On April 14 more than 200 school girls were taken at gunpoint from their school dormitory in Chibok, Nigeria. You can read more on this and the resulting world response here.

I could not shake the horror from my mind and It came to me to do something to get the word out to the world in a visual way. The girls had gone, disappeared, what could we make to wait for them and make their abscence visible to the world? I came across a list of 180 of the girls names and i wanted to invite 180 women artists to illustrate a flower and dedicate it to their name in sisterhood, and hope. I spoke of this idea to a former student and amazingly talented illustrator Janna Morton and together we created this.

To date we have posted 110+  flowers and we have 70 more growing ! We ask that you take a look through the flowers, post your favourites, follow the tumblr or the twitter @bloomsofnigeria or like Blooms of Nigeria on Facebook. Spread the word- #bringbackourgirls. Its not a charity, its a vigil.

I’d like to post some more about the incredible women who have immediately responded to make these beautiful artworks, and although the project is not a charity, we hope that it does some good. It has certainly be a unifying activity for us and one which makes us connected to the world and reminds us of our humanity. – Rebecca Bradley

Every year we get thousands of artists approaching us for representation, so last year we launched our Global Talent Search to find hot new talent – and the competition is back!

Make art? Got talent? Want one of the TOP agents in the world to represent … YOU?

The second annual Lilla Rogers Studio Global Talent Search is here! 

Somebody’s going to win. Why not you?

Lilla Rogers Studio is one of the top art + illustration agencies in the world, representing 38 artists internationally.

We have sold art for products worth over $100 million and when it comes to making your portfolio as commercially viable as possible, we know exactly what buyers want to see.

We are always on the lookout for emerging talent, but we only take on a couple of new artists each year … and this year, it could be you!

Enter The Global Talent Search for a chance to be represented by Lilla for TWO YEARS — an opportunity that WILL change your career.

But even if you’re not chosen, just ENTERING the Talent Search is a HUGE deal.

Your work will be reviewed by a panel of leading art directors and industry experts. We’ve had past contestants secure major licensing deals, just by throwing their hat in the ring.

Don’t hold back. Show us what you’ve got! REGISTER NOW!

GTS 2013 semi-final piece by winner Zoe Ingram

WHY IT’S SO EXCITING!

Last year, we had over 1000 contestants from all over the world. We already have more artists than that on the waiting list! The energy + excitement is HUGE. Just being part of this Talent Search is deeply inspiring.

The winner, Zoe Ingram, has been stacked with work ever since she won. We’ll be sharing more of the 2013 GTS success stories on the blog in the coming weeks.

Even if you don’t win, everyone who enters The Global Talent Search will learn a TON about what it takes to create commercially viable work.

 You’ll have the opportunity to work on a professional-level creative brief and develop a new portfolio piece.

 You’ll get your work directly in front of Lilla Rogers (she personally reviews EVERY piece!)

 You’ll have the chance to get your work directly in front of our judging panel of experts (most of whom buy art for a living) — and be eligible for The People’s Choice Award.

Priceless industry knowledge. Priceless exposure. And a whole lot of FUN!

So, what are you waiting for? GET STARTED NOW!

YOUR NEXT STEP:

REGISTER NOW and give yourself a chance of a career-changing opportunity. You’ll receive your first creative brief on August 5 by email.

Good luck + make great art!

Lilla

PS Feel like you aren’t sure whether your ready? Neither was Zoe, and she went on to win. Just go for it – you never know…

The fourth gallery from our hot new course Make Art That Sells: Assignment Bootcamp is now live! You can view it here:

The gallery features over hundreds of pieces of original art inspired by the June class assignment… nautical-themed wall art.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE JUNE GALLERY!

There was so much fabulous work submitted in response to this brief, and we love the ongoing supportive energy in the Bootcamp community. What a generous, talented group of artists they are!

If you want to find out more about any of the featured artists, just click on their work so it opens up larger, then click on the link above the image. Happy viewing!

If you want professional level assignments to stretch you to create fresh signature pieces that are ready to sell in multiple markets, cutting edge trend and inspiration from an art agent who licenses and commissions projects for her artists every single day, and insight into how to make art that sells in the top ten hottest markets for art, join us for Make Art That Sells

We have also opened pre-registration for the 2014 Global Talent Search. Find out more and get on the pre-registration list here, or listen to last year’s winner talk about how her career has completely turned around as a result here. Full registration opens this Thursday!

Hi Lilla, I know what a great experience ARC was for you last year and wanted to get the word out to everyone about the new events for 2014 at ARC. This year the retreat will expand it’s participants to 25! We are also welcoming back artist instructors Rachel Blumberg and Mimi Kirchner! – Susan Schwake 

The new issue 6 of MOYO Magazine is here! Inside issue 6 (which is completely FREE) you can find:

+ Product inspiration from Susy Pilgrim Waters

+ Rachael Taylor’s trip to the USA featuring the Lilla Rogers Studio and LRS artist Rebecca Bradley

+ Top tips on manufacturing from The Design Trust

+ Behind the scenes with DENY Designs

+ Product photography with navyblur

MOYO Magazine is completely free and we want to delight as many people as possible with the wonderful world of surface pattern design. Please feel free to share the magazine on your blog and social media and tell your friends about it! Use hashtag #MOYOMagazine to share the love.

Eye candy arrives daily at Lilla Rogers Studio. I love these new Jennifer Judd-McGee images! – Susan

Jillian’s design for Jelly the Pug!

Check out Allison Cole’s amazing bedding from Land of Nod! There are lots of goodies to be had! Enjoy – Jennifer

If you just can’t wait to get your mitts on Jenn Ski’s  new Mid Century coloring books (I can’t!), you can pre-oder from Amazon! Just click the image you like best for the link. Enjoy! – Jennifer