The Make it in Design team love nothing more than to celebrate all of the wonderful work, energy and dedication of our Live Hub members. Our members are what make The Live Hub such a supportive, wonderful, magical place and we want to acknowledge that.
Each month we select the “Member of The Month’ so that we can showcase our members work and shine a creative spotlight on them! Recently we have selected CJ Southern for spreading her creativity and positivity into the member’s club – congratulations and thank you!
About CJ Southern:
I’ve wanted to be an artist since I could hold crayons. I took college courses in design, interior design, and watercolor during my high school years, but I didn’t go into college for art right away. My family wasn’t supportive and talked me out of pursuing an artistic career over and over. Nothing else I studied or tried ever felt like the right fit. I did eventually make my way to college for fine arts though. I didn’t have a plan or focus, I just needed to do it.
What brings you joy?
Currently it’s the rediscovery of my creative talents and developing new skills. There hasn’t been a day gone by this past year that I haven’t learned something new. Sometimes it’s a technical skill or technique, other times it’s something about myself and my creative style. I’ve had quite a few aha moments in recent months. My husband and son are my biggest cheerleaders. They’ve been extremely encouraging and often just as excited about what I’m up to as I am, which means the world to me. My husband told me not long ago that he’s been waiting for years to see me get back on this path. He’s literally been throwing whatever tools and help I need my way to make sure it happens. My heart is so full and I’m fortunate to have such strong support.
Which is your favourite market(s) to design for and why?
I’m not sure yet as I’m still carving out my path. I’m open to exploring, there’s so many possibilities! I’d love to see my work on just about anything. I’ve been working to get a Spoonflower shop going and I’ve really enjoyed seeing my designs come to life on fabric. I recently created some digital artwork for a metal band album as a favor to friend. That’s a bit out of the norm for my typical style, but it was interesting and fun!
What are you working on currently?
I’m currently working on building up my portfolio with the main goal being to create some solid collections. I’m spending time learning more about the business side of things and working on ways to continue to improve on my technical skills. I plan to spend the rest of this year creating and experimenting artistically as much as possible and working towards the launch of my personal website. I feel like I’m getting closer to really finding my personal style and I want to continue to see where that takes me. I’m also reworking through Module 2. I was almost done when I decided I wanted to go back through the material and revisit some parts.
How has Make it in Design helped your work evolve /grow?
MIID has been invaluable for shining a light on what’s out there in the way of creative possibilities and opportunities. MIID has challenged me to try and retry skills and to think about themes, colors, and concepts I otherwise might not have. There’s knowledge I’ve gained from the MIID community that I wished I’d had 10 plus years ago. There’s always something new to learn! I’ve also been able to connect with other amazing and supportive artists! I’ve become much less shy about sharing and connecting with others.
Any aha moments during the journey you would like to share?
That it’s okay to be where I am right now. I’m not behind in life, it’s not too late for me. I’ve finally been able to shake off some self-doubt, which has allowed me to focus and find joy in what I’m doing right now, not focusing on what I regret not doing 10 or 15 years ago.
What are your key successes since finding Make it in Design?
Personal growth is a big one! I’ve experienced a big jump in my technical skills, confidence, and creativity in less than a year utilizing MIID courses, the Live Hub, Winter and Summer School. I’m not afraid to share my work and progress anymore. For the longest time I thought I had to have “perfect” work to share and that I wasn’t good enough. But I’ve found nothing but a supportive and like-minded community through MIID. The thought of a successful creative career doesn’t feel out of reach or unrealistic anymore. I feel prepared to continue tackling my goals!
What’s your dream design gig?
Being able to work for myself with a steady income and flexibility. That sounds vague I suppose. I’m keeping an open mind to consider whatever comes my way as I get more of my work out there and launch my website. I do plan to sell art prints and other items through my own website and continue to experiment with print on demand options while I continue to explore.
Best tip/advice for Make it in Design students.
Engage with the community and take in all the information MIID provides. The information put out monthly on the Live Hub alone is gold! Even if you are already proficient at a skill being shown in a tutorial, watch it anyway. You’ll always learn something. I now know about a half dozen or so ways to create a basic repeat tile across several applications now because everyone has a different teaching style or preferred method. Go in with a beginner’s mindset and be receptive to new ideas.
How do you stay motivated?
I’m always excited to dig into anything art related so it’s not often difficult to motivate myself. I do keep a planner and a running to do list to help me focus and stay grounded. Since I don’t have a job currently, I give myself deadlines for my projects and goals. Last year I started keeping a kind of creative wish list of classes I want to take or projects I’d like to try. I pull from the list when I feel in need of an idea or something to do. I also keep it as a way of acknowledging ideas that pop up without just running to start a new project at the same time I’m working on others. I aim to stay very organized. It’s easy for me to get overwhelmed with taking on too much.
As a reminder please make sure that when posting on your public social media be sure to tag @makeitindesign and #miidlivehub so we can see what you are doing and we can repost your work.
