believe

This questionnaire was passed on to me from Jazzie Fizzle from FizzleOut blog. I have always wanted to participate in a chain-blog post, and so I was delighted to receive this in conjunction with Sportsgirl - one of my favourite shops.

Q: As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A: I wanted to be many things as a child, but first and foremost - a Princess. Captured in drawings of orange haired girls in pink dresses with tall pointy crowns. I haven't exactly reached such a status, but my imagination let my aspirations also float in the directions of an artist, an actress, a singer and a ballerina.

Q: Did you make this dream come true or change your mind?

A: I have never drifted too far from the realm of Performing and Visual Arts, as my childhood aspirations encompass. So, let's see: Artist (tick!), Actress (hmm... debatable - drama queen?) and Singer (in the shower and automobile, most definitely), I have accomplished to certain extents. I wanted to study Fine Art Acting upon leaving school, but for the security of a pretty penny I chose to pursue a career in Graphic Design at the age of 17 and have stuck with this and my love of illustration and illustrating, ever since. Perhaps a role on stage will come my way some day. Ballerina? I wish! This Lady is so inflexible, however the grace has never fallen from my mind as I float around work or the house.

Q: What is your fave childhood memory?

A: In my childhood years, my brother, sister and I spent many summers at my Grandad's swimming like three little fish, though the one fond childhood memory that rings a bell is around Christmas 1995. The parents are by the pool at the tables and BBQ, whilst my cousins, siblings and I flit in and out of the pool staring into the starry sky. We're excited - the kind of excited you want to jump up and stamp your feet in quick succession. It's Christmas Eve, and we're trying to spot Santa with his sleigh and reindeer in the night sky. The Milky Way proved to be a marvellous thing, and kept us entertained and excited until we had exhausted ourselves. 

It's nice to reflect upon those times of complete and utter happiness, brimming with the innocence of childhood, teaming with imagination.

Q: The biggest dream you have right now?

A: Wow. Well, where do I start? I have many, but I want 2012 to be my year to more openly establish a successful and steady freelance Art + Design business (this blog is the namesake). To gain illustration commissions, dip my finger in the photography jar and recognition enough to earn, enjoy and live off more of what I love. Projecting positive thoughts into the Universe and talking to God, I hope to pack my bags and see more of this amazing world and perhaps settle in a far off land for some time. New York? Great Britain? Europe? ... and work along the way. Ultimately, I want to absorb all the beautiful unknown and use such inspiration in my work life. That is my BIG dream, right now.

Q: Your summer must-have pick from the current Sportsgirl range?

A: This season it's all about those gorgeous hues of Pacific blue and Aquamarine, and teaming that with a bright burnt orange (or simply, my hair) I think you've found yourself a Hit! So my picks from the current Sportsgirl range channel just that... now to just take a stroll in the sweet balmy Brisbane air...

And three lovely bloggers to pass this on to:

Casey from Staar Guitar,

Jasmine from Red Hair & Freckles, and

Katie from House Of Humble

Pop over to these Ladies stellar blogs - for me, they're daily reads!

january

I think you should all have one of these lovely desktop calendars for January. So sweet.

{made by Rebekka from Dear Friend}

wise words

I'm my usual daily blog reads I came across an inspirational post by Elsie Larson from A Beautiful Mess. I sometimes feel so bogged down with work, uni and other commitments, wanting to spend time with friends and family and ultimately refine my skills and hang on to the strength of the notion that "I know where I'm going"... but in all honesty life sometimes gets the better of you and you have to remember (as Elsie said);

It takes time (sometimes many years) to develop a vision and learn your "craft". Wherever you are, don't rush the learning process. The more time you spend developing your skills and style, the better.

So let life carry you away a little and dip your finger in every jar... the sky is the limit and soon enough you'll find your niche.

Try & enjoy the ride.

well wished

I once read that there is 'no such thing as powerful as the intensity of a child's wish'... and in my www. travels this evening I came across the most gorgeous wish list created by one half of a blogging pair I follow, when he was a wee one.

It's bound to make you smile, if not chuckle a little aswell.

Sweet isn't it?

You can check out this lovely pairs blog just here.

{Image courtesy of House Of Humble}

some say

... chivalry's not dead.

In this case, I'd agree.

Where is that elusive Prince Charming?

{find yourself some blog love}

take flight

Agree? I think it's time to set it free.

{image found here}

and another thing

... to keep in mind.

I'll definitley be printing this one out!

{found here}

swift, silky animation

Thought of You from Ryan J Woodward on Vimeo.

{found via the rockstar diaries}

positive number seven

I also follow an amazing 'one man, one wheeled' tyke called Rémy, from South Africa. His blog has won awards for photography and is constantly producing great work. Not to mention his twitter ramble is always entertaining.

Be sure to check him and his work out. His revamped site is quite impressive.

www.remythequill.com

positive number six

For the past couple of years I've been inspired, intrigued and enjoyed following these blogs:

the rockstar diaries

a beautiful mess

little chief honeybee

The rockstar diaries was an intial inspiration for beginning my blog. The story of Josh and Naomi (taza and husband) and now their mischievous bulldog, Kingsley. A welcomed distraction and inspiration for a challenging time in my life.

Still following their beautiful story to this day, and what begun as an uncertain creative outlet, my blog is now as concrete and alive and well as the rockstar diaries.

Check these bloggers out.

oh nostalgia!

I found this image while perusing new blogs this morning. This is from a lovely blog called modern nostalgia. The name is self-explanatory really, and if your up for a little daydream or just want to float through a blog - then this is the one for you.

I particularly like this one as it reminds me of my Grandma, the gorgeous golf tycoon she was... and the days when I played golf. Yes, it's true. I even won a tournament.

Makes you go to vintage glam-up and hit the course doesn't it?

chime!

Congratulations to Elsie Flannagan (of a beautiful mess blog) & Jeremy Larson on their recent engagement!

I've been following Elsie's blog for some time now, and find the moment just enchanting. Gorgeous... sigh.

Such a beautiful story :: see here <3

{images via abeautifulmess}

f*** you very much

In perusing Hot Pearl Snatch this evening and her latest post, in particular - I have come across and delightful boundary-pushing, amusing, shocking, giggle-worthy blog - fuck you very much. And what tops it off is the name, actually... after all fuck you, is the new thankyou.


And I dare say Lily'd be proud.

Go and have a cheeky peek.

thankyou

I'm so excited, and have you lovely followers, friends and family to thank for all the positive feedback on my little blog,

for the quill and ink.

Something I do take seriously and hold close to my heart. For me, this blog is all about creative inspiration, a rant here and there, and an insight into my 24 year old life here in Brisbane Australia. It's also a place where I can share my design and collective (beautiful image hording) talents.

It's been well over a year now, and I'm so proud that my little project is still going strong. I have even managed to inspire some of you good folk -- which to me is an incredible bonus.

I was first inspired to begin my blog when I moved back to my parents house in Inverell, New South Wales in March last year, when I came upon the rockstar diaries. I've mentioned her many times and can't say enough how much I love this blog. Taza, her Husband and Kingsley tell a simple and gorgeous story about life, as they know it - as it is. And it's lovely. From New York to DC their story is always one that grabs my attention. Since then I've been living in Brisbane (again) for just over a year, sometimes you just need a good time-out when life gets a little too hectic - and that's exactly what that three month stint at home did for me. It's the Sunshine State and even though winter has been a little nippy - you be hard pressed to find better weather anywhere else. You should visit sometime!

Being a major twittererererer, I've also gained the following (and follow) some amazing creative people both in Australia and worldwide, and apart from getting a kick out of tweeting, I can't recommend enough what a valuable networking tool this really is -it has coincided with my blog effortlessly. I'm always on the lookout for more inspiring people too, so feel free to send me a link to your blog, webpage or twitter account - I'd love to know what creative talents you have hidden up your sleeve.

It's cheesy, but I always get excited and run to Andy or Amy saying 'I've got a new follower!' accompanied by a wee dance or a huge grin - it truly makes my day.

Forgive my rant, but I'm in such a fine mood today and after an easy day at work, I'm at home in the lounge blogging away in the company of my lil sis and Weasley, that I just had to say

thankyou.

You may not realise it, but having this blog and your following friendships makes the day a little bit brighter.

Enjoy your Tuesday evening. I shall mine.

raw heart

So I've just come across a link to my little cousin, Victoria's (aka Tia) blog. And holy sweet mother of God... I love it. She has an eye for picking awesome creative fashion photography, and I love her use of type. Maybe it's the layout of tumblr... I don't know - but seriously. I'm going to have to go get the washing out of the dryer, have a cigarette and keep on reading.

It's a little full on at times, but reminds me so much of me when I was her age. I had journals upon journals, upon torn up pages of poetry in every drawer, nook and cranny. And I'm sure if blogging was big seven years ago - I would have wanted to have something similar to this.

Kudos little Miss, for having the courage to

bear your soul.

adropintheoceann.tumblr.com

{Tia > to the right}

wwwwhhhhaaaaat?

Four hours sleep after a freelance job last night, and this nightowl if functioning surprisingly well. A spritely wake-up call from the lil sis (door flung open and blinding light switched on), and my day began.

Checked tights, a funky black dress, grey cardi, Burberry scarf, red nails, red patent ballet flats, a slick of mascara, rouge and Lady Danger (see fabulous lipstick below) - and I was dressed and ready to take on this rainy Brisbane day.

 Bummed that I couldn't wear my brand new Oxfords from Down The Rabbit Hole (sale on now!), due to the weather - I resorted to admired them all pristine in their box... and sourced this photo to ease the pain.

No, really. Marina and her Diamonds also helped vamp up my morning soundtrack with The Family Jewels, nibbling ever so nicely on my earphones. Doesn't make sense? See for yourself --

Pleeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaase come to Brisbane!

Loving the fact that she was rocking my morning, I had wander through marinaandthediamonds.com and stumbled across this awesome image. I'm not sure who it's by, but I like it so much I wish to frame it in a polaroid-esque fashion and stick it on my fridge. A reminder worth putting some pep into your every day.

So apart from my faffing about - I have had a rather productive day, travelling the world via my 20" screen. But I have to admit - my mind has been elsewhere (apart from twitter).

Tomorrow night Boyfriend & I are going to a friends birthday dinner (Hip, Hip! Hooray!) at the Himalayan Cafe in New Farm... and the nights attire and necessary decisions have been plaguing me. WHAT AM I GOING TO WEAR??

I'm obviously thinking of Lady Danger... perhaps the Oxfords, and channelling the style of these two ladies -- Marina & Gwen.

 

 

Perhaps a bit of sexy messiness, with a daring edge? Oh, how I need new clothes!

I'm hoping to get some 120mm film for my DianaF+ to capture the evenings escapades, however depending on spare time tomorrow I may have to rely on my trusty (or not so) digital camera. Either way, I hope to have some great pics to share with you after the event.

And so I shall leave you with a giggle - this deadline's pushing.

Enjoy your weekend!

Happy Friday!!

X

p.s. here's a quote for the weekend, thanks to David Castro of DMTintheCity:

I ride a guitar wave

called Desire.

It takes me where it wants

 to go and leaves me

  asking

  where I've been...

Find something you're really passiionate about this weekend, and go at it like hell for leather.

happy day

A year ago today, I began my little blog For The Quill And Ink (namesake of my art & design co.) with entry number one.

Essentially to serve as a place to impart my creative ramblings, finds and sources of inspiration - an untitled creative journal. ftqai has opened many doors, lead me down new avenues and brought new contacts into my creative life.

And so, in celebrating my blog birthday, I'd like to share with you some of the things that have made this last year so memorable over the next few posts.

My goal for today is to bring smiles to faces... and so far, I believe it has worked in a few ways. Tweet with me and feel the difference. Peruse some of my favourite blogs too - that tends to make me smile and fuel the creative fire.

SO, stay tuned. And have a champagne & cupcake to celebrate. X

{image sourced via google images}

dashboard finds

I love finding new sources of quirky, comfy, homely art. And this afternoon whilst scrolling through my dashboard I came across this lovely piece:

 by Melanie from Spread The Love. Simply adorable little pieces that give you a warm, fuzzy feeling. I particularly love this one, just as I love the song it quotes 'Home' by Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros. If only I had my earphones here at uni, I could be bopping along to it right now!

Well, into my For The Quill And Ink inspiration folder, and off I go to research for assignments and freelance projects for the afternoon.

Happy Monday!

What a start to the week - so much to think about.

so many

I have so many things I want to blog about today. So many. I'm at home working away at my creative space, perusing sources of inspirations and enjoying drinking tea from my new teapot... with intentions of reading my tea leaves at the bottom of my blue and white polka-dot cup.

I've so many inspirational things today. And some of it came from my lovely blog followers, perusing their pages and comments. Thank you

for contributing to my creative day :) Sometimes you just need a nudge in the right direction.

So I've collected a few pics and links for what is making me tick today in hopes of passing on some of my inspiration by sharing it with you here, on my untitled creative journal.

Enjoy! And let me know what you think!

 This gorgeous image comes from the lovely Lacey May Belle's blog The White Way of Delight. I love LOVE.

The Cool Hunter site never fails to provide many mediums of inspiration. I love this pic, and want a uber cool snow cabin like this. Sign up for their email newsletter.

I've found a new designer/typographer love, and that is Jessica Hische. The designer behind the Daily Drop Cap, not only inspires daily BUT her extensive folio found here shows her diversity and the applicable nature of her type design. I love it. Above is her typeface 'Buttermilk' and you can buy via myfonts.

Oh! And she has a show opening tomorrow night at the gallery, Lamington Drive, in Melbourne. You'll be able to purchase prints such as this gorgeous one below... Oh - come to Brisbane!

It's officially a type-love day.

Upon A Fold has gorgeous books, stationery, objects, gift cards and wrapping for every paper lover. I could spend all my money on paper goods, accessories and books. I love.

I got a new desktop background from this months featured artist, Wayne Pate, from Design*Sponge. New wallpaper is as good as a holiday! Here it is:

There's nothing like a good magazine to peruse aswell. Check out Australia's yen magazine, online or at your favourite newsagency - this is the current issue:

I really musty get going. Here's a pic of me as a wee one with my cousins... for art's sake! (I'm the ginge in the middle... who would have known?! ;P)

So many things to do. Enjoy those.

X

snap, crackle, cake pop?

Have you ever heard of Cake Pops? I came across these charming creatures while blog perusing, as usual, this morning.

Different, to say the least!

Where were these around the Wonderland Tea Party time?