Creative Learning – Play. Create. Discover…

animals, art, Blog, Creative Learning, Funny, illustration, Monster Monday, Monsters, Poetry

The Platy-Pirate: Real Life Monsters 2

August 8, 2023 Kristy Fae

What makes a monster a monster? Is a monster simply a made-up creature? Is it defined by its unique and weird attributes? Does it need special powers or to partake in particular activities? Oxford Languages states that a monster is “an imaginary creature that is typically large, ugly, and frightening” while Myriam-Webster defines a monster as “an animal or plant of abnormal form or structure.” A simple search on Google will turn up multiple interpretations of this ancient word that is believed to have “derived from the French term ‘monstre’ [which] has roots in the Latin word meaning ‘monstrum’ [or] ‘evil omen’ ” according to Word Monster. Despite the many opinions about what a monster actually is, what seems to be agreed upon is that monsters are creatures of great awe and wonder!

Here at Art of Nonsense, we love monsters of all kinds. No monster is too big or too small; too scaly or too furry; too winged or too finned. We love them all. And we love creating them. A lot of my creature inspiration started in childhood, through finding awe and wonder in the natural world, whether in real life or through wonderful resources like Owl Magazine. From sting rays to blue-footed boobies, to bats, wild cats, and even pet rats— I was fascinated by them all!

Now, even as the majority of my pencil tips end up forming creatures that didn’t exist before the drawing took place, I very much like to revisit, honour, and “play” with the beloved animals that so captured my heart and sense of wonder (and still do!). One of such favourites has always been the Platypus. In fact, my favourite stuffed animal as a child was a green Platypus, who still sits near my bed (lovingly as ever, though with significantly less “fluff” than before). Platypuses really are one of those “real-life monsters”. Firstly, because… look at them. So strange, unique, and adorable right!? I get giddy just picturing them! Also, the more I know about platypuses, the more fascinating they are to me. Here’s a few reasons why:

A Platypus somehow has what appears to be a duck’s bill, a beaver’s tail, and the feet of an otter— oh my!
Platypuses are the only group of mammals to lay eggs.
Male platypuses are one of the few mammals today that produce venom, and they do so through a hollow spur in their hind legs, which is sometimes referred to as a poisonous claw (or in my case, “a poison toe”!)… as show by my illustration below:

“Platy-Pirate” Illustration & Poem by Kristy Fae

We very much enjoyed our playtime with this special Platy-Guy today. If you’re so inspired, we challenge you to look up 3 interesting facts about your favourite animal and see if you can create an artwork based on what you find!

*A special credit and thanks goes out to TrentT for sparking the idea of a Platypus Pirate!

Play. Create. Discover… also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube or visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters and other products!

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Pssst- what I write in this blog is a reflection of my own ideas and experiences and/or interpretations of any referenced material. The content of this blog is for entertainment and/or informational purposes only. I am not an expert or therapist and cannot be held liable for any content provided or how it is used. Please enjoy at your own discretion. I reserve the right to change the content or management of this blog at any time. That said, I hope you enjoy it! © 2023 Kristina Durst aka Kristy Anne Fae All Rights Reserved.

art, Blog, Creative Learning, inspiration, Monster Monday

The Copy Cat Fox: Redefining Creativity

March 28, 2022March 29, 2022 Kristy Fae

Sometimes it’s important to go back to the basics. And while we may talk a lot about creativity and how to get creative, perhaps we don’t discuss often enough what creativity and being creative actually is.

The Oxford Dictionary (www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com) defines “creativity” as “the use of skill and imagination to produce something new or to produce art.” I find this interesting, because I would argue that creativity extends much further than this definition…further than creating a tangible something out of nothing or finishing with something that “qualifies” as art.

Are we not using creativity when putting together our outfit in the morning or when planning an exciting outing or activity? Are we not being creative in the way we view the world when we pick out faces in trees or imagine what it would be like to fly? And is creativity not found in the most mundane moments when we tell a joke or problem solve a block in the road?

Perhaps, though, it is just my understanding of the definition that is limiting. After all, to “produce something” is pretty vague and doesn’t necessarily mean that there needs to be something physical created to qualify as a creative pursuit. Maybe what we create is a new aesthetic, a new experience, a new viewpoint, possibility, perspective or energy. I want to challenge people who don’t view themselves as “creative” because they don’t produce “art”. Meanwhile, these same people may be building literal bridges, solving mathematical problems, making scientific discoveries, or finding ways to help other people in countless ways. ALL EXTREMELY CREATIVE THINGS! Creativity is limitless, and I believe, that as humans and monsters, we are inherently all creative— just in different ways! So if you haven’t ever done so, or need a more recent update, give yourself a good pat on the back or a mental congratulations for being a creative being! Because you are.

It’s going to feel like I jumped ship here and swam to another topic, but bear with me because I promise this next part relates. I am personally someone who really loves creating new and original things, especially, as you may know, in the realm of monsters and stories and other whimsical artwork. It brings me such joy to let my imagination (literally) run wild, sometimes without a clue as to where it will lead. To me, this is fun, exciting, fulfilling and intensely pleasing to my visual senses and mental processes. I love this so much that sometimes I forget that creativity can be expressed in other ways. As a result, I end up setting very high expectations for myself to always create “new and incredible things.” But the fact is, while some healthy goals or incentives can be helpful, a pile of unachievable expectations is definitely not. What that pile creates is stress, and stress, as some of you may have realized by this point in your lives, is a creativity BUMMER. It’s usually counterproductive to creativity. So isn’t the idea of just letting yourself have some freedom over what you feel like doing, thinking, trying, creating— well, freeing? What would happen if you just let yourself DO without worrying about the outcome? After all, if you, like me, have decided to expand the definition of “creativity” altogether, it pretty much doesn’t matter what you choose to do… you will be successful in your endeavour to get creative.

With this in mind, considering I have been learning how to draw digitally after years of drawing on paper and hitting the to-be-expected learning curves, I recently decided to focus on replicating other people’s artwork rather than creating original illustrations for a little while! GASP! Now calm down, it’s not like I am claiming to be the original artist nor am I selling this work. It’s practise. It’s fun. It’s (for me) different. And guess what? Turns out it is also both educational AND creative. DOUBLE GASP! There is something about following a step-by-step tutorial or replicating an artwork that a) takes the pressure off of needing to come up with “new and incredible things” and b) allows you to play, flow, experiment and discover in new and creative ways. No more thinking up an idea for two hours before having a subject to paint. You just paint. No more worrying about perfection in each stroke because it doesn’t matter! It’s just you and a creative process, done deal.

Now I know, this is not revolutionary. People do this all the time. It’s even taught in art schools. You replicate other people in many fields other than art too, to learn and to get a feel for something that isn’t yours. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t revolutionary for me or for some others who would benefit from a nudge. Basically, all I’m saying is to get out of your own head and try something that is new and different for you. Do something in a way you normally wouldn’t and just see what happens.

Here are my four different renderings from Jess Bircham’s fox tutorial. The original image did not come from my creative mind, but I suppose the renderings did! So in the end, I created something “new” regardless, didn’t I? And moving on from this experience, I will continue to make other “new and incredible things”— maybe even in new and incredible ways…

Four Fox Renderings by Kristy Fae based on Tutorial by Jess Bircham

If you like the idea of trying an art tutorial, I highly recommend that you check out the amazing Jess Bircham’s digital fox illustration tutorial or search for a tutorial in your chosen medium or subject on YouTube! If you do, make sure to share with the hashtag #copycatcreativity and always continue to… Follow Your Creativity!

Thanks for reading! Also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube or visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters and other products!

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Pssst- what I write in this blog is a reflection of my own ideas and experiences and/or interpretations of any referenced material. The content of this blog is for entertainment and/or informational purposes only. I am not an expert or therapist and cannot be held liable for any content provided or how it is used. Please enjoy at your own discretion. I reserve the right to change the content or management of this blog at any time. That said, I hope you enjoy it! © 2022 Kristina Durst aka Kristy Anne Fae All Rights Reserved.

art, Blog, Creative Learning, inspiration, Monster Monday, play

The Curious Critter: Part 2

January 18, 2021 Kristy Fae

Happy Monster Monday! I hope everyone’s had a great week. Here in Victoria, we were blessed with many sunny days and I’ve had a tough time staying inside to work (it’s been so much fun playing outside with the bobs of seals and the romps of otters— which, I’ve learned, are real terms for the families of these marine mammals! How cute is that? Oh, by the way, you can find me at “Kristy Durst Photography” on Facebook if you want to see glimpses of those adventures and more to come).

Nonetheless, I did manage to make some progress on the Curious Critter from last week, and as promised, I’m here to share the progress— so behold the first pass of colour. In case you missed last week’s blog, this is following the “Beginner’s Guide to Digital Drawing in Procreate” on 21-draw.com

And I hereby challenge you this week: go get creative or get out and play! Both are equally as important and nourishing…

*Blocking out Colour on my *Character Design* in Procreate*

Thanks for reading! Also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest or visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable creatures and other fun products!

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art, Blog, Creative Learning, inspiration, Monster Monday, Self-Improvement, Writing

The Curious Critter: Expanding Horizons

January 11, 2021January 18, 2021 Kristy Fae

While I have done digital art over the years, mostly for school assignments, my main mediums of choice have always been physical ones. Whether acrylics, pastels or colour pencils, I was drawn to holding tangible tools and creating something new with my bare hands. I don’t think that the pleasure of paper drawing will ever go away for me, and for a long time, I rebelled against digital art (just as I evaded digital photography after learning film and well, has THAT ever changed! Now I’m a digital photography adorer). There is something pure and simple about the traditional way of doing art and it is an invaluable practice to keep up. Yes— and also, everything has its place…

Over the past several years, I have been honing my skills as an illustrator, but not without frustration and setbacks. I was up against chronic pain, which limited my work time, and a lack of mastery in the mediums I had settled on using for my style of illustration. Yes, I could learn with time and training, but I often got stuck and discouraged in the process and I wasn’t putting out the content or finishing the projects that my heart so longed to get out into the world. It was a bit of a coincidence when I had the chance to try drawing on an iPad for the first time. Yes, I had tried a Wacom tablet back in University and later dabbled with the Apple Trackpad, but I found them extremely imprecise, frustrating and painful to draw with (they work for many people, but I have fussy wrists!).

Now, I’m not oblivious to the benefits, conveniences and beauty of digital art, but it wasn’t until I actually tried drawing with the iPad that I went, “Ohhhhhh, WOW! It’s just like drawing on paper!” Only with layers. And innumerable colour palettes at the click of a button. And so many other options including this artist’s favourite tool— the UNDO button! But wait, do all of these fancy tools and the ability to easily change or manipulate your images mean that digital artists are less skilled, fine-tuned or talented? I admit that I had this judgement for a while, like somehow giving into digital art would discredit me as an artist. But I beg to disagree with myself. To be a good artist, you need a set of creative talents and skills, say like precision, a sense of composition and colour theory, as well as in depth knowledge of your chosen medium. Well, how about that? All of these things apply to both physical and digital art! Knowing how to use your software is just as important as knowing how to use your paint and brush to achieve the effects you desire. Art, by any other name, is still art. An artist, no matter his or her medium, is still an artist.

What I discovered about creating digital art with the iPad is that it enables me to work more efficiently, thus not overdoing myself, while creating versatile art for my many applications (much of which is used or delivered digitally, so it streamlines my process). Procreate on the iPad has been a game changer. It has opened up the possibility for me to create so much more than before! And no, I don’t intend to give up on my watercolour and gouache and whatever other medium I feel like expressing in. It’s that I now know that both digital and traditional art have their proper uses and both can actually be enjoyed more because I can choose the one that is appropriate for my project’s/schedule’s/body’s needs. While more isn’t necessarily always better, it is when doing so makes you happy!

So I’m diving into this digital world, friends, with ferocious excitement and possibility! Over the last week, I’ve started growing my skills through 21-draw.com, an online membership site of illustration tutorials (with a handful specific to Procreate). I’m working through the “Beginner’s Guide to Digital Drawing in Procreate” which is how the first few stages of this little Curious Critter character design below came to be (I’ll post the final stages once I complete them). I’m learning some new tips, tools and techniques, getting some good practise in and, of course, having a blast! When learning is fun, you know you’re learning the right stuff.

In closing, yes, there will probably be controversy on the subject of digital vs traditional art, but these are the questions that I think will give you your own specific answer: what tools and mediums enable you to let your most creative, expressive, artistic self shine through? What will allow you to make art in a way that is feasible, accessible, efficient and effective for you and your unique applications, needs, barriers, skills, etc? So what do I think? I say, who cares how you create your art— JUST CREATE IT!

Thanks for reading! Also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest or visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable creatures and other fun products!

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Blog, Creative Learning, inspiration, Monster Monday, play, Self-Help, Self-Improvement, Self-Love, Writing

The Fun Monster: Take a Play Day!

July 21, 2020June 8, 2023 Kristy Fae

Hello to all my friends out there!

So yeah, you may have caught me being late on my blog again… But I can’t help it that it’s so beautifully sunny outside lately! Can you blame me for playing hooky for a PLAY DAY? I promise you, it’s in the name of practising what I preach…

If you don’t know much about my business, Art of Nonsense, know that it’s all about inspiring creativity and play – in life and in learning! You can read more about me and my purpose here: www.artofnonsense.com/about

While I focus a lot on creating content for little monsters, like picture books, hand puppets, monster sleep masks, and whimsical illustrations, I’m also passionate about bringing out the inner child in us big monsters too. (You can browse the goodies at the online shop here!) That’s why I am so happy to let you all know about an exciting endeavour I’m undertaking! Dun dun (if you haven’t already read it on social media)…dun…

I am the author of an upcoming book about how to PLAY MORE for greater joy, connection, and fulfillment in our lives! Make sure to follow this blog or find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for updates on the upcoming book and other monsterly fun!

Now, to celebrate this theme, I’d like to share a few simple ways I’ve been adding PLAY into my days lately. Please add to the amusement momentum and share your favourite playful activities below with a comment or a picture using #monstermusement !

1. PICNICS IN THE PARK: Enjoying the sun, special eats (especially gluten free treats from Bubby Rose’s), talking to the bees, and just generally “bee-ing”.

2. BEACH VISITS WITH LOVED ONES: Whether with self, partner, friends, or little friends, gettin‘ silly and refreshing swims!

3. STOP TO SMELL THE FLOWERS: Literally, as well as just taking in any interesting sights you may find, from random art to starry skies!

4. LET YOUR INNER CHILD OUT: From funky socks, to candy teeth, to awww-ing over baby animals, let yourself express your heart’s silly delights- no matter your age!

5. SPREAD THE JOY: Sharing laughs and get-togethers, sending funny memes/pictures, creating surprises and giving special gifts.

These are just a few ideas, I hope they’ve inspired you! Have a safe and playful week everyone- and don’t forget the sunscreen!

Thanks for reading!

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Blog, Crafts, Creative Learning, Funny, Monster Monday, Monsters

“Fuzzies and Owls and Monsters, Oh My!”: Handmade Monsters

July 6, 2020 Kristy Fae

Hello to all my monster-loving friends out there! Between commissions and gifts, it’s been a busy few weeks in the Monster Workshop here. I thought you might like to see what’s been coming to life… enter fuzzy blue hand puppets and fun fleecy sleep masks! All handmade by yours truly, these puppets and masks have your play-time and rest-time covered. The fleece and felt monster hand puppets come in different styles and colours and have plastic enforced mouths for easy operation. They’re great for make-believe, role playing, story-time, sing-alongs, teaching, and fun. I’m also happy to bring back these much beloved monster sleep masks, with a new and improved design to keep light OUT and comfort IN. There will even be matching hand puppet and sleep mask sets- yes, “Oh My!”

Stay tuned for new hand puppets and sleep masks for sale in the Art of Nonsense Shop coming soon: https://artofnonsense-shop.square.site/

Monster Sleep Mask with a light-blocking nosepiece and 100% cotton backing for comfort.

Thanks for reading! Also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest

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Creative Learning, Monster Monday, Monsters

Monster Hand Puppets: How Much is that Monster in the Window?

June 15, 2020 Kristy Fae

Puppets are a great toy for inspiring the imagination through make-belief, storytelling and role-playing. They can be a terrific avenue for expression, laughter and fun! Puppets are also a wonderful learning tool— they can be used to teach children any subject in a creative way! What better than a silly, playful friend to engage young ones? I’ve had a lot of success using my puppets in classrooms and after school programs to teach math and literacy and for adding a special allure to story-time! I’m happy to share the joy of puppets with a few now available for sale and more varieties coming to life in the Monster Workshop!

Adopt your own fuzzy friend through my online Art of Nonsense shop at: https://artofnonsense-shop.square.site/

I currently offer fleece puppets like the ones shown directly below and I also make more complex ones like Super Max, the grey fury guy, in the next picture. Send me a message if you’re interested in a customized puppet.

Thanks for reading! Also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest

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art, Blog, Colour-ME, Colouring Page, Crafts, Creative Learning, Monster Monday

“Unexpected Friends: Free Colouring Page!”

May 18, 2020May 18, 2020 Kristy Fae

Happy Victoria Day Everyone!

I’ve had some interest in colouring pages this past week, and as such, I decided to create a free printable one for you and/or the little ones in your life! After an unexpected friend landed in my nature photoshoot on Friday— resulting in a photo that received more attention than the rest of the shoot’s photos— I knew I had my inspiration. So in the name of summer coming up and new friends to be found all around, I hope you enjoy this free “Colour-Me” page:

DIRECTIONS: Click on the image > Click the “View Full Size Image” button at the bottom right> Select File > Print > Choose landscape > Print. Let me know if you have any issues as it’s my first time sharing a printable on my blog 🙂

If you want to see more of my available work, including a downloadable 10-page colouring book entitled “What’s in a Seed?”, visit my online SHOP here!

(P.S. Below is the popular photo from my photoshoot for your now-peaked interest!)

Thanks for reading! Also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest

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Blog, Creative Learning, Writing

“The Mud Monster: When You’re Stuck in the Muck…”

February 24, 2020March 21, 2020 Kristy Fae

You know those times, when you’re walking through the Swamps of Lifeasyouknowit and you stub your toe, fly off the path, and land face first in the muck? It’s tarry and tacky and the more you fight it the stronger it holds, until you give in and lie limp, staring at the skies as Gremgirts drop gremdrops into your eyes. Suddenly a week or two has gone by when suddenly you realize that you’ve been stewing there long enough and you really ought to do something about it. So you start thrashing about, crying out, and trying to absorb wisdom from all but the roots of the nearby Trubbatrub Trees— seeking for any ounce of an inkling as to how you might set yourself free. You know, those times. Well that’s where I spent my last few weeks. It happens to me as it can happen to any ol’ monster.

Sometimes when you’re in the thick of it, or in the muck of it rather, it’s hard to see the way out, or you’re too busy thrashing to see the lifeline that’s landed next to you. But when you give into it, you’ll often find that the answer was there all along: just sit yourself up, wipe yourself off, give yourself a pat on the back and continue on. No harm done, hopefully, except for maybe the need of a shower, and most importantly— a new map!

Now I’ll be frank, it’s been a tough month for this here monster. I started off uber excited, motivated and inspired about my creative business, art, and this blog. Then I got all serious-perfectionist-ninja and pushed myself too hard, ran myself down, stressed myself into to the state of a monster-sized mud puddle, and lost sight of the whole point— to have and inspire more FUN! So yeah, I got caught in the muck but the process of removing myself from it has brought some clarity and the ensuing necessary redirection of my business and projects. The process being:

Pause: stop what you’re doing, breathe deeply, and have self-compassion for your challenge
Accept: that the struggle is part of the process of learning and growing, no matter how frustrating it may be
Reflect: on what’s going on and what you could do differently
Redirect: your plan, approach, or thoughts accordingly

And this applies to challenges in everyday life as much as to blockages you run into whilst pursuing creative endeavours or goals. I’m even testing it out on negative thought patterns, anxiety, frustration, or the ghastly “P Word”— perfectionism.

So anyway, the thing I’m redirecting today is this blog. It will now focus more on a behind-the-scenes of my Monster Studio than the original “Monsterly Self-Help” idea. That project is planned for a later date. This plan will help me concentrate on the essence of what Art of Nonsense is all about— creativity, play and joy! So what will this new blog look like? Same name, different tagline (coming soon). The sharing of sketches, art, poems, stories, project updates, sneak peaks, my process, ideas, thoughts, topics of interest, challenges, celebrations, inspiration and of course… MONSTERS! My posts will still feature tid-bits about self-love and self-discovery/improvement along the way, because those themes are interwoven in my work, my values, and arguably in any creative project or endeavour (perhaps a topic for another post?). So here I am, somewhat sparkling and clean, with a new intention to share with you my creative journey and hopefully inspire yours along the way. Here’s to us; may we unleash our inner creative creatures— hurrah!

P.S. If you have a project, goal, or challenge that has been giving you grief, can you approach it in a fresh way or different angle? New perspective can sometimes move mountains— even if it’s simple taking a walk down a new route or through nature. Just watch out for mud puddles and Gremgirts…!

Thanks for reading! Also find @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest

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