THE LATEST STICK!......
Tracie Davis is in the NOW as founder of TinybyDesign, a tiny design company making tiny dreams come true. Tracie offers original and affordable designs, from full room painting to finishing touches, that are as unique as a child's personality.
Tell us about your NOW (Noodle On Wall)
My tiny little noodle is called TinybyDesign. I have always had a love of creating. When my daughter was born, I suddenly had an urge to surround her with art. She reacts with so much love and imagination to the murals on her wall, the canvas paintings stashed all over the house and the sketches always in the works. It was this simple and natural love of art that gave me the drive and courage to start TinybyDesign. When I saw my son reacting the same way, I knew this was a good noodle. Since starting tiny by design, I have tossed many noodles at the wall, some have stuck and some fall to the ground in a mushy mess. But they all feel amazing at the moment of the toss.
My latest noodle is the idea of tiny storyboards. I have created themed alphabet paintings – which I really enjoy.
My tiny little noodle is called TinybyDesign. I have always had a love of creating. When my daughter was born, I suddenly had an urge to surround her with art. She reacts with so much love and imagination to the murals on her wall, the canvas paintings stashed all over the house and the sketches always in the works. It was this simple and natural love of art that gave me the drive and courage to start TinybyDesign. When I saw my son reacting the same way, I knew this was a good noodle. Since starting tiny by design, I have tossed many noodles at the wall, some have stuck and some fall to the ground in a mushy mess. But they all feel amazing at the moment of the toss.
My latest noodle is the idea of tiny storyboards. I have created themed alphabet paintings – which I really enjoy.
Then, one day an idea struck me. Why not create the alphabet in a unique way that actually will illustrate a story? The words just kept coming. Before I knew it, I had a story about a Boy named Ben, who Craved a Crownfor his Crazy head, but first had to Doop a Daring Dragon… the whole amazing adventure, from a – z, came to me in words and pictures and will be told on a giant 30 x 30 canvas.
So far, this noodle is sticking. The story is written, the illustrations are turning out just as I imagined and the idea keeps growing in my head. Sure, it will take some time. I work in snippets while my babes sleep. But, I visualize this being so much more than a one-time project. I have the idea to do storyboards that are customized for families. They will include names, favorite hobbies, pets…whatever is important to the family. Then there is always the potential for children’s books. So many noodles, so much time (right?)!
Is your NOW simmering, al dente or fully cooked and why?
I have a lot of noodles simmering. Right now I am trying to focus on the ones that I can get to
al dente…and perhaps a few fully cooked?! Just for fun!
What recipes can you give other Creative Moms Taking On The Creative?
A tiny bit of action every day equals a whole lot of action at the end of a week. I have been guilty of waiting around until the perfect time when I can actually finish a task. As it turns out, as an at home mom trying to build a business…this “perfect” time rarely exists. The days that I can try to accomplish something, while keeping my kids as a priority, are the days I feel great about what I am doing. The days that I put off creating because I feel like I don’t have time feel awful. So I let myself get excited about the tiny things that move me forward every day.
What motivated you to throw your noodle?
My husband, my friends and mostly my little ones motivate me to throw the noodles. My husband motivated by believing in my dreams. My friends motivate me by being the ones in my life who literally walk in my same shoes. My babies almost forced me to throw this noodle because they truly love the art. At the end of the day, I create for kids so it is the kids who motivate me the most. I love the spark in their eyes when a child sees something attractive to them. They don’t care about perfection or how long it took to finish the artwork, they just know that they love it and it makes them happy.
What inspires you as a Mom and as a creative person?
I have learned, by simply being a mom, that inspiration really is everywhere. My daughter saw a lady bug on a blade of grass one day and inspired my lady bug trio.
I have a lot of noodles simmering. Right now I am trying to focus on the ones that I can get to
al dente…and perhaps a few fully cooked?! Just for fun!
What recipes can you give other Creative Moms Taking On The Creative?
A tiny bit of action every day equals a whole lot of action at the end of a week. I have been guilty of waiting around until the perfect time when I can actually finish a task. As it turns out, as an at home mom trying to build a business…this “perfect” time rarely exists. The days that I can try to accomplish something, while keeping my kids as a priority, are the days I feel great about what I am doing. The days that I put off creating because I feel like I don’t have time feel awful. So I let myself get excited about the tiny things that move me forward every day.
What motivated you to throw your noodle?
My husband, my friends and mostly my little ones motivate me to throw the noodles. My husband motivated by believing in my dreams. My friends motivate me by being the ones in my life who literally walk in my same shoes. My babies almost forced me to throw this noodle because they truly love the art. At the end of the day, I create for kids so it is the kids who motivate me the most. I love the spark in their eyes when a child sees something attractive to them. They don’t care about perfection or how long it took to finish the artwork, they just know that they love it and it makes them happy.
What inspires you as a Mom and as a creative person?
I have learned, by simply being a mom, that inspiration really is everywhere. My daughter saw a lady bug on a blade of grass one day and inspired my lady bug trio.
My son obsessed over tractors (vroom, vrooms - in his words and inspired the red and green tractors.
Every single day, they show wonder in the world... and I want to paint it all! If only there was more time…(smiles)
How do you juggle Mamahood and your NOW?
This is a journey in and of itself. Some days, it flows and some days, not so much. I try to stay balanced by remembering that accomplishing a small amount in one hectic day can be better than saving it for an elusive more “productive” or “quieter” day. (sorry for the repetition but this is so important!) Having kids (who are the reason my noodle came to me) is not a reason to avoid taking action. At the same time, they are my priority. So, during those precious moments where they are playing harmoniously or sound asleep in their beds, I know that I have an opportunity to create. On the other hand, when they need me, they are my priority…no matter what remains on my to-do list.
What is your ultimate pasta dish?
Anything stuffed! From ravioli to manicotti – I like my pasta full!
FOLLOW TinybyDesign Facebook Souls By Design Blog Twitter
This is a journey in and of itself. Some days, it flows and some days, not so much. I try to stay balanced by remembering that accomplishing a small amount in one hectic day can be better than saving it for an elusive more “productive” or “quieter” day. (sorry for the repetition but this is so important!) Having kids (who are the reason my noodle came to me) is not a reason to avoid taking action. At the same time, they are my priority. So, during those precious moments where they are playing harmoniously or sound asleep in their beds, I know that I have an opportunity to create. On the other hand, when they need me, they are my priority…no matter what remains on my to-do list.
What is your ultimate pasta dish?
Anything stuffed! From ravioli to manicotti – I like my pasta full!
FOLLOW TinybyDesign Facebook Souls By Design Blog Twitter
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