SCBWI Event

Yesterday I had my first crack of presenting to adults a bit about my life as a freelance illustrator and working as a book illustrator, and surprisingly – it was fun (for me at least!). I felt like I had heaps to say, after a long road (working in publishing for ten years, and then taking on freelance illustration life over the past 6 years).

The lovely SCBWI team in Victoria run quarterly events with authors, illustrators, and people working in the industry, and they are always inspiring. I was speaking alongside the knowledgable, engaging and lovely Kaye Baillie (who taught us all about her research process for her books) and inspiring, talented and also lovely Melissa Kiel (an experienced publisher/editor AND award winning writer!). I think it would crash my site to load my whole slide presentation (!) but here’s a little soundless video of my process (and please ignore the ridiculous amount of unread emails in my email account in background!!). It may make no sense, but perhaps to some illustrators as I shared my process working between digital and watercolours, using Photoshop and Kyle’s Brushes, layers, blending modes and mucking about.

 

A Quote to Live By

This year as part of a wonderful group I’m involved with we decided to find a quote for our studio wall and create an artwork based on it. I’m interested in finding out my purpose with drawing, find out why I’m here, and what energizes me to keep going. I found this quote by Susan Sontag,

“Do stuff. be clenched, curious. Not waiting for inspiration’s shove or society’s kiss on your forehead. Pay attention. It’s all about paying attention. attention is vitality. It connects you with others. It makes you eager. stay eager.” Susan Sontag

Here is my artwork, which I’ve also made into a giclee print for anyone else that would like it for their wall too….quotejessracklyeft

By coincidence while I was posting this, I’ve been listening to this inspiring podcast by Andy Pizza: http://www.creativepeptalk.com/episodes/2017/1/12/116-unlock-your-true-potential – have a listen on your next art making session to get revved up for the year.

Global Talent Search – Second Assignment

Hola! I was so excited to recently make it to the top 50 from almost 1000 entries for Lilla Rogers Global Talent Search (details below). The assignment was based on Sunny and her cafe cookbook, and as she’s a pretty cool babe I was inspired by my local cafe who delivers bread to create a dessert bike bar.

Today is the last day you can vote for my entry – I’m hoping to make it to the top six – egad! If you have a momento and you don’t mind throwing my entry a vote, you can do so right here (along with four more votes – so go get some eye candy!). THANK YOU xxxx

JESS_RACKLYEFT_GTS16A2_DESSERTBOOK

Erstwilder

Recently I was involved with a very fun project, working with the great team at Erstwilder on their “American Diner” jewellery range just released (with more to come soon!). They supply through some great stockists over Australia and the world and this month’s release also has some beautiful Australian Animal pieces.

All images sourced from Erstwilder.

A super fun job and a bit different than my primarily paper-based practice, can’t wait to wear some of these!

The Art of Charity

Like last year, I created three new and very bright posters for Perth non-profit group Community Cinemas,

Run by over 700 volunteers, now with five outdoor movie venues, we proudly donate all profits to kids charities. To date we’ve raised $5.25 million for kids in a health or physical crisis.

These posters will be used to celebrate their amazing volunteers and the great work they do. It’s great to be able to use illustration in this way on occasion!

Semi Permanent Annual

I was delighted to join some inspiring artists in this year’s edition of Semi Permanent’s Annual – a bargain of inspiration really at $20 clams! The theme this year was evolution, and this gorilla mama really shows how us humans have evolved.

Semi Permanent's Annual themed on Evolution

Semi Permanent’s Annual themed on Evolution