Monday, July 8, 2019

All things Pinterest



I’m using the ‘Dream Plan Do’ planner again this year and my 90-day challenge in the second quarter of the year was to find out more about Pinterest and how I could use it to help me develop and market my illustration business. I’ve had a Pinterest account for ages but mainly used it as a visual scrapbook, collecting inspiration and reference images.

After spending time reading helpful articles and podcasts, I’ve had a big sort out of my boards, renaming them and focussing on the specific areas of illustration that I am interested in. I went through all the images (there were a lot!) and edited them down. I’ve started to add some of my own work to the relevant boards now too. Still a long way to go and lots more to learn, but it’s a start!






I’m listing below the people and places where I have found lots of useful information so far:

This ‘Simple and Season’ podcast from Kayte Ferris features tips from the team at Curly Carrot - http://www.simpleandseason.com/2019/02/15/grow-with-soul-ep-27/

In this blog post from watercolour illustrator Ohn Mar Win, she talks about how she uses the platform to promote her work - http://ohnmarwin.com/illustrationsouljourney/2015/11/15/useful-pinterest-advice-for-designers-and-illustrators

A clear and concise article about Pinterest by Creative Bloq - https://www.creativebloq.com/features/how-to-make-money-on-pinterest-as-a-creative

In this ‘Hashtag Authentic’ podcast, Sara Tasker talks to the Pinterest UK team - https://meandorla.co.uk/podcast63-2/

Lauren Hooker from Elle & Co talks about her surprising but successful Pinterest Strategy - https://www.elleandcompanydesign.com/blog/pinterest-strategy

There is a huge amount of free information on the ‘Simple Pin Media’ website - https://www.simplepinmedia.com/

And of course, there is a huge amount of useful information on Pinterest itself!

Tuesday, July 2, 2019

Summer sketching dates with London USk

Hungerford Bridge drawn on June's evening sketchcrawl with London USk


As you may know if you have followed this blog for a while, I’m a very keen urban sketcher. I help organise the calendar for the London chapter and they have quite a few sketching opportunities lined up over the summer:

Friday 12th July 6-8pm ‘Drink and Draw’ at the Royal Festival Hall.
Wednesday 17th July 6-8pm Evening sketching at Victoria Embankment Gardens.
Saturday 20th July 11–3.30pm Regent’s Park Sketchcrawl
Wednesday 7th August 6-8pm Evening sketching at Hay’s Galleria
Saturday 17th August 11-3.30pm Greenwich Sketchcrawl


Full details of all the meet ups are on the London USk blog and their Facebook group

Whether you are an experienced professional or a complete beginner, all are welcome. 

The events are free, just turn up with your sketching materials.