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August 5, 2016
New New New!!!!

book instagram

My NEW Book, Sketch and Go : 5 Minute Fashion Illustration available for pre-order HERE! 

Hi guys!!!

I know it’s been so long since I have been posting blogs, but it takes a visit from Ikea builders and a home office update to relocate me from working at my desk to get me away from my massive to do lists (switching from a black to white desk and adding more cabinets and bookshelves to store all of my artwork and supplies).

Anyway. Working hard for me is an understatement and it’s about to get even busier!!!

I know I have been filling you in a little on my book but now, it’s here!!! It’s available for pre-order NOW and you can purchase it here www.chicsketch.com/sketchandgo  or www.emilybrickeledelson.com/book   It is set to be published October 11th but if you pre-order NOW you will be the first to get it!

AND, excitingly I was able to sketch live, UNVEIL and announce my book on Elle Magazine’s Facebook live!! Here watch it all to see what is to come for fall!

A little nerve wrecking I know, speaking LIVE and simultaneously drawing is not an easy fete.

ELLE! I mean…..

The same magazine I interned at almost 10 years ago and now I was live sketching with over 37 thousand views! I am beyond blessed, excited and grateful that they had me on and can’t wait to show you what else I have in store!

Speaking of New….

While you’re at it! Check out my brand spankin new website!!! I am so proud of how it turned out and all the work I have been doing for Chic Sketch and my book and I can finally blurt it out loud – and share it on this gorgeous site!!!

NOW instead of going to www.EmilyBrickel.com – my old site that I had been wayyyy to swamped to keep updating, now you can go to www.EmilyBrickelEdelson.com -This website is updated with EVERYTHING I’ve been working on (well almost everything!)  I added my new married name, the same name that’s on my BOOK and the name that I proudly go by!!! Yes, three names! Why?

  1. Because More is More. Why as women do we have to remove a name (and sometimes remove that identity) when instead we can just add on a new fabulous married name to it and add on new meaning and new experiences to this path that we call life.  Call it another stripe on my sleeve.
  2. As women we have all been working so hard to make a name for ourselves, and as an artist when I have been signing my name as Emily Brickel on my art for so long, all of a sudden signing Emily Edelson would be like a completely different person, one that whole pages and pages of artwork would not be connected to.
  3. Family.  To me getting married is adding on a whole amazing side of new family but also keeping close to your birth family. My dad for instance passed away when I was 12 and it didn’t sit right with me to remove that name from mine. My dad (and mom) were and are both very talented artists and the Brickel family has some really strong art genes, so I never wanted to get rid of the real last daily connection that I have to my dad.
  4. It just sounds great! That is if in fact you pronounce my maiden name right! That’s pronounced Em-ily  BRI-Kell  Edel-son (Like Eddy Brickell but I’m with one L)  See also

Now I’m not saying that if you choose to remove your maiden name in favor of your new shiny married name that there is anything wrong with that, I’m just saying this is what made me happy to do for me. Do what makes you happy!

And on that note of happiness.

Writing makes me so happy! Creating art that is both detailed and intricate or quick and chic (ahem Chic Sketch) also make me happy! So do a ton of other things like being a kick a$$ entrepreneur, CEO boss lady, being a fashionista, fashion design, travel, time with family and friends, sharing my gifts with the world and teaching others how to draw and live a life of their dreams!!! These things all make me so happy and I am so blessed that I can continue to do all of these things and share it with you. That being said, with all this going on I can’t possibly blog weekly with long, long posts and new detailed art every week. Therefore, I am changing my blog’s format! I will blog as much as I can and update you on all the exciting things going on but I also loveeee social media and living life, so check out the blog on ChicSketch.com, check out my social media and ChicSketch’s social media for constant updates all the time!

Here’s where to follow: On Instagram and Twitter @EmilyBrickel and @ChicSketch, On Snapchat and Facebook @Emily.Brickel and @ChicSketch

I will be snapping, gramming and posting live for my almost month long list of amazing trips this August, and all of NY Fashion week in September so make sure you follow and stay tuned!!!!!!!

Whenever I am sketching at live events that are open to the public, DON’T WORRY! You’re invited!!! However, a lot of our clients host us at insider only events that you need to be on the list for.  So as much as I would like to, I can’t invite you to that but you will hear about it first by subscribing to my newsletter here on my blog page  http://www.emilybrickeledelson.com/blog/ and stay tuned to social for pictures!

What I learned from all of this? Don’t overwork it!

Perfection is really elusive so don’t worry about being perfect, just worry about getting it DONE in a way that you are really proud of.  This is especially true of art, of Chic Sketches (when I teach new illustrators to keep it sketchy and not overwork their art) and of life!

In my new book I talk about everything from….

How to:
– To get in the zone,
– To move past your fear of creating (and this can even be applied to anything that you are creating – from a business to the perfect Instagram layout and caption).

I talk about:
– Channeling your inner guru,
– What you need to succeed – from the tools to the attitude.
–  I show you how to draw fashion illustration,
–  From the basics of beginners to the detailed tricks of the trade.

Then after you know the basics, or if you are an experienced artist
– I take you into the pro tips of creating 5 minute sketches on the go
–  And tips for different settings from backstage at a fashion show or even at home at your desk.

If you have ever thought about drawing for fun OR as a profession…
This book is for you!

Perfect for:
Teens learning to draw and who loves fashion,
Instagram illustrators who want to hone your skill,
Fashion illustrators who want to learn the new, quick method of sketching completed works of art and not just scratchy pencil lines,
Creative entrepreneurs who need to get inspired, to stay inspired and create great work to share your gift with the world!
People who have always wanted to learn how to draw but never had the time to create long, time consuming artwork.

It’s all in there – and I poured my heart and soul in there too!

What else is included?
– How to get started in this career or hobby
– What supplies you need
– Insider pro- tips
– Start to Finish sketches of the process
– Traditional body proportions vs. Fashion Illustration proportions,
– How to draw eyes, nose, lips, hair and faces in all different angles,
– How to draw garments and accessories,
– How to draw standing, walking and action poses
– How to draw editorial poses
– 500 fashion illustration templates printed in special blue ink that disappears when you photocopy it – so only your drawing will show.
And so much more!

This book is written in my fashion-loving style so reading through each chapter is a blast.

Hope you love this book as much as I loved writing and illustrating it!
Please dig in, mark it up, highlight and draw in it.
This is going to be your new inspirational best friend.

Hope that Inspires YOU to live your dreams. Every. Single. Day…..
Xoxo
Emily

Get that and more… and everything you want to know about me on
www.EmilyBrickelEdelson.com

Follow me on Instagram @EmilyBrickel and Snapchat @Emily.Brickel

December 31, 2015
2016 Mantra

Screenshot 2015-12-31 13.40.02

Illustration from my 2016 Calendar!

This year, be way more YOU. Feel more, give more, do more, play more, dream more, BE more. Compete with YOURSELF, no one else.  Color outside the lines and take the path less traveled. If there is something you see in the world that you want to change, change it.

Don’t be afraid to speak up for what you believe in, ESPECIALLY if no one else is. Create your own path, write your own story. Forget those who just watch and judge you because they are just standing on the sidelines. If you want advice, ask someone who IS where you want to be, and has been where you want to go – not someone who tells you you can’t.

“It always seems impossible until it’s done” -N. Mandela.

GO and catch YOUR star, better yet BE a shooting star and last but not least, Never dim your light just because it’s shining in someone else’s eyes – they will find some sunglasses and that is what we call shade.

For 2016, and if you are so inclined, for every month – choose a new mantra and repeat it to yourself anytime you need a little pick me up.

Mine for this month/year is : I AM A POWERFUL CREATOR

Happy New Year! Shine Bright darlings! xo

Hope that inspires you,
Xoxo
Emily

Follow me on Instagram & Snapchat @EmilyBrickel

December 29, 2015
2016 Dreaming!

Screenshot 2015-12-28 22.39.27

Cover of my 2016 Fashion Illustration Calendar!!!

We are less than a week away from 2016 and around this time I always do some major soul searching!

Right before a new chapter is the best time to tune in and dream about your ideal new year and new experiences!

Earlier today I was kind of trekking on, deep in this long term and special project I’m working on but so involved in what is due NOW that I really hadn’t started thinking about 2016 in a deep, connected way. Sure I have plans for the new year and coming months and have been working on them for months but I’m talking about really meditating on, feeling and manifesting my desires for the new year.

Today, when I took a nice steamy shower, I sat on the shower floor, closed my eyes and literally imagined my way through what I wanted each month to be like. I imagined how amazing it would be and all the things I would feel and experience and then I expressed gratitude for all of those things coming true, feeling as if they are written in the stars and meant to be. Trusting that it will happen similar to or if not better than my dreams and meditations.

I sat there, enamored in the feelings of this new year, allowing myself to create my dream year when moments before I was just steamrolling through what I had to get done, feeling frazzled and not connected to my true goals.

All it took was 15 minutes to myself, in my own head space to reconnect with the feelings, happenings and accomplishments I wanted to have for the coming year.

I highly recommend you try this too.

“She designed the life she loved….and lived it!”

“And in the end we only regret the chances we didn’t take, the relationships we were too afraid to have, and the decisions we waited too long to make.” – anon.

“If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan and guess what they have planned for you? Not much!” – Jim Rohn

If you want to live the life of your dreams, don’t wait for anyone else to plan it for you. Design your own life and live by design.

I’m all about planning and that’s why I created my Fashion Illustration calendar for a 4th in a row! The 2016 Fashion Illustration calendar I think, and I have heard, is my best one yet!

I am so happy to share it with you! It is limited edition so I only have a few more left! If you want one, order here! Below are some photos from the calendar!

Order it HERE! Ready to ship next day! 

Here are some more photos of the pages!

Click here for more images of each month!

I use my wall calendar at a glance and tape it on the inside of my kitchen cabinets.  I use it every day to log work outs, brushing my dog’s teeth (yes I have to do that, at least I try to do it!), birthdays, trips and events. I also log “date night” and keep track of any habits I am trying to form. I love looking back on my calendar and seeing what I did each month and the memories I made at the end of each year.

For my business calendar and planner I use the Day Designer Flagship edition. Mine is the black and white spotted one but I purchased it in august (they have a mid year one) because my previous method was not working for me. I needed a more robust way to plan and manage my multiple businesses and personal events while planning my wedding.  Seriously this helped me so much and it doesn’t hurt that it is so gorgeous with daily inspirational quotes and gold tabs and binding.

I love to have a spot for tasks, planning and work to-do’s in a portable planner as well as my separate fashion illustration wall calendar to keep at home (or in the office) and have my social events and personal goals on it. I love writing it all in with different color sharpie fine point pens. So fun and cute to look at.

Whatever you decide, take the time to plan your life (you don’t even need a calendar, just do it in your head and write it down in a spiral notebook or journal!)

Hope that inspires you to live a 2016 year beyond your wildest dreams!

xoxo
Emily

Follow me on Instagram & Snapchat @EmilyBrickel

December 10, 2015
Sparkle & Shine Darling!

Screenshot 2015-12-10 17.56.23

Myself, Mrs. Adrienne Bosh, Chris Bosh and my husband

and Chic Sketch business partner Jordan Edelson!

Well hello lovelies, it’s been a hot minute

but so much has been going on that I need to catch you up on!

Earlier last month I had the most amazing opportunity to do live Fashion Sketches with my company Chic Sketch for the one and only Mrs. Adrienne Bosh at the launch of her new and extremely sparkly Miami boutique “Sparkle & Shine Darling”.

We met Adrienne during the Forbes 30 Under 30 event in October and had a mutual friend that wanted us to meet – suddenly we were speaking about illustrations and her glam 5-day grand opening launch parties (with an invite list that read like a Who’s Who of Miami’s chicest ladies).

I think hands down this was one of my favorite brands – and female Entrepreneurs, to work with.  Everything in the store screamed #GirlBoss and I basically wanted to move in. And oh that glitter floor.

SPARKLE AND SHINE
Adrienne and her team are so sweet and amazing to work with. If you are in the Miami area – I highly suggest you go in and get a tour by one of her personal Sparkle Consultants.  This is the perfect spot to do some major gift shopping for yourself, a friend, your home or some little ones. I’m dubbing it the “Sparkly gold-and-pink Miami version of Henri Bendel’s” (my other favorite store on the planet). Click here for website!

How many times have you thought to yourself: Where can I go for some shopping, champs, macaroons and to host my next get together with my besties. Um, here. Thanks Adrienne. (Dying).

Although at first glance the pink and glittery vibe can be perceived on the surface as purely light hearted and sweet, there is a whole deeper meaning to this empowered and inspired movement that showcases women’s strength, power and substance and of course this makes us love Adrienne even more.

The fab mamma Bosh not only launched this new store while pregnant with twins, she also engages in some major charity work with her hubs, Miami Heat co-captain and forward Chris Bosh. Their organization Team Tomorrow Inc. helps fund raise for numerous Miami organizations and charities supporting children and families who are less fortunate.  Check out her feature here on Charity Buzz.  On top of this Adrienne has launched a viral social media campaign called “Today I Can” encouraging women and mothers to reach their dreams one day at a time.  All in a day’s work for Adrienne; let’s say we’re impressed!

Thanks so much Adrienne for all of the inspiration you bring to the table, to your store and to your community.  We are all now much more sparkly on the inside and outside.  That’s what it’s all about.

Check out some photos of the week long event:


Me sketching Chris and Adrienne!


Sports Reporter Donovan Campbell and Jessica Campbell of JessicaCampbellEvents.com


Fashion Blogger Jamie Cittadino of SunflowersandStilettos.com & my friend from High School


Couldn’t leave with out some prezzies for myself!

Check out Sparkleandshinedarling.com for a peek into her store!

GIRLCODE
Lastly, as fate would have it I was drawn to this Instagram post by my neighbor @SheWinks , a fab lash studio in my building. The post was for the book signing of GIRLCODE by The Champagne Diet’s Cara Alwill Leyba.  The insta image was about female entrepreneurs, there was gold, there was black, there was champagne and lashes and it was just an elevator ride away – I had to go.

I went, got the book, spoke to Cara and remembered that my mom, another female entrepreneur, was following her blog for years. Low and behold, the fab duo Julie and Ramona of She Winks, as well as Adrienne Bosh of Sparkle and Shine Darling were both interviewed in Cara’s book Girl Code. – a must read btw. (Insert serendipity music here).

“When love feels like magic, it is called destiny; when destiny has a sense of humor, it is serendipity.” – a quote from Serendipity the movie.

A SPARKLY CHAMPAGNE-FILLED SUPPORT SYSTEM
So, being a female entrepreneur is not a sparkly walk in the park, it’s hard and we definitely need our support system of like minded women. Especially ones who also enjoy the glitter, the fashion and who dream of a “Luxe Life”, like Cara talks about in her book.

I think it’s extremely refreshing to meet not only successful #Bossbabes but also to meet ones who have just as big a vision as me, and also who love fashion, want to indulge in designer items, do good, inspire others and live a life beyond our wildest dreams.

Gabrielle Bernstein is my mentor who promotes living your live to the fullest and achieving your wildest dreams, not feeling guilty for the pleasures you seek, not feeling ashamed or unworthy and mentally cutting the cord with those naysayers and haters. In a society where we are sometimes taught to be self-effacing – these were new ideas I had to get used to.

The girls in Gabby’s groups are also in love with fashion and want it all but seeing these women at Cara’s book signing decked in Chanel and loubs took it all to another level. It made my heart sing because until that point, it was just a theory that these women existed, are not catty and want to support other women.  I know we all have some jealous frienemies out there and to meet women who dress themselves up on the outside, and also dress themselves up on the inside is where it’s at and some place I feel like I belong.

Thank you to all of you. I really feel not alone and it has allowed me to dream even bigger and not to feel ashamed for wanting fashion and appreciating the finer things in life.

We are all entitled to live our highest truths and if you are put on this earth and whether you love fashion, travel, food or culture – Gabby, Cara and the metaphysical text “A Course in Miracles” as well as The Universe and all your fans up there WANT YOU TO HAVE ALL THAT YOU DESIRE, the FINANCIAL MEANS to do this, and the confidence to ACCEPT THESE GIFTS INTO YOUR LIFE and be GRATEFUL FOR THEM!

If you were taught to think small, like there is not enough to go around or that if you want these things you are being selfish – let go of those beliefs right now because YOU are creating your own boundaries.

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t–you’re right.”
― Henry Ford

Start thinking you can right this instant!

This is my journey to live MY truth and to do amazing things, as well as inspire lives along the way to LIVE THEIR VISION of their best life. Join me.

Hope that inspires you!
Xoxo
Emily

Follow me on Instagram & Snapchat @EmilyBrickel

December 4, 2015
Thankful

trails of gold

Illustration with gold leaf

So amassed with the enormous task list I have in front of me and all the deadlines I have been staring at, I really just wanted to write about how extremely grateful I am.  Thanksgiving has come and gone and now the holidays are upon us. This year has been my best year yet! I had the chance to marry my best friend in a fairy tale wedding (Disney Princess Ariel inspired of course!), launched another business, Chic Sketch (this past FEBRUARY may I add) that has been exploding in clients, orders, users and responsibilities to run it.
I am in the middle of writing and illustrating a book (oh yeah, I know I haven’t mentioned that yet – but I have been wanting to keep it on the down low yet feel so guilty about not having a frequent blogging schedule and I wanted to tell you why! I’m hiding this in my post with no bold, caps or exclamation marks because although I feel that way, I want to keep it as calm as possible until it launches, however I feel like I tell you almost everything and I’m having a hard time keeping this from you!)

Ha.

This year my family and I have been blessed with abundance in every way and I am especially aware of how blessed we are because of all the horrifying murders and senseless killing that has been occurring around the world and in our backyards.  It makes me so mad that these people could kill innocent lives, wreck families and instill fear in the hearts of millions. They are winning, and we can’t let them. I pray there there is a solution to this and that some how, something big changes. We are about to be at a tipping point and I hope it comes soon because the balance of peace and love has to overcome this darkness. I try my hardest not to get sucked into the news because that crap only makes you feel terrible after watching it and there is nothing you can do to change the events of the day. We need a hero. We all have to be our own heroes now. 

The holidays make me remember how many people are without. Having been in all kinds of situations at various points in my life, I understand this and appreciate every single day of how grateful I am to have all of the necessities and now so much more.

I wanted to say, there are so many times when you can easily get depressed about what is going on in the world, or the situations of other people, but it is our job as those who are blessed in any way, shape or form to be our brightest selves, to shine our light bright and help those in need any way we can. From a donation of any size to a smile and a hug. We need to be there for those who need it and lift as many people up as possible.

HOW TO DEAL
There are also so many times when I get overwhelmed at how much I am supposed to be doing and how much I have not gotten done. There never seems to be a day when I get all of my to do list done. My list of things to do on the daily is huge, yet I know so many people (namely my husband) who have even bigger lists to check off and even larger shoes to fill. I don’t know how he does it, but I do know God only gives you what you can handle. I guess I can handle a lot and he can handle a lot to!  I am so grateful for every freakin second of it. I’m grateful to have my blog as an outlet to express myself and as a place I can reconnect and I’m so sorry that I have not been doing this every week. I miss it but once my book is complete I will be back on my weekly schedule (hopefully!)

It’s times like these when I shut myself off from all distractions and try to work, work, work. However, what often happens is that I end up staring at the screen or distracting myself on facebook, or seem to hit a block when I feel like a ball of stress waiting for it all to bubble over.

If this happens to me, (or if it happens to you for that matter), STOP WORKING.
Take a step back, focus on those people and things most important to you – because most likely you have been ignoring them to focus on your work. Take a breath, make some cookies for your hubs or fam (I just did!), play with your pet, call a loved one, read a few pages in the book that has been sitting on your night stand for way too long, pour some champagne and take some time for yourself.

After that, you will feel a million times better, making time for what is most important, the things that you should treasure most: your husband or wife, your parents, siblings, friends and taking care of yourself. With all this crap going on in the world, you should count your lucky stars every day and live EACH FREAKING DAY LIKE IT IS YOUR LAST, make time for those you love and let them know HOW MUCH you love them and tell them everything you want to tell them. Make them feel loved and special because some people in San Bernardino, Paris, Israel, Colorado, Sandy Hook, third world countries, those fleeing ISIS or even somewhere near you – those people DON’T have tomorrow with their loved ones.  Remember and be grateful if you do.

Maybe all of this is supposed to make us remember how to be grateful for everything.

HOW TO HELP 
We can only do the best we can do.  I am praying so much for our world right now.  Please keep the faith and tap into the global power of love and unity and mentally assert your declaration for peace and especially peace in the hearts of those who may want to kill next.

We as a people must overcome separation, finger pointing and prejudice towards the terrorists, murderers and criminals because THAT is EXACTLY The reason they are justifying killing in their minds. They are so convinced that we are different, that they are different, better than, less than or that their next victim wronged them in some way beyond repair and that they need to be stopped in cold blood.

IF we think the exact same sentiment towards them, their hearts will remain in anger, vengeance and we will keep feeding their negativity and hate.  Keeping the negative feelings towards each other only creates more violence.

PRAY and tap into the UNIVERSAL connection we all share (you know when someone angry or happy and walks into a room and you can feel that person’s mood – that is the Universal connection we all share and it spans the whole Universe and any living thing).  EVERY SINGLE person just wants to feel love. Have compassion for those with so much hurt, so much pain, so much suffering in their world and hearts that all they can do is hurt other people. Only hurt people, hurt people.  As hard as it is and as counter intuitive as it may sound, getting back to the basics of HUMANS and even all animals alike, subconsciously we all want to be loved.  Pray for peace.

Hope that inspires you to do as much as you can and still do as much for yourself as you can.  Don’t give up hope.  Spread love and the idea for a brighter future.

Xoxo
Emily

Follow me on Instagram & Snapchat @EmilyBrickel

November 2, 2015
Halloween Fashion Recap

badblood

Sketch of Bad Blood Music Video – Taylor Swift and her #Squad

Hope you had a happy Halloween weekend! This is my favorite time of year, and this year our company Chic Sketch and I have teamed up with Seventeen Magazine, and People Style Watch to bring you some of the BEST celebrity Halloween costumes from years past, along with some AMAZING costume ideas and predictions for this year’s ghoulish wear!

The sketches were so popular they were picked up by Radar Online and Hollywood Life!

Check out my sketches and the feature on Seventeen Magazine here:

Screenshot 2015-11-02 14.14.41

And on Radar Online here:

Here’s the link to the Hollywoodlife Feature:


And three images were posted on the Instagram of @PeopleStyle here:

Here is a full recap of all of my halloween sketches in one place!


Hedi Klum as a Hindu Goddess

Taylor Swift as a Pega-Corn

Kelly Osborne as Magenta from Rocky Horror Picture Show

North West

Michael Kors as a Vintage Photographer


Marchesa designer Georgina Chapman as a black and white silent scream queen.


Kate Moss as Cara Delevingne


Kim Kardashian on the Paper Magazine cover


A Minion


Ariana Grande

Anna Dello Russo as a bird

Heidi Klum as Bodies Museum exhibit


Pretty Little Liars


Karl Lagerfeld and his cat Choupette

Beyonce in her music video


The Golden Snitch


Cinderella of course.

The many styles of Cookie from Empire


Alessandra Ambrosio as a cat

and my FAVORITE, so much so that I had to recreate this as my halloween costume.

The cast of Scream Queens.

Here is a photo of me and my husband recreating the look of Ariana Grande AKA Chanel #2 and the Red Devil.


and my best Ariana pose:

Lastly, I am incredibly honoured and humbled to share with you that I have been named “One of Fashion’s Best Illustrators” by WhoWhatWear.com

Check out the article here! (Check out #5!)

So there you have it! My recap of halloween. Hope everyone had a spooky chic time!

Hope that inspires you,
Xoxo
Emily

Follow me on Instagram & Snapchat @EmilyBrickel

October 15, 2015
What You Put In

Screenshot 2015-10-15 18.18.06

Here I am, sitting at my computer on a Saturday night at 2 am.

(written earlier this week)

Not because I have no plans, or because I just came home from a night out. No, but because this was the first time in a while I had a chance to write my blog. I missed writing it and just felt a burst of inspiration.  I have no idea how, because I have been working 12 days in a row, completely exhausted from 3 days straight of drawing for Comic Con with one day left to go (Sunday).  I am sitting here, so incredibly satisfied by that.  It is really hard to go two weeks with working two weekends in a row but the work I am doing is my passion and I am so grateful to be doing that kind of work and sharing my gift.

I am so honored to be sketching for AT&T at Comic Con and for all the other amazing Live Sketching events that I have been so blessed to draw at.  It has only been one year ago this month since I started live sketching at Bene Rialto and taking that jump of faith has completely transformed my life.  I got an out-of-the-blue request to sketch live, something that until that point I had never done. Petrified and unsure, when asked if I could do it, my answer was YES.  I technically had drawn live all the time (at my desk), the only difference was this was in front of a crowd at a fashion cocktail party.

I think my point here is that taking the LEAP of faith, when faced with an opportunity – the answer should always be YES, you can do it. If you don’t know exactly how, or are afraid, find a way. Everything is figure-out-able and there is a YouTube video for anything now a days. Trust in yourself and know that you are capable.  Also know that your past failures and experiences have all been preparing you for this day and the chances you choose to take.

My other point is that when you want something so bad, nothing can stand in your way.  The 13 days in a row (If I am able to take off half a day on Monday – if not it will be 19 days in a row), the exhaustion and tireless nights working till 5 am are nothing short of the road to get there.

“I’m not telling you it’s going to be easy, I’m telling you it’s going to be WORTH IT!” – anon.

I hope that I can share my journey with you, on the path to my dreams and that I can inspire you to live your dreams too. That really is the most important thing in the UNIVERSE! We are each blessed with an amazing gift, whether it be art, design, baking, singing, selling or making people smile and feel safe – no gift is too small to need to share it.

It is our JOB, better yet – our CALLING as human beings to find your gift, trust in it and follow your path to fulfilling your calling here on earth.  We owe it to the whole world to share our gifts, because if not, we leave the world or our community a little less bright.

Look inward, never take no for an answer, DREAM IT, see it in your mind, live it in your heart, speak it out loud to anyone who will listen and let the Universe catch up with your dream.  It is never too late.

Every yes or no decision you make is either guiding you closer or farther away from your dreams.  Don’t be so selfish as to think that being modest or self-deprecating is the way to earn brownie points.  It is your JOB to express yourself, not to burrow it away in some hidden place and deprive the world of the amazing things you have to give.  You have to give every piece of your soul to this life.  Don’t hold back.  “No” means try harder. Ask questions, fight for what you believe in and NEVER dim your light because it’s shining in someone else’s eyes.  I’m not saying to be pompous, but I’m saying to realize YOUR WORTH! Trust in yourself.

Hope that inspires you!
xoxo
Emily

Follow me on Instagram & Snapchat @EmilyBrickel

August 21, 2015
Making it!

Screenshot 2015-08-21 03.11.35

Illustration of Chanel brooches in honor of Coco Chanel’s 131st birthday, a woman who really made it, in her own extraordinary way.

I have some really exciting news to share… I can’t share it yet! – But it’s good, oh it’s really good!  Sorry for the extremely vague non-announcement but I’m just itching to say SOMETHING! Something exciting has happened and I finally feel like my work and my time has been validated!

I can say I am really proud of myself and my hustle, and when this happened – something shifted in me. Sometimes as an entrepreneur and in corporate or even in relationships we all work and work and work and pull miracles out of our hats, work some more and rarely get recognized.  Sometimes, when that recognition hits – and it can even be someone saying to you after you explain what you are up to that “you’ve made it”, or whatever you needed to hear (I love you, Will you marry me, You’re Promoted etc), it can make all the difference.

Although I feel, as a “multi-passionate” entrepreneur you never really “make it” because there is always so much more you want to do – it is really nice to hear that your work is making a difference out there. After all, isn’t that what it’s all about?

Something shifted – and when it did, I let go of so much tension that I always carry around with me.  I felt like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I finally can feel free with a deeper sense of knowing.  The same thing happened when I got married to my soul mate & best friend Jordan less than 3 months ago. I just felt like everything was going to be ok, like I had roots that ran so deep I know I can with withstand any storm. That’s a deep love. That’s a security that I never really had.  I for one know that anything can be taken from you in a moment’s notice with no warning at all – I have been through the deaths of my dad, my grandpa (who became like my dad after my father passed away) and my parents and step-parents divorces.  I know things can be fleeting but for the first time in my life I am building my own family, my own career and it finally feels like I have made it to higher grounds. It’s a deeper spiritual trust and gratitude then I have ever had before.

All that uncertainty, all the fear, all the anxiety (well most of it  – ha!) felt unnecessary.  I could finally figuratively un-hunch my back and take a deep breath in and feel taken care of by The Universe. It’s hard to explain but when you go through life wondering what the future will hold and when you are standing on a step that each day you must CREATE the next step and worry or think about how it will suddenly appear and all work out, that feeling is seeing the staircase ahead of you, already built, KNOWING you can take a breather because all you have to do is show up and climb it.

Making it means something different to everyone.  They say “one person’s ceiling is another person’s floor” I don’t know what your floor or ceiling is but wherever you ARE if you are at the point in your life, where someone views it as their ceiling or a really amazing place to be, regardless of how hard you are on yourself; Take it in, accept it and be proud of yourself.

I don’t know how often we hear the praise each one of us needs to stay motivated. In the adult world, it some how seems not too often, so when you do get it, there is so much power in taking it all in and ALLOWING yourself to receive it.

The same goes for if someone says you look pretty today. If you feel gross, instead of regurgitating some self-deprecating retort, say THANK YOU and ACCEPT the praise.  I know it’s hard to do but continually accepting the little (or even BIG) victories and celebrating them is how you build a strong staircase to your dreams.

I know that we as a culture are taught to “not take what anyone says at face value”, to “ignore what they say” if it is something hurtful or fake or even “not go by what others think of you, go by what you think of yourself” – but SOMETIMES, someone says something completely genuine, deeply real and extremely proud and happy for you – take all in.

Count your blessings EVERY day, be deeply grateful for every single thing you have because if you are reading this, you too have SO much.  Think about the people in third world countries who are happy to have electricity for protection against crime. Really, deeply and wholeheartedly count and appreciate all of your blessings. That is how your life will transform and be in a place where you can accept the praise and create space for more wonderful things to take place in your life.

Hope that inspires you,
Xoxo
Emily

Follow me on Instagram & Snapchat @EmilyBrickel

August 13, 2015
Your Place in the Cosmos

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Illustration of @MaisonValentino of @tistiswu in a
Valentino pre-fall 2015 Cosmo dress on instagram.

This week I have been feeling like I have been getting so caught up and taken over by all the things I need TO DO, that I have had less time to spend focusing on future goals and planning for that.

It is always the intention of businesses and individuals alike to expand and grow, and not just get caught up in the day-to-day. But here I am, getting caught up.  I think its super important to not beat yourself up if you don’t get all of your “To do’s” done in one day and to know how important it is to regenerate and regroup from the stress of the day.

For me, this illustration totally captures how I’m feeling and how a lot of us can feel at any given time.  Being overwhelmed by a wealth of possibilities, knowing there is so much out there, and so much we can and want to do, but where to start.  I love the ease and comfort of this girl sitting in her shimmering gorgeous Valentino gown and pondering the reflection of her own selfie.

All I want to say this week is to trust in your own capabilities and go on and conquer the world, because you know you are meant to.

Hope that inspires you!
Xoxo
Emily

Follow me on Instagram & Snapchat @EmilyBrickel

August 7, 2015
California Vibes: The IVY

 Screenshot 2015-08-07 11.19.15

This week’s illustration is inspired by scenes from our lunch at The Ivy in West Hollywood. I swear I have never seen a more gorgeous display of apples and oranges!

So this week my blog is a day delayed as I was helping my husband launch his new app PORTALBALL with Joe Girardi. It was a very exciting launch which included some early days and trips to Yankee Stadium for some private meetings in Joe’s office and making sure everything went smoothly for the launch day.  I’ve been finding myself super backed up in a bunch of work and feeling totally uninspired about how I am creating NEW work this week.  It seems to me this non-stop going, going, going drive is good while you’re in it, but it can definitely catch up to you.

If you are a creative like me, or even just taping into your feminine energy we need some time to reflect, rejuvenate and refresh. I stumbled upon this Marie TV blog when I was searching for some inspiration about how she is closing down her business for the next two weeks to let all of her employees have some downtime. She said that she did this for two weeks over the holidays and everyone came back so much more refreshed and inspired.  Taking two weeks off, a week or even a few days for me right now is a luxury that I don’t have (and I’m sure a lot of you don’t either) but what I will say is that everyone can take a full weekend off for sure. Typically, as an entrepreneur we tend to work a solid few hours on Sunday night but this weekend I feel like I really need a bit of a refresher.  Heck, maybe I’ll even take a lunch break outside today to get my juices going again.

Creating (and I am working on some really cool creative things right now) takes a lot of energy and to really give it your all it is important that you feed your soul.  Not to be cheesy but here is a quote that really brought me back to what my priorities are “If you’re always listening to the noise of the world it’s impossible to hear the whispers of your soul.” @MarieForleo

For me, as an artist and designer, I need that message from my intuition in order to create amazing things. It is super important I get back on the self nurturing program that I was on a few months ago. This includes, baths, meditation, time outside (especially while summer is still here!), exercise, listening to music and getting inspired.

I almost skipped my blog this week because I have so much other work to do, but writing and drawing for me are two of my favorite things to do and they really get my juices going again. It is an outlet that I can amp my creativity and get back in my zone.

How are you feeling right now and what do you need to get inspired? Do it!

Take time for you so that you can give it all you have.
For more on this topic see one of my favorite blog posts, and especially scroll down to #7 the Fountain Theory:

Hope that inspires you.
Now go on, take a walk outside!!!!
xo
Emily

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Follow me on Instagram & Snapchat @EmilyBrickel

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