Meet the Author of Journal With Purpose - Draw Quick and Easy Modern Florals!
Journal with Purpose - Draw Quick and Easy Modern Florals is out now! To celebrate the release of this wonderful book, we sat down with author Helen Colebrook to learn all about the evolution of the Journal With Purpose series and the benefits of journaling as a craft:
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
I live in Devon in the UK, in a little cottage surrounded by fields. Before discovering my creative side I worked in HR, mainly supporting small businesses. I started sharing my journal pages online about 12 years ago and gradually starting exploring how creativity could add more fun and expression to my pages. Everything has grown naturally from there and I absolutely love the fun projects that I now get to work on.
Tell us a bit about Draw Quick and Easy Modern Florals?
Having thought that I couldn’t really draw for most of my adult life, I avoided using sketchbooks for a very long time. However, I love spending time in nature and observing the plants around me, so one day I decided to just take the pressure off and try drawing some plants without worrying about the outcome. I found the process really enjoyable, even though my first attempts were not particularly great. Since then I have always had a sketchbook by my side and I’ve continued to practise my drawing on a regular basis, particularly anything plant-related.
I feel like lots of people probably think that they can’t draw too, so I’m really hoping this book will help others to get started by seeing each plant broken down into step by step tutorials.
Ahead of the release of this book, how do you feel about the way in which the Journal With Purpose series has evolved?
It still surprises me every day that I’ve had the opportunity to work on this series of books. When I first began creating the Journal With Purpose book of doodles, I could never have imagined that this would be followed by Journal Layout Ideas 101 and now Draw Quick and Easy Modern Florals. I wouldn’t even have been able to create this book a few years ago, so it just shows what regular practice can do. I’m absolutely thrilled to have had the opportunity to work on this.
What was your main inspiration when designing the flowers in this book?
I’ve been going through some really challenging times over the last year or so and the one constant in my life has been spending time in nature. I walk with Barney my sausage dog every single day and find peace in taking time to observe the subtle changes in nature around me. Whatever else is going on in the world, the leaves still come back on the trees and the flowers still open which brings me a sense of comfort. I love being able to celebrate the power of nature in this book and I really enjoyed picking some of my favourite plants to include.
Do you have a personal favourite among the flowers featured in this edition?
I always find it hard picking a favourite, but I do have a particular soft spot for Cosmos. I love their almost translucent large petals and the beauty they bring to my garden each year with their large bobbing heads.
What is something special about your book that readers can’t find anywhere else?
I hope that anyone going through this book will be surprised at how easily quite complicated-looking flowers can come together on their page. Plants tend to be a pretty forgiving subject to draw as you don’t need to worry about anything being symmetrical and any imperfections in the drawing usually add to the plants charm. I’ve also included some examples of fun projects that readers could try out with some of their favourite plant drawings.
How do you envision your readers displaying or using this book?
I hope they will enjoy flipping through the pages and finding some of their own favourite plants that they can’t wait to try out. It would be wonderful if they add some drawings to their sketchbooks, journals or anywhere else that they like to get creative.
How does mindfulness influence your daily work?
In such a noisy and often turbulent world, finding some time for calm feels ever more important. When I’m sat at my desk I try to keep my mind focused on the act of creativity, the way the pencil feels in my hand, the plant I’m hoping to draw or how it feels when I let my writing flow onto the page. It helps to bring some calm and centres me for the day ahead.
Why do you think that journalling is so important?
I find that there is so much going on in the world, with so many people trying to tell you how to think and what to believe, that having somewhere you can explore your own thoughts and feelings is really important. In my own journals, I like to remind myself of my personal values, what I hope to achieve with my life, celebrate my successes, write about the things I’m grateful for and it can also be a useful place to vent. Alongside that I enjoy just recording snippets of everyday life. It’s amazing how quickly we can forget the little yet important details if we don’t write them down.
What advice would you give to your beginner self?
If you keep practising for a few minutes on a regular basis, you might just surprise yourself with what you are capable of. Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s final result.
In one word, how would you describe Draw Quick and Easy Modern Florals?
Encouraging
Feeling inspired by Helen's beautiful work? Journal with Purpose - Draw Quick and Easy Modern Florals is available to order now at the link here.
