FAQ
To be fresh out of ideas!
Dear reader, hello! I’ve committed to writing every Thursday but it’s often a mad dash to deliver. As my literary agent likes to say “assume no one knows who you are”. In that spirit, I’ve compiled a list of FAQs and generous As.
Why and how did you move to Paris?
I just graduated from college and had a year before I had to pay off my student loans. I thought it was a better time than ever to travel and figure out whatever my life would become. I found a job as a jeune fille au pair and bought a one-way ticket. If you’re young, broke and dying to move to Paris, having a visa is the first step. I recommend either going to school in France or being an au pair (although it is not always an easy gig). The following years were scrapped together with 3-month tourism visas before my husband and I decided to get married.
Do you only work in watercolor?
Mostly. Watercolor is so difficult to master that I feel like I can now use it freely after being a pro illustrator for over 10 years. I’d love to dabble in “real” paints someday, but I’m committed to watercolor for the time being.
I hate watercolor! Any tips on how to get better and maybe like it?
Thank you for not giving up; there’s still hope! No shade, but it’s easy to hate watercolor when you are working with a dime store kiddie watercolor kit that disintegrates the printer paper you are painting on. When I am teaching, I always invest my supply budget in buying decent watercolor paper and paints. The less you are fighting against your supplies, the easier it is to enjoy the process. Watercolor is a game of patience waiting for each layer to dry before applying the next. Accept that you are entering a new timezone when you pull out your paints. I don’t want to sound trite but the only way to get better at anything is to commit to doing it more often. It’s the only way so trust the process.
Can I take a course with you?
I have a few drawing and illustration courses on Skillshare which you can take at any time. If you’re interested in tacking on a trip to Paris, I’ll be teaching Paris Illustration this summer at the Paris College of Art from July 1st-12th.
How do you balance motherhood and being an artist?
I don’t. I heard someone say that motherhood has a way of cross-canceling out art making. Making art requires time and idle moments. I do my best when my kid is at school, but most days I feel like it’s never enough. You can’t have it all all at once. Self-grace, anti-depressants and red wine help me get through.
Can I preorder your book?
Ah, very kind of you to offer. But my forthcoming book with Artisan is still a Word Doc. I won’t be subtle when it is time to preorder. In the meantime, you can purchase my other books here and suggest them to your favorite local bookstore. And leaving a review on Amazon always helps authors to continue spreading the word on their books.
Do you sell your work?
Yes, I work on paper the old-fashioned way and most illustrations you see exist as an original watercolor. Feel free to drop me a line if you’re interested in purchasing an original. I also have a shop where I sell prints, made-in-France tote bags, journals and exclusive postcards.
Where do you shop for clothes in Paris?
I love the hunt of finding vintage gems and am also committed to buying second-hand as much as possible. At my local outdoor market and many others, there is a second-hand seller where I have been able to extract some amazing finds (Mugler, couture pre-couture, etc) from the mountains of used clothes. It’s more of a warm weather pastime, but I love vide grenier season, the equivalent of French garage sales. Vinted to great too if you’re looking for something very specific.
I want to be a professional illustrator. Can you help?
My advice is to draw as much from life as possible. Find inspiration in your daily life and your other interests (i.e. geology, food, space etc) to find your style and point of view. If you want to be an illustrator, be an illustrator. This means visiting galleries and museums, reading up on latest trends, investing as much time and care into your work as you can. Find a side gig too because it is a long, meandering path that may not pan out in the long-run.
Is illustration your “job”?
It’s not always easy, but yes. I cobble it together by teaching, doing commissioned work, occasional royalties and book advances.
What are your favorite places to go to in Paris?
Buy the book.
Any upcoming standup gigs?
Yes, I share these regularly on Instagram.
Have another question? Ask in the comment section below. I’ll get right back at you.
Thank you, dear reader. Stay inspired and don’t drink the watercolor water.