Holly Exley Illustration

Unpaid Internships - Rights and Wrongs | Watercolour Illustrations

2012-01-23T09:43:00.002Z

Advice for Graduates When Considering Unpaid Placements

Technically, the title is a little misleading, because all unpaid internships are a bit wrong - in that they break the minimum wage laws. But lets ignore this fact for a minute - because lets face it, employers certainly are, and it's a very real part of being a graduate at the moment.

I have worked one full time two month internship in marketing, one part time three month internship in arts admin and various part time internships in social media. All were unpaid, but thankfully all covered my expenses. I'm not sure if my experiences are typical for a graduate with a creative degree, but I feel able to give my opinion on the matter, and maybe also advise others on making the best choices.

Firstly, if you're not getting paid, it's important that you pick an internship that ticks as many of the following boxes as possible:

Maximum enjoyability (technical term). Though technically slave labor, it shouldn't feel like slave labor. If it seems like a whole lot of hard work, or if you're going to be stuck in the storage room arranging stationary all day - AVOID.
Expenses paid. VERY IMPORTANT, unless you are incredibly lucky and left uni with more than a fiver to your name. If you're going to be helping out all day every day for free, it's only fair your "employers" cover your travel costs. You don't want to be getting yourself in debt whilst working for free because, quite frankly, being an intern is tragic enough.
Will make sense on your CV. There's no point diving into an internship on a complete tangent from your degree, just because the company have accepted your application. In fact, this should start alarm bells ringing - "employers" should care that the internship will be beneficial to you, and should question any disconnections between it and your degree.
Contact creation. Will this internship open doors for you, by allowing you to meet 'ladder-leg-up' people you wouldn't otherwise have access to? If yes, grab with both hands.
Chance of employment on completion. This used to be a given with internships, that if you preformed well and excelled at your duties, you stood a very real chance of employment at the end of it. Now...not so much. Definitely something to look out for though.

Secondly, some things I learnt from interning, that should be avoided or if you must endure them, should at least be moaned about:

Not feeling like you can say no. Working overtime every night whilst paid employees leave at five is not fair, and should only be undertaken if you are a) having a great time or b) gaining something vital for your future goals.
Being the office punch bag. You are there to learn, and be as helpful as possible. It is unfair for employers to expect you to know everything, and take their stress out on you. I had this with one of my internships and the bad attitude and stressful environment completely ruined my experience.
Being part of a long line of interns. In this day and age most creative work spaces will have an office intern, but it's worth being aware when you're just 'an extra pair of hands', part of a long history of interns or when you could be a future employee. Strive for the later - and go into the first with open eyes and a determination to get what you want out of the experience.
Not learning a thing. It's expected that you will be doing the boring jobs, the jobs no one else wants to do, the unglamorous jobs. However, alongside that you should be learning about your environment, about what others in the office are working on, and how the business works. If those around you are leaving you to do the filing all day long, you've got to SPEAK UP and let them know you want to learn as well.
Over-staying your welcome. Know when enough is enough, when it's pretty clear they're not going to employ you and when it's just plain exploitation. Then announce you're moving on.

I hope this helps anyone considering internships in the near future! I'd love to hear if you have any comments on this, your experiences, or if you feel I've missed anything. Please do leave your comments below.

Reflections on my year as a graduate. PART TWO: University "Education"

Baby Doll Watercolour Illustrations

2012-01-21T22:51:00.000Z

I found this digging around my old portfolios this week. This is about the time I started using watercolour frequently, and I can see how my style has progressed - but at the time I quite like the bright candy colours I used. Maybe I can bring these back again?!
Hope you're all having a lovely weekend.

Secret 7 - My Entry | Watercolour Illustrations

2012-01-20T07:52:00.000Z

So...below is my entry for the Talenthouse Secret 7 Competition. I do usually avoid "competitions" that involve artists competing to be the winning entry unless a) theres a lot of money involved to make it worthwhile or b) it's for a good cause because I just think, if you want a new design, why not just commission an artist the normal way?!

BUT, having said all that, I think Secret 7 is a really great cause, and kind of worth the effort. Here's some blurb:

"Secret 7" is an exciting project combining music and art in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust. Seven bands and recording artists (Florence + The Machine, The Cure, DJ Shadow, Ben Howard, CSS,Noah and The Whale and Bombay Bicycle Club) are inviting creatives to design the artwork for a seven inch vinyl sleeve inspired by one of their songs. The project will culminate in 700 unique vinyl sleeves displayed in Idea Generation Gallery in London in the week leading up to Record Store Day 2012. On that day, each of the vinyls at the gallery will be available to purchase with all of the profits going to Teenage Cancer Trust."

So, without further adieu this is my submission. I'd really appreciate all the votes I can get, so if you like my design please do vote/like/support and share it with whoever you think will be interested. Thank you!

Vote for my design >>>here<<<

New Printy Treats | Watercolour Illustrations

2012-01-19T03:24:00.000Z

Fine Art Prints from Holly Exley Illustration

I just wanted to let you know about a few new prints you can buy on my Society 6 page. I realised I haven't updated my profile in a while, so I thought I'd give it some love. If you haven't used Society 6 to buy prints before, I have only ever heard good things about the site - high quality prints, you choose the size, quick delivery AND a framing service. Pretty good if you ask me.

I think this last one is a cute print for a Valentines gift. Why say it with flowers when you can say it with sausage dogs?

Visit my Society 6 page >>>here<<<

I'd love to connect with fellow artists on Society 6 too! Leave your links in the comments section, I'm thinking of treating myself to a few new prints for my new Bristol home.

Art School Days

2012-01-16T20:35:00.000Z

Today I spent a bit of time clearing out all of my old 'creations' dated back to GSCE Fine Art, and let me tell you, it was rather cringe-worthy! There was a lot of smudged charcoal, a lot of dodgy collages and just generally awful studies and ideas collected together in plastic folders. In one way it was encouraging to see how far I've come, but on the other hand it was worrying - was I really that terrible?!

This is a self portrait in oils I painted at Art College whilst completing my Art Foundation degree. It's not a particularly skilled study (it doesn't look much like me!) but looking at it made me remember how focussed I felt whilst painting it, absorbed in mixing colours and catching the light. We all painted together in this big studio, all facing the wall where our mirrors were pinned, so it was easy to forget where your were whilst painting.

Don't mind my mum's silly cat Otto, who decided to show off for the camera whilst I photographed.

Unnecessary Preparation - Artists Advice | Watercolour Illustrations

2012-01-15T01:10:00.000Z

So...

I've challenged myself to produce more work in 2012 and I must admit, I've already come up against a big time waster: 'faffing'. I'm sure every artist must do this; I guess it can also be called 'prep' or 'getting in the zone' and I'm sure it can involve a lot of different rituals, in order to 'properly' get down to work.

For me, 'faffing' consists of tidying. I'd tidy my whole room before every work session if I wasn't strict with myself. I find it harder to work with my bed unmade, or if I have a huge pile of laundry to put away, or if I haven't hoovered for a while...but is that really true, or is it just a way of putting off painting?

In the same way I'm convinced I can't work unless I have some form of entertainment set up, whether that be an audio book, tv, youtube or even a film to watch. But have I ever tried working without these (lets face it) distractions?

For me at least, I always have this feeling, I can only describe it as a "pull", which pulls me away from work, and gets me unnecessarily focused on the small things - on cleaning my room and 'prepping' my environment. I'm not in any way trying to suggest that prepping for work isn't necessary or even a little bit enjoyable - but I'm finding it more and more crucial to find the line between necessary and unnecessary.

Unnecessary faffing is caused by fear. Fear pulls me away from starting a new project, or finishing an old one - because I'm scared today will be a 'bad' day, and I wont achieve what I want, and it will all look like an awful mess. Faffing is my way of coping with the fear of failing; very often the scale of faffing reflects on how big a failure I'll feel if the project goes wrong - sometimes I will faff for DAYS when a big project is due.

For now, I want to concentrate on small scale faffing, and how I can shave time off this activity and get more illustration work done. I want to look back on this year and be proud of the work I've produced, and in order to do that I must face my demons - starting with the 'faff monster'.

Some tips, henceforth:

Learn your method of 'faff'. Are you a cleaner like me? Or do you require constant refreshments, and subsequent tv watching?
Recognise when you are most likely to faff. Is it when you're stressed? When you're distracted?
Be honest with yourself - do you really need all of your pre-work rituals?
Keep an eye on the clock - if you must faff give yourself a strict time limit.
Give yourself regimented breaks - faff during this time eg. if you can see your unmade bed in the corner of your eye, tell yourself you will sort it in your break. If you see how much it then wastes your break time, you can better understand how it cuts into work time.

As for now, the real question remains: are you all sick of the word 'faff' yet???

I'd love to hear your pre-work rituals, and whether you consider them necessary or not. Can you cut anything out today? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

Getting on with My New Years Resolutions | Watercolour Illustrations

2012-01-13T00:17:00.000Z

Hi guys! So, after my incredibly earnest New Years Resolutions post a few weeks ago, I bet you're all dying to know how I'm getting along. Well, I'd quite like to know too! These first weeks of January have been a blur of unpacking, starting and finishing projects and settling into a new city. I haven't had time to reassess, and see if I'm on the right track or not, and so I'm afraid you're all reading it here, as I work it out for myself.

I'm scoring myself out of ten for how well I think I've done on each resolution.

Think Less, Do More

6/10
I have finished a series of food illustrations recently (find them here) which involved many a night spent at my desk. That definitely put my 'head down' approach to the test, and it worked!

Practice, practice, practice

7/10
This is something I want to build on, but I don't think it's something I can suddenly cram into two weeks. I've painted rather a lot already this year though, which surely counts as practice, and is why I'm awarding myself a seven!

Take Time Out to be Inspired/Get Some Fresh Air

1/10
Bad Holly! I've been such a hermit this fortnight and do you know how I know this? Because yesterday, I took a walk to the shops and my eyes were blinded. Blinded by an overcast day in January. If that isn't a warning sign that I need to get out more, I don't know what is.

Set Goals and Reach Them

8/10
All going well on that front...though two weeks is probably too soon to say!

Plan a Project Throughly - Stop Being Impatient

7/10
I now spend a good amount of time planning a project (currently working on my Secret 7 submission). I write a ton of notes and have been going back to my Uni days and the joys of thumb nails!

Make Work an Unshakeable Habit

6/10
I have been doing a little work every day (or a lot in some cases) but I feel as if it's not part of a routine yet. My goal now is to get a routine for myself - exercise, my social media work, blogging, self promotion - so that I can fit my work time into place.

Take Inspiration From Others, But Stop Comparing Myself to Them

4/10
Not great on this front!

My Favourite Art Materials | Watercolour Illustrations

2012-01-12T10:00:00.000Z

I've had a few people asking for advice on techniques etc (I'm amazed this is happening to me!) , so I thought I'd take a moment to list my favourite art materials that I use to produce all my work. I always used to struggle with what to buy - budget being a HUGE factor - and have been disappointed so many times with my purchases. So now, after many a trial and error, I have my 'kit', and I'm sharing it with you!

1. Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolour Tubes

I've tried many different watercolour sets, but have found using these tubes the best, and most cost effective. You only need a really small amount (about the size of a pea) of each colour on a paint palette, and even if the paint dries, it can be softened with water to be used at another time. I'd guess an 8ml tube lasts roughly a year for me.
I've also found colour mixing much easier with tubes as opposed to pans, as you're not mixing directly onto a pan so you can see the colour clearly.
I'm not saying this range is the best you can get, but if you're on a tight budget (as I am) these will fulfil your needs. That being said, the pigments used are cheaper alternatives to the rest of Winsor & Newton's range, so if you're creating an extra special painting, or if you have more money in the pot, I think I'd explore other options as well!

2. Pro Art Prolene Plus Brushes

These are cheapish (of course!) but slightly more expensive than what I was using before. As a result, they hold paint well and keep their shape. Another plus is that the varnish doesn't crack off the handles onto my hands and subsequently get wiped all over my face. (This used to happen. A lot.)

3. Langton Watercolour Paper 140lb /300 gsm NOT cold pressed

Again, this isn't the cheapest option for paper, but it's the cheapest I would go, if you want quality paper. I think its a good weight for me as I apply paint quite thickly and without much water. I'm not quite sure how this paper would fair with heavier, water soaked washes, but for smaller, illustration-style paintings it's ideal, and detail doesn't get swamped in texture. I get an A3 pad and an A4 pad - and I would avoid ring bound books.

4. Winsor & Newton Designers Gouache Gold 30ml

I've recently started adding this to my paintings, it's a really clean gold colour, not yellowy or brown like some gold paint. It has a lovely metallic quality without being too thick and so contrasts nicely with watercolour.

Do you have any materials to recommend to fellow artists? Anything you can't be without?
Please share below!

Wedding Invitation Artwork | Watercolour Illustrations

2012-01-09T16:36:00.000Z

Illustrated Wedding Stationary

These are some illustrations I've been working on for some wedding stationary. It was really fun to do something a little different, incorporating a colour scheme and making something decorative. I can't wait to see these in print, and will be posting some photos when they arrive.

Breakfast Food Illustrations!

2012-01-03T21:14:00.000Z

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so they say.

These are some illustrations I worked on over Christmas, just as a way of honing my skills and building my portfolio. I hope you like them!

Sunday Market Breakfast

New Year New Me Breakfast

Saturday Recovery Breakfast

Valentines Breakfast

Snooze Button Breakfast

Moving Out | Bristol to London & Back Again.

2012-01-03T11:57:00.001Z

Making my way to my 4.35am coach to London.

Old memories to be boxed up - look at our delightful faces (!).

My room in the roof.

The delightful sights of Walthamstow, from my bedroom window.

Bubble wrapping.

Lots of painty plates to clean up.

This guy has moved in already.

Driving home in dad's noisy van.

And there we have it. I'm back in Bristol for a new year. I hope this year goes well for me, and that it's the right choice for me to come back. I have lots planned with my work, and a few announcements to make once I get myself settled (exciting).

My work space is slowly getting there, and does look rather nice, even though I say so myself! I will be posting photos shortly, so you can all have a peak around, and I've also been working on a food illustration project, self initiated work for my portfolio, so I'll put the images up very soon.

Thanks for reading!

Doubting Yourself | Artists Advice

2012-01-01T22:59:00.000Z

How to Escape the Panicked State of Minimum Productivity

Whether you've been comparing yourself to others or you're going through a creative block, I think most artistic types are familiar with that rising panic that starts when work isn't going quite as well as usual.

This panicked state I'm sure comes in many forms, but for me I get the 'delayed panic'. Picture the scene: I'm working on a painting that started well, I'm feeling relaxed, I've got some music on and I'm singing along (badly) and working and working on it. Five hours in and I return from making a cup of tea to exclaim "What is this?!" , probably spilling tea all over the floor in the process. What I have before me is a completely over-worked, idiotic illustration that belongs nowhere else but the bin. I'm such an idiot! I'm talentless! What a waste of time!

I think everyone needs a remedy for this panic. I don't have one exactly, but there are a few things I do to ease the panicked pain.

1) Change my scenery.

This depends on the time of day as to what I do. If it's day time I try to get outside; in the summer time I used to go sit in the fields behind my flat or walk along the canal. If it's the evening, I might just unchain myself from the desk and go make a phone call! Or watch some tv. Anything to escape the scene of the panic.

2) Assess what I did wrong.

eg. I over worked it.

3) Get over it.

Everyone makes mistakes.

4) Be creative in other ways.

Sometimes I collect reference imagery online, or update my blog, or make collages to work from.

5) Draw/paint something you're comfortable with.

I find this helps build confidence again, and relaxes the hand.

6) Take the opposite path from the one that caused the panic.

Draw from life. Or from imagination. I often splash a quick self portrait and it reasserts my concentration.

6) Accept defeat and go to bed.

Tomorrow's a new day!

One final thing I think is important to mention - is how regular practice minimises the chances of this panic setting in. One of my New Years resolutions is to make my work a habit, and so I'm hoping I'll become more familiar with my preferred way of working, and more in tune with my state of mind.

Here's to less panics in 2012!

Things I Appreciated this Festive Season

2012-01-01T15:00:00.000Z

My family - of course!

The comfort of being home.

Planning the future - fun!

Successes in the kitchen - Salted caramel and chocolate torte.

Taking time to be a bit blue. I want to say "to heal" but it feels too cheesy!

PJ days.

Giving thoughtful gifts.

Receiving equally as thoughtful gifts.

Our immature cats - still attacking their own tails.

My rabbit being on her best behaviour.

Happy New Year!

New Years Resolutions | Watercolour Illustrations

2011-12-30T14:30:00.000Z

I have a few resolutions I hope to be maintaining throughout 2012, and thought I'd share them with you. I'm feeling quite determined about these, and as a result have put no further pressure on myself, aside from my plans for my art. This many mean those pesky post-Christmas pounds remain, and that my nails will forever be a bitten mess, but at least I'll be one step closer to my dream!

Think less, do more.

I want to escape the huge trap I fall into when I feel the desire to do some work, but not really knowing what to do. I end up dithering on the internet, trawling blogs for inspiration and writing pages upon pages of notes. Before I know it, it's two in the morning and I haven't achieved anything. I hope to be putting brush to paper much more next year.

Practice, practice, practice.

This will be my solution for the above problem. When I find myself dithering (also known as feeling uninspired) I shall practice my skills, drawing from life, producing some studies, working on my painting technique.

Take time out to be inspired/get some fresh air.

I am a huge sufferer of hermit syndrome. I find it very easy to get wrapped up in work and enjoy working hard - but next year I must leave the house every once in a while, for my own health and sanity if nothing else.

Set goals, and reach them.

As my blog is my word, I WILL be achieving this.

Plan a project throughly - stop being so impatient!

In the same way I rarely use pencil before paint, I have the annoying habit of diving head first into a painting, without knowing what it'll be, what its purpose is or why I'm doing it. Needless to say, I waste a whole lot of paper. In 2012, I shall be writing my own briefs, before any painting gets underway.

Make work an unshakeable habit, make it part of the routine.

As soon as I start working hard, as soon as I get in the habit of painting every evening, I feel driven. I know it's the right thing for me, to make painting an inevitable part of my day just like eating and sleeping.

Take inspiration from others, but stop comparing myself to them.

What are YOUR New Years Resolutions? Do you have any big plans for work in 2012?

Watercolour Illustrations | Work from 2011

2011-12-30T02:00:00.000Z

My Year in Paintings

First up, I've included some 'handmade type I painted for Dazed Digital. Technically, this was painted in 2010, but it was published for the new year, so I'm including it anyway! Was wonderful to work with such an influential publication.

Dazed Digital New Year Illustration

I've included my on-going obsession with collections, that I've painted throughout the year. I made a small body of work for the Yellowstone Art Boutique in Stoke-on-Trent, and below are a few of my favourites (available to buy as prints- sadly the originals are no longer in my possession!). It was a real highlight from my year to be involved with the gallery, and I really pushed myself to get the work done. I'd definitely like to do something similar in 2012.

Vintage Cutlery Collection

Salt & Pepper Shakers Through the Ages

Vintage Teacup Collection

Personal commissions. I completed a fair few personal commissions, mainly to be used as gifts for family, such as the below image, which was a painting for a mum's birthday. I really enjoy smaller projects, as you know you're creating something meaningful for your client, that they will keep with them. Never be afraid to approach me for commission - I'd consider my prices to be rather reasonable, even if I say so myself!

'The Girls' Watercolour Chicken Piece

I also worked with a few small businesses this year. The only project to go to term is the below image (don't know if that says more about me or small business commissions!) This project was to produce an illustrated map of a luxury camping business's site, plus a bird's eye view of the layout of their canvas luxury tents. Was a really fun project - more illustrated map commissions please 2012!

The Dandelion Hideaway

I was featured on Form Fifty Five, Things Organized Neatly and Creative Journal, among others, this year. It's always so great when people find you of their own accord and blog your work. I was more than a little bit proud.

My work is featured in the AOI Images 35 Annual, and exhibited in the Images Exhibition in London.

Images 35 Exhibition

I produced two illustrations for Russian Good Food magazine....

I painted plenty of pet portraits - especially as Christmas crept up. I've had a great response from them, some lovely thank you emails and even thank you letters - which have made me so grateful I can paint and in turn make someone happy.

Leaving London | Holly Exley Illustration

2011-12-28T21:12:00.000Z

I can quite honestly say, and with every intention of sounding clichéd, this year has been an absolute roller-coaster. Fundamentally a ride of downward motions, all lurching stomachs and white, gripping knuckles.

I've been a waitress, living at home, I've been an intern, living out of boxes. I've been another intern (and another and another), living off benefits. I've been an unhappy house-mate, and then a new house-mate, in a happier place. I've been unemployed, firing CV's at HR departments. And, briefly, I was employed, working in social media.

Phew.

But the ride has now spun a different loop, and I've been left with part time social media work, no boyfriend and the prospect of putting this year behind me. This sounds like the beginning of a film doesn't it? Staring Jennifer Aniston, pictured packing her life into boxes, dressed in denim dungarees (I imagine) and making huge life choices whilst maintaining her glorious hair.

Well, as corny as it sounds, I am going to have to do that (minus the hair - which is a bleached mess). I've reached a point where the only thing driving me forward is the desire to be happy. But choosing to do this can be scary can't it?

I had a phone call with my mum before Christmas. It was strange, but I was really nervous of admitting what I really wanted, which is of course to be an illustrator/artist. I felt that she would sigh and say, "but Holly, haven't you given it your best shot? Don't you think you should knuckle down and get a stable job?" I think this country is on my side here, because there are very few 'normal' jobs that a graduate can get. It's not enough to have good Maths and English skills, and know your way around a computer, you need years of experience, or to be recommended or work for free. I've done my fair share of interning, and I've had enough.

With no "normal" jobs at my disposal, my dream shines brighter. Can I really do this?

Of course my mum was very supportive, and with her advice on board I've decided to leave London (it was doing me no favours) and go back to Bristol, to live with my mum in her garden flat. I will still be a social media executive part time, and pick up other part time work when I need it, but my focus now is on my work, and how I can make a living from it.

As it has been in the past, I feel this blog will be my saviour. Every time I write out my frustrations and my worries, the response is always so wonderful, from other young artists and people that I admire, that it's almost like being given a little nudge back on course. Feeling a part of this on-line network of artists is so important for me, and I assume it will become more so, as I make my leap of faith.

Will you be with me?!

Prepare for many more ups and downs, many more industry related moans, lots of progression and new work and - hopefully - some good news thrown in. Here goes!

Supporting Independent Shops This Christmas

2011-12-28T18:55:00.000Z

Vintage heart decoration

My artwork in an Ikea frame (my one cheat!)

'Mother Exley's Bath Oil' & Christmas Scented Oil.

Silver & pottery hedgehog necklace.

Vintage glass baubles & pottery bowls from Columbia Road.

Vintage tomato crate from ebay.

For me this Christmas was more about giving than receiving - maybe that means I'm getting old! - and I was really excited to give these gifts to my mum and sister. I shopped mainly online this year, as well as a successful trip to Columbia Road market in London. I was thrilled by the choice to be found on Etsy in particular, and got the lovely hedgehog necklace from here, the aromatherapy oils were from here, and I bought my sister some lovely bird nail transfers (not pictured) from here.

I think its lovely to support smaller and independent shop owners, especially during the busy shopping period, and there are many benefits to be had besides supporting small businesses, such as unique, handmade and extra special products, from trustworthy and creative people.

Where did you shop this Christmas? Has anyone found any shopping gems?

Bunny Bath Time | Giving A Rabbit A Bath

2011-12-27T01:45:00.000Z

These are some pictures I took giving Hergé her pre-Christmas-guests bath. She's always such a good girl when the time comes and stays very still, gripping my hand with her front paws - it's quite adorable really.

"I hate you mum."

Pointers for bathing a rabbit:

Never submerge a rabbit in water - they may go into shock, and this could prove fatal.
Test the water before adding rabbit - it should be luke-warm.
Hold the rabbit confidently and firmly - if you freak out she freaks out.
Introduce the rabbit to water slowly.
Keep a hold of the rabbit to avoid her slipping and causing herself injury.
Keep one half out of the water, perhaps holding the front legs and supporting her back.
Watch for signs your rabbit is over stressed.
Use minimum soap, and preferably sensitive or natural. Rinse throughly.
Run a few shallow baths, instead of a deep one.

To dry her, I use a towel or, if it's cold weather, I use a hairdryer on a low low heat about an arms length from her. It's important she's about 80% dry before I can let her be as she tends to sit around a lot, and could catch a chill.

Allow for a strop period of about an hour or so, then approach with treats and cuddles.

Watercolour Illustration | Vintage Sugar Shakers

2011-12-23T14:54:00.001Z

A Christmas commission of a sister's antique glass sugar shakers - they were such beautiful objects, and so enjoyable to paint. Send me an email if you're interested in commissioning me, I'd be happy to answer any questions! mail@hollyexley.com

Motivational Tips for Artists | Watercolour Illustrations

2011-12-22T10:25:00.000Z

Quit your dilly-dallying! How to Push Through Distractions When Doing Self-Initiated Work

Producing self initiated work can be extremely difficult. For one, theres no time limit. There's no client at the end of the phone waiting for roughs, no printers ready to go to print, no reputation on the line. The hardest thing is to make a promise to yourself and stick to it. Hence, I suppose, why so many new year resolutions are broken, and why people can live their whole lives trapped in unhappy situations - because they haven't been able to make that promise to themselves to do the work and make that change.

ProCATinator. Don't do it.

The important thing, when setting yourself some work to do, is to write yourself a brief just as a client would- detailing the process, the purpose and a deadline for your project. If you want to get really serious, you could even email it to yourself, but, you know, thats only if you're really struggling with motivation. Your brief to yourself is important, you should know exactly what the outcome will be (for example, a book cover) and how much time you intend to give yourself to do it. Theres no point floundering, thinking "I really MUST do some work" and half-heartedly reaching for your sketchbook. If you know you need to improve your portfolio - you need a solid plan of action.

Of course, there are other ways to produce self-initated work. Remember that amazingly inspired evening you had churning out perfect portraits for your portfolio? There are moments in every artists life when an idea or a certain way of working will just come to you. Should you feel that moment bubbling, it's best you make your excuses and run - sprint - home to your desk and work.

Sometimes though, thats not how the world works, and you may be unable to capture inspiration or transport it to your desk. Sometimes you only have a certain window of time to challenge yourself.

That brings me onto the second hardest thing about self initiated work: pressure. You've got a day off work, you've got up early, you've fantasised about painting all week, and you slowly approach your desk... Two hours later, you find yourself on the 257th photo on a school friend's Facebook profile, and you haven't touched your paint pad. You may have discovered your friend's boyfriend has the weirdest nose you've ever seen, but you've also lost two hours that you could have been working.

STOP.

Look at your brief. Take a few deep breaths. And know your plan of action.

Other tips I find useful, when you find your mouse straying to a social networking site:

Listen to an audiobook. Both absorbing and entertaining, a good audio book will keep you at your desk for a lot longer before you'll need a break.
Time yourself. Give yourself hourly tasks, set your stop watch, and see how much you can achieve. It's important to know how fast you can physically work for this tip to be beneficial, in order to not get discouraged when a task doesn't get completed.
Take breaks. Just as it's important to use time efficiently, it's necessary to take a step back and look at what you've doing. Is it on the right track? Good, carry on.
Be reasonable. If you're really pushing yourself, but the work just isn't coming, or you're having a bad day or you're feeling stressed, accept that maybe today isn't your day. It can be discouraging to carry on and feel that you've achieved nothing. It's ok to give yourself a break, afterall, you were the one who set the brief in the first place! You could use the day to collect inspiration, or to work on the promotion side of things.

I hope you find this useful! Admittedly, this was a post to remind myself how to work, as well as all my lovely readers. As always, feedback is warmly received. How do you keep motivated to produce your own work? Do you have a specific work environment in order to create?

A Shy Girl's Survival Kit | Watercolour Illustrations

2011-12-19T01:19:00.000Z

This thing called shyness; it pretty much rules my life. I blush when more than one pair of eyes is on me, I clam up when in a large group of people, I avoid eye contact at all costs- all of the usual shy girl things. The older I get, and the more I accept that I probably wont "grow out of it", the more I realise how puzzling the whole thing is. What the hell is it? And why can't I shake it?!

I'm beginning to wonder if it comes hand in hand with being creative and I very much suspect that it does. Creating, whether that be drawing, or taking photographs, or designing clothes even, is a very introverted activity, and it's hard to see which came first: creativity, or shyness. Are we creative because we're shy, and it's a way to express ourselves? Or is shyness a bi product of being artistic?

I'm hoping this blog will have all the wall flowers and shrinking violets quietly raising their hands and whispering *I'm shy too* but it would be equally as interesting to see that I'm wrong, it's not a creative trait. It's just a thing, an annoying unwavering condition, betrothed to the unlucky few.

But for now, seeing as this shy thing wont be going anywhere for a while, I thought it would be fun to make a shy girl's (or guys!) survival guide to get us through many an awkward social event and to teach those of you lucky out-going people what it's really like to be constantly... 'sheepish'. (I love that word!)

A Shy Girl's Survival Kit Consists of:

1. "I'm really busy" equipment.
This can come in the form of many things, but most likely it'll be a book. An example of it's usage as follows: you're going to a pub to meet your friends, they haven't arrived on time. It's a busy pub, people are looking at the girl on her own, "does she want some company?" "shall I buy her a drink?" QUICK! Whip out the book. You're far too involved in the words of Ian McEwan to talk to anyone.

2. A fringe, scarf or low sitting hat.
Because it is simply TOO MUCH to expect your whole face to be visible to the world. People might actually look at it and that would be embarrassing.

3. Hand occupiers.
This is a strange one, but for me in social situations, as soon as I have something to do with my hands I feel much calmer. Usually this involves a drink (which explains why I get so drunk at house parties!), but I guess for other people it could be smoking (for outdoor social encounters) or maybe some knitting (just kidding).

4. An escape route.
A few years ago, I went through a really stressful time, and it got so bad that my shyness almost became like claustrophobia. I found the school classroom an especially stressful place to be, filled with my peers ready to judge me for being so quiet, and always made sure I had a believable excuse incase it became too much to be there. Now, it's to a much lesser extent, but I still have an excuse (my 'escape route') incase I need a breather. "I've got a commission to finish" "I didn't get much sleep last night" "I have to feed my rabbit." Alternate these to avoid being seen as a bore.

5. ALCOHOL.
The capital letters say it all. This is very important in order to get by. A few glasses of wine and one can almost feel normal, and suddenly holding a conversation is easy. Just watch yourself, there's nothing more cringey than getting so drunk you end up puking spaghetti carbonara into your pillow (didn't happen..)

6. A happy face.
The face will always be the go-to for judging what sort of person you are, and when you have trouble expressing yourself with words, it's important to have a face that says "I'm a little shy, I'm not being stuck up/ a weirdo."

7. People you can trust.
Sometimes being shy gets a little much. It's hard feeling like you're never quite allowed to be yourself, like theres always a little wall between you and others that stops you connecting. Whenever I see my family, I remember the person I really am, and the person I wish I could show other people.

And there we have it.

Does anyone have anything to add to the survival kit? How do you deal with shyness?

Pet Portrait Service | Watercolour Paintings

2011-12-17T23:59:00.000Z

You can order your own pet portrait through my etsy shop. Feel free to ask me any questions!

Things to Remember as an Illustrator

2011-12-15T19:06:00.001Z

After my previous post, and the slightly overwhelming (in a good way) response I received from my peers, I am cured of my negative attitude, and have decided to focus on the good things once again.

Without further adieu, a short list of happy thoughts to remind myself to keep on trucking:

1. Everything I do is a step forward.

I really feel this, especially when it comes to creating work, because even if I make a mistake, or it's a shitty painting, I've still been practicing, I've still been putting the hours into my craft, and that's whats so important in order to improve. It's not like that for every profession and so I'm grateful. The worst it can ever be is a waste of paper.

2. One day I will be happier.

There's always room for improvement isn't there?!

3. Good things come to those that wait.

Well, not wait exactly. More, persist. I look at what I'm doing now, and it's still with the same determination as I had back at uni, and yet I'd say around 85% of my class have stopped or disappeared. Illustrator Nicky O'Byrne told me something that keeps her going, is thinking how each year you persist, your competitors will start to lag. I hope that if I carry on putting work out, into the world, every now and again they'll be a place for it.

4. I can create work just for me.

Isn't it wonderful that I can take a brush, a paint pallet and some watercolour paper and get lost for a while? This is a very romantic idea, and I will say that sometimes I am bored whilst painting and just want to finish the damn thing, but a lot of the time I feel focused, calm, useful, challenged. It's such a joy.

5. Daydreaming IS a good use of time.

One of the few good things about being a hopeless artist, is my subsequent expertise in daydreaming.
Sometimes it even leads to ideas for new work!

6. There are things on this planet that encompass happiness.

They include, but are not limited to:

Animals - I'm talking rabbits (obviously), sausage dogs, scruffy dogs, silly dogs, whippet dogs, PIGS!, hamsters, kitty cats, otters, lions, tigers and bears.

Food - chocolate, cheese twists, eggs benedict, jam.

Nature - muddy walks, mushrooms, animal burrows, tall trees, rolling hills.

Sleep - early nights.

Dancing - late nights.

Family.

Friends.

Kindness.

When I'm feeling a bit downtrodden, a combination of the above will cheer me up.

Feel free to steal my happy thoughts - I want to steal yours! What keeps you creating new work? What helps you push forward when you're feeling negative?

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The Fantasy Life of Being an Illustrator | Watercolour Dreams

2011-12-13T17:52:00.000Z

A couple of months back I sat down and tried to put into words my experiences a year after graduating in Illustration. I always hoped the posts were an honest reflection of what I felt at the time, and not just a big moan! - and I'm hoping this post shall be the same.

As a young artist trying to find my way in the world, I stumbled across Twitter and blogging, as a way to get my work seen, but also to connect with others like me. I follow lots of young artists/illustrators I admire, and enjoy catching up online with all the lovely work they produce. I also feel there's a brilliant community online, particularly on twitter, between illustrators and crafty types. We all support each other, and that's so wonderful.

But I have to ask...how many of us are really making a living out of this?

I don't know if this is just me, but it almost seems like a taboo subject. We talk on and on about new projects and new prints and collaborations, but is there a little part of us that is, dare I say it, pretending?
Don't get me wrong, I'm not out to criticise anyone. I completely understand how focussing on the positives is always a better use of time, and no one wants to hear about your double shift at the restaurant anyway, do they?

I'm just wondering if somewhere along the line illustration has become a bit of a fantasy.

All throughout school and on into uni, I had this sparkling dream of becoming an illustrator. I grew up on Beatrix Potter, and will always and forever remember the opening credits of the television series. Beatrix sitting on a hill side painting the landscape, Beatrix drawing at her desk, conveniently scattered with rabbits. My dream! I thought. I love animals, I love painting, I love working alone. That, I decided, was what I was aiming for.

But needless to say, that hasn't happened for me, and I'm 99% sure that it wont be an option for me for a very, very long time. Besides, Beatrix had her family's fortune to live off whilst producing her illustrated books - and, in this day and age, who can freelance AND buy a farm house in the Lake District?! An unrealistic dream Holly.

Despite the times changing, and the recent recession that has gripped the country, us creative bloggers and tweeters still seem determined to create the illusion that this life style, this Beatrix Potter inspired, sit-in-your-studio-all-day-painting, life style still exists and is possible. We create blog posts like 'what I did at the weekend' featuring beautiful personal projects, lovingly painted sketchbooks and baking adventures for example, or photographs of our "studio space" (cough cough bed room cough cough). We love that. I love that. Have a quick flick through my blog and you'll find those sort of posts; I'm as guilty as the next person for romanticising life and avoiding the truth.

Delusional cupcakes anyone?

My point is... that sometimes (like now) I feel like giving in and, at the risk of sounding clichéd, telling it how it is. Sometimes I get a little tired of the positivity. I get tired of twittering on about a painting I did at the weekend and how lovely it was to paint but NOT mentioning the night before- spent weeping at my desk, reading an article about the recession. Why do we do this to ourselves?

I'm sick of this "keep on trucking" attitude.

For one evening, tonight, now, I'm going to be honest:

I don't know if I'll ever be a 'real' illustrator.

I just don't know. I always thought that if you work really hard and you're focused and you want it more than anything, that you're guaranteed success. But then I joined Twitter and met the hundreds of other 23 year olds working really hard, focussing and wanting it the most and I thought: we can't ALL be illustrators can we? Some of us have to fall by the wayside. And maybe I'm one of those people.

I cry a lot!
I get rejected a lot!
I am jealous of others a lot!

But that's ok right, because we're all in this together? I guess that's what I'm really asking.
I know I need to stay strong, I need to keep on dreaming, both in my head and on my blog, but as the recession squeezes, and as I'm being made redundant ( sigh ) I feel it's time to russle the curtains, and reveal a glimpse of how it really feels sometimes, to know exactly what you want to do with your life, but finding it out of reach.

Say it with me now: sometimes, being an artist is not all its cracked up to be.

Home to Bristol | My Weekend in Pictures

2011-12-11T21:39:00.001Z

My favourite Christmas decoration, given to me by my god mother.

Illustrated tee.

Coco the sleepy kitten.

Pet portrait I painted this weekend.

Cross-eyed and mischievous Otto.

Russian stamps.

Look closely to find 3 year old me with my baby sister.

Russian BBC GoodFood Magazine | Watercolour Food Illustration

2011-12-08T22:44:00.001Z

Earlier this year I was approached by a lovely lady from the Russian version of BBC GoodFood magazine, to do a few editorial illustrations. Naturally I turned her down and got back to watching daytime tv... Just kidding! I jumped at the opportunity and worked through the night to produce the work.

I wish I could take credit for this last image, but sadly it's not one of mine! But what a lovely spread! I wish I could read Russian and find out who painted it!

Hackney Farm & My Lazy Weekend

2011-12-07T21:48:00.001Z

Hello mister.

Food coma.

Made breakfast for my man.

Her best loaf of bread impression.

Donkey's always remind me of Pinocchio.

Christmas tree's in London Fields.

Impromptu dachshund gift from Gabriel.

Christmas Cards & Ticket Holders

2011-11-30T01:57:00.001Z

Hello all! I have a few new listings in my shop for you to browse....

This Oyster/Ticket/Card Holder made using the ORIGINAL PAINTING (!!!!) and with gorgeous gold paint. I wanted to offer something extra special for my first and loyal customers. Once it's gone it's gone...

And these are some of the last Nativity Christmas Cards I have. Buy them in a set of 4 on my shop.

Visit my shop. Browse, buy or say hi!

Books I Have Read Whilst Commuting

2011-11-29T18:50:00.001Z

(Composed on the 18.29 to Barking)

There are so many negatives associated with a long commute. I personally spend just over three hours a day going to work and back, and let me tell you, it is not an enjoyable experience. But I don't want to dwell on the negatives (despite the fact there is a woman beside me tipping crisps into her mouth in the most annoying fashion) because my commute has allowed me an activity I usually save for holidays: reading.

I've just counted, in the three months since starting my job, I have read ten books. A neat little number, and typically the number I would read in a year.
I thought it would be fun to recommend a few of my favourites to fellow commuters. I hope you enjoy!

First up it's 'The Other Hand' by Chris Cleave...

The Other Hand by Chris Cleave

This book was instantly absorbing- which happens to be my most sought after quality in a book, to escape for a little while. Chris Cleave writes so convincingly as Little Bee, the 16 year old Nigerian refugee, with a traumatic past and a shocking secret. She's a very likable character, and I felt instantly on her side as she made her way to safety. The twist in the novel is a good one, I doubt you'll guess it, and the storyline runs convincingly and at a gripping pace from start to finish.

I wish I could talk about the ending - but I don't want to spoil it for you. I'll just say this: 'The Other Hand' will leave you with a satisfying sense of your own safety in this world, an appreciation of friendship, and an understanding of the sacrifices we're prepared to make for it. Worth a read!

I'm going to leave you with an embarrassed whisper:

*I started reading Eat Pray Love*

Actually, that's not where the embarrassment ends...

*I've also seen the film.*

One more? Ok then.

*With my mother.*

There. So now you know. I'd like to advise everyone against reading the book, especially if you are feeling at all cynical, because this book will bring it out in you, and, quite frankly, you'll end up feeling rather angry.

The film is one thing, because you get to watch Javier Bardem on a beach, with his enormous but somehow quite attractive head, which somewhat detracts from all the sickening "soul searching." With the book you have no such luxury. Yuck. A must NOT read.

It would be wonderful to hear your recommendations too! Please leave them in the comments section, and, if you're so inclined, a short description.

Stack & Colophon Present Printout! at The Book Club

2011-11-07T21:53:00.000Z

It's a liberating feeling leaving work knowing that you've organised something a little different for yourself. Last Thursday I chose Shoreditch, and the dimly lit rooms of The Book Club, to attend my very first (but their forth) Printout! event.

Run by Jeremy Leslie , Creative Director at magCulture and columnist for Creative Review (among many other things), Printout! promises to be a night of industry talks and magazine browsing, with a well needed Thursday night pint thrown in.

Printout! is held in The Book Club's basement under a lightbulb clustered ceiling, which gave the effect of seeing frogspawn from the underneath - like frogs! - which was fun, and kind of cosy.

Magazine library provided by STACK

The guest speakers for the evening were Les Jones (Elsie magazine), Gareth Main (Bearded magazine) and Cathy Olmedillas (Anorak & PLOC magazine), who all gave an interesting account of what it's like to start up a publication.

What I was most interested to hear about, being very much an 'internet girl' (Social Media Exec right here) was why they chose print, when the web is so readily available and so much a part of how we share information. Les (Elsie) spoke for most of the group, explaining:

"It's about longevity and structure, about having something tactile to keep on your book shelf or coffee table".

Cathy added that the internet was an increasingly crowded place, and that "it had to be print" to reach the young readers of Anorak and PLOC. This was interesting, and I had to agree. Page links circulate, and they can have a wide reach, but ultimately they die, whereas a magazine is something physical, it has to be physically thrown away, and is far less likely to be lost amongst the retweets and the reposts that the internet churns out daily.

Overall, the talk reminded me just how much of a struggle it can be to pursue a creative venture, such as starting your own press. Bearded magazine is no more, and many of the guests spoke about full time work being hugely important for providing financial stability. I discovered the independent magazine's being produced are much more about a passion and a drive to create something long-lasting and beautiful, rather than financial gratification.

Nostalgic reasons surfaced for making the publications themselves. Childhood memories and experiences form a lot of the content for Elsie magazine for example, with Les telling a wonderful tale of sticking a pin in a map and going on self initiated travels to produce content.

Goodie bag!

Print is about the senses then. About the touch, and even the smell, of paper, and about capturing moments and a thought process, in a way that would out-live a web page.

My Weekend in Pictures | Autumn's Here

2011-10-31T17:28:00.001Z

This weekend was not one of the greatest, but I've been slightly more snap-happy than usual ( honeymoon period with Instagram) so thought I'd share the results. I went for a delightful walk along the canal and around Waltham Marshes on Sunday and it felt like I left London for a time. As a country girl I pine (cone) for nature and natural surroundings on a daily basis, but I rarely seek it out in London. Now that I live in Walthamstow, Epping Forest is not too far away and is calling my name. It's the largest public open space in London, don't you know, and is an impressive 6,000 acres.

It's on my to-do list.

I also visited Chatsworth Road Market for a crepe ( salmon, poached egg, asparagus, hollandaise - so delicious I momentarily forgot my Instagram addiction! ) and a browse of the stalls. I found this amazing vintage bird and animal feed carrier (pictured), which the stall holder explained was probably a custom made case for an animal feed tradesman. For some reason this fascinated me?! That job title would not exist today. It was such a beautifully crafted and original object - I should have bought it and hung it on my wall.

Anyway, that's all for now folks, just a brief update.

Those of you that haven't yet, should visit my NEW SHOP! (please)

SMUG Pop Up Print Shop Private View

2011-10-27T10:31:00.000+01:00

Last night I had the pleasure of attending Smug's private view bash for the launch of their Pop Up Print Shop this Saturday. There was plenty of white wine sipping and chocolate mousse eating (YUM) and amazing prints to browse from the likes of Stacie Swift, Harriet Gray, Victoria Whincup, Sahar Ghanbari, Linus Kraemer, Donna Wilson AND Sam Wingate. And, of course, me!

As well as selling a few of my more popular designs, Smug is also stocking 20 very special limited edition prints exclusively for the shop, depicting a collection of 15 wonderful objects associated with the boutique (above). You can even buy the painting itself from the shop, if you'd like your very own Holly Exley original!

For anyone looking to be organised this year and get the Christmas shopping done and dusted, then the Pop Up Print Shop should be your first stop. I feel very honoured to be stocked alongside such talented illustrators and artists, and, wandering around Smug last night, I seriously could have bought everything on sale! Beautiful homeware, accessories, stationary, kitchenware and even makeup - if you haven't already been to Smug - GO.

Etsy Shop Has Launched!

2011-10-24T18:00:00.000+01:00

I have now joined the wonderful world of etsy. It's quite addictive isn't it?!
I hope to build on this shop and am also taking requests for prints (or originals) which you can purchase through my shop.
All my prints are printed on high quality watercolour paper (Somerset Velvet Enhanced at 225gsm if you want to be technical) and have a lovely quality to them - they could be mistaken for originals which is quite unnerving! Each are signed and dated.
Keep an eye out for my 20% discount code, which I'm offering to a lucky few.

Ah yes...and visit the shop here!

Back to Blog | Food Illustration

2011-10-23T17:37:00.000+01:00

Hello again.

Well, I certainly feel a bit rusty with this! I've had a few months adjusting to full time work as apposed to freelancing and interning- it's been a big change, but I'm determined to carry on with this blog. I feel quite attached to it, this blog has got me through my tricky year as a graduate, and I'd like to record where it takes me next.

Firstly, I've been pretty lucky in that I've had a few illustration jobs since starting my new job (in social media by the way) but it's one of those situations where I'm not sure I'm allowed to talk about them just yet - isn't that annoying?! Let me just say, that I'm really excited by them, and can't wait to share.

Food Illustration for Russian Food Magazine (see here!)

Above is an illustration I completed for a Russian food magazine (don't ask me to translate their name to English - although if anyone can, I'd be interested to know!). It was a great little job, and FYI the Russian's seem to know how to pay their illustrators - English commissioners take note. It's for their October issue, and I hope to receive a copy of the magazine soon, which I will of course blog when I do.

From a little snoop around their website, it looks as though they have some pretty nice illustrations gracing their pages, and I feel very flattered that they found me and got in contact. I've had a few jobs and enquiries from overseas lately, and it's always very exciting. How did they find me?! It's strange I haven't had so much luck in the UK but I assume it's a much more overcrowded market.

AOI Images 35 Exhibition

My entry included in the Images Annual and the AOI exhibition

So, full time work. It's time consuming isn't it?!

Don't get me wrong, I feel incredibly lucky to have this opportunity, and in an area I feel interested in and want to pursue, but it's hard when I have this darned passion for painting and being creative. I am going to try to keep my "day job" (it's more important than the phrase suggests) separate from this blog however, as I want this to remain my haven for all things creative.

Expect a few more posts from me this week - as I have a private view to attend AND I'm launching my etsy shop. Thank you for being patient (and any full timers with any tips on keeping up the creative stuff I would LOVE to hear from you!).

The Diary of a Girl with Two Jobs

2011-09-05T08:00:00.001+01:00

Good morning lovely people! I don't think I've ever written a blog post this early before - but given that I have to leave for work in ten minutes, it's really my only window of the day for blogging (simultaneously eating toast and drinking juice). Some of you may have read my updates about getting a full time job recently - others of you may have missed them - so I am here to confirm that I am now in the possession of a Social Media Executive position. I work for a small agency in the beautiful and very un-London Finchley area and, so far, am absolutely loving it! Social Media has interested me for a while, and its certainly been a big part of my Illustration career since graduating. I think most creative people will agree, it offers an audience to showcase work to, a support group to discuss ideas/stresses with and a community to share information with. Its great! Don't believe me? Get a twitter account.
As a slightly negative (perhaps?) side effect of this job, I feel its safe to assume I'll have less time to paint. For the first two weeks of my job I was working on three rather time consuming commissions, and it was quite tough! Late nights and early mornings are not easy, especially when you're moving into a new flat and trying to get a grip on a new job.
Having said this, I don't want to lose the lovely group of people who follow my work and support me, so I am here to promise that I wont stop. I will continue painting, and continue thinking of ideas and blogging, not only for my followers, but also because I think I'd go mad if I stopped! It's been a tough year since graduating but painting has kept me focussed and I'm proud of what I've accomplished, so theres no way I could throw that away.
So, here's a recent commission, posted all the way to New York, for a man to give to his friends, on their wedding day.

Vintage Tea Cups and Cutlery Paintings

2011-08-25T23:44:00.000+01:00

Hello faithful followers, I hope you are well. I've been extremely busy of late, starting a new full-time job in social media and moving house. It's been fun, but I am so very tired! Hands up who's looking forward to the bank holiday.... These paintings are two I completed recently as part of a commission, and I'm working on other (un-annouceable!) projects too. Stay tuned. :)

Dogs waiting.

2011-07-25T23:20:00.000+01:00

My Painting Companion

2011-07-07T19:36:00.004+01:00

Rather embarrassingly, I have recently come to realise that my rabbit is mentioned rather a lot by Holly Exley, the illustrator. What's drawn my attention to this is the fact that she is, more often than not, mentioned when I'm requested to write an artist's bio. What am I thinking when I construct this shpeel? That somehow by mentioning an animal I'll win the nations pet owners over? That a rabbit makes me more interesting? She's even mentioned in my twitter bio. It's almost as if I am a little bit obsessed...

Hergé as a baby.

You see the thing is, whether I like it or not, my floppy eared friend is a big part of my life. I wake up every morning and the first thing I do is flip open her cage to let her run around my room (if she hasn't already spent the night doing this. ) Similarly, the first thing I do when I get in in the evening is clean her cage, and top up her food and water. Its a subconscious thing. I take care of her, she continues being cute. We even have a little routine, where by when I sit down at my desk to work, she instantly hops behind me on my chair and up to a second chair next to mine. She'll happily sit there for hours beside me, compacted into a furry cushion shape, so long as I give her the occasional stroke. Quite frankly, it's a little bit adorable.

One cushion is not enough for her majesty.

I think the reason I mention her so very much is because she is such a big part of my work. I don't mean that I'm forever painting her, because I seem to remember that I've only painted her the once (sorry Hergé). What I mean is that she's there beside me for pretty much every single painting.
My silent art critic.
When I'm frustrated with my work and need support, she's there to cuddle. When I've been working for hours alone, she provides some company. It's nice.
Thats not to say she's perfect, because we do fall out sometimes, like any room mates will do. She's a smelly little thing, despite cleaning her cage daily, and sometimes I do wish I didn't have to tend to her and clean up her 'pellets'. Sometimes she's a naughty girl and does a wee on my bed, and thats when we have BIG words.

So vain / vein.

Similarly, she often gets moody with me too. I don't think this is a very well known fact, but rabbits are generally quite tetchy creatures. Beyond her cute, fluffy outer shell, theres a growling, territorial madam. I kid you not, she actually growls. I know what all her different growls mean. But the general message is "fuck off mummy".
Having said all this, despite the poos and the wees and the tantrums, she's my little squishy face, and I love her dearly. Whilst I uphold the message, "a pet's for life, not just for christmas", for illustrators a pet can become your life. Or is that just me...

Face Painting!

2011-06-27T17:52:00.000+01:00

Good evening one and all. I have a new mini business I'm launching today. I've been working as a face painter on and off throughout my time in London and I thought it would be lovely to start something on my own. I will have a face painting stall at Little London Fields Festival in August which I'm hugely excited about, as well as a few summer fetes around Hackney. I'm also considering Chatsworth Road market in Clapton every Sunday, because everyone knows it'll be the new Broadway market before long (here's hoping). Anyway, please 'like' my facebook page AND if you know of anyone in the London area looking for children's entertainment, I'm rather good and my rates are very competitive. Yay!

Illustrated Map & Floor Plan

2011-06-27T10:41:00.000+01:00

Hello lovely people. I thought I would share with you some work I produced for The Dandelion Hideaway. This was an enjoyable project and the hideaway has a wonderful website, I'm very happy to have my work be a part of it. Sorry this is such a brief update, especially in comparison to my last posts, but I haven't really been feeling myself lately. I very very much appreciate the comments I've received from my posts though. It's certainly an ongoing debate, and I'm not entirely sure what the solution is, but it was so therapeutic to write it all down, have a little vent - and find out I'm not alone! So, I'd like to say a big thank you for all your thoughtful and insightful comments.

Reflections on my year as a graduate. PART TWO: University "Education"

2011-06-16T07:55:00.002+01:00

  Considering it has now been an entire year since I graduated, I have taken it upon myself to write down what I have learned this year, to help others but also as a sort of therapy (which I feel I need, after the year it's been.)

  So, from my last post on the matter, we've all gathered that I haven't done too well in the real world since flying the education nest. By "not too well" I pretty much mean that all that bambi-eyed optimism I felt at my degree show has been slowly chiselled away. For anyone who's been through it, you'll know how hard it is. The competition is huge, the jobs are few and the pay is low. And I simply wasn't equipped with the tools I needed to survive.

  Before I go any further I'd like to say a few positive things about my time at University, because it certainly wasn't all bad. In fact, I absolutely loved my course, my BA Illustration degree at Middlesex University. My tutors were inspiring, the briefs were challenging and the studios we worked in were lovely. Middlesex University had great facilities, a huge print room full of wonderful equipment and the library wasn't half bad either.

But, before I start sounding like a brochure for the place, there are a few things, on reflection, that I'm unhappy about. My final year felt rushed. We were working hard on portfolio-building projects, our dissertations and worrying about grades. I don't think any of us could see past our busy desk spaces to even consider the future after these projects were finished. But we really should have been shown it. It was our tutors responsibility to make us aware of it. Looking back it seems strange that we were building these portfolios, but had little to no knowledge of how to use them in the future. We'd all developed our own individual style and, whilst I'm grateful to my University for allowing the time and place to develop it, a visual language is worthless if you have no clue what to do with it.

I remember that we did have a series of workshops about the business side of illustration with a practising illustrator, but there can't have been more than three, and I for one felt completely overwhelmed upon hearing this information for the first time - I could have done with many more sessions. I realise now that those workshops were an introduction at best, and there were so many more things we needed from them.

When I think back, I find it absurd that our uni happily waved goodbye to us, a group of unprepared, ill-equipped illustration graduates. (Especially as we were walking into a recession. But I suppose that is another matter. ) I know that we were ill-equipped, because it has taken me exactly a year to realise what I should have been told a year ago. It seems that my uni was unaware of the key factors that make up the modern illustration world. I have listed below what I feel are the most pressing and sadly neglected issues that need to be tackled by universities.

1) The importance of a strong online presence. A website, a blog, and a strong grasp on social media networking. At my uni the focus was on a printed portfolio, but often this isn't practical.

2) That print is diminishing. Illustration is adapting to this change, but universities need to address this, as their graduates are walking head on into it.

3) That a career in illustration is rarely instantaneous. Unis must advise their students how to cope until they make it.

4) How to make money from illustration. How to be a freelancer, how to gain clients, how to liaise with clients, how to manage money.

Just writing that short list of issues has angered me more. Why is it I feel we need to educate the educators?

As I consider this problem, it is occurring to me that currently higher education is under great scrutiny, and not just from disgruntled illustration graduates! Almost all universities are now pushing enormous fees on anyone wishing to gain a degree. It baffles me how young people are supposed to fight this recession, when the doors to education and employment are shut in their faces. Luckily, I missed this increase in fees. But I am still in a whole load of debt, which I haven't even begun to pay back.

It seems to me that this problem might all come down to money. Consider these two possibilities :

Illustration courses encourage students to create the very best work they can. This, of course, is crucial if you ever wish to become an illustrator but, as I've discussed, there needs to be the right guidance to coincide with this if you ever wish to make a living. The work students produce showcases an Illustration course; top students' work is often paraded on uni websites, in brochures and at shows. If there is a high quality of work on a particular course, it is assumed it is the best illustration course to take. Unis use their students' work to secure their next batch of students and, of course, their next batch of money, without much further consideration for the previous ones.

The ratio of illustration courses to actual illustration jobs is appalling and unrealistic. Yes, an illustration career is an appealing prospect, but it's kept very hush hush by universities as to how impossibly competitive and difficult the journey to get there will be. It's almost as if students are being lured into course by the pretty pictures and the romantic ideals that universities are presenting.

I've learnt the hard way that surviving in the real world on pretty pictures alone, is just never going to work. Luckily for me, I was ( and am still ) dating a graphic designer, who was able to teach me how to use Photoshop and Indesign. Computer skills are SO very important for any young creative and this fact was just not stressed by my course. Secondly, I also learnt, through my man, the importance of work experience. His course allowed him to intern whilst still at uni, which gave him and many of his course mates the skills to walk straight into work after graduation. I , on the other hand, am still interning to this day.

I might even go so far as to suggest illustration might not be a valid course anymore. You only have to look at the illustration 'celebrities' such as Jessica Hische and Kate Moross, to realise you have to have a whole load of other skills under your belt to make money from it, such as graphic and web design, typography and printmaking. For the very few it is enough to create beautiful images, but for many, its just not realistic. Especially in this current climate. Perhaps illustration needs to go hand in hand with graphic design? And perhaps illustration students need to be educated, as fine art students are, that you can become a fine-artist/illustrator OR you can work within the arts sector, as I am now striving to.

And that, patient readers, is where I'll leave this argument. I feel like I could go on, but I'm worried I'll bore you! It would be lovely to hear your experiences, and if you disagree with this please don't hesitate to tell me. Lets get a discussion going.

Male Models...Mmmm.

2011-06-13T22:16:00.000+01:00

I found an old (ish) book of some of my collages, and had a little painting session.

Chickens

2011-06-07T22:12:00.000+01:00

This is a commission for a friend. I LOVE painting chickens. I love the structure of their bodies, the colours of their feathers and capturing their little faces. They're such funny little creatures.

A collection of things that remind me of you.

2011-06-05T21:50:00.000+01:00

This is something I painted for a friend of mine for her birthday. I'm still very much obsessed with collections and I think its interesting to how objects mean different things to different people. I'd say most artistically inclined people take a particular interest in the material world, as its a good source for inspiration and its important to be surrounded by things that inspire you in order to create. Theres nothing more lovely than wandering round a vintage market picking up trinkets and lost mementoes for example- I'm definitely the nostalgic type!

From left to right: rasberry, rasberry leaf, fine liner pen, gold necklace, spanish stamp, harribo ring, emerald, Lolita novel, birthday candle, silver spoon, New York flight tag, christmas cake decoration, violets.

Also, I just wanted to say thank you for the wonderful response I had to my previous blog post. I appreciate it was more of a rant than any of my other posts have been, but it was nice to be more personal with my followers and say what I really think. Part two is still to come - there are still far too many things wrong with the Illustration world!

A degree in Illustration: Reflections on my year as a graduate. PARTONE: Spec Work (Boo!)

2011-05-31T20:10:00.000+01:00

I've wanted to write about these things for a while now, and as a fresh batch of Illustration graduates are released into the wild (world) now seems like apt timing! Hopefully an interesting read for old and new graduates alike...

Last year I graduated from Middlesex University with a 2:1 in Illustration. It was an exciting time, I'd never worked so hard in my life, and I was getting a positive response from my paintings. I felt mostly optimistic (and 10% terrified) at the thought of getting my work out there into the world and starting my journey to becoming a Freelance Illustrator. It's a job title that has me sighing with wistful longing, for a career where I work for myself, where I'm respected for my talent and where my creativity is put to good use.

Fast forward a few months and I'm working in a dreary Italian restaurant in my home town of Bristol, and on the verge of tears 99.9% of the time. Don't get me wrong, waitressing is not a career choice to be frowned upon, as it requires extreme confidence, stamina and a passion for customer service... all qualities I don't particularly see in myself. For me it was a pretty hellish job. I missed the Uni days in London, when I was passionate about what I was producing and worked long into the night to perfect it. In the months that followed Uni however, I felt drained. Drained from long shifts at the restaurant with a fake smile plastered across my face, and from missing my boyfriend left behind in London and from having no time to do what I love: painting.

Having said all that, I did manage to do some work. I completed a commission for Redwood Publishing (my first PAID job!), was accepted into the AOI annual Images and was featured in Ballad Of magazine, Sketchbook magazine and Amelia's Magazine website, along others. I accepted a lot of 'spec work', and by that I mean jobs that had no payment at the end of them. Of course back then I had never heard the phrase 'spec work' and I was giving my work away for free, in the hope that it would drum up some publicity for my illustrations.

I'm sure I went down the same route most newly graduated Illustrators go down. I appreciated the opportunity to give my work purpose, instead of it sitting on my website seemingly unnoticed. The creative outlets promised an opportunity to have my work seen, and for my efforts I did get a few more followers on my blog and on other networks. But on reflection, I feel as if I was lied to.

Sure, people were looking at my work, but were they the right type of people? Were they people that could and would offer me work in the future? No! Of course not! They were people just like me, young people interested in the creative world, in reading about it and collecting pretty images, but not people who could hire me.

It seems to me that spec work has become the norm for many creative graduates. Websites are as important now as printed publications, and asking an artist to produce an image for a website somehow feels less outrageous than asking them for an image for a printed publication, one that will be sold for profit. But most websites still make money. It's just not so visible how profits are made. But one thing is sure, your work on the website will be serving a purpose, whether thats setting a tone for an article, illustrating a clothing line or creating a visual identity for the website. Does it seem fair to be asked to give these valuable attributes away for free?

As its graduation time, I've also begun to notice a lot of 'competitions' being announced, asking young creatives to submit their artwork for a chance to win 'prizes'. I'd like to name Don't Panic as a key contributor for this competition epidemic (I hope this doesn't get me in trouble!). It just angers me that they ask trained graphic designers and illustrators to produce designs, for the latest film poster or whatever, and expect not to pay a soul. The 'prizes' are never worth the effort and the voting system they use makes me think of the X Factor.. Is this what we want the world of Illustration to become like? Where talented artists are rewarded with useless cinema tickets or yet more 'publicity'? No thanks. Being a creative requires an abundance of skill, drive and intelligence, and we deserve to get paid money for this, just as the people who work for Don't Panic (for example!) get paid.

I'm not saying it should be easy to get paid for Illustration. And part of me thinks its fair that the struggle for pay should be that much harder than regular jobs, as the industry is that much smaller and more over-crowded than others, and because (lets face it) we're being paid for doing what we love, which is a privilege. But that does NOT mean that we should be exploited along the way.

So, to conclude, I feel as if I should offer up my pearls of wisdom as advice for new graduates, in the hope that together we can stop the downward spiral of spec work. These are some things I've learnt in a year, and that I'm still practicing now.

1) Know your value.
You've got a skill that many others don't have, and companies WILL pay for it. You just have to MAKE them pay for it.

2) Use your time wisely.
In order to make those companies want to pay you for your work, you have to look the part. Instead of spending your time creating free work for others, create work for your portfolio. Make the best website you possibly can, blog and tweet often and spend time (and unfortunately money) printing the best samples you possibly can to send to companies. THIS WILL PAY OFF.

3) Be active on social networks
Twitter is a marvellous thing. Tweet about new prints you're selling, about new work on your blog, about anything really! It allows struggling artists an audience (if you're a likeable tweeter that is) and you can connect with other Illustrators, learn from them and moan with them, AND very very very occasionally you might see the allusive tweet: "Looking for an illustrator. Paid commission.."

4)Accept this might be a long struggle.
I have moments ( ...if by moments you mean days... and sometimes weeks) when I forget this. Its painful not being able to see the finish line, but keep going, and one day you just might make it.

Websites to look at:
http://www.no-spec.com/
http://shouldiworkforfree.com/

Collections - Old Films

2011-05-17T14:13:00.003+01:00

A new painting for Yellowstone Art Boutique. I've wanted to paint a collection of vintage film canisters for a while now. The packaging is so varied through the ages and the methods of development within photography have changed so much, I feel like they really highlight the progression in technology and photography. Perhaps they provide interesting subject matter because film is unusual in modern day photography, now almost always replaced by digital files. They make me consider how long it will be before film becomes altogether obsolete. They also make me wonder what images they have captured inside. 17" x 6.5"

Salt and Pepper Shakers

2011-05-14T21:24:00.000+01:00

Piece to be included in exhibition at the Yellowstone Art Boutique from 28th May. 12" x 16"

Fashion - Moody Models

2011-05-10T21:17:00.001+01:00

I was just trying out something new... Still watercolour (of course!) but focusing on line this time. Thoughts?

More from Stockholm - a fellow 'Watercolourer'

2011-05-09T21:37:00.001+01:00

I visited lots of little galleries during my short trip to Stockholm but this one took my breath away. Karl Marten's beautiful watercolour paintings hung around the Konst & Folk Gallery, consisting entirely of bird studies of all different species and size. Personally, I loved the smaller paintings ( there were also huge paintings of owls and eagles ) because they involved fewer brush strokes and washes of colour, showing Marten's ease at which he captured the birds' form.

Fashion - Tropical

2011-05-06T10:33:00.002+01:00

I've been sorting through my portfolio recently (looking for scrap pieces of paper if you must know- yep, it's tough times) and have come across a few pieces of work that perhaps deserve to be blogged, to keep track of my progression if nothing else. I make a lot of collages out of magazine clippings, just to try out different compositions and ideas without actually having to paint anything. Some of them I then want to turn into paintings, like this one. I was dipping my toe in the fashion illustration pool I think...I quite like the tropical colours and the shapes, but for some reason I haven't done anything like it since.

Collections - Oh sugar!

2011-05-04T20:39:00.000+01:00

Carrying on with my fortnightly theme, here's a collection of old and new sugar packets. Apparently people collect them. I think they're quite lovely overlooked little objects, they make me think of an isolated diner on some American highway somewhere.

Collections - Cutlery

2011-05-04T08:09:00.000+01:00

Stockholm - illustrated map

2011-05-03T15:57:00.002+01:00

On a recent trip to Stockholm with my boyfriend I picked up this illustrated map from a museum we went to. It caught my eye because I've been working on a commissioned map myself, and I so admired the detail yet clarity of this one. It's quite traditional and reserved in its style but at the same time theres a whole lot of character to it, especially in the animals on the title page. I love it.

Collections - Star Wars Weaponry

2011-04-20T13:46:00.001+01:00

Welcome to a new feature on my blog! Every fortnight I will be announcing a new theme, and updating you with new work and related posts. For the this fortnight, I've gone with a theme most artists have some sort of an obsession with: collections. Above is a painting I made for my boyfriend for Christmas. He's a big Star Wars fan and general sci fi geek, and I wanted to make him something to hang on the wall of his new flat. It took AGES to complete, as I know next to nothing about Star Wars and spent days sourcing reference photos to work from. I've since been sheepishly told by my boyfriend that the guns are not all correctly named...but I think that adds to its charm...right?

Recent Events

2011-04-19T23:15:00.001+01:00

Those of you who follow me on Twitter might have seen my announcement that I had been offered a big illustration job recently. As any illustrator knows, any paid job is very very very exciting, but the thing that made me scream with excitement was the essential research trip that came with it... to Rio de Janeiro!

It felt like things were fiiiiiinally looking up. Unfortunately, the job was only 95% finalised, and the client kept stalling and stalling until it became too late to organise a trip out there. And so I lost the job.

I have to say that I was devastated by this news - and as pathetic as it seems, I think I still am - a whole 3 weeks later! It really is a tough time to be a graduate, especially an Illustration graduate, and I know that a lot of you will be in the same boat as me - late nights spent working on self motivated projects, endless emails that are rarely acknowledged- and to get an email like the one I received offering the job was like a light at the end of a tunnel.

But hey ho, I'm learning that life is full of these little disappointments and you've just got to pick yourself up again. I appreciate I have to fight that little bit harder, because lets face it, to draw/paint for a living is an absolute dream job!

And... I do think its pretty cool that one of the biggest Ad Agencies in Brazil has seen my work. Win!

Ferment Zine

2011-03-28T19:42:00.002+01:00

Here's an entry I painted recently for a lovely non profit zine full of illustrations and poetry. You can find out about the Oxford based project here: www.fermentzine.com

Prints prints prints of my work!

2011-03-25T13:45:00.002Z

Some high quality digital prints being sold at Yellowstone Art Boutique.

Yellowstone Art Boutique

2011-03-22T13:47:00.003Z

I am very excited to announce my work is now being sold in a brand new art boutique in Trentham, Staffordshire! Opened this month by the lovely Hannah Stoney and her mum Steph, the Yellowstone Gallery is located in Trentham retail park and stocks ceramics, paintings, prints and jewellery (and much more) by local and up and coming artists- and all at affordable prices.
I was approached by Hannah last summer asking if I would be interested in being involved in her project, and since meeting her recently, I have to say I am amazed and impressed with her determination and at how far her idea has come. She's just 22 and has opened her very own art boutique which, to me, is like living the dream. I'm very happy to be a part of it.

Hannah says of the boutique:

"I've always thought it was important to have a space where talented and creative local artists can display their work an find a market for their efforts. We are stocking ceramics, paintings, jewellery and textiles by local artists, including some of my own prints. The prices range from £1 to £550, so the work is accessible to everyone, not just the well off."

If you're in the area, please do drop in and support this lovely boutique!

Visit the gallery: Unit 205 Trentham Retail Village, Stone Road, Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 8AX

Find it on Facebook.

Follow on Twitter.

Pet Portrait service!

2011-03-21T17:43:00.000Z

I still paint the occasional pet portrait on commission. They make a lovely present for friends and relatives, especially for us English folk, we do love our pets.

Email me at mail@hollyexley.com for an original painting, with personalised caption of your choice.

(Especially if you have a rabbit, I love painting rabbits)

2011-03-21T17:16:00.001Z

Patchwork

2011-03-17T20:33:00.004Z

Wow. I haven't posted in quite a while.
I've been a busy intern recently, working for FiveGoMad and Margaret as well as FINALLY making my PDF portfolio. This needs to make the rounds soon- but I'm a little scared.
I recently ordered a very old and decrepit vintage patchwork quilt after trawling the internet for hours on end, which has gradually led me down the road and into obsessionsville. I just love the look of them. I've always had this secret passion for wholesome Americana ( cough cough Gilmore Girls cough cough ) and I guess this quilt interest feeds from that. Whilst I waited for my beloved quilt to arrive, I made paintings instead.

I'm selling the originals for £40 each (they are a4 watercolours). If anyone would like one (theres only 3!) email me at mail@hollyexley.com

Dazed Digital

2011-01-03T13:27:00.004Z

I was asked to do some artwork for the New Year playlist by Dazed and Confused. See it here.

Pet Portraits

2011-01-03T12:54:00.005Z

Over the Christmas period I have been painting pet portraits on commission. They went down a treat, and it was lovely to have such happy customers. Here's a selection of some of the work I produced. I'm still doing them now, so feel free to get in contact if you'd like your very own Holly Exley original. I am very reasonable priced, even though I say so myself!

Email: mail@hollyexley.com

Hey Little Lion Girl

2010-12-02T14:34:00.004Z

Here's my very first portrait of my darling rabbit, Hergé. She's one year old, and her favourite things in life are raisins (including hearing the sound of the raisin packet pre-raisin), hiding under cupboards and being groomed.

Ballad Of Nanny Floff

2010-12-01T20:01:00.010Z

On a recent trip to the Tate Modern I picked up a copy of the latest Ballad Of magazine. A bright, colourful issue I thought. Other than my own spread (which held my gaze because there really is nothing more satisfying than seeing ones own work in print!) I loved Emma Block's contents page, a fellow illustrator from Middlesex University. A very envious skill with paint and collage.

Scoffing!

2010-11-23T01:06:00.003Z

I'm not really sure where these came from... I have always been fascinated by capturing facial expression, and the faces people pull whilst enjoying their meals are very interesting and not all together flattering. So I decided to single out just the face and the hands that are feeding the face, to focus purely on the act of eating. I don't know... a little exploration to keep my hands in practice. Do they make you hungry?!

Le Saucisson

2010-11-17T22:36:00.002Z

Ballad Of Issue 4

2010-11-14T22:26:00.003Z

Exciting news. The lovely people of Ballad Of magazine chose my work to be included in their magazine- and its out now! I first came across the mag in the Tate book-shop and absolutely loved it. It was so beautifully printed and featured a huge selection of great illustrators, artists and photographers, that I thought to myself 'I want my work in here' And now it is! I am actually pretty proud of myself for the work I produced and for achieving a goal I set myself. It might be a small, non-profit goal, but if I'm being honest I've really struggled since becoming a graduate, with working a full time job and desperately scrabbling out of my over-draft, I've felt I have little time, energy or motivation to produce work. So to see my work in print will definitely put a smile on my face. :)

Christmasy Feelings

2010-11-14T21:57:00.002Z

I haven't blogged in a while, but heres my most recent creative exploits(?!). These paintings were a failed attempt to secure a commission. Apparently the clients were delighted with them..but found them to be too 'directional and arty' for the brand. However, I quite like them, so here they are for everyone to see.

I'm thinking about printing them on a few sets of christmas cards. Any takers?

Tudor Houses

2010-10-11T22:25:00.002+01:00

Lived-in Letters

2010-10-11T21:51:00.002+01:00

Big Ginger Moggy Portrait

2010-10-06T20:44:00.001+01:00

Fashion Is Not Really My Thing...

2010-09-29T23:33:00.003+01:00

...but I thought I'd try a quick fashion illustration anyhow. I actually quite like this... the colours, the patterned skirt...but maybe thats purely because I like the collection. This rather beautiful outfit was by Christopher Kane. You can also see this illustration on Nothing Bad Magazine's blog here.

Winter Beauties

2010-09-27T21:43:00.000+01:00

Turkey (frogs) Legs

2010-09-23T16:19:00.002+01:00

These are some little commissions I've done recently. The first one relates to the commissioner's christmas a few years ago when the family were away from home. They decided to buy a turkey to kill and eat for a home from home Christmas dinner- only to discover they had cooked the skinniest turkey known to man! Et voila, a weight conscious turkey bird. The second is another in-joke piece depicting the relationship between a french lady (a frog) and an english man (roast beef).

In other news I am now busy working the restaurant as winter approaches. I shall barely have time to breathe as Christmas creeps closer, let alone paint, but I WILL try! These little commissions keep my hands in practice and remind me what I want to do with my life...ultimately. But for now, I wait tables.

Gabriel's Making Pizza!

2010-09-07T09:16:00.002+01:00

Gabriel's Book Of Recipes

2010-09-07T09:00:00.004+01:00

This is a birthday present I made for my boyfriend that I thought I'd share with you. Ever since we came back from our holiday to Italy he's been saying he wants to learn how to cook pizza, prompting me to create yet another 'holly-made' present. I researched pizza recipes and added references to his love of sci-fi and other personal touches, all hand-bound, hand-drawn and hand-writen. Luckily he was delighted with it.

Wrapping Paper!

2010-09-03T13:08:00.004+01:00

This was my submission to Wrap Magazine which is being released around christmas time. Sadly I wasn't picked. They said:

"We really enjoyed seeing your work, but I'm afraid it wasn't selected to be printed in Wrap. We had over 140 really strong entries and it was a tough decision picking the final 11 to be printed."

Which is just the way it goes I suppose. I'll just try again.

Little project for Sketchbook Magazine

2010-09-03T01:28:00.002+01:00

Some work for SketchBook Magazine that will be in their next rather marvellous 'The Editor's Choice' issue, issue number 3. Here I illustrated the work and path editor Paul De Zwart took to produce Alef Magazine, a magazine celebrating modern middle eastern culture without the pretence of a westernised view. The illustrations had to have a slight fantastical element to them, as the story of the editor was a slightly fantastical one, focusing on his uncovering of middle eastern culture.

I'm STILL not sure what I think of them, mainly because I was forbidden to use my beloved paint box, and instead used ink. It certainly was a challenging brief!

100 Voices Magazine

2010-09-01T14:37:00.003+01:00

I haven't blogged for a while- but don't think thats because I've been sitting on my hands! I have NOT! It's actually been a pretty hard few months. I've moved away from my beloved London, and have struggled and struggled to find work. Now, I am a waitress in a lovely restaurant in Bristol and when I'm not building on my 'live in london fund' I am painting painting painting. It really is tough out there! I am away from the safe bubble of university and its quite scary.

Also since becoming a 'tweeter' I am shocked and amazed at the sheer amount of talented illustrators out there, and most are just like me, holding down a day job and frantically creating in the spare hours.

ANYWAY, heres a recent success for me- publication! This is a magazine aimed at students and specifically about money, which is ironic really, considering I probably have less money than my audience!

It was a fun job, one of my first real tastes of what a commission can be like- challenging, quick and rewarding. MORE PLEASE.

Ballad Of

2010-08-04T23:07:00.004+01:00

I am now featured on Ballad Of magazine's website. A lovely magazine made by lovely people.

See it here.

Amelia's Magazine

2010-08-04T21:59:00.004+01:00

Here is a piece I did for an interview with fashion designer Masha Ma for Amelia's magazine. This my first serious fashion illustration, and it was definitely a challenge. Must practice more! See the article here.

Condiments. Before & after

2010-08-02T12:04:00.006+01:00

This is me trying my hand at the old computer thing. I'm SO terrible at producing backgrounds for my work; they usually just remain floating in white space. Sometimes this is 'my thing' but sometimes I'm just at a loss at how to fill that space. I really don't know how I feel about the finished image.

Thoughts anyone???

What I've been up to lately...

2010-07-28T11:32:00.004+01:00

I've been trying a few new things out...apologies for the jumble of images. Just a sneak peak at what my hands have been up to.

Animal Kingdom

2010-07-28T11:23:00.002+01:00

An illustration for Amelia's magazine (now all online) for her amazing review of the Secret Garden Party festival. See it HERE.

Pencil not brush!

2010-06-28T17:46:00.002+01:00

Today I tried my hand at some good old fashioned sketchbook drawing. I've always loved the 'fancy' breeds of chickens you sometimes see in zoo's, I'm hoping to do a little sketchbook project 'The A-Z of Chicken Breeds'.

Done and dusted

2010-06-26T12:48:00.002+01:00

I was at the private view at the Truman Brewery last night. It was very hot and I was slightly disappointed with the turn out. Some of the illustration work exhibited was so incredible, its made me realise I have to up my game if I want to stand a chance! Bye bye sunshine...

To My Sister

2010-06-24T17:27:00.003+01:00

This is a (very late!) birthday present I made for my sister. She's making bunting to hang in her room so I wanted to make her things that would go with it.

D&AD New Blood

2010-06-24T09:04:00.005+01:00

I will be exhibiting at the Truman Brewery again this weekend. I'm very excited to be exhibiting amongst the best creative graduates in the country, and for a second chance to mingle with creative professionals. I would LOVE a commission...

Runs from 24th-27th June.

http://www.dandad.org/2010/05/new-blood-exhibition-schedule-and-venue/

New City, New Studio

2010-06-23T15:28:00.005+01:00

A few photos of my beautiful Bristol garden and my new work space all set up. I have lots of work to do, can't wait!

Benjamin Phillips

2010-06-15T12:10:00.002+01:00

Had the pleasure of exhibiting with illustrator Benjamin Phillips in June of last year. I love his animals!

http://www.benjaminphillips.co.uk/

Demetrios Psillos

2010-06-14T18:25:00.002+01:00

This is my first 'inspirational' post, and I've chosen this amazing artist, Demetrios Psillos. I've been looking at his work for a while now, starting when I flicked to the back page of the Guardian Weekend where he still has a weekly spot. See here for most of the articles: http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/series/lucy-mangan-weekend-column

I don't actually buy the Guardian, but every time I'm home and any time my mum posts me anything, a magazine cut-out is always included.

The work is so different from mine (oh I wish I could be more similar) but the passion for paint is there! Beautiful colours, awe inspiring compositions and so much imagination. I LOVE.

http://www.demetriospsillos.com/

Alex Monroe Ring. Yes Please.

2010-06-14T12:27:00.000+01:00

Recession Cookbook

2010-06-09T17:14:00.002+01:00

More spreads from the book I illustrated. Despite this being a small side project I think I've learnt from these pieces. I used gouache for the brightly coloured backgrounds which works well with the detail of the watercolour. I like the matt thickness to the paint, especially with my favourite font Futura.

Design Week Online Blog

2010-06-09T16:52:00.004+01:00

A nice little surprise after the degree show:

Visit: http://www.designweek.co.uk/home/blog/blog-archive/a-new-range-of-talent/3014284.article to see my work.

Keyrings

2010-06-09T16:41:00.004+01:00

If you're lucky I'll send you one.

Introducing...

2010-06-09T12:12:00.002+01:00

Hergé the rabbit in one of her cutest poses.

MoDA Museum's Arthur Silver Award 2010

2010-06-07T10:51:00.003+01:00

I was 'Highly Commended' for my entry to the Arthur Silver award. It was a cookery book inspired by food of the 50's and 60's- all artifical colouring and elaborate garnishing. I thought the 'make do' attitude was rather relevant to the current economical situation. More spreads can be seen on my website.

New site

2010-06-06T18:18:00.006+01:00

New online portfolio of my best and most recent work. Visit at www.hollyexley.com.

Degree Show!

2010-06-06T16:41:00.003+01:00

Some pictures from my degree show at the Truman Brewery from the 3rd to the 5th of June.

Holly Exley Illustration

Unpaid Internships - Rights and Wrongs | Watercolour Illustrations

A degree in Illustration: Reflections on my year as a graduate. PART ONE: Spec Work (Boo!)

Reflections on my year as a graduate. PART TWO: University "Education"

Baby Doll Watercolour Illustrations

Secret 7 - My Entry | Watercolour Illustrations

New Printy Treats | Watercolour Illustrations

Art School Days

Unnecessary Preparation - Artists Advice | Watercolour Illustrations

Getting on with My New Years Resolutions | Watercolour Illustrations

My Favourite Art Materials | Watercolour Illustrations

Wedding Invitation Artwork | Watercolour Illustrations

Breakfast Food Illustrations!

Moving Out | Bristol to London & Back Again.

Doubting Yourself | Artists Advice

Things I Appreciated this Festive Season

New Years Resolutions | Watercolour Illustrations

Watercolour Illustrations | Work from 2011

Leaving London | Holly Exley Illustration

Supporting Independent Shops This Christmas

Bunny Bath Time | Giving A Rabbit A Bath

Watercolour Illustration | Vintage Sugar Shakers

Motivational Tips for Artists | Watercolour Illustrations

A Shy Girl's Survival Kit | Watercolour Illustrations

Pet Portrait Service | Watercolour Paintings

Things to Remember as an Illustrator

The Fantasy Life of Being an Illustrator | Watercolour Dreams

Home to Bristol | My Weekend in Pictures

Russian BBC GoodFood Magazine | Watercolour Food Illustration

Hackney Farm & My Lazy Weekend

Christmas Cards & Ticket Holders

Books I Have Read Whilst Commuting

Stack & Colophon Present Printout! at The Book Club

My Weekend in Pictures | Autumn's Here

SMUG Pop Up Print Shop Private View

Etsy Shop Has Launched!

Back to Blog | Food Illustration

The Diary of a Girl with Two Jobs

Vintage Tea Cups and Cutlery Paintings

Dogs waiting.

My Painting Companion

Face Painting!

Illustrated Map & Floor Plan

Reflections on my year as a graduate. PART TWO: University "Education"

Male Models...Mmmm.

Chickens

A collection of things that remind me of you.

A degree in Illustration: Reflections on my year as a graduate. PARTONE: Spec Work (Boo!)

Collections - Old Films

Salt and Pepper Shakers

Fashion - Moody Models

More from Stockholm - a fellow 'Watercolourer'

Fashion - Tropical

Collections - Oh sugar!

Collections - Cutlery

Stockholm - illustrated map

Collections - Star Wars Weaponry

Recent Events

Ferment Zine

Prints prints prints of my work!

Yellowstone Art Boutique

Pet Portrait service!

Patchwork

Dazed Digital

Pet Portraits

Hey Little Lion Girl

Ballad Of Nanny Floff

Scoffing!

Le Saucisson

Ballad Of Issue 4

Christmasy Feelings

Tudor Houses

Lived-in Letters

Big Ginger Moggy Portrait

Fashion Is Not Really My Thing...

Winter Beauties

Turkey (frogs) Legs

Gabriel's Making Pizza!

Gabriel's Book Of Recipes

Wrapping Paper!