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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.