From a simple illustration to a sticker

From a simple illustration to a sticker

I remember at some point I was drawing on an A4 label paper, then cutting these drawings into squares to make easy stickers. Later it became a bit more complicated with digital illustrations, printing process and cutting by hand. I was a bit hesitant to buy any cutting machine. I heard some are really having a hard time with these machines. It takes time and a lot of experimenting to be able to make stickers with them. But I did give in and bought the Cricut Joy. Why Cricut Joy? I have a small working space so the size of the Cricut Joy just works well for me. I’m not also a technical person so I didn’t want to spend more money on a product that I probably end up not using.

But I’m getting the hang of it. In fact, it is so fun, addicting and somehow, relaxing. The important point in using this machine is to really understand each process, not just simply following the step by step procedures. Once I understood why a process must be done, I was able to create my own workflow. In just two weeks, I have somehow mastered the process. Although, I have to say that it is indeed a lot of experimenting to get it right. But I got there while learning through my mistakes on the way. I can’t wait to finally be able to sell physical stickers, not just printable ones.

Making BT21 fan art stickers for fun
Turning my cake illustrations into stickers

What is your sticker making process? Please don’t hesitate to share your process with me. And if you have any questions, just reach out. Thanks!

Weekly Spread: Design your own template on Procreate

Weekly Spread: Design your own template on Procreate

Hello everyone! I’m happy to announce that I’m now working on my next Skillshare class on designing a Weekly Spread template on Procreate. This time, we will be using the digital stickers that I created for the class. It will be fun! Meanwhile if you haven’t already, please check out my previous class on how to design your own Monthly Spread template using Procreate here. Thanks!

Here is an example of a Weekly Spread I designed on Procreate:

Also, I’m giving away a 12-month Skillshare membership. If you have followed me on Skillshare, created a project and gave a review to any of my classes by the 1st of June, you will be automatically included in the raffle draw. The winner will be announced on the 5th of June. Thank you for supporting me on Skillshare!

UPDATE: This class has already been published. Please have a check here. Thanks!

I finally bought it!

I finally bought it!

I took the plunge and finally bought a Cricut Joy! My greatest fear was my weakness in following instructions. I don’t want overly technical stuff and my brain shuts when I hear numbers. I decided to get the Cricut Joy because what if I don’t get to use it. But here I am making the most of it and I’m really enjoying it. I’m quite surprise myself! 🙂

My first try!
My second try!
And now let’s try a more complicated design!

The Cricut Joy doesn’t do print and cut. So there is a hack that I learned to go around it, realising my mistakes along the way. But getting there and happy about it. Can’t wait to finally start selling my sticker designs!

Do you have a sticker cutting machine? What do you use it for? Are you happy about it?

A Drawing a Day

A Drawing a Day

One kind of journaling that I started this year is called A Drawing a Day. It’s really fun and I have a journal dedicated only to this daily activity. I draw something simple without much thought, effort or time put into it. No pressure to be perfect, purely for the joy of it. I even draw on the couch! Have you started yours?

These daily drawings are prompted by Kamo from her book, How to Draw Almost Every Day.

EV Visuals turns 3!

EV Visuals turns 3!

I’ve never regretted starting this journey 3 years ago! In November, I even ventured out and started to teach on Skillshare after receiving a grant from Arts Promotion Centre Finland. What more, I’ve became a more confident online graphic facilitator after a series of Webinars. Thanks to you all for your love and support!

To celebrate this third year, here is a short clip on how to make a quick stamp brush on Procreate as a token of thanks. Please enjoy learning with me! This will also be a bonus video in my next Skillshare class on how to design a bullet monthly journal template on Procreate. Please look forward to it. Thanks!

Visual Selfie

Visual Selfie

As people start the year with a new journal, some have been asking what to put on the first page. One idea is an introduction of themselves. But how do you do this in a fun and creative way?

I have been creating visual introductions of myself or what some people might call a visual selfie for a while now. I’ve also covered this in my visualisation workshops. Here are some of the examples:

And here is the latest one from my Skillshare profile:

I hope these examples are helpful and give you a bit of inspiration. Let me know if you need more examples as I have a few more in my sketchbooks. Thanks!

February mini spread

February mini spread

One thing that I really enjoy is preparing a spread for my mini journal. I create spreads on Procreate in my iPad then have them printed. I’m always happy of how they turned out.

Are you interested in printable templates? Please let me know! I’m in the process of planning a class on Skillshare on creating monthly journal spread on Procreate. This template is also now available here. Thanks!

UPDATE: This class has now been published. Please have a check here. Thanks!

It’s here!

It’s here!

It’s finally here! The year 2022! The year I’ve been looking forward to! Would this year be better than last year? Well, that remains to be seen. But let’s try our best to make this a better year than last year.

There is a 2022 calendar I’ve created. This can be printed out, cut and paste to your planners, journals or to any surface you like. Happy new year to all! 🙂

Calendar 2022

And this what happened on Mochi island. Happy new year from Emiko and friends!