We are on the brink of a brand new course and are shining the spotlight on our new instructors in Mixed Media Journaling! This week, we go to St. Louis, MO and meet Mary Beth Shaw.

**Q: Mary Beth, tell us about your creative journey. How did it start?**

**A:** My creative journey started in 2000 which is the year I quit my so-called day job to explore my options. I originally planned on writing however I found myself more attracted to visual expressions, specifically collage and then mixed media painting. I took a lot of classes and was nearly frenetic with my quest to learn as much as possible.

**Q: What are your favorite art supplies you’re using right now?**

**A:** Lately I have been revisiting my collage roots. I especially love found and vintage ephemera in addition to my own painted papers. I’ve been using napkins in my art again and also tissue paper.

**Q: Where do you create your art?**

**A:** I have two places where I make art, either my studio, which is outside our home, or at my journal space, a corner of our living room. It’s an abbreviated version of my full studio where I can hang out adjacent to my husband and also work on my journals.

**Q: Who is one other artist that inspires or influences you?**

**A:** I have long been inspired by the late Dan Eldon.

**Q: Can you tell us about one of your current projects?**

**A:** I have recently started a new series of collage pieces that include vintage components along with my own painted material and mark making.

**Q: What is one piece of advice you would give someone who is just starting out with their creative habit?**

**A:** Listen to a podcast, audiobook, or music while you work. Whatever you can do to move your brain out of the way will help release your creativity!

For more of Mary Beth’s art, visit her website: https://www.mbshaw.com/.

Want a course sneak peek? Mary Beth and our co-founder, Danny, sat down for a behind-the-scenes preview of Mixed Media Journaling. You can watch it here: https://youtu.be/2itmKijD1tM.

When you enroll, you’ll have the chance to win Mary Beth Shaw’s custom Stencil Girl Products: stencilgirlproducts.com.

Join Mary Beth in Mixed Media Journaling, launching November 11th! https://sketchbookskool.com/courses/mixed-media-journaling