I've been painting wall art for children for quite a long time. Creating murals and canvases of traditional themes have always been easy for me, and fortunately they have always been in style. If a client tells me they want a princess theme in their girl's room, I can whip up several ideas with little thought or effort. Cowboy theme or pirates for a boy's room, piece of cake!
However, there is a strong modern design trend in the home decor market that started sneaking into nursery design just a couple of years ago. Recently, however, this modern design trend has taken center stage and is all the rage in nursery design.
How does a very traditionally minded artist adapt? I've been doodling and painting a lot more than usual recently, just trying to come up with a twist on modern nursery art that hasn't already been done. I've created a few modern nursery canvases, but have certainly not taken the nursery design world by storm with them!
If you haven't noticed, there is already a lot of modern children's art on the market. Much of it, however is done with a computer graphics program where no artist's brush is needed. I don't think I'll be going back to school for a computer graphics degree anytime soon, so I'll be sticking with my paint brushes, thank you! However those perfectly straight, clean lines produced on a computer are hard to compete with when you're painting by hand!
Do I need to adapt, or is this just a passing trend? I once thought that Shabby Chic was just a passing design trend that was only going to be around for a few years, but after more than a decade, it's still holding strong.
What are your thoughts on the modern nursery trend? Should I really be that concerned and focused on trying to create a modern line of children's wall art? Can I compete with these computer graphics artists who have some very cool modern art already in the market? Or should I just stick with what I know best and have faith that there will always be a market for my traditional designs?
I would be very interested in hearing your thoughts on this topic. And if you do believe it's a trend that is here for the duration, PLEASE share some of your inspiring ideas with me! If you make a suggestion that is released in our next collection, you'll receive a free signed canvas!
4 comments:
Hi Sherri-
I have been struggling with the same problem with my keepsake chests. I tried doing something a little more modern ( the asterisk design) but frankly, I don't enjoy painting that particular design and it's just not my style ( plus I've only sold it 3 times). I really like the modern furniture and design styles but as an artist, it's not really my forte. I think, like you said, I will continue to sketch a few "modern" designs and see if anything strikes me as something I would want to add to the line, but somehow, I think it's better to stay true to one's own style. Besides, I don't want to be miserable while I'm painting and I definitely don't want to do computer generated art either ( not that I even could). I think there's always going to be a market for more traditional styles. I remember back in the 1980's when IKEA first came around and everyone was eating up "modern" Swedish design...then it went away for awhile and now it's back again. Somehow, I've always kept to the traditional decor in my home and in my work but I also don't think there's anything wrong with giving the modern style a try once in awhile....you might surprise yourself!
Hi Stacie,
So nice to meet you! I really appreciate your comment and experience on this topic. I agree with all you've said. I believe it is important to stay true to yourself and your style, while still being open to trying new things sometimes. If you find pleasure in the new experience, great. If not, stick with what makes you happy. You put it very well!
And your keepsake chests are ADORABLE! For anyone reading this that hasn't seen Stacie's designs, check them out at http://www.staciedaledesigns.com/ .
Thanks again, Stacie!
Hi Sherri!
I totally agree with Stacie! I love classic & traditional designs that seem to outlast trends in our ever changing lifestyles.
But I also think simple & sweet can be done classically (if that is a word) with a modern twist. For example take a beautiful frilly castle and make it simple. Maybe paint the castle in the ever so popular pink that every princess loves. But simplify it.
Mix things up a bit...but don't forget to enjoy the journey...Those are my thoughts...I'd love to know what you think...Kindly Ms. Kris
Girlfriend stick with the traditional!!!!! I love what you do, stick with your heart and your strong suit and you will not go wrong!!!!
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