Join me for a DoodleTV Fireside Chat with the amazing Jane Davenport. We are talking about art journaling, favorite supplies, and how to protect your creative energy. I have been a huge fan of Jane's for years, so this was a special treat to connect with someone who I truly admire.
DB: When did your Art Journaling first get activated?
JD: I had a career incident that robbed me of my creative confidence. It was such a tragic experience that I felt kind of lost creatively. And I did a little workshop that was run by a local art place, and it was called, "6 Secrets of Creativity". The teacher had this art journal and she looked at me and said, "You would love art journaling."
I had been an artist for years and I had sketchbooks, diaries and made lists but they were all in separate books. And then she brought her art journal on the second day of class and it was like angels, mermaids, rainbows, and unicorns all flew out, and it kicked off this incredible creative freedom. Because the art journal is just for you.
It started a whole journey for me. I just love working in a journal now. I love the opening and closing of a book. You can take your art journal with you. You don't have to show it to anyone if you don't want to. It is really just for you, and I have learned to be careful who I show my work to over the years.
There are so many lessons in keeping an art journal and it is so nourishing and enriching as an artist. No matter where you are on your creative path. And there is so much therapy, self-therapy you can give yourself.
DB: What made you decide to start recording video lessons, writing books, and creating products - and how has that journey transformed you?
I started teaching online when I was asked to collaborate on a project called, "21 Secrets" and I said yes before I could say no. I did not even have a video camera at the time. I had a camera, but not a video camera. And I just thought I would just work it out. So I made a little lesson called, "Draw Happy" and it was really popular so I decided to teach a little lesson on my website.
My goal was to get 50-100 people. I thought that would be amazing. And I opened the workshop and had hundreds of people sign up for it. And it was called SUPPLIES ME and it was all about art supplies. I wanted to make this lesson because walking into an art supply store can be intimidating. And in Australia we do not have big art supply stores like Michaels. They are rather small and can feel overwhelming.
And since then I have made 18 online workshops, and they are huge workshops with in-depth lessons. Some of them I am bringing my books to life, some I am teaching skills and others are to build your confidence.
DB: I have seen little windows into your work space...What is your best advice for some creating their own art space (big and small)?
JD: I have a philosophy that everything should be within hug distance. If I can reach it, I will use it. I have designed products as well as storage hotels for organizing my materials. Some things are stored horizontally and others are stored in cups for keeping things vertical. I have all my inks, paints and pencils nearby for ease of use.
I have found that things that I store far away from my worktable never get touched. If you have a new art supply that you have never used, put it out within hug distance and see if you use it. Try to make yourself use it. And if you don't, and six months have passed and you still are not using it. You will then know it is time to give it to someone else or sell it.
All art supplies have a shelf life and they want to be happy. So you might as well set them free to life their best life.
DB: What is your process for dreaming up new art supplies and bringing them to market?
JD: When I was first asked to design art supplies I was a little nervous. And I thought, "Hasn't everything been done?" And then I thought about it more and I realized, "no it hasn't".
I've invented a new type of paint that is coming out next month. I've invented a new type of watercolor that I created last night. I love not only creating the formula but also thinking about how the new art supply can be used by other artists. If you are not an artist, you have no idea how people will use your product. I am surprised how many art supplies are created by people who are not artists and no artist even touched them. It is all done on computers and in labs and think tanks and artists don't touch them until it is "out in the wild".
I'm always thinking of new things and I have so much planned because the world is changing right now. And there will be a shift in the market and then there will be a resurgence of designers.
My goal is to make products that you want to create with every day. I want you to fill your art space and baskets with art supplies that make you think, "I want to touch them." And then let the artwork flow from there. And let the supplies bring you happiness. And the world really needs happiness right now.
DB: We have a lot of people just starting their journey of discovering their own creativity...how do you protect your creative energy?
JD: As a professional right now in my career, what I know is that there are times in my life where I have to show up and be creative. And what I know for a fact is that if you show up to the paper, if you give the pens and pencils a chance, it will come to you. Even if you are exhausted.
Even when you think you have nothing, this is why I give creative prompts in my group. If you give yourself just 3 minutes, you will be surprised what turns up on the page. Just start moving your pencil, something will happen. On a daily basis, I know you can switch creativity on. Because I have had to do that forever.
DB: Jane, you are a true inspiration. I am so happy every time I use your art supplies and grateful for the joy you bring to the world.
Links to all things Jane Davenport:
