There are many aspects to think about when you want to monetize your hobby. Where to sell your products is a major one.
When I still was a graphic designer I always joked I should find a new hobby, because I didn’t have one anymore by making a business of my drawing skills.
And in a way, I did find another hobby when I returned to one of my former passions: ceramics. So I have experienced several hobbies that make money and know what difficulties and pleasures might come your way.
We do not always need a computer to create our ideas. Whether it is ideas for a design, a new product or a business plan. What opportunities are there to shape our ideas without a computer?
Of course, it’s marvellous if we have a computer with creative programs on it. After all, a computer is just a tool and above all, we should not attach too much importance to it.
Some people get crazy at the mere thought of living without a computer for some time or even a day. Yet we shouldn’t bring ourselves too dependent on technology, don’t you think? Although some of my tips do involve technology. 😉
The grandchildren are coming for Eastern and I am planning for an Easter egg hunt with them as well as a decoration with eggs. It’s fun to think of different ways to decorate Easter eggs.
A couple of years ago I made the decoration together with them. I had cut eggs from sturdy cardboard and they decorated them on both sides with felt-tip pens. Then we put a hole in it and hung them on 2 cross-linked branches to form a mobile.
They don’t like crafting themselves anymore, unfortunately, so I made the decorations myself and I used real eggs this time.
I was a graphic designer for 35 years, so I had to develop several technical skills over time. When I started in 1985 fax machines were quite new and there were no computers in the offices in the Netherlands.
Most printers had offset, although there were a few that still used letterpress printing. Designs were made on the drawing table. The design drawings were transposed by phototypesetting. And, we can hardly imagine this, there were no mobile phones, let alone the smart ones.
The main conclusion throughout the years was that the techniques may change, yet the rules of corporate identity will not.
Inspiration and creativity are must-haves for me. I make drawings, collages or mixed media in some kind of theme.
It helps me keep my creative skills flowing.
An intermezzo is a short piece of music written to be played on its own or as part of a longer piece. For me, it’s a welcome break from my daily activities.
In the video are a couple of examples.
Today was the first time I thought it is a pity I don’t make ceramics anymore. We were in a botanical garden with a lot of unknown, beautiful plants. A great source of inspiration!
A great way to explore different drawing techniques is to tackle just one subject. Something as simple as an apple is perfect for this.
The shape is geometric. You can draw it both spatially and flat, with or without shadow, in colour or black and white.
All kinds of drawing and painting techniques are eligible. If I want to draw but don’t have much inspiration for a subject, an apple is always a good alternative.