Welcome, Spring! I created this fun lettering/illustration for Think.Make.Share. Head on over to their Instagram for more wonderful artwork and glimpses into what it is like to work at Hallmark!
Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?
I just finished reading Seth Godin's book Linchpin: Are You Indispensable? I don't remember the last time I took so many notes while reading, and I wanted to be sure to document my main takeaways. It won't surprise me at all if I end up re-reading this book in the future.
Artists are indispensable linchpins. Art is scarce; scarcity creates value. Gifts make tribes stronger. Organizations will always strive to replace replaceable elements with cheaper substitutes. But generous artists aren't easily replaceable. So artists are different.
—Seth Godin, Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?
In this book Seth defines artists as linchpins, but this isn't a limiting factor for he believes that anyone can be an artist. Linchpins make things happen (build and most importantly ship), they are generous, they provide emotional labor, and they see the world as it actually is. One of my favorite sections talked about how being surprised is a result of doing your job properly. He urges you to not ever believe you have it all figured out, and that you don't necessarily need to wait for someone else to tell you what to do next. You do not need to ask permission to do your job better.
It is difficult to summarize all the tidbits Seth shares in this book. I will say it has helped me rethink how I approach my job, and I truly recommend it to anyone who wishes to become indispensable at work.
Every successful organization is built around people. People who do art. People who interact with other people. Men and women who don't merely shuffle money, but interact, give gifts, and connect...The result of this art, these risks, the gifts, and the humanity coming together is both wonderful and ironic. The result of getting back in touch with our pre-commercial selves will actually create a post-commercial world that feeds us, enriches us, and gives us the stability we've been seeking for so long.
—Seth Godin, Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?
Think.Make.Share. DIY Photo Wall Art
A few weeks ago I joined a group of Hallmarkers to create these simple and impactful photo wall art pieces. Head on over to Hallmark's Think.Make.Share. blog to see more! (And thanks to Meredith for leading the workshop!)
Valentine’s Day 2016
Valentine's Day will be here before we know it so I decided to round up some of my favorite Heart Day related items I have spotted so far. Enjoy!
December Around The Web
I love discovering and being inspired by artists online. This month I discovered Kristi Kohut, and simultaneously fell in love with her bold brush strokes. Below is one of my favorites, as well as a few other links I discovered this month:
If only I had time to make this before my New Year's celebration...
A fun peek into Jenna Lyon's world.
The styling of this photo shoot was just so lovely.
I had so much fun being a part of this workshop for Think.Make.Share.!
I would LOVE to purchase one of Tiff Manuell's clutches.
The new Star Wars movie has me wanting this adorable BB-8 Itty Bitty.
If you haven't listened to Limetown, Season 1 is now complete and ready for binge-listening.
I'm excited to see how the Pantone Colors of the Year are used in 2016!
Baby Blanket Lettering
Last year I created lettering for several Hallmark baby blankets! I'm excited to share that they are finally available in stores and online. Head on over to Hallmark's website to take a look!
