries around the globe. It's like, what's the odd? This came with a huge surprise for me. I know, I know this news is not new news now that we should be talking about Round 2 which is about to open to public for voting real soon. Will update you with more details soon.

I still remembered that evening...Hubby was getting the girls ready for dinner while I dishing the meal up for everyone. I thought "Hmm, let's have a look who are the top 50 and I wonder how many MATS' students have made it through." So I click and click...alright...oh wow, so beautiful..oh wow, so nice...nah, I don't think mine make it...and then I saw Irene TAN!!!! My name! I use my original family name instead of my married name. I was like WHAT THE HELL!? SERIOUSLY? FOR REAL? I ended up jumping up and down non-stop before literally rolling on the floor laughing out loud. Hahaha...

Click here to see all the other 49 Semi-Finalists' works

Theme: Playground Journal as if for Paperchase

I think this must have been the most honor place to be for my 3rd year doing what I love doing. It has somehow made a turning point for me (let's hope that continue that way). It gave me different perspective on how I want to run Missy Minzy. It gave me hope that there's still hope. Upwards and onwards.

Lilla Rogers Studio: Make Art That Sells Part A

June has been a very busy time for me. I've signed up an intensive 5 weeks' e-course with Lilla Roger's Make Art That Sells. I have to say I didn't think I would sign up for that cuz the fee is not cheap. But hey, I'm glad I did! The intensive e-course is one of the best investment I have ever invested on myself for a very long time!

Stick around if you like to have a glimpse of what me and the other 482 classmates have learned throughout the course. First week was bolt fabric. Hrm, I thought surface pattern design. Hrm, something familiar. Hrm, mushrooms..something very familiar. You would have notice I haven't been drawing much mushrooms in my work (very rare these days) if you have been following my new works. My style is no longer the same when I first started Missy Minzy. How strange that different environment can change how and what you draw!

Week 1: Bolt Fabric

Theme: Retro. Mushroom. Kitchen

Week 2: Home Decor
Theme: Pea Pods, Florals, Round plate, Nature
 

So we were given the task to come up with 2 designs.

I couldn't make the choice which one to choose for Lilla.

Which one would you go for? The top or the bottom?
I chose the bottom during the MATS' course.
Now that am looking at it with fresh eyes after not seeing it for many weeks.

I think top one probably screaming at me more?
What do you think?

The e-course contents at least 1~2 interviews with some reputable artists like Helen Dardik (How About Orange), Mike Lowery and Mati Rose (I am currently doing her online daring painting course). Lilla usually has some mini assignment early of the week. So all of us will be busy searching, gathering and start doodling all little icons...until the big assignment be given mid week which allows us to work on before the deadline arrives (which usually on Sunday NY time, aka Monday early morning AUS time).

Week 3 was about Children Books. I didn't get the chance to finish before the deadline kicks in as I was occupied getting our place ready for sale in the market. Who would have thought there were so much work and preparation prior selling? I am hoping to finish Week 3's assignment at later stage.

Week 4 - Wall Art

Theme: Pink & Purple. Mixed Media.

Now this, is my favourite week.

I didn't think I would until I was making the masterpiece above.

I was like, how come my work look so different from what I have been producing?!

Oh boy, this course has really pushed me A LOT.

What a huge transformation??!!
As if an awakening call towards my inner soul

to make art that makes me happy.

Make art for self and not pleasing others?

As usual, we somewhat have to make 4 (or was it me being insane? haha)
and I couldn't choose which option again! Oh well.. :)

So I decided to make a mock up with some fancy furniture instead.

Have a look

 Which one do you think works better?
I asked my eldest - Peanut which one she prefer.

Miss Pink chose pink of course! ;)
I think the yellow one looks perfect right next to my new wall art ;)
I am hoping to put this wall art print for sale at my online stores.

Just need a few more colour testing.

Week 5 - Gift

Theme: Lush Lush Lush! Pouch. Things which I collect.

Given I have packed my toy (Yes, I collect toys;) away

when we were decluttering our apartment for sale few weeks ago.

So I couldn't locate a lot of my collection.

I used to collect papers, beautiful texture and pattern.

I must have drove my mum crazy with all of my things

laying around in my room back home :P
Oh, while working through this assignment...
I discovered my new love in teal and magnolia pink!

Aren't the 2 lovely colors looking great together? :)

As you can see, there's changes in terms of my style and use of colours across all assignments.

All elements were hand drawn (of course!) before digital colouring. Wall art's involved collage, acrylic painting etc..which is something I don't usually use {anymore}. The reason why I say anymore cuz I used to paint with watercolour. Wow. I think that would have been like almost 20 years ago. I sound very old now am I? Haha :)

I have liked each week's assignments. Would have been great to spend more time creating. It's amazing to see how it works when you put more time to make/create ... the style has evolved so much! The ultimate key leads to make great happy art!

So to have fun enjoy making art. People buy your happiness.

They love to see we the artist having great fun creating beautiful mess.
Have a look at the e course if you want to join in for their next call out as they are repeating the Part A in October. Don't miss it if you too want to see how your work transform :)

2 Books and 1 Daring Adventures

Hey everybody, I got some big news!

I bought 2 books today! and they are mine! :D

I hardly spend money on myself since being a mum.

Most of the saving or money earned would have been

well spent on them instead of me.

Just probably one of the things any parents would do really :)

So this is somewhat big deal moment for me!

I get to know these 2 fabulous artist

when I was attending Lilla Rogers'

Make Art That Sells' e-course recently.
Will blog about the whole experience in another post..

 

Mati McDonough

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 Flora Bowley's work?

No? Ok, go make yourself a cuppa and sit closer.

pss..click on this video clip and be amazed!

I love watching Flora's clip. So free!

It makes me so happy watching it! :)

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I have signed up to this Daring Adventures with Mati. 

It's going to be a relaxing and therapeutic one I reckon! :)

New Prints

 

The Wonderland Estate

All things castle and palace. Hot air balloons in the air.

This illustration contents almost all of the colours I like.

Very different from my usual style.

Love You To The Moon And Back

This is a custom order for one of my customer.

She saw my "Love You Long Time" print and loving the style and colours.

She contacted me and wanting me to make her

a custom print with "Love You To The Moon and Back".

It's a gift for her daughter. I bet it looks good in her room.

What a lucky girl!

Dance In The Rain

A combination of my 2 illustrations. It looks good I thought.

Mucking around with inspirational quote with my illustration.

Some looks great some just looks meh {at times} :P

After creating so many illustration and/or prints...

I think Missy Minzy's style should remains bright and colourful.

I have tried pastel colour and mute pallette's colours but it just doesn't gel.

I have been itching to go back to water colouring.

So strange that how a new bub can change how you see things differently.

The Winner is....

Congratulations to Steffi Tan and Brooke Briggs! 

Thank you everyone who participated in our recent giveaway in Facebook land!

There will be a weekly giveaway via my Facebook's page

in line with celebrating Missy Minzy turning 3 years old in April.

Remember to "Like" my page for updates, any special sale,

new prints and/or product range.

Stay tuned for more!

So what did they win you wondered?

This is what Steffi and Brooke just won!

Head over to my Madeit if you like to own a copy for yourself too :)

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Sneak peek of a recent work

New Print - Slow Down And Smell The Roses

 

this beautiful image was found on Pinterest

This week mark 3.5 months since baby B was born.

Apart from having numerous of broken decent sleep...

I have been dreaming again which is a good thing.

I have re-learn to slow down and smell the roses more {again}.

Both quotation pretty much sum up what is going through my mind.

Have you been dreaming again?

Whatever your answer is,

do remember to slow down and smell the roses.

My latest new print - Slow Down and Smell The Roses

is now available at 

Madeit

Down That Little Lane

Resin Jewellery: Holiday

You would have knew am a handbag, brooch & jewellery person

if you have been following my blog for awhile.

Made by your truly and it's my favourite

My first mission for the year - learning how to make resin jewellery. Ticked.

I have booked myself into learning how to make resin jewellery when I was pregnant with baby B (bub #2). So you can imagine it has been a long wait to get my head around learning how to make it to this workshop.

so these are a few things I made during the class

Just realized these 3 bangles look like traffic lights when you wearing them together.

How funny is that!?

Unfortunately the class did not teach you how to make the mould. So that will be my next task. I have been lurking online and clicking away those DIY tutorial video clip. It seems manageable. Only thing is to wish for more hours in a day :)

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Hanging out with baby B at the beach during our recent holiday.

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3 New Prints. 1 New Range

E for Flying Elephant (Alphabet Range)

I think my 2.5 y/o toddler seems to like this print cuz it reminds her of a show named Dumbo. How funny what inspired you to draw when you are surrounding with all these busy little people ;)

 You Little Beauty Archival Art Print

I love drawing fish. Might be something to do with being a Piscesians?

Personalized Baby Name's Print (New Range)

Put this together for a girlfriend as she was looking for a newborn gift for her best friend.

While am on this new range, the giraffe is also part of the upcoming wall decals' design.

What do you think? :)

My personal experience : Surface Pattern Design E-course

I get asked a lot how was the Surface Pattern Design e-course which I have studied recently. So I have dedicated this post writing about my personal experience.

Here's a brief idea for you getting to know my background ..just so you get the feel if too the e-course suits you, or maybe not? I was a full time graphic designer with more than 10 years professional experience. My background has always been a mixture across graphic design, packaging design, illustration and advertising. As for illustration, I've learn to draw and create at a very young age. My illustration style and skills has seen developed especially when I was studying commercial design & advertising at The One Academy, Malaysia (that's where I came from). From there, I've learn fast visual illustration & strong storyboard illustration (come in handy in advertising agencies).

I feel comfortable with media like water colouring as well as marker rendering. Love seeing people smile when they receive/looking at my art. That will ultimately my permanent goal. It is very important to me. Being able to do so means the world to me.

After being asked to design numerous kids' camping gear for some big retail chain. I thought "hey, this is fun but I want to create and know more but where and how?" My first proper experience with repeat pattern was when I took a short course - Textile Design at CAE. I love it and wanting to do more. Since then, I'm always looking for similar course to do. Unfortunately there's not many courses where you get to study repeat pattern design (which I then learned people from the other side of the world called her - Surface Pattern Design). That's how I found Rachael Taylor's course.

Personally think one has to be super organise to be able to absorb the e-course as the content was so detail and informative. There's always lots of details throughout the course. The only down side for me which is a big deal since I'm a working at home mum (I only had a toddler to deal with back then) the information was so full on, there's always assignment after a lecture on daily basis. I personally would prefer the course to run a bit slower and lesser assignments. Probably just so I don't have to feel I have to catch up with the lecture thinking "what if I missed out....". I have to say I was always on the rush. So a well time management person will suits.

I have to admit that I was one of the bad student who did not do every single assignments. I can only imagine one will learn a lot more and quick if you are super organise and well time management. I did not study Module 1 simply cuz I have some basic studies about repeat design. My honest point of view is that Module 3 suits me more versus Module 2. Module 3 has lots of information and strong resources tips which are very handy for me. In short, Module 1 would be ideal to those who are newbie and wants to have a feel on what surface pattern design is like. Module 3 would definitely suits those who have some years (or basic really) of experience in terms of textile, surface pattern design. In my honest opinion, it would definitely help you to get a hang of this module if you also have your own business. Think about having trade show, how you prepare and etc.

Alternatively, there's another site which also has similar course teaching Surface Pattern Design which might interests you? Have a look at Pikaland's site for more detail. Print & Pattern is by far the good resource for any surface pattern design from all over the world. Last but not least, Pinterest is another great resource where everyone is pinning (more like pinching? ;) lovely find.

These are just my personal opinion and experience. Sorry I couldn't share with you any of the course study notes as it would against the course's criteria. Do send Rachael an email or 2 if you have any question. I believe she would be more than happy to help you. If you are still indecisive to go ahead or not. The only comment from me to you for now is that you have nothing to loose. The greatest thing in life is to keep learning and stays young! :)

Will sum up this post with this fabulous magazine which I found last night. 

original resource from here

If you found yourself scroll to this end of the post ..well, all the best on finding your path as I have found mine! :) Irene xx

Recap of Year 2012 for us :)

Hello and welcome everyone!

I hope you've all had a lovely Christmas and New Year.

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Our first trade show - Baby & Toddler Show
via Mini Me and You recently last September

Our newest stockist - Mini Me and You's exhibition booth
at the recent Baby and Toddler Show in Sydney.
Did you spotted our illustration art prints? :) 

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Collaborated with Bookoola Ink - "Learning Childhood" poster series

We were very blessed being invited to collaborate with one of the publisher in QLD.
An opportunity to being part of their poster series named "Learning Childhood".
Best part of this great opportunity is Debra was lovely to deal with.
The whole experience working side by side with her was amazing! :)

One of my dear friend spotted our poster at her son's kindy :)

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So our first press appearance was in late Y2011. Click here for more detail

1 year later.....We did it again but this time is on print!

Tickle The Imagination's Magazine

The Gallery Wall's Spread

 2 of our illustration art prints are amongst the author's favourite artworks

I say.."sweeeeeet!" :)

In the Wood Series No.4 (Mushroom World Series)


Feather (Happiness Series)

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Working experience at the Ink & Spindle end February 2012.

These, has to be one of my highlights for the year!

I waited for almost 3 years to make it happen.

I blogged about it over here :)

 With Lara and Teegs' help..tada!

My 1st cushion utilising my own screenprinted fabric

at the Ink & Spindle.

and I made this cute little tote bag! :)

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It has been very silent for the past 3 months and here's why....

Photo of my eldest and my latest addition :)

An absolutely big news! A fruitful production after our recent miscarriage 1.5 years ago.

Life was miserable during the silent grief. I have also lost my creative mojo back then until bub #2 came along last November. How am I feeling now? I'm feeling complete and life is somehow more content..a feeling which I can't quite explain how but yeah :)

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Y2013 is going to be big

1. Am moving on from drawing not just the quirky mushroom and Minzy Girl. Yes, am heading different direction and new mission for how I want to run Missy Minzy. So stay tuned if you like to know more :)

2. Different material. New range. New style.

3. Thinking of entering homeware & textile or probably jewellery area. Something very different from what you have seen me working on :)

4. Spend more quality time with my young family. I have came to realize that anything can wait but my family will always come first. My 2 girls are only be this little once so I really want to enjoy being their mum as much as possible!

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3 big reason why you should check our massive sale!
a) 40% off on the entire range (existing stocks).
b) Great chance to snap up our large size (12x16"). There are only available at our downthatlittlelane's online store.
c) Am moving on from drawing mushroom and Minzy Girl (most likely). So there will only be a selection of illustration art prints made available by limited edition run once sold out.

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This year am going to spend MORE time enjoy creating

instead of sweating what others are doing and how come not me :)

Here wishing you an amazing fabulous Year 2013 in advance and

remember to slow down and smell the roses. Irene xx

My Wish List

Good morning sunshine!
I am always on the hunt of pretty, unique things whenever I can.

Here's a few of my latest items to be included in My Wish List. :)

Star Bear Watched Over Her Meluseena by Meluseena (Liza Falzon)

A big fan of collecting brooches and was very glad to find Anna Wiscombe's ones!

Wooden Wall Birds Pair

I love to have this! :)

Geometric Bear Brooch neon "Harlequin Bear' by SketchInc

So loving this!

Infinity Scarf Screen Printed Gray by littlminnowdesigns

So which one catch your eyes that you have to have it too? :)