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Marissa Huber

I Create Playful Art to Infuse Sunshine into Your Life

  • Hello!
  • Shop
  • License This!
  • Portfolio
  • they said what?!
  • Press
  • Contact
  • New Products
  • Journal
  • Life List
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To Move Forward, Sometimes You Have to Quit

Over the years, I've been so inspired by other artists who have incorporated daily practices into their daily routines. When I turned 36 this past November, I decided to do a daily painting exercise. My intention was to have fun with it, explore more with marks and pattern, and to push myself to try new things.

I read this interesting little book while I was visiting my family in Florida over Thanksgiving, "Daily Rituals: How Artists Work" by Mason Currey. The daily lives of artists and creatives of all types (painters, writers, musicians, mathematicians) were outlined. Many took daily walks, they slept few hours, some were tormented, some were refreshingly happy, it truly varied. (Note for perspective: Many of these artists, though not all, had maids, childcare, benefactors, etc.)

So I started posting my daily painting exercises on Instagram (my favorite social media) with the hashtag #paintcadadía. Cada día means "each day" in Spanish. It is a reminder to paint, but also that daily practice can make a big difference. I don't speak Spanish fluently, but I understood way more when was practicing daily a few years ago with a tutor.

It has been four months since I started this journey. While I think that daily practice is amazing, and would recommend it for anyone, frankly, I am flagging.

But that is okay. I have a full time job. I have a two year old boy that I am the primary caregiver to due to my husband's work schedule. I have to go to the laundromat. I have to cook. I want to draw more, but I cannot do everything I want all the time. At least not while maintaining my sanity and being present for my son, which is my most important priority right now.

What is that great quote? "You can do anything, but not everything."

So I'm going to stop this exercise. I will still paint as much as I can, but I'm not going to force myself to adhere to a strict schedule and feel bad about it if I chose to do something else that day, like play at the park with my son, read a book, take a nap, or lets be real - KonMari my house!

Did I do it for the whole year? No. But did I fail? Absolutely not.

I choose to say that I succeeded in my goal, even if I did it for 1/3 of the time originally slated. Let's just say I was remarkably efficient in my endeavors.

I had fun. I made wonderful connections with other artists.

I explored with my style which clarified what I want to focus on next, which is more abstract painting, food, and makeup product drawings. I want to try relying less on ink with my watercolor illustrations. I want to paint more interiors again.

I carved out time for myself to focus on something important to me. I showed my son that a mom should also have her own time to work on what she loves, which is part of being a good role model in my opinion (granted that child is fed first!).

And when I look at what I posted on Instagram, I'm proud of the variety and amount of drawings and paintings I created these 4 months. I even posted some of the watercolor paintings for sale as art prints on my new Society6 page.

I spoke to my goal oriented cousin this weekend, and I told her, you are "enough" doing what you're doing right now. That is enough! I'm glad I finally listened to my own advice.

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tags: #paintcadadia, daily painting, day job, digital art, gouache, growing pains, Instagram, KonMari Method, pen + ink, Social Media, Society6, Time Management, watercolor
categories: Art + Illustration, Carving Out Time for Art, Minimalism, Motherhood, Painting
Tuesday 03.17.15
Posted by Marissa Huber
Comments: 5
 

Goodbye, 35!

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I turned 36 on November 19th. I'm happy to be here another year, and I'm happy that I can finally remember my age now - since I've consistently forgotten if I am 35 or 36 for the past several months. When you're a kid, you think of these numbers - these ages, so abstractly. You also think your parents have it all figured out, which is hilarious now. I'm sure they were all winging it just like I know I am! You assign specific milestones to them. It's funny that I don't remember assigning a milestone after 27. Perhaps it's that I figured my 30s and on would be so easy, with all the money I'd be making working and saving to go on trips, and buy "grown up" things like sofas, houses, cars and other adult necessities. Ha! Kids forget about taxes, student loans and childcare costs. And groceries.

I always thought 27 sounded like the best year. It was an odd number which I like, and an age that seemed like you had things figured out and were officially "grown up" and maybe had a kid, but not "old". 27 did make me grow up though, as it was the year I lost my brother. But, it was also a reminder to never truly "grow up", and to live my life and appreciate every age so that I could continue to bring joy, the learning of new things, and laughter into each new year - in an attempt to also bring part of my brother's spirit with me.

So before I look at 36, I want to remember a few things from 35. Thank God for the micro-blogging goodness that is Instagram, so can remember! (And I know this is long, but I have to get the word count in for my semi-annual posts these days - kidding!)

My mantra this year was "One Thing at a Time". I wanted to stay present (except for folding laundry, that requires television), keep my mind straight and stop trying to do too much at once. Whether that was at work, hanging with Henry, or taking on too many commitments or activities. I think it all worked out.

I adjusted to the new routine of my life with a one-year old little boy. I tried to stay present in the moment, and give him my full attention when I could, but also not be too hard on myself. Babies need to learn how to be their own people too, and I love that Henry is independent. I also tried not to fall into the "mom guilt" trap, and to support my other parent friends. We are all doing the best we can, and that has to be enough. Did I mention that I called my own mom and dad every single day? Thank God for those people, and thank God for FaceTime!

opera planeWe got to travel to Florida for Christmas and this past Thanksgiving, Indiana in March, see my cousin from the Philippines in April, and have a Huber family reunion in July. We played a lot of cards. I love that my family loves games (excluding my Dad, who used to play but now rebels). The older I get, the more important keeping in touch with my family is.

I read books! I even let the dishes or laundry pile up sometimes in order to get some Marissa time in.

I did my first Capsule Wardrobe in November. I think that I always wear the same things anyhow, but now it's more intentional.

I donated, gave away or tossed possessions that I do not need or want. I've been reading more about minimalism and I find it addicting. The part that intrigues me is clearing up the clutter in your life to make room to focus on your passions. I also like buying less, but getting better quality items on something that will last. It doesn't have to be about having nothing, but surrounding yourself with people and things that you truly love. Except art supplies. The more the better! Ha!

We spent quality time with Henry. He is at the age where he has a full personality and makes us laugh all the time. We visited the Zoo, the Please Touch Museum, the beach, parks with our friends, we went on walks around the neighborhood, played at the water park, we smiled and waved to the sweet old ladies near our local playground, and we embraced silliness to make our boy laugh.

pizzaHenry and I religiously attended "Pizza Tuesday" all summer. Or as my friends refer to it,"Tuesday is the new Friday." We wrangle our kids at a park and order fresh Margarita pizzas and glass bottle Coca-Colas from a food truck with a wood fire oven on board. Tuesdays were one of the highlights of my summer. Sometimes we even got ice cream afterwards. Heaven.

I chopped off eight inches of my hair to donate and get some much needed style back.

Henry got bronchialitis / asthma triggered from colds (that he should hopefully outgrow), we stayed at the hospital 4 separate times. He is doing much better and his new asthma plan is working really well (knock on wood). We are so grateful that we live 2 miles away from the best Children's hospital in the country and he has received amazing care. operaHenry and I got to attend a garden showing under the stars of an opera that my friend was performing in at Longwood Gardens. It was a truly magical night. We spent the day exploring the gardens with my girlfriends, drank some wine, and sat under the stars on a chilly summer night. I sat in the back near the exit with my sleeping boy (in case he cried so we wouldn't disturb anyone), and it is a memory I'll always treasure.

I did some side gigs! I helped a lovely couple in Chicago with space planning and interior design for a family friendly Living, Dining and Work / Foyer area, and wrapped up some work with a local client in Philly.

After a brief hiatus, I started drawing and painting again.

opera-weddingopera-outsideMike and I got to dress up fancy and attend  a beautiful outdoor wedding, drink champagne and stand outside barefoot in the wet grass with our friends while watching the party from afar. I think it should be a rule for every major party to sneak away for a moment and to take a quiet moment and capture the moment in your mind.

opera-wireI re-worked our family budget to pay down debt and save more. This led to saving money on food and imaginative meals using the  contents of our pantry. I find our routine works better when I do some meal planning, and when I'm also realistic and put in flexibility to order pizza or have Mike pick up Wawa! (I've also found that people who are into "meal planning" are really into meal planning so you can find a lot of information - thank you, Internet!)

I finished all seasons of The Wire, and officially agree with society that it is the best television show ever made.

I read (and loved) Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg and tried to apply principles to my career. My friend and I now use the phrase WWSS for "What Would Sheryl Say?" when we need to encourage another female colleague to own her success and to make a leap, even if it is daunting.

opera-workoutsideSpeaking of work, I am proud of what I did this year. I learned a lot and worked hard to improve my skills and how I provide reporting and data. I love the people I work for, and there is a ton of support. Highlights were eating lunch alfresco with friends on our roof deck, eating my weight in double chocolate or orange cranberry muffins from the cafe, and the one bike ride and one run I went on with colleagues.

We took Henry on his first amusement ride at The Boardwalk in Ocean City. He was not ready, we had to stop two rides twice before we learned this lesson. However, he was ready to dance for a crowd while we were taking shelter from a sun-shower.  They were literally around him clapping and he tried to break dance. It was amazing.

On to the next year!

tags: books, budget, capsule wardrobe, cleaning, Friends, growing pains, personal style, reading, taking breaks, Travel, wedding
categories: Family, Minimalism, Motherhood, Philly, Thoughts on Life
Thursday 12.11.14
Posted by Marissa Huber
Comments: 1
 

One Post Before Fall Ends

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When life gets busy, something has to give. These days, it's my personal blog, but I love to have it to look back on, document my life and keep my little part of the internet. I turned 35 in November. I'm enjoying my 30s, and appreciate the chance to get another year on this planet. Better late than never, here goes a list of the things that happened at 34 that I'd like to remember:

1. I became a mama. Being a mama is pretty amazing. You get to run with glee towards a fire engine at a kid's party and people just think you're being a great mom. Ha! Impending motherhood also gave me a kick to start things going on other dreams I had before I got sucked into a vortex.

blog2 2. Case in point: I became an official small business owner with my design partner-in-crime, Ann. We started Design Move Toss, LLC, which is a virtual and in-home interior design consulting gig. The goal is to have it be a fun and creative outlet where we can help people, make some extra money, and let it grow responsibly and organically. I'll probably talk about it more, and we're in the process of getting our logo / collateral redesigned soon! However, it was great to get started and not worry about making everything perfect in the beginning. Anyone else have a tendency to suffer from perfectionism paralysis?! Oy.

3. I really made a go of my Etsy shop selling watercolors and custom home portraits, and was pleasantly surprised to exceed my expectations in sales! I want to explore some paper collage and larger scale paintings this year, but we shall see. (Again, that limited free time and day-job thing).

4. I went out of my comfort zone a few times, and as usual, was glad I did it!

5. I said "no" when needed, to make sure I wasn't spreading myself too thin, so that I can be there for my family.

6. I tried to stay present in the moments and enjoy my new baby, and was "gentle" with myself, per the wise advice of Leya (Curious Bird).

7. I read some books for fun. I laughed with friends. I watched more TV than one should, and tried not to feel too guilty. I ate lots of chocolate muffins in the afternoons with a side of coffee.

8. I got to spend lots of time with our family and friends, which is the most important thing to Mike and me. Having Henry as initiative for people to visit really helped! My heart bursts when I see how much he is loved by my amazing relatives.

9. We got to go to NYC, Washington D.C., Indiana and Florida. Not too bad for year one. (We also all got severely sick in NYC with our Indiana relatives, but have many stories to laugh about now).

10. I picked up my knitting needles again! I'm making Henry Pickles (his nickname) a Fair Isle sweater.  blog1I'm looking forward to see what good things 35 brings!

tags: books, dreaming big, Etsy, family, growing pains, knitting, Letting Go, Living with Intention, Philly, Travel
categories: Design Move Toss, Marissa Huber Art + De..., Motherhood, Thoughts on Life
Monday 12.16.13
Posted by Marissa Huber
Comments: 1
 

Scenes From Our Days

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This is my first attempt to blog from my phone in order to write more often! The weather in Philadelphia has been gorgeous. There's just a hint of crispness in the air, but you can still wear flip-flops with a long sleeved shirt. Driving with the windows down is a must in my opinion.Philadelphia-Navy-YardI'm taking advantage of the roof deck for lunch at my work. Our office moved from downtown to the Philadelphia Navy Yard. While I miss working downtown, I'm used to my new routine (although I do miss my bicycle commute). We are making the best use of this weather right now by going for strolls to the Philadelphia Free Library after work/daycare, meeting up with friends, and walking around our neighborhood.

The new Barnes museum has a wonderful outdoor area with gravel on the ground that makes me think I'm in Paris (if only for five minutes)!Philadelphia-Barnes-Museum-Gravel20130928-102925.jpgPhiladelphia-Free-Library-Parkway

tags: books, enjoying the little things, exploring, Fall, neighborhood, walks
categories: Motherhood
Saturday 09.28.13
Posted by Marissa Huber
Comments: 1
 

Watercolors for Caitlin Wilson Textiles

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Right before Henry was born, I was commissioned to paint several water colors for Caitlin Wilson Textiles, thanks to a referral by Rachel Grace. My illustration style and what she needed turned out to be a good fit, and I am so grateful to have this opportunity to work with her. Caitlin is an amazingly talented and creative designer. Caitlin-Wilson-Textiles-Watercolor-Illustration-Marissa-HuberI had so much fun bringing her lovely pillows and interiors to life in watercolor for her portfolio and website relaunch. I always love a fellow enthusiast of bright and happy colors.

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As I mentioned in a previous post, I loved being able to do something that felt "normal" in the early days of motherhood, as I was feeling tied to the sofa while feeding the baby or trying to sleep. It was a bit stressful as well definitely, but it helped me to work faster and  plan my time differently. Instead of painting a watercolor in 2 shots, I had to think of what I could accomplish in 15 minutes, 30 minutes, and be flexible as well. As sometimes my mom could hold the baby, and sometimes he needed me, as I am his food source!

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This type of working means that I have to leave my studio area in progress sometimes, and avoid the common procrastination trap of thinking everything must be neat and clean before I can start working. Sometimes you just have to get it done, even if it's painting on your bed while watching TV with a cute little boy who just wants to snuggle next to you.

Working-Mom-Painting-Watercolor-Illustration-Marissa-HuberCaitlin could not have been sweeter or more understanding regarding working with a brand new baby, as she's a working mom herself. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to meet her in person before she relocated to Portland, but I can definitely say she is a sweetheart (via email) and a talented and hard worker who deserves great success.

Caitlin-Wilson-Textiles-Watercolor-Illustration-Marissa-HuberEnjoy the details of these watercolors. The floral pillow with navy piping was my favorite to paint. Okay, and the bulletin board!

tags: Caitlin Wilson Textiles, commissions, Henry PIckles, illustration, interior design, interiors, painting, watercolor
categories: Art + Illustration, Marissa Huber Art + De..., Motherhood
Thursday 08.08.13
Posted by Marissa Huber
Comments: 4
 

Notes from a New Mama

When I last left off, (two whole months ago!), I was having a little too much fun acting crazy with my big belly, which is a completely fun prop before it exhausts you. Sadly, the writing waned as I was tying up loose ends at work, getting the house ready and trying to enjoy the last bit of selfish me-time for awhile by taking naps, going to the movies and just doing whatever I wanted. Marissa-Huber-With-Child-Crazy-Lady

Henry Andrew was born in February, and we are counting ourselves very lucky to have a happy and healthy baby boy. I think he's already a little flirt, and is making friends and charming women and men alike wherever he goes. Mike and I were so excited to finally meet him, and it's so cool to see what a sweet dad Mike is becoming. And to see someone who had never changed a diaper become a pro in a few short weeks!

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I was so very lucky to have my mom stay with us for five weeks to help during this exhausting yet very special time in his life, especially since Mike didn't have much time off work. I was grateful for her support, advice, cooking, cleaning, for another set of hands to hold the baby, for hands to hold me if I was overwhelmed, and to see the magic of my mom becoming a grandparent and falling in love with this little boy.

Apart from the intense new motherhood experience, I also had the opportunity to work on some design and illustration work. A friend and I did some virtual interior design for a client in New York City, and I did some watercolor illustrations for a fabulous local designer, Caitlin Wilson. It was boot camp in terms of figuring out free time with a new baby, but it also helped me to reconnect with the part of myself that is "Marissa" and not just a source of nutrition and love for a new human. Please refer to the part where my mom was here for 5 weeks lest you think I'm pretending to be a super-mom.

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Some days I felt like I never left the sofa while feeding the baby. Though I spent many hours gazing into this baby's sweet face, I also watched all three seasons of Downton Abbey. Yes. It is all it's cracked up to be, and I'm already missing it!

Mom and I baked three chocolate chip cakes in five weeks, and got hooked on no-knead sourdough bread which my Aunt brought for us with a starter.  We balanced it out by making some bright colored salads with the first of the gorgeous spring vegetables. I am so excited for Spring!

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The weather has been cold but sunny in Philadelphia, and we've been taking Henry on walks in the neighborhood. We have some friends in the neighborhood who occasionally join us, and I have been treating myself to hot chocolates at our local coffee shop as an extra incentive to get outside! He loves being carried around in our Baby Bjorn and will fall asleep for entire hours it seems.

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I did finish knitting a baby sweater for lil Hen before he was born. It's way too big, but he looks pretty cute wearing it at around two weeks. It's crazy how quickly they do grow and how their faces change. He already looks entirely different than in this picture. We're enjoying him and adjusting and learning every day.

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I'm not sure how much I'll post about Henry or being a mom on here in the future, but wanted to show my face and introduce you to our little boy. Thanks for being my virtual friends, and  I look forward to reconnecting on this space with you all in this coming year.

xoxo, Mariss

tags: baking, commissions, Henry PIckles, interior design, knitting, salad, Time Management, watercolor
categories: Carving Out Time for Art, Design Move Toss, Marissa Huber Art + De..., Motherhood, Thoughts on Life
Monday 04.01.13
Posted by Marissa Huber
Comments: 1
 

Ft. Lauderdale Baby Shower

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I found myself with one unexpected extra day off from work this year, so flew down to Ft. Lauderdale to spend 3 days with my Mom, Dad and friends and family. The weather was beautiful as you can see. Though I love the changing seasons, I do love being outside on a December night with no chill in the air. Ft-Lauderdale-HomeWhile I was there, my Mom, Godmother and best friend threw me a wonderful Baby Shower. It was so special, since most of the attendees have known me since I was in diapers myself. We acquired quite a stash of clothes and necessities for the baby, including lots of monkey outfits. They're adorable, and monkeys must be mandatory for 2012 baby clothes.

My mom gave me a beautiful quilted baby blanket that my Godmother made me when I was a baby. I'll take a photo of it soon! I remember laying on it as a kid, so it's very special to have it for this next generation.

Sock monkey baby gear from my BFF Brooke. Too stinkin' cute.Great food, family, friends, weather and health. I don't think I can think of anything else I need, and am counting myself a lucky lady.

tags: Florida, Friends, Party, Travel
categories: Family, Motherhood
Friday 12.21.12
Posted by Marissa Huber
 

Wenlan Chia's Lacy Chunky Throw

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Earlier this summer, I used my pending baby as an excuse to finally knit Wenlan Chia's Lacy Chunky Throw. blanket 007I was pleased that the 5 (free) skeins that I won in a drawing contest from Heather Ross (among other goodies) was enough to make a good-sized lap blanket. This would be great to throw on a bed later for added warmth. However, I think there are too many holes and the fiber is too fuzzy for a baby. I could barely get by without getting fiber in my own mouth, so figure it would be worse for a little guy!

blanket 009Overall, I liked the pattern and think it looks lovely (once I corrected my mistakes). I'm glad it's done though, as I did not enjoy knitting on huge baseball bat-sized needles!

blanket 011Besides all my complaints above though, it feels and looks like buttah, I tell you.

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tags: blanket, knitting, yarn
categories: Hand Crafted, Motherhood
Friday 12.07.12
Posted by Marissa Huber
Comments: 1
 

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