Reybelle Rambles: A Creative Journey Begins
Art has always been my beautiful burden.
It is all consuming, all inspiring and constantly challenging. In a very fulfilling way. From sketching to painting to experimenting with new techniques, the creative process is both my passion and my purpose. But it’s also a journey—a winding path filled with lessons, doubts, triumphs, and (yes) ramblings.
I have spent years learning this craft , but in the last little while I have been really drawn (pardon the pun) to surface design for the home decor, stationary and women’s lifestyle industries. It is a fascinating, exhilarating and at times overwhelming process to build a portfolio that reflects my eclectic mix of styles and ideas.
You see, creativity is never linear. Sometimes it’s an explosion of color, sometimes it’s a soft, muted tone; it’s an ever-evolving blend of inspiration, technique, and vision. And as I build this portfolio, one thing is becoming abundantly clear- my work is wide ranging. I love experimenting with a variety of styles and topics in different mediums, from soft watercolour florals to rustic pet portraits to smooth vectors in Adobe Illustrator and from hand-drawn illustrations to digital patterns. And yes, I know this might make my portfolio feel a little... full on! especially as it becomes more established.That’s why I am choosing surface design and art licensing as a way forward because there are so many homewares, walls art pieces, textiles, paperwares and clothing items in this world that people use to uplift surroundings, express individuality and fulfill a need. People need our designs and our art and our unique perspective. So what’s in it for me?? Variety of course.There is so much creative potential in this industry and so many ways to pivot it can cause a headspin.
Having these (let’s call them “multipotentialite”) tendencies means there is freedom to explore different creative outlets and I do understand the value of focusing on market trends, both emerging and evergreen and delivering what art directors, designers, and buyers need. By working closely with others we can to create work that resonates, tells a story, and ultimately enhances the products it adorns.
But here’s the thing…creativity, as much as it flows, can also be a burden. A beautiful one, yes, but a weight all the same. It’s all-consuming. It’s hard to “turn off” the ideas, especially when life’s other demands are pulling you in different directions. I have burned a few dinners on this journey, trying to finish a painting and all of a sudden it is dinner time. I have quickly realised that multitasking is not my thing.I still do it. Also, I still work as a community nurse full time. Now there’s a career where you quickly learn to hone your time management skills. It has served me well.
For me, starting a blog is madness! It requires time, commitment and consistency. It is yet another ongoing task that will sit on my shoulders and whisper in my ear “Well hello multi tasker or multipotentialite or whatever you want to call yourelf…don’t forget me now that you brought me into this world, I actually exist and believe it or not I can’t write myself!. So forget Netflix tonight and give me some love”.
"Reybelle Rambles" is a space to reflect, share the ups and downs, and offer a peek behind the scenes of this creative journey. It's a space where I can share my thoughts, unique perspectives and growth that comes from chasing this artistic dream. I might even inspire someone!
This journey is underpinned by my love of lifelong learning and an innate passion for self improvement. It started in 2010 in Sligo, Ireland under the guidance of the wonderful artist and teacher Eamon Dowdican. A love affair with oil painting started. And I learned the basics that have stayed with me. Thanks Eamon. Fast forward 14 years and I am now based in Canberra, Australia. Mediums have been added …watercolour, charcoal, pen and ink, acrylics, gouache and most recently digital art.The educational emphasis is now on the business end of things. Shout out to world class gurus in the industry with whom I undertook mentoring and programmes.. from Stacie Bloomfield to Cass Deller and the Print School in Sydney and this year Angela Staehling for the ultimate art licensing for products course and Creative Studio Collective …complete with real time art calls.I love to undertake monthly design briefs and art calls through in order to skill up at working to deadlines and tailoring designs to exactly what the client needs. Every new design I create is a step closer to that goal of licensing my work for products that will be found in stores —and that journey is one I can’t wait to share.
So welcome! Whether you’re an art director, a fellow artist, or just someone who’s curious about the creative process, I invite you to join me on this adventure. Let’s explore what it means to ramble together artists, entrepreneurs, and a creative spirits.
Where things are up to now>>>
There is a portfolio to show examples the styles and themes.
An Art Licensing portfolio is well underway and all my new work will live there.
I am definitely keen to collaborate and help creative business directors achieve a creative vision.
New work and collections will be added on an ongoing basis.
The portfolio will be updated also especially if new styles / themes emerge.