The Dotty Blog
Finding Colour Inspiration for Memorial Templates in Unexpected Places
Two Creative Pals colour walks through Officeworks and Bunnings led to an unexpected colour palette for my Celebration of Life memorial template collection.
From iPad to print: finishing my illustrated 2027 calendar
Twelve illustrated pages and a cover are finished, but there’s still work between the last brushstroke and a calendar you can hang on your wall. I’m sharing what happens next for Far North Queensland Adventures, including assembling the pages in Canva and ordering my first printed copy.
Before you trace that image: choosing references for artwork you want to sell
An ad showing someone tracing a shoe from Google made me stop scrolling. If your drawing is going to become a product, there’s more to consider than getting the shape right. Here’s why I think checking your references belongs at the beginning of the creative process.
Always go the Pretty Way
My dad always chose the scenic route, even when it involved an unexpected ferry trip! Here's how his favourite saying became part of my life and creative adventures.
When did you last spring clean your digital artwork?
How many of your Procreate files are called Untitled Artwork? After spending Sunday and Monday morning tidying my creative files, I’m sharing what made me rethink how I name and store my artwork, with a detour through some missing rock wallaby photos.
The one with the cider, the sea otters and the slot machine win
In May 2025 we travelled from Brisbane to Seattle, cruised through Alaska and finished our adventure in Las Vegas. Looking back, I remember the glaciers and mountains, but I also remember hot apple cider, an iceberg shaped like Nessie, a Reindeer Fart and some very good rosemary fries. Sometimes the smallest dots are the stories we keep.
Why I’m Staying in Creative Pals with Laura Jane Illustrations
I’ve been part of Creative Pals with Laura Jane Illustrations through two marketplaces now, creating everything from seamless patterns to my Far North Queensland Adventures Calendar. Here’s why the creative briefs, support and, most importantly, the community keep me coming back.
EXPAND Doesn’t Mean Doing More in Your Creative Business
My word for this season is EXPAND, but I'm not trying to add more work to my creative business. I'm learning to look at what I've already created and ask one very useful question: what else could this be?
Far North Queensland Adventures: The Story Behind My 2027 Calendar
Far North Queensland Adventures started with old photos, library books and memories of our trips around Cairns. One afternoon feeding rock wallabies at Granite Gorge became part of the inspiration for a whole cast of characters and their Australian adventure.
The Night Paul Had to Rescue the Resuscitation Poster
Sometimes the problem in our business isn't that we need to create something new. After Paul went on an unexpected rescue mission to retrieve our resuscitation poster from the bottom of the pool, it got me thinking about the things we've already created that aren't where people can find them.
Not Every Idea That Visits You Is Yours to Keep
Some ideas visit because we are meant to create them. Others may come through us because we are the person who can help them find their way to somebody else.
Is your story too small to share?
Think your story is too small to share? From a 45-cent Spoonflower sale to the ordinary moments in your day, the little stories can be the ones that help people get to know you.
If nobody’s seeing your posts, give them somewhere else to find you
What happens when most of the people seeing your social media posts don’t actually follow you? That’s great for discovery, but it also shows why social media can’t do the whole job. Here’s why I’m using it as a doorway to my blog and email list instead.
Are you anxious about posting?
Do you ever wonder why anyone would care what you have to say? Let’s talk about posting anxiety, finding your voice and getting more comfortable sharing your work.
What Happened to Your Childhood Toys?
Toy Story 5 had Paul and me thinking about our childhood toys, the ones we kept for years and why passing a pre-loved toy on doesn’t erase its story.
The Adventure Starts Before You Leave
We often think an adventure begins when we board the plane, step onto the ship or arrive. Perhaps choosing the books and packing the art supplies are already part of it.
What Are You Side Questing?
My main quest is a Far North Queensland calendar. This week, I somehow side-quested two Christmas cards and four Halloween patterns. What are you creating instead of the thing you planned?
Creating a Far North Queensland Calendar: The First Four Months
Four months, eight little characters and more deleted backgrounds than I care to remember. Here's how Far North Queensland memories, library research and one travelling backpack became the beginning of my 2027 illustrated calendar.
Why I’m Asking You to Get Your Boobs Checked
My second breast cancer diagnosis was found during the mammogram I had before I was due to be discharged. That is why I’m asking you not to put off screening or ignore breast changes.
What Do Creative Business Owners Need Help With?
I want to create practical, affordable resources for creative business owners, but I would rather ask what you need than sit here and guess.