Do you love art? Greeting cards? Well, then Archer Paper Goods, Little Desk Drawer & I have a few tricks & treats up our sleeves for you. Click on the picture for details and to register. Hope to see you there!
I just wrapped up an exciting illustration project for the Midtown Alliance Annual Meeting, which was held last Wednesday, February 8, at the Fox Theatre. Along with the opportunity to do totally FUN and meaningful art revolving around city life, working with their the creative team at Midtown Alliance was a wonderful experience. I was also fortunate to receive a write-up about Little Desk Drawer in their newsletter. Click here to see it!
CODA at Tech Square in Midtown Atlanta.
Good morning from Midtown Atlanta. Soon, I’ll get back to creating new greeting cards for the SFSH fall/holiday line. (I’ve had to take a break from art lately because of some life changes.)
My father passed away in May and I flew back to Denver for his memorial, to see my sister and make arrangements. Upon return, it was time to pack-up our apartment in the northern Atlanta burbs and move to the city. Since I work from home and everything, literally everything - Piedmont Park, Starbucks, Dunkin', Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, High Museum of Art, etc. - is within walking distance now, I sold my VW Jetta. (I’m a weirdo and love to drive, but actually, don’t miss it at all.) My husband recently gave me a Garmin watch. So, my new hobby is tracking daily walking mileage, which has been around 12,000 steps or 5 miles a day.
We also downsized to a loft style condo. I’m loving the open space, but we all need our “down” time. So, currently awaiting the handyman to install a barn door to separate the bedroom from the rest of the house.
Now that the silverware has found it's correct drawer and my toiletries are no longer jumbled in a big box under the sink, I’ve had a little time to explore the city. This morning, snooped around Tech Square - just two blocks from our new pad and part of Georgia Tech with the highest density of startups, corporate innovators and academic researchers in the entire Southeastern United States. There’s fantastic new architecture to gawk at on West Peachtree including the headquarters of Norfolk Southern, Anthem and CODA, a vast interconnected mixed use workspace designed to encourage innovation.
These are some of the "steps" I'm taking as I reimagine my new life in Midtown. What steps have you taken lately to follow your life's dreams?
Wishing you a happy and inspired June,
Sharna
My Dad, John Fulton passed away at the young at heart age of 88 on May 17, 2022. He was my tennis coach, mentor and relentless supporter of my artistic pursuits. He and I shared a love of words and I became a writer and an illustrator because of him. When I was a young child, he’d already written a novelette, Shallbelove, a love story set in the galaxy. At night, he would point to the sky and say, “there’s “Shallbelove.”
Next to Andy Rooney, my dad was the world’s biggest curmudgeon. While his motto was “if you’re going to do something, do it graciously” - and he did - he could also be extremely direct and was never afraid to be himself. His favorite outfit was ink stained sweatpants, a shirt with a felt marker in the pocket and a University of Texas baseball cap. (And that was on a dress-up day.) I could write pages and pages about my Dad, but instead I’ll tell you three things I’ve discovered about him over the past few days after his death.
1) Build people up. I recently told my dad that he worked hard at his friendships. He told me it wasn’t work. At a memorial get together held by his fellow “Coffee Klatch” members, a group he founded in 2013, I found out how much others will miss him, too. My dad built people up and encouraged communication even if you didn’t agree. And there were plenty of those times. His friend, PK Kaiser, the Arapahoe County Assessor credits my dad for helping him get elected. On his Facebook obituary, PK wrote, “What I am today is because of John Fulton. I never knew if John adopted me as an immigrant kid, a son, a friend, or a guinea pig for testing his political ideas. But in all roles, he did a lot to bring me to where I am today. He taught me everything, from handshaking to public speaking, to dress code, to improving my accent.”
2) Get involved. My dad started out as a news and PR guy, then switched to sales for the majority of his career. But it wasn’t until he retired that he found his true calling as a democrat involved in local politics serving as House Chair for District 40 in Arapahoe County, CO. He also volunteered at the local Dem office, campaigned over the phone and door-to-door and took doughnuts to candidates running for election. He started the “Coffee Klatch” group in 2013 so his fellow dems would have a low key way to meet and exchange ideas. They met at Panera once a month, the same place where we held his memorial service this past Tuesday. Not only did my dad’s volunteerism and commitment to a cause make a difference in local politics, it made him feel connected and gave him a purpose in life bigger than himself.
3) Live your own truth. Growing up with an independent thinking and direct dad was uncomfortable at times. But I came to find out this past week amongst his friends, colleagues and neighbors that people loved him not in spite of it, but because of it. While I think my dad underestimated his value, he was brave and courageous all the way to the end. Choosing to leave this earth on his own terms at home, without home care - thank goodness for Carol, a nurse who tended to him, Everett his best friend who visited him daily, Judy his housekeeper and Collette a neighbor who cooked him meals - my Dad completed his life on his own terms in the place he settled with my mom - his wife of 62 years to raise their two daughters and many, many cats.
As the days dwindled, we talked on the phone every day about our (daily) agendas. He shared what was happening with his health but never complained once about his ailments. We mostly talked sports, his love for University of Texas athletics, new favorite team, the Golden State Warriors and my team, the Boston Celtics. We also both happened to love Steph Curry.
When you buy hydrangeas as your “weekly flower purchase” at Trader Joe’s . Then, see gorgeous peonies at Whole Foods. #flowersplurge #artistlife
Happy spring from my home state of Georgia where arguably our greatest annual tradition just wrapped up its 85th year. Did you know the Masters was named after "the masters" who played the game of golf? Today, just mentioning the first grand slam event of the year conjures up images of 18 impeccably landscaped holes, the green jacket and pink azalea. Oh, those pink azaleas!
While I'm not a golfer, I LOVE all that "The Masters" has come to symbolize. Elegance. Perfection. Tradition. And that's what makes it a great name.
In fact, ever since I decided to create a greeting card line in 2021 - thanks to the encouragement of Mitzi, English, Kelly and Elizabeth to name a few - I've wondered how I could come up with a name that stands the test of time, too.
My process went sort of like this. After brainstorming two pages worth of names and checking to see if their URLs were available, I got the list down to about 10. Next, I shared them with a handful of close colleagues and ideal target market - I've known for several years - many on social media and spread throughout the United States. Plus, my parents and husband who know me well.
I cannot express how thankful I am to this "committee" for their generous and smart input and feedback. It was a challenging process and I needed help! One particular friend, a former client and buyer for a resort golf shop in Florida came up with a few amazing names but inevitably encouraged me to use my own. Similarly, a close friend/yoga studio manager in Georgia and a customer/partner of a law firm in Ohio convinced me of the same.
When all was said and done, the decision was to be made! As an artist getting ready to launch my first greeting card line in Sugar Hill, GA - it was so obvious.
Sharna Fulton Sugar Hill
I hope you like it. I hope you grow to like it as I create cards that are classic with a modern twist. Cards that help you express your feelings and connect with all of the NAMES who are important in YOUR life.
I hope to create a new logo soon to share with you soon. And with that said, here are a few samples of what's in the works!
Sharna
HI there!
I hope this email finds you happy and healthy. It's hard to believe a year's gone by since the country "shut down." So, I got to thinking about how my life as a creative person has changed these past 12 months. While, as you know, it hasn't always been easy, this unique time has helped me grow as an artist. With that said, here's how to survive as an illustrator during a pandemic.
1. Get laid off. Due to Covid, I unfortunately lost a very good communications job. While my bank account took a huge hit, the extra time I had to focus on illustrating paid off as the quality of my work improved. It also gave me a breather to reevaluate my writing career and find the right day job that's compatible with my goals to grow my illustration biz.
2. Go viral. I'm talking about marketing, not the coronavirus. With extra time on my Purell sanitized hands, I created a wish list of art directors I wanted to work with and began emailing them monthly. My big breakthrough came on a Saturday morning in November when I opened an email from Savannah Magazine asking me to do four editorial illustrations for an article on school choices during the pandemic! The rest is history! You can read the article and see my illos here.
3. Social distance, but stay connected. They say extroverts get energy from other people, while introverts get it from being alone. I'm a hybrid of both, but as an artist, I'm more of an - Continue reading
As a creative person freelancing from home, I thrive in a space that's bright, colorful and clutter-free. That's because a happy place creates "flow” and flow creates results. With that said, here are "my" seven ways to brighten your day and reach your goals in flying colors this year.
1. Three words. Location. Location. Location. Start with the space. The room doesn't matter. It could even be a nook in a corner of the living room as long as it gives off good vibes and nobody goes near your stuff!
2. Tidy up. Keep things neat and reduce daily clutter. Yes, I said "daily." By putting things away and subscribing to the "less is more" philosophy, you establish a routine and always have an inviting space to enter.
3. Let in the light. There's nothing like natural light. It just makes everything less "officey." For burning the midnight oil or working at 5 a.m. like I do, add an inexpensive decorative lamp to your desk. Target and Home Goods are my "go to" for these.
4. Plant a plant. Studies show plants are calming, boost creativity and increase productivity. Plus, they just look really, really nice. You don't need a jungle. A simple fiddle leaf fig, a favorite for interior designers, on the floor next to your desk will do. You could also score a cute cactus to set next to your stapler. Or be like me and treat yourself to fresh cut Gerbera Daisies from Trader Joe's once a week.
5. Bye bye stickie notes.* Use a daily planner. This is the second year, I've embraced the use of a daily planner and I can't tell you what a difference it makes. I'm not suggesting intensely bullet journaling every second of your day, though some wouldn't have it any other way. I'm talking about a nice hard cover book that opens flat to write down your accomplishments for today and plans for tomorrow so you don't forget. My planner also has pockets to keep important docs I may need in the next month or two near at hand without having to file or stuff them in a drawer. *And by the way, I still use stickie notes, because they're colorful and fun.
6. Stock up on your favorite pens and pencils as well as office supplies. After years of experimentation, I now know my writing looks best when I use a black Paper Mate Flair Pen. (Like father, like daughter. Also, my Dad's favorite.) And while I'm fascinated with art pencils, a simple Bic mechanical pencil does the job because I don't have to sharpen it. I keep one of each in the middle of my planner, my bag and another secret cubby in my house so I can always write and draw at a moment's notice with my favorite instrument.
7. Decorate your office like you're an interior decorator. Your work space should be so fabulous you can't wait to get there. So pick a palette of two to three colors. You might pick an upholstered chair from West Elm, then get a patterned throw pillow and print that goes with it. Also, keep a few treasures near at hand like books, a trophy, a few framed pictures to personalize your space. Then, add a comfy throw and your favorite mug filled with coffee or your drink of choice. Special thanks to Jacoby, my Bassett Hound Lab who napped (and snored) next to me as I drew and wrote this newsletter. Talk about creature comforts.
Hope you're having the merriest holiday EVER! Inspired by my walks in Savannah last year before moving back to Atlanta, I created the illustration above for my holiday postcard to send to art directors. I don't know about you, but 2020 has made me appreciate the little things even more...like taking a simple nature walk and being able to breathe fresh air. Ahhh! It's also given me pause to reflect, think about and value my goals for the future. Being able to anticipate good things to come is important. After all, without hope, every day life can get a bit dull and annoying. So, what are your dreams and plans for the new year? I'd love to hear. Wishing you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2021.
Sharna
With the big feast now past, I hope this email finds you and your family healthy and happy. Since the holidays are all about feeling grateful, I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate you supporting me as an illustrator. It means more to me than you can possibly know!
So, to thank you for subscribing to "The Creative Buzz" this year, I'm giving two free downloadable prints. If you haven’t yet signed up, there’s still time. Click here.
Once you subscribe, you’ll receive the November issue. Then, just click on the image(s) as shown below and save as a file. My giclees sold on Etsy are made offsite. But when I'm printing in my home studio, I use cover stock or photo paper. Good ol' copy paper works, too. You can also resize these pieces to use as greeting cards or place cards or get creative!
Feel free to email/share them on your favorite social media sites. If you do, please tag me! On Facebook, @sharna fulton illustration. On Instagram, @sharnafulton. That’s it for this now. Time to decorate the tree!
How's your fall going? As we enter our fourth season of 2020, I'm wondering if there's anything you miss. Because I miss seeing my parents in Denver. And I miss Boston!
Just last year at this time, my husband and I were walking from the North End to Fenway and down Commonwealth through the Public Garden to Cambridge and Beacon Hill and around again. It was our annual urban vacay to the Mass capital where we walk the entire city over 3-4 days, sometimes with a side trip to the Cape, Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard.
When we got home in October 2019, I made it a goal to illustrate a Boston map. Easier said than done though as the months passed and procrastination continued. While my right brain said "Yay, let's do this," my left brain said, "What are ya crazy? This is way above your pay grade." But I was determined. So, finally in July, I started drawing the Old North Church and analyzing "real" maps of my favorite American "European" city.
What I wanted to do is take something complicated and make it simple. Because that's actually the definition of creativity. But in order to do that, I had to embrace the complicated mess of it all first.
Coincidentally, on the day I finished the map, I listened to my favorite podcaster, Andy J. Pizza discuss this process of embracing the mess on "Creative Peptalk" Episode #290. I think Andy's message along with guest Peter Hastings can be applied to anything you have to do in life. Rather than micromanaging yourself to get something done and feeling stressed along the way as I did for six months, it's better to just jump in and start doing. Once I did that, not only did the map come together, it even made me feel like I was in Boston! Maybe next year?
Stay safe, stay healthy and stay creative,
Sharna
Hello! I hope this finds you happy and healthy. While the "new normal" has undoubtedly changed our day-to-day routines, it's given many of us a whole new appreciation for "home." Whether you live in a stately mansion, southern craftsman, seaside bungalow, suburban ranch, countryside cottage or city high-rise, it doesn't matter. Because it's within the confines of our own private space, we find creative freedom to express who we are and what matters most.
Case in point is the Netflix sitcom my husband and I've been binge watching this month. Schitt's Creek, ("Lala lalalalala...a little bit of Alexis") is about a wealthy family, the Roses who, after losing their fortune, must make a roadside motel their new "home." The hilarious riches to rags tale proves its not where you live, but what you make of your environment and who you spend it with that makes life meaningful.
For me, it's little things like arranging flowers, poofing throw pillows, watering my Philodendron, hugging our Bassett Hound/Lab, baking gluten free crackers and trying new recipes like shrimp & grits. (I've lived in the South for 20+ years. What took me so long?) It's also launching my freelance illustration business this summer, continuing to learn about art and draw for new clients every day.
With a growing interest in interior design, I've been illustrating rooms that inspire me. The magic of Instagram is being able to visit far off places and peek into amazingly crafted spaces. I reached out to a few exciting, up and coming designers who decorated them to see if I could illustrate their rooms. Many of them said yes including Jessica Brigham, who designed the peacock green and mustard yellow living space I illustrated at the top of this newsletter. An interior stylist and lifestyle blogger, the only thing more colorful than Jessica's decorating is her bubbly personality. And she offers virtual design consulting starting at $30. Check her out on Instagram!
After an 18 month "sabbatical" in Savannah, I'm writing to you from our brand new apartment in a northern suburb of metro Atlanta. While I'll never forget living in a coastal 1935 bungalow next to Live Oak trees, Spanish Moss, the beach and historic squares, it's great to be back "home" in the ATL again.
After the normal chaos of unpacking, we found just the coffee table and table & chairs from West Elm and Crate & Barrel. (That's the good news!) But since they won't arrive until fall, choosing a rug, drapes, throw pillows and prints are on hold. (As a minimalist, I'm good with that.) Plus, decorating fun is still to be had by organizing shelves, arranging counter spaces and creating table vignettes. In my latest eNews, I've included snapshots of the baby steps taken thus far and will keep you posted as this design story unravels. Faux pas and all! (Click the link below to get a peak of my new pad.)
I'm also taking the time to soak up all things interior design by reading magazines like Domino, following the trades on Instagram and even taking an informative interior design class on Skillshare.
Since my new newsletter is about living creatively, this month I'm sharing ideas on designing creative spaces. It's amazing what you can do with just a few books and your favorite tchotchkes! Whether you're in a new place or one you've called home for years, I hope these tips spark your creativity to design a special space of your own - be it on a floor to ceiling bookcase or the corner of your bathroom vanity. To read the newsletter and get the 7 Ways To Create Well Designed Spaces with Books & Your Favorite Things, click here.
Creatively yours,
Sharna
Hello and happy summer. A time best spent outside with family and friends. (And with the pandemic still looming, a healthy place to be indeed.) In fact, that's how I came upon this eye-popping space at Tybee Island. Lucky me. My friend, Kelly was staying at Chu Cottage and invited me over for a social distance visit on her porch. As it turns out, the comfy and happy outside room was designed by Jane Coslick, the queen of coastal cottage renovation and interior design. (After Jane saw this illustration I did of her porch on Instagram, she bought some prints of it from me. I even got to meet her when I hand-delivered them to one of her colorful cottages on Tybee Island. What an honor!
Chu Cottage. It's a visit I'll never forget because I got to spend time with a dear friend in a coral and green drenched private outdoor space with palm trees blowing in the ocean breeze. To see more of Jane Coslick's work, click here.
Just about everyone who's been to Savannah has strolled down Broughton Street, the city's main shopping and restaurant district. While there are fun stores and eateries galore, one clearly stands out with an architectural exterior that draws you into its creatively curated boutique and cafe. There's no denying that the cafe table-lined sidewalk outside The Paris Market instantly puts you smack in the middle of, well, Paris. Just look for chic people in French straw hats and their cute pups lingering with cappuccinos and macarons. Note the rectangular planters filled with boxwoods - a small, but significant design accent that makes this plein air environment all the more inviting.
I was inspired to illustrate the Paris Market, because I love to draw and paint architecture, interior spaces, gardens and things of that nature. Have a special place you'd like to commission an illustration of? Please contact me.
It's free! It's non-spammy! It's the "Creative Buzz With Sharna." A monthly eNews from yours truly to encourage creativity in YOU! Click here to sign-up.
Before I moved to Savannah a year ago, I used to visit once or twice a year. No stroll through the commercial shopping district down Broughton Street was complete without a stop at the Paris Market & Brocante. Being a Francophile, I thought it was just me. But since becoming an official Savannah resident, I’ve come to know that the shop attracts tourists and residents by the droves. It just might be as popular of a landmark as the Forsyth Park fountain!
Named the South’s best shop by Southern Living in 2017, the two-story boutique offers artfully curated treasures including cards and prints, plush children’s toys and picture books, vintage jewelry, scarves and French tote bags along with a gorgeous café on the main level. Descend the staircase by the giant Metro sign and you’ll discover a whole other world of specialty items for the home and kitchen - many that the owner brings back from trips to France and around the world.
That’s why, when I decided to create a map of Savannah, I knew I had to include The Paris Market on it. Because of the shop’s incredible environment filled with elegant, unique and fun gift items, I’m thrilled my art gets to spend a little time inside this magical place. Holiday dreams really do come true!
Thanks for letting me share my art with you. Apparently, what began as an early life experiment with finger painting led to a lifelong love of creating. Here are a few more milestones that led up to the decision to show my illustration work on one dedicated platform.
At three: worked in my first art studio located in the basement of our house
At seven: wrote and illustrated picture books with construction paper and crayons
At 16: filled countless journals with sketches, writings and calligraphy
At 20: with painted canvases tucked under an arm, rode my red Raleigh three-speed across campus to art class at CU Boulder
Later: worked in the ad biz, won a few Addy’s as a copywriter alongside talented art directors (and wished I was an art director.)
After that: owned a ceramic giftware business, sold hand painted ornaments and mugs at the Boston, New York and Chicago Marathons (to name a few.) Made up to 2,500 piece custom orders for the PGA Championship.
After that: created a cartoon role model, Chloe Pink and coloring books on Amazon to encourage young girls to believe in themselves and follow their dreams.
Now: living in Savannah with my husband, Coach B and Jacoby, our basset hound lab where I’m constantly inspired by blooms, foliage and historic architecture at every turn. In fact, my new illustrated map of historic downtown is now being carried by one of my favorite shops! More on that later…..
