A few weeks ago I participated in my first art show - Pancakes & Booze Milwaukee. It was a great introductory show for me and I’ve got the itch to make more colorful animals for this world now more than ever!

Layers are one of my favorite things to work with. Layers add depth and texture. Layers make any composition more interesting. If what you’ve created is more interesting, more people will want to look at it for longer. This creates a larger audience and a repeat audience. When you start to work strongly with layers, someone familiar with your work will continue to be interested to see what new little nuggets you add. What small details are your signature?

Welcome to the new era. The Terrible Tews is here to stay and go through some growing pains as I figure this all out. I hope you’ll stick around to see what I’m up to and which direction I choose first. In the meantime, if you are somebody (or know somebody) who needs some creative services in their life please reach out! I’d love to discuss your project and see if we are a good fit. I’d like to do some large-scale paintings/murals/installations soon, I would love to design and implement some holiday windows for your small businesses, and I would absolutely adore to illustrate even more children’s books (toys or games, too!).

We see it all the time. Large retailers target different demographics during specific months of the year. Consumers aren’t dumb and they will call you out when you miss. Don’t jump on the bandwagon if it doesn’t resonate with your brand’s values! Put your time and efforts into the matters and times of year that pertain directly to you and what you believe in and let the rest ride.

Always stay true to your spirit and it will guide you through life. Don’t be afraid to change what no longer suits you. What may have been a comfortable fit years ago no longer is. What may have been a beneficial relationship is now detrimental. What may have been a place that fostered growth and creativity is no longer encouraging you to fly. Follow your spirit, change your stripes.

Since last week my brain has been flooded with all the creative thoughts blocked in recent weeks. Solutions are coming to me for problems I’ve been trying to solve, I’ve written many lists of things to draw, books to read, and where I want to go. It finally feels good to be pushed out of my comfort zone - the unknown is exciting! It is so freeing to be inspired, and I’m ready. All because I saw an awesome band do their thing in this world.

Consistency is key - we’ve all heard it a million times. But, how can we show our full understanding of this concept? When I design a multi-media launch, I have several ways of carrying consistency through from one media to another. Let’s also explore why this matters and how your customers perceive it.

Remember to hold your space and value within an organization. The easiest way to do this, along with knowing when to say your plate is full and kindly declining projects others are more than capable of, is to spend a little time building up those around you.

If you are contemplating a decision right now, don’t be afraid to say yes. No matter the short-term ramifications, it could change the rest of your journey in a way you can’t even fathom yet.

One of the greatest bits of advice I have received is it is not the person with the idea that creates a movement, it is the first person to believe them. They are the person who let go of whatever fears or preconceived notions and jumped.

So often, when I am asked what my goals are, I feel pressured to give the most tangible answer - I want to write and illustrate a children’s book and have it published, or I want to paint a mural outside of my own home. But, in reality, I want to try something new that I never imagined I could figure out how to do.