Cinthia James is a multi-talented artist living in Berlin, Germany. She’s an illustrator, surface pattern designer, graphic designer, and also the author of “Treasure Found: An Art Journey”.
She very kindly shared her book with me. I read it and really liked it, so I thought you might also find it relevant, useful and inspiring.
Because we all get stuck in a creative rut from time to time. It’s the nature of the beast! And I think this book might help you shake things up a little when this eventually happens.
This isn’t just your run-of-the-mill read. It’s like having a friendly chat with a fellow artist who’s been there, done that, and is here to share all their juicy secrets. So grab a cuppa and let’s dive in.
Even though Cinthia wears many hats, what really sets her apart is her knack for finding inspiration in the most unexpected places. Forget the usual suspects—she’s all about diving into worlds like fashion and music, especially K-pop videos.
One of her signature moves is mixing custom patterns with portrait art. This unique blend gives her artwork its distinct charm and energy, with a delightful mix of playfulness, rich colour palettes, and a hint of naivety.
In this self-published, award-winning book, “Treasure Found: An Art Journey,” Cinthia lets us have a peek behind the curtain of her creative process. It’s not just a how-to guide; it’s a heartfelt invitation to join her on a journey from self-doubt to discovery. A look at how she makes the magic happen, exploring creativity and celebrating artistic expression.
Treasure Found: An Art Journey” was born from my own experiences and challenges in maintaining a consistent art practice. After graduating with a degree in graphic design and navigating a career that veered away from my initial creative dreams, I felt a strong need to reconnect with my artistic roots. This book is a culmination of lessons learned in embracing self-doubt, celebrating individuality, and developing a disciplined yet joyful approach to art. It reflects my journey of rediscovery and aims to inspire others to embark on their creative explorations and help build a fruitful practice.
Cinthia James
In surface pattern design, the creative process isn’t just a roadmap—it’s the soul of every design. From brainstorming ideas to refining details, each step shapes the final outcome.
It’s about finding the perfect blend of intuition and technique, bringing personality and charm to your designs. It’s this creative journey that breathes life into every pattern, making it not just visually attractive but meaningful, too.
The five chapters in this book, each containing a variety of interesting topics, give us direction on how to approach our creative process.
- Beginning with the basics
- Searching for inspiration
- Practice, practice, practice
- Silencing self-doubt
- Personalise your process
And with over 90 beautiful images, this book isn’t just a read. It’s an experience! Each page is packed with fresh inspiration, helping you improve your creative methods while sparking new ideas.
“Want to try something new? Need some ideas for where to look for inspiration? Keen to learn about how to manage your time and side-step imposter syndrome? The advice and activities discussed in this book can help you create consistently, improve your skills, and make new work to build up your portfolio.”
Cinthia James
“Treasure Found: An Art Journey” is a valuable resource because it goes beyond techniques and tutorials. It holds your hand so you can discover and nurture your individual artistic process. It’s like a guiding light to creative clarity, helping you reignite your artistic spark.
So, whether you’re facing creative blocks, looking for fresh inspiration, or simply wanting to create a more consistent art practice, this book provides the direction, encouragement, and practical advice needed to tackle some of your creative problems.
And let’s remember one thing: creativity knows no limits! Whether you’re a pro or just starting out, trust your gut, stay curious, and never underestimate the power of your imagination.
Your passion for design is your superpower, so let it guide you on this adventure. The world is waiting to be wowed by your uniqueness, so go ahead and show them what you’ve got!
Find Cinthia at www.cinthiajames.com and on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and Pinterest under @ataleof_art.
You can buy “Treasure Found: An Art Journey” on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
