making art, new prints, studio organization, framing ♡ september studio vlog

the first 50 subscriber to use this link (or the code LEIGH) will receive 40% off their purchase from Pela. After that it will be a 25% discount! ☺︎ links.pela.earth/leigh4 ♥︎
⁕ find me on patreon if u dare / leighellexson
⁕ camera: Sony a6400 w/ a 35mm lens =)
featuring music from Louie Zong
louiezong.bandcamp.com
& epidemic sound

[@MinteaPeach]

I like how it’s a universal thing for fine art print companies to be kinda rude to their customers! I’ve had a similar experience whilst enquiring about print costs and paper types where the customer service person just rolled their eyes and acted like I wasn’t worth their time! I hope it wasn’t too traumatising for you ❤

[@LeighEllexson]

What the heck!! Why do they hate us

[@aat10Kyoko]

Giclée should never ever have any marks! I had a horrible experience with our local art printer as well. They had white spot in the middle of my giclée, he reprinted it again, begrudgingly of course. But the quality of print is so awesome and distant wise, and price point is really good. However, their unprofessionalism f-you attitude and shitty website to upload the file is not worth it for me. I'm going to order my prints from New York State (again) and I'm in California. I need to save my mental sanity and not grow resentment

[@kelyrin-douceuretdessin9476]

Oh gosh I've had the worst experience with my local printer too !!! Same eye rolls, same "you're wasting my time" kind of vibes ! So I've decided to just purchase my own printer. (which works out because as a perfectionist with anxiety, I can just do as many tweaks and tries as I need to make the prints perfect 🤣)

[@emmettowl]

James is such a KZbin Pro. This video was an excellent chill time. 11/10

[@Thornton019hockey]

Hey Leigh! Just wanna say that I work in a framing and printing shop (I actually manage the dept in our fine art store) and the black marks are not supposed to be there! They are guides for hand trimming prints and are supposed to be cut off! If you work with them again make sure they are not there or do not accept them and make them trim those off (it’s time consuming for them but it means they didn’t do the job right the first time anyways). A few prints with the marks can be normal errors but on all of them is not acceptable. Sadly bad experiences at these places can be common, so I’m so sorry that they treated you in such a fashion! That’s never acceptable and I hear stories from people that go to other print and frame shops and get treated with disrespect and rudeness and end up getting so discouraged. I hope your next experience (there or elsewhere) is much more positive from the start!

[@Blick_Art]

We're so glad you talked about use of reference! There's a big difference between using reference material in a creative way and over-reliance or dependence. Anyone who says their work is completely free of external influence or content just isn't being honest. We also loved your answer about dissatisfaction with ones own art- if you love the process, that will carry you over, around, or through barriers and you will get better! Thanks for this lovely video, your studio looks wonderful!

[@bodyofhope]

I looooovvvve my process, but the ugly phase gets me every. single. time.

[@SophieMcPike]

the way the pastel swoops around on the wood board! YUMMO

[@Pixiewithpens]

"is this a school photo" made me laugh out loud alone in my apartment, so thank you for that. it was a very cute way to show off the framed paintings!! james is a good boy

[@aimeecreative]

Love your videos per usual 😅 I’m a graphic designer and I work with a lot of printers, and let me tell you, those black crop marks are supposed to be gone when they are done cutting, especially for prints! So glad you’ll be getting a discount if you print from them again. That’s definitely not right. So sorry you had a bad experience! Sometimes you have to go to the source and so glad James talked to the owner! Ps those wood panel paintings are gorgeous!!

[@LeighEllexson]

OH REALLY. HMPH!!!! Thank you for the info.

[@lizlikestodoodle5281]

This is 100% Correct. i work in a print shop, those are crop marks so they know where to cut and aren't suppose to be there for the final product.

[@aimeecreative]

@@LeighEllexson next time though since James talked to the owner and is personally going to take care of it, there shouldn’t be any 👍

[@eliluuna]

I LOVE the set of vases that you did and the pieces for the show look so nice together ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@LeighEllexson]

Thank you!!!!

[@furrylittlepeach]

Promise me you'll leave the tacklebox to me in your will. Promise!

[@LeighEllexson]

I’ll trade you my tackle box for one of your medical kit boxes that you keep your colored pencils in 👀

[@MrsQuam]

I was gonna say it reminds me of FLP’s first aid boxes! LOOOOVVVEEEE

[@ariannahall8831]

😂 I was literally thinking FLP is going to say something as soon as she sees that tackle box

[@sabinafennart]

Hey Leigh! I use triangular tubes for my prints, they're more recyclable than circular shipping tubes because they're just corrugated boxes :)

[@sunpunky]

those silky smooth oil pastels tho… snack of choice, mmm so creamy. delish 👌

[@MeganWangart]

I’m laughing so hard at pop star ⭐️ in fifth grade I had a moment where I would say rock star. There was also a time where I would say actor + chef 👩‍🍳

[@LeighEllexson]

you are an actor and chef on KZbin now !!!

[@johnsolis6255]

Love your Vlog videos, idk why but the music during the frame montage gave Hey Arnold vibes and I loved it!

[@LeighEllexson]

I totally get that and love it

[@GeorginaTheLibrarian]

You can get really cool triangular tubes which are entirely cardboard, no plastic caps, and because they’re triangular they’re super sturdy. Highly recommend them!

[@dianab2428]

James showing off the framed paintings was a perfect way to end the video xD

[@cindy-hb5lx]

I'm sorry you went through that printing experience. Very sweet of James to have helped you. These companies need your business, they need to be careful on who they hire to represent their company

[@nanastya2011]

Actually, thanks to u it's became easier to me to draw in my sketchbook cause I realised that it's OK to draw with a reference. Thanks ❤

[@noovernightguests]

Love the direction your art is moving in, feels cozy and modern. Also, those frames are everything. I found a couple in a thrift store on day, and now I always check for them, the quality is 💯.

[@taylorraearihia5694]

Okay but James was stylin in this. I dressed up as a cute & creepy clown. Recommend. Green tea 💚

[@bitch_latte]

He should dye it blue! Blue raspberry blue!

[@LeighEllexson]

blue would suit him so well

[@natalierivera8421]

haha the surprise James at the end was cute

[@marms-art]

i've never used a youtuber affiliate link but your pela code just saved me 20 bucks on a case for my new phone!

[@giannalittlepawpaints]

Fun videos as always. The colors in your work are fantastic 🥰

[@YolaResa]

I love how colorful and full of light your videos always are.

[@gamewrit0058]

17:50 😍😍 Gorgeous pieces on those wood panels. Kudos! 23:40 Yes! I love your transition animations. And your framed originals at the turned out gorgeous! 💕

[@livdewhurst400]

I am in LOVE with the holo tiger sticky!!

[@MonsterMaker]

So happy to get home and see a new vlog!

[@oogalaboo]

When I ship art prints, I usually put the print in an acid-free plastic sleeve (only plastic part of process) with a thin board backing, kind of like matting board. Then I put it in a paper envelope with a very stiff piece of board (face of print towards board). I've done this countless times with sizes up to 11x14, and I've never had a problem with damage. Not sure if this would work with larger prints, though. I commend you for your dedication to eco-friendly options. I'm intrigued by that mostly bamboo paper option.

[@Jasmine-ot8br]

Okay I just got here and not going to lie some of your art choices are absolutely love like how on the vase, the blue one where the flower cuts off how you didn't finish the blue on that side that is so f****** cute and unique and I dig the words that you're saying too about the art in your head not matching the art that you think you can do

[@jeannettesalazar6442]

Leigh I love your new prints. Congratulations. Thanks to share

[@kealekim5920]

I am so excited for your update x

[@LeighEllexson]

me too >=)

[@kmmk292929]

pleaseeeeeeeeeeeee do the "yeah maybe" podcast again. I miss it.

[@zabebebe704]

love to see you and James again! think the new canvas was a beautiful upgrade, and was awesome what you said about reference

[@emmarucci6427]

JAMES! the brief cbat in the background killed me. Love you, leigh! your vids are always a highlight.

[@eminorthworld]

Finally someone says something about digital design. It does frustrate me too. Love your art ❤️

[@sarahrehan9362]

James always put a smile to my face😭

[@snufkin9125]

i love your vlog's, it's my new morning routine

[@umebocchistudio]

i love this new style you have with the intro and outro!

[@keturahmckitterick9200]

Oh man, this is why hubs and I are printing our own art prints, yup, got a plotter printer and everything. However we are learning....arrr. But, I'm sure you will find you printing place and the prints look great! I love your pup, I have 3 Boston terriers, had to get one in each color too! lol. I so feel ya in so many ways, I love digital art but always going back to my paints and now experimenting with marker. You're amazing, one day I will get one of your prints! Love and hugs!

[@_joawii]

beautiful as always!!

[@saltandpeppers8788]

“The whole experience was just super unpleasant, like really unpleasant, like every time I left I wanted to cry.” I feel so seen! We are lucky if we have people like James in our lives to step in when we can’t / struggle to

[@Thornton019hockey]

@@lainiwakura1776 this person could have had a similar experience (or many) and been lucky to also have a friend like James who stuck up for them so they didn’t have to just take that bad experience. Especially with customer service and in framing and printing places like these, it’s easy to actually have a bad experience and not feel like you can stick up for yourself as the customer.

[@LauraGomez-bl2so]

@@lainiwakura1776 That's kind of the whole point of empathy.

[@AshleyAwe]

LEIGH! It's YOU and James! Love all of your videos! The intro was fun. It also reminded me of one of those shows from yesteryear where the person being filmed acts surprised when the camera is on them. Keeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep up that amazing water drinking, great vibe presence you present! Inhaling all of the good vibes!

[@alexgaskill8411]

I related so much to your ‘Reference’ talk

[@linsaraillustration]

love the two drawings🥰

[@rita_rasto]

Hey Leigh, thank you for another super nice video * My favorite parts are always to enjoy you drawing, those pastels are so smoooooth and the colors so awesooome... It's like therapy, I really disconnect from the world for a bit and immerse in the good vibes. Thank you. Also I felt your pain with the frames, I always try to find the easiest laziest way to deal with framing artwork... Cheers * (also appreciated the James' invested in school photos sort of moment ihih)

[@drifloons]

i just got my studio meggy suncatchers today and I LOVE THEM!!!!

[@MarleneVega]

Can we just talk about how good this pela sponsored segment was 😮‍💨 like the filming, camera angles, lighting 👌🏽

[@meghan369]

ahhhh I needed this today!

[@Padmabyseema]

Beautiful work Leigh! Would love to see in vlog how do you plan your schedule and manage your time to draw, shoot and everything else in your daily life.

[@antoninakovtun989]

your videos are perfect for drawing !!!!!!!!

[@TajasymoneEvans]

the framing music reminds me of hey arnold and I love that

[@Iliveinmygarage]

The cartoony drawing of you and toady is super cute~~ And still fits your lineart style

[@Iliveinmygarage]

I feel like you other works would look cool with halftone in them

[@fuzzydragons]

nice blue rusty tackle box😀they are so handy for so many things

[@opalmouse8901]

I have that exact same blue tool box! Mine is the same blue on the outside as the inside and I use it as a tackle box I got it handed down from my dad but it was my grandpas and I still use a bunch of his old tackles ❤

[@memoatelier]

OMG! I made that Naruto pencil case years ago, I can't believe you have one! I'm in shock I can't believe it 😳 You made my day!! ❤❤ I'm happy it still holds after such a long time! 🤣😂❤

[@LeighEllexson]

Hahahaha omg !!!!! Yes I love that bag 😩😩😩 so cute, it’s held up so well!!

[@CheerUp2]

I recently broke my drawing hand and had surgery on it. I had to get a metal plate put in and im worried its gonna effect how i draw in the future. I always feel I draw to stiff and the side of my palm is usually touching whatever surface im drawing on and watching you draw i notice you dont. Maybe in the future while my hand is healing i can try drawing this way and allow myself to flow more freely. I work as a illustrator for a tech company in SF so sadly i cant work right now

[@mystikmisfit]

"what are you doing?" "wearing my new shirt" LAUGHING! *chefskissfunny*

[@mystikmisfit]

yay music from louie zong!! thanks for the company budddeeee UwU !

[@lunakrause984]

ahh the frames are so nicee :-)

[@LeighEllexson]

glad you likey hehe

[@Bournelux]

Can’t believe they left the black crop marks on the corners of your prints!? As the other comments said, they’re suppose to be gone. Ahh well the prints themselves look really good! Xx

[@tiwantiwaabibiman2603]

The Black marks are registration marks. Yes they should have told you that was a part of their process, however they're not typical with other fine art printers. FYI... Also young/emerging artists try checking with the print shops at the big universities in your area. Many big universities have their own publishing departments they also have onsite huge print shops and will do small and big print jobs for non-university orders. They're also usually below commercial print shop rates and can do large prints. Oh, I'm sooooo not coming to your Clown Party! LOL!!! Another suggestion: For your style of work it's best to frame them in the same (or close) frames that are the same colour, material and profile (i.e. white, Black, metallic...). Also always use acid free tape, mats, foam board and backing papers for obvious reasons. Also there should be at least one wholesale frame supplier in your area. They're cheaper than retail framers/shops. Don't be reticent to pricing your artwork. That's unfortunately often a trait/mindset of women artists [FYI I'm a woman artist/designer, curator and instructor with 40+ years]. We often do that because we're taught/think there is no value to our work. So NOT true. Here's the test of that: ask any male artist on any level how much his work is and he'll usually respond without blinking. Even if it's a number off the top of his head and ridiculously high or low. Never ever be resistant to pricing your artwork if for no other reason than to assign a value for insurance purposes. Also, don't you have to price your work for your online shop? If you can price your prints you can price your originals - higher than the prints [*hint*]. If you don't know how to or uneasy about pricing your work ask a friend whose art is collected and have a long list of fine arts gallery shows or an independent curator...

[@ratgirl107]

James is so funny I can't

[@lochtessmonsterxoxo]

The thrifted fram struggle is FELT over here!!

[@madamorsel]

BIG fan of this one :3

[@suzyhinnefeld]

Leigh! Get a chipboard backer to package your prints with and ship them flat! For big prints in the past we have slid them into a flat unfolded up cardboard box and then just tape it closed! Never had a problem. If you need a local box place we use a&m shipping supplies. They have free local delivery so that’s tight! Always love watching your vids. Let’s climb together soon!

[@LeighEllexson]

Oooooo I already got my rolling tubes but I will definitely check that out!!

[@LeighEllexson]

Yes let’s climb!!

[@ensuenoproducciones7333]

James is great. Beautiful work, Leigh 😀😁😎 Saludos desde Chile 🇨🇱

[@karolsartoasis4815]

Thanks for the lovely video, I really like your art. I am really inspired to go home and be creative but I am at work 😢. Thanks for the lovely video ❤

[@TheArtistGirl11]

will we get a halloween yeah maybe episode this year 🥺

[@moramie84]

Toadie is sleeping ON his tongue! What a character.

[@autumnanderson9792]

Just got my Pela case! Thanks for the rad discount and for promoting such a cool company! Now I just need a cute ghosty sticker to match in time for fall haha 👻

[@KallerhultCreations]

The last shot! 🤣🤣🤣

[@adelinaka.studio]

I dared to leave a like before the intro was over 😈😈 v cool

[@sindycurruchich6030]

In love with you and your videos❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@MarleneVega]

Hoping to be able to own one of your lovely prints soon 🥹💖

[@StudioHannah]

Leigh, you always wear the cutest clothes in your blogs! Your overall aesthetic is just SO APPEALING. I'm striving to be like that haha :D I'm also stuck in constant organization mode, so I understand, and I love it.

[@soukistudio]

James should definatelly go the neon green (like your envelope) just like I did

[@LeighEllexson]

Yes

[@khannellecreation]

Nice video as always ^^! And James should try red hair :3

[@mimpiluna8995]

The sweet taste that are like licorice but meaner are probably star anise or cloves. In my culture (Malay), it's advised to chew a clove everyday for good health. I can never do that!!!! Hahahaah. Btw, James should dye his hair electric blue💙💙💙!! It'll work well with his thick brows

[@laurenandroconis9693]

would you ever put the fruit print in your shop?? it's so gorgeous 😭💕

[@saltandpeppers8788]

“those detail shots tho” 😂😂😂

[@bri.forcier]

James' frog shirt is so CUTE i'd love to know where it's from!

[@LeighEllexson]

It’s from @emodog

[@chelsyescalona]

Love your vlogs! Also wanted to ask where did you get the pink desks chairs? I'm looking for one for my studio but they are either to short or ergonomic but not as beautiful, so if you could share where you find those and if you find them comfortable too I really appreciated it!

[@LeighEllexson]

My chairs are secondhand! 💕 I found them on Facebook marketplace

[@InkofValhalla]

You can use WD-40 for the squeaking 😊

[@MA-zg2pz]

Id love to know where your t shirts are from. I was able to Google and find Lolly Lolly, but would love more shirts of the like ❤

[@AndraMarieArt]

My sister and I both worked in printing at one point, and yeah no. The crop marks shouldn't be there. She worked in a big warehouse and I worked at a office supply store and I would be trimming those out of people's Christmas cards.

[@Julia.kathleen]

Where do you sell your art??? I LOVE IT SO MUCH 😍😍🤩❣

[@jenniferparker752]

Hi Leigh, Your work is just stunning. I am just learning Procreate and wondering if you can recommend your favorite brushes or pens? Thank you!!

[@LeighEllexson]

Thanks! I have my favorite brushes linked on the FAQ page on my website they’re called the retro max pack!

[@bmichele6397]

James should dye his hair dark blue with a matching handle bar moustache... maybe a monocle?

[@juliajanemartens]

did not notice james hiding in the curtains until he popped out, lost my marbles after that

[@superfund42]

I have a sleep mask from the late '90s that says "Can't sleep...clowns will eat me..." that lives on a glass head on my shelf next to my desk. I will not be attending your party 🤣. Also, next time you have a metal frame, only take off one side and slide the stacked glass-print-backing in like a letter into an envelope. Then just pop the side back on.

[@Vinyltechnician]

Me,: Lolly Lolly Chain Studios? Hmm... Also me, five seconds later: lolly lolly lolly get your adverbs here!

[@kevinerxd2368]

have you checked the cool metal box that it doesnt contain lead paint? ive seen a lot of people have their vintage finds be lead painted

[@ilovefaries18]

Howdy there fair maiden! Love all your art and your funky style, and you just got the best vibes. Full of high vibrations! Question, what bear is best? Jk lol, but do you print your stickers at home? And what printer do you use? Or do you use a website that prints them and sends them to you?

[@LeighEllexson]

Kodiak bears are cute! I use stickerapp for my stickers ❤️‍🔥

[@michellejohnson6346]

Blue Tackle Box= Original Caboodle.

[@raycoffeebooks1989]

Excellent video, as always!! Also where is that ipad case from? It speaks to me 🥹

[@LeighEllexson]

It’s a dodo case!

[@raycoffeebooks1989]

@@LeighEllexson yay thank you!! Adding it to my wish list :)

[@tracey3853]

I’m so excited for more prints!! My home is basically a Leigh Ellexson gallery

[@bazutaartstudio]

That's too bad about your print experience. I used to work for an art reproduction company and they do need the black crop marks but if they are set up properly and the trimming done correctly they should be completely gone by the time the trimming is done. Also they way we shipped prints was in tubes. Not the ridiculously think ones but regular ones and we would use acid free tissue paper to layer between the print and a piece of craft paper that was a bit wider than the print so if there is any sliding of the print in the tube, the craft paper would get crunched and not the print. That's just what we did. Maybe useful? Also, clown themed party? Creepiest Halloween party ever haha.

[@kalino1600]

Can you make a tour with your supplies ?

[@lichilow5194]

I need to know, if James is getting payed!?

[@LeighEllexson]

He is getting paid for full time work hahaha

[@TheArtistGirl11]

ps james where did u get ur frog shirt :D

[@LeighEllexson]

It’s from @emodogs

[@MrsQuam]

I’m sorry you had a negative experience with the printer. :( They came out STUNNING tho. How in the world do you get your stickers so fast?!

[@LeighEllexson]

Stickerapp honestly makes stickers SO fast!!!