Juliet Meeks -- a Sketchbook Conversation
Today's colorful, pattern-filled Sketchbook Conversation is with Juliet Meeks. Juliet is a surface pattern designer and artist working in New Orleans, LA and I know you'll enjoy getting a peek into her sketchbooks. Here's here story:
I started keeping sketchbooks in high school and college and I actually had a hard time keeping a sketchbook daily. I've always kept books and books of notes for creative ideas though, since I'm a big list person and can't write my ideas down enough! I started taking a visual sketchbook more seriously when I began working on my various 30 day challenges.
I like to be organized to stay inspired. If I'm feeling out of whack or just blah, I'll pick up around my office to feel like I have a fresh space to create. It's also really helpful to have an end goal, even a small self-initiated one.
It's been about two years since I started painting regularly with watercolor, and then gouache. I often paint on watercolor paper or in my watercolor sketchbook like you see here (I love the square format!).
Thank you, Juliet, for sharing your sketchbooks with us today!
I started keeping sketchbooks in high school and college and I actually had a hard time keeping a sketchbook daily. I've always kept books and books of notes for creative ideas though, since I'm a big list person and can't write my ideas down enough! I started taking a visual sketchbook more seriously when I began working on my various 30 day challenges.
Most of the photos you see here are from my most recent series I just wrapped up, #30PaintedFlorals. I love using Instagram to share my creative challenges, because it keeps me accountable by having an audience and a schedule that helps me stay on track and inspired to create.
I like to be organized to stay inspired. If I'm feeling out of whack or just blah, I'll pick up around my office to feel like I have a fresh space to create. It's also really helpful to have an end goal, even a small self-initiated one.
Whether that's completing 30 pieces of art, or designing a greeting card for my shop. I like my projects to have some sort of direction or guidelines, which may sound counter-intuitive but it really helps me feel free to create.
It's been about two years since I started painting regularly with watercolor, and then gouache. I often paint on watercolor paper or in my watercolor sketchbook like you see here (I love the square format!).
I am just now getting into painting with acrylics on wood panels. I am so excited to start working with a new medium, while still using my trusty watercolor. I often get asked which journal I use, so you can find it here.
I really found my style, or at least the beginnings of it, by completing the 100 Day Project. My project was 100 Days of Painted Patterns (#100DaysofPaintedPatterns on Instagram). If you have the time, no matter how small the daily task, I highly recommend it! You don't even have to do it 100 days in a row, but my suggestion is to try. It IS an intense commitment but it's one you won't regret!
Thank you, Juliet, for sharing your sketchbooks with us today!
Dear reader, you can connect with Juliet:
Missed the other Sketchbook Conversations posts? It's easy to catch up at the series web page.
And for even more inspiration, check out my Artist Interviews.
- her website: julietmeeks.com
- her shop: shop.julietmeeks.com
- on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julietmeeksdesign/
- on Skillshare where she teaches, too: https://www.skillshare.com/user/julietmeeks
Missed the other Sketchbook Conversations posts? It's easy to catch up at the series web page.
And for even more inspiration, check out my Artist Interviews.
*Photos in this post ©Juliet Meeks. Used with permission.
Such eye catching patterns! I agree with Juliet that it is fun to start working with a new medium - it helps to shake you up! Thanks for sharing Anne. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, experimenting can be fun and energizing!
DeleteGlad you're enjoying the series, Simone!
I love the way Juliet designs her patterns, they obviously take a lot of thought but they look so effortless! I loved seeing her sketchbook work.
ReplyDeleteYes, she certainly has the knack for creating intricate, yet effortless patterns. Did you see her flip through her sketchbook on Instagram? You can see it here: https://www.instagram.com/p/BW04vsIAYvA/?taken-by=julietmeeksdesign
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