Notes from the studio: November

November already? How did we get here? It’s been a month of preparing for new drops in the new year (as I conquer my fear of illustrating one little detail).

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Can I tell you a secret? I love developing concepts, I love thinking of ideas, I love starting the design process… but once I get into the thick of designing, the thrill of a new idea starts to fizzle and it gets harder to stay on track and not start something new again! (See point 1, I love thinking of ideas). Sometimes the creating flows almost all the way to the finish line… until I get up to the trickiest part of all: drawing hands. 🫣

So, if you’re wondering why it feels like a while between designs sometimes, just know, I’m in my study looking at my handless creations and psyching myself up to do the scary thing. I should be honest, I brought this on myself. When I first began Femme Vivante, there were no hands in sight. Now, as I’ve developed my style, I tend to aim for the full picture which unfortunately for me means hands must be drawn.

The storm doesn’t last forever. Once I defeat the final boss of drawing this last detail and complete the design, the thrill is absolutely back because now I get to finalise it on a product and see it in physical form. It’s such sweet satisfaction to go from ‘on the screen’ to ‘in my hands’ but the ultimate satisfaction is seeing it in your hands! I think it will always be the best feeling ever - seeing you connect with Femme Vivante illustrations and loving them just as much as I do.

Creep at my early designs with no hands at @femmevivanteau and let me know what style you like best. Should I bring back the minimal concept? Or keep expanding the details?

I can’t wait to bring you more soon.

Rach x