Art: When Work Meets Love

 

Photo by Pixabay.com

Although art has always been a part of my life, I didn’t think of myself as an artist until recently.  When I was a child, getting a big box of crayons and a new coloring book was a treat. I remember carefully coloring and adding extra details to each page, doodling cartoon images and fancy letters on the edges of my classwork, creating complicated mazes and blueprints of my “future dream homes," and taking tole (folk art) painting classes with my grandmother. 

Doodles in my "day job." Photo by Angie Ritenour

Becoming an elementary teacher offered me ways to use my creativity and artistic skills. In the classroom, I doodled on calendars, staff meeting agendas, and on any piece of paper that was in front of me. However, creating art is a stress reliever for me, and I knew I wanted to do more of it one day.

Day job doodles. Photo by Angie Ritenour

A year and a half ago, I saw an Instagram reel about becoming a children’s book author and illustrator. I had written and shared a few stories with students, so the idea intrigued me.  

Some of the artistic tools in my studio.
 Photo by Angie Ritenour

I set up an art studio (AKA a corner in the living room where I put all of my art supplies), and plunged into the world of illustration.  I started by taking online courses where I was encouraged to join SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators).  I attended SCBWI conferences and filled 3 notepads with notes and new ideas.  I began watching videos of artists explaining their techniques and style, and I studied the illustration styles of some of my favorite picture book illustrators. I also learned how to create surface pattern designs, and opened a shop on Spoonflower, a print on demand site for wallpaper, fabric, and home décor.   All of these actions made me realize how much I loved creating art, and that I had not been giving my creative side enough attention.

My next step, which was terrifying to me, was to share my art on social media. At the time, I was full of self-doubt about my artistic ability because I was comparing myself to other artists. It took getting positive comments from friends, family, and other artists to make me realize that I maybe, just maybe, had a chance at becoming a “real” artist.

After a glowing portfolio review, being told I was ready to start querying agents, and getting feedback from other artists, I started to believe that I really was an artist!

Turning "doodles" into picture book illustrations. Photos by Angie Ritenour.

Working on character design. Photo by Angie Ritenour.

Playing with collage illustrations. Photo by Angie Ritenour

I’m not sure what the future holds, but for now, I’m learning more about the business side of illustrating and surface pattern design, honing my artistic skills, collaborating on fabric collections with designers from around the world, and conjuring up the sewing skills that I have not used in years to create home décor with fabric I created.

My first textile design, from design to fabric swatch.
 Photo by Angie Ritenour

 

Turning my surface pattern designs into fabric, wallpaper, journal covers or other décor.
Photos by Angie Ritenour

I am an artist, children’s book illustrator, surface pattern designer, and teacher. There! I said it!  I am all of those things and more. I am not famous, nor do I have a huge following on social media, but I have decided to do what I love today, in order to make my tomorrows a happier place.

If you're interested in following my journey further or checking out my designs, you'll find me here:

www.instagram.com/talentedkidzone

Spoonflower Shop

https://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/angie_ritenour_designs

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