Last year I discovered Make Art That Sells by Lilla Rogers. Each year MATS runs a contest called MATS GTS or Make Art That Sells Global Talent Search. It seemed like a perfect opportunity to stretch my creative wings. It is a truly unique experience to participate with amazing artists from all stages in their careers. The ultimate prize is representation by Lilla Rogers Studio, but I found the experience itself wonderful. The team at Make Art That Sells creates a brief for you to follow. And you end up with an awesome piece (or more if you make it to the second round) to add to your portfolio. I am looking forward to joining again this year.
MATS Bootcamp is 5 months of briefs, and being surrounded by a creative community and a chance to enrich and add to my portfolio. I am already thinking of putting one of these into production! Bootcamp starts out the month with a warm up of sorts to explore the topic of the month. Our first mini was 1920’s Hairstyles(above are sketches from the mini and one pattern I made for Jessica Swift’s Pattern Camp Challenge) I was initially really nervous because it involves faces which I usually avoid. I decided to listen to Lilla Rogers advice (she’s very inspirational) and “Feel the fear”. I mean, really, what’s going to happen if I can’t draw a face? I found an instructional book of an artist I admire, Jane Davenport, and I started drawing. If you are looking for a creative outlet, this is a wonderful way to try out new techniques, or if you are a professional artist/designer, this community cannot be beat. 
Our second theme was Lumberjack Ornaments. I stumbled through this theme for the whole time, but I am really happy with the result. Dogs are very close to my heart, and though I started with several lumberjacks, I eventually gave in and drew what I wanted to all along….lumberjack dogs…or lumberpups. I am going to work on producing some of these little guys for the holiday season. I may even add some friends. If you want to follow my work, please follow me on Instagram @melissahourihan.
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