January is always a busy month, so full of possibility and promise. While I don't do official "resolutions" for the New Year, I'm trying to be a little more organized this year, trying to paint a little more, and trying to be less terrified of posting my work. So here's a sneak peek at some of the paintings I've been working on so far this year. Some are for licensing partners, some are personal, and some may wind up for sale in my Etsy & Amazon Handmade shops soon. Cheers to a promising 2016! Continue reading

I had my business cards letterpressed and when I got them back from the press room they were, well, meh. I love color, and my cards were grey and white. Boring. So I gussied them up with some fresh paint just in time for a little pop up shop I participated in at West Elm for Charleston based artists and makers. I had a great time meeting all the other artists, makers, and shoppers. Continue reading

I'm starting a newsletter! Like being first? Then get my big news, offers, sales and stuff before anyone else by signing up: use the handy signup thingy in the right hand column over there --------> Thanks! IMAGE | "October," by Erika Firm Continue reading

Tornadoes, rain, more rain, more rain, more rain, and more rain. Floods. More rain, and more rain. Ugh. I've had my fair share of Mother Nature. Summer's over. I get it. Can we move on to oyster roast season now?!? We were quite lucky: although our John's Island, SC home is on a pond and across the street from the salt marsh, no water got in our house. My Charleston office was also (mostly) spared. Water got into the building, but the floors are concrete and there was no major damage. Yay! I really appreciate all the messages, tweets, texts, and calls to check in on me and my family. Fall in the Lowcountry means the temperature drops below "hot as Hades," the tourists go home (bye, Felicia), and the locals come outside to celebrate with oyster roasts. 'Tis the season for gathering with neighbors! Here are the things that are topping my wish list this season | 1. gorgeous oyster knife (because B.Y.O.K.) | 2. mustard yellow puffer vest (aka a "party vest" in my neighborhood) | 3. honey crisp apple cider (add a little bourbon, a sliver of apple and some sage for the perfect oyster roast cocktail) | 4. chic rain boots (I have a feeling this year's oyster roasts are going to be particularly muddy) | 5. cyd's cinnamon whipped cream (put it in your coffee: o.m.g.) | 6. the yeti rambler (for the morning commute coffee and/or the aprés oyster roast hot toddy) | 7. cheetah baggu tote (for shopping King Street now that the crowds have gone) | 8. sunnies (now that it's below 100 degrees I can actually spend some time outdoors) | 9. ultra cozy faux fur throw (for family snuggles) Continue reading

I'm so excited (and nervous, truth be told) to let y'all know that my latest collection of art is for sale in my Etsy shop. Eeeeek. SOURCES | all art prints by Erika Firm • For sale here: www.etsy.com/shop/erikafirm Continue reading

Another freebie! To download free desktop wallpaper, click on the black "download" button above and the image will open in a new window. Drag the image to your desktop. Open Desktop Screensaver (in system preferences) and add the image. Enjoy! Original artwork and desktop wallpaper pattern designed by Erika Firm. Just a reminder: commercial distribution or sale is not permitted. Continue reading

I'm headed off to a design conference for a few days. Perfect excuse for some new "school" supplies, I believe. I'm stopping at Best Buy on my way out of town to pick up one of those tech organizer thingies. My friend Kelli has one and every time she busts it out I'm envious of her mad organization skills. SOURCES | 1. Tech organizer | 2. Mint notebook | 3. Tote bag | 4. Green pen | 5. Green business card holder Continue reading

As everyone else was gearing up for Back to School, I was finishing up my wedding collection submissions for Minted. It seems like every holiday I'm busy designing for a different holiday, at least six months down the road. Believe it or not, I've already started planning Christmas designs for 2016! Voting is now open on Minted for the save the date collection. I'd love it if you would head over and cast some votes my way. Thanks! IMAGES: Designed by Erika Firm for Minted Continue reading

Calling all creative entrepreneurs! I’m super excited to let you know that I am participating as a mentor at this year’s Maker Mentors Online Holiday Conference. The organizers have brought together some of the smartest business experts and best creative business owners together to create a one-day event designed to help you make this your most profitable holiday season. The conference is happening on September 19th, but you will have lifetime access to the content. Everyone who signs up will be paired with a mentor for a one-on-one coaching session. One of you will have the chance to get a mentoring session with me! Register now with discount code “MENTORME” and get $25 off of your registration fee. At this conference, you will learn from creative business mentors and have access to:

• 10+ live-streamed sessions with an amazing lineup of speakers
• Access to interactive community forums
• One-on-one access to a mentor
• Tons of resources to help you grow your creative business

I hope you will join the event! Register here with the promo code “MENTORME” and see you at Maker Mentors! Continue reading

I admit it's probably not the best idea to choose a perfume based on the packaging. But I'm totally guilty! Even though I really have no idea what Tom Ford's Neroli Portofino perfume actually smells like in person, I'm dying to own a bottle. Package design is about more than standing out on a shelf: it's about conveying a feeling or mood. Without smelling these fragrances I'm pretty sure I know which one I'd pick up based on my mood. SOURCES | 1. Tom Ford | 2. Gucci | 3. Prada | 4. Cartier | 5. Nanette Lepore | 6. Bond No. 9 | 7. Chanel Homme | 8. Chanel | 9. Acqua di Parma Continue reading