You Can't Use Up Creativity

When I was asked to write a "letter from the illustrator" for my Inkspirations Animal Kingdom Book I immediately groaned. I have never claimed to be a good writer. I find it easier to express myself through my art (no surprise). However, I did think it would be a good idea to share my thought process and my "letter from the illustrator" just in case anyone else is finds themselves in the same situation.

So where did I start?

I decided to break my letter into different sections. So I focused on things I believe are important to include. Such as:

1. A little personal history

2. Thank you

3. My vision

4. How I would approach my book as an outsider

5. Have fun

And this is what I came up with:

Whether it was creating a gift for a loved one, having a ceramics piece in a school art show, or posting a doodle on my Instagram account, I have always enjoyed creating and sharing my art with others. Thank you so much for allowing my art to come into your life.  I am so honored to share my illustrations with you.

As an illustrator, my vision is to combine beauty from nature and imagination to create hand drawn images that inspire others. I hope that my hand lettered quotes inspire you to live life to its fullest and I hope that the illustrations inspire you to unleash your creativity. The best thing about art is there are no rules and this book is full of endless coloring possibilities. The only thing that I ask you to do, is to have fun. So turn the page, get started, and let the creativity flow out of your markers, colored pencils, pens, and paint!

After I went through this process I couldn't help but think of my favorite quote by Maya Angelou; "You can't use up creativity. The more you use the more you have." Needless to say, I should probably practice creative writing more in order to improve. But until then, here is a hand drawn image of my favorite quote.

Have a great weekend!
Best wishes,
Anna N. Carey

Lucky in Love

Windows are open, birds are chirping, 15k St. Patrick's Day race, daylight saving time... Is it really already Mid-March? 

My heritage is primary Irish, yet my St. Patrick's Days are pretty low key; my husband cooks us Corned Beef and Cabbage for dinner and I always make sure to wear green (I don't want to get pinched by any students at school). Do you or your family have any unique St. Patrick's Day traditions? I'd love to hear about them.

In honor of  St. Patrick's Day I have attached a Free St. Patrick's Day Coloring Page. The coloring sheet is originally from my Coloring Book Calendar. Feel free download, print, and enjoy. I'd love to see your work, so if possible post to Instagram and tag me @paisleyandhazel. 

Happy St. Patrick's Day and happy coloring!

Best wishes,

Anna N. Carey

Feeling Blessed

I'm not a big sharer, but I do have some BIG news.

Coming June 7th: available for pre-order on Amazon

On January 24th, I received a message on my Etsy Account. I've received messages before, but this one was different. An editor from HCI Books, best known as the original publisher of the Chicken Soup for the Soul Books, messaged me. She informed me that HCI recently launched an adult coloring book line, Inkspirations, that is inspirational in nature. HCI was looking for artists to produce more books and asked if I was interested. I WAS SHOCKED! Me? An elementary art teacher, who lives in the middle of Missouri, who just opened an Etsy shop in late October? I remember reading the message to my husband, Josh, and saying "I think this is fake."

Long story short, I am officially an illustrator for Inkspirations Animal Kingdom. I am currently halfway finished with the illustrations. I try to work on  my illustrations every day after I get home from teaching. I have really enjoyed sharing ideas and collaborating with the editor and art director. It's a totally new experience for me and I am extremely blessed to have this amazing opportunity. 

I want to thank my family and friends for supporting me on my new art journey. Especially Josh for cooking dinner every evening so I can work on my illustrations. Lastly, I am excited to see what my future holds.

Best wishes,

Anna N. Carey