Partnering for Progress: How My Accountability Buddy, Gemma Stanton Creative, Supports My Artistic Growth
I gave up my career in photography in 2020. I actually say I “retired” from it! After over 20 years as a photographer, I think I can qualify for using the R word! It made people around me giggle, especially since I’m in my 40s and don’t look like the typical retired person!
Circumstances led me to move to a town in Nottinghamshire just before the world shut down for COVID. My immediate family live in the United States, and I faced some major health issues that made me feel isolated. With everyone forced to stay home, meeting new people in my new town felt impossible. On top of that, one of my children started to show signs of autism, making socializing even less likely. My role shifted to carer-mom and advocate, fighting for resources for my child.
I remember picking up a pencil and sketching a picture of my late father. Soon, markers and paint joined my toolbox.
Friends and family discovered that I could actually draw, and it became a refuge from the everyday struggles of navigating COVID-affected services for my child. Before I knew it, two years passed, and I found myself figuring out how to transition from art as a hobby and a way to unwind to a paid profession. Going back to work outside the home was pretty much impossible given the circumstances.
While Instagram and Facebook connected me with like-minded new illustrators, I still felt alone, grappling with major Imposter Syndrome!
Then one day in 2024 — June 15th, to be exact!
Thank you to Facebook for preserving my information so I can pinpoint the exact date, someone posted about licensing a pattern. A secondary conversation developed on the post that sparked a connection with a fellow designer named Gemma!
Little did we both know that this post that entered our lives at the same time, would be the start to what is now a daily amazing friendship, both personally and professionally.
A month into the social media relationship, we named each other “Accountability Buddy” and have been supporting each other every day with reaching goals and staying positive in the world of illustrations and surface pattern designs.
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MEET GEMMA STANTON
Gemma Stanton is a surface pattern designer bringing a splash of her imaginative creativity to Surrey! Her designs are all about whimsy and joy, featuring playful florals, cute animals, and vibrant plants. Gemma’s style is bright, cheerful, and totally nature-centric, making her work the perfect fit for textile and surfaces aimed at children.
Here is some information from Gemma that she’s pinned on her Instagram profile
“Just wanted to say hello from my little corner of Instagram and show that there are many ways I can help with your creative project or even as remote help for your busy studio. I’ve worked as a graphic designer in-house, freelance and in my own business, so have a well rounded view of the design industry. I’d love to chat about your project/ idea or even just make a connection with other like minded businesses. Drop me a DM or email me at gemmastantoncreative@yahoo.com to say hi 👋. “
Check out her Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/gemmastantoncreative/
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RISE AND SHINE IT'S CREATING TIME
It all starts with what we call the "morning podcast"—a 3+ minute voice note where we share our to-do lists.
On Mondays, we outline our goals for the week and adjust our plans each morning as needed. Throughout the day, we check in on each other, creating soft deadlines and staying productive.
Q&A
Since we come from different creative backgrounds, we learn so much from each other! Gemma has a background in graphic design. Even though I touched on it in my degree back in the '90s, her up-to-date industry knowledge has been incredibly helpful, especially with putting together wholesale catalogs. Thanks to her tips, my work stays current and professional!
We discuss everything from pattern colorways to which competitions to enter.
Gemma is Team Adobe Illustrator, while I’m Team Affinity Design. We help each other navigate new software whenever either of us gets stuck.
I'm obsessed with TRENDS and love reading articles and watching videos about the latest happenings in the industry. I always keep an eye out for opportunities that would be perfect for Gemma's work!
Gemma's work is more pattern design, so I approach her with Spoonflower queries as she is currently working on being queen at the analytics!
I frequently message Gemma asking, "Is this word spelled correctly? Does this look in focus? Is this straight?" After I've finished a piece, I find that after looking at something for too long, your eyes can play tricks on you!
We keep messaging each other with these questions. Even when we can’t reply immediately, we always get back to each other with answers, so we can keep creating.
YOU CAN DO IT
As newbies, pitching our work to potential clients for licensing can be daunting. It’s easy to get distracted by personal and professional tasks. That’s why we created "Submissions Day"—a dedicated day scheduled when we notice it’s been a while since we submitted work to clients.
Since Gemma and I work in different illustrative categories, there’s no competitive conflict.
You might wonder, What if you’re pitching similar work to the same clients? Honestly, even if our artwork were similar, being each other’s cheerleader makes every win feel like a team effort. Just like in a design studio, a contract benefits everyone—it’s a win/win!
With our professional relationship and work ethic, competition isn’t a concern for our productivity.
On Submissions Day, we focus entirely on submitting portfolio work, updating our portfolios, and planning future artwork for dream clients. We really try to minimize distractions during this time. By the end of the day, we always feel a positive shift in building our brands.
REDIRECTIONS
We’ve renamed rejection letters to REDIRECTION letters.
It’s all part of the process! These letters can feel deflating, but having an accountability buddy helps redirect your focus. I used to think, "I'm not good enough to do this," but that mindset has changed.
Having someone offer encouragement helps eliminate those "I’m no good" thoughts. An accountability buddy can suggest tips, recommend new approaches, or simply provide that virtual hug you need to redirect toward your next opportunity.
EXPLORATION
Gemma and I both started from a place where making reasons why we couldn't was easier than trying new things, with my anxiety definitely playing a role. Imagine having to attend a trade show alone as a newbie illustrator/designer while juggling a safe-mode mental state and facing this huge professional challenge.
I missed about four shows before meeting Gemma. Together, we've now attended two, with plans for more. It’s incredible to have a fellow mother, creative, and sometimes shy person who understands you and helps face those fears together.
As full-time mothers at home, accessing co-working communities can be tough. Large social media groups can’t match the support of an accountability buddy. In person networking groups often conflict with our schedules and can feel like obligations. The ability to maintain our regular home routines while achieving our goals is priceless.
YOUR CREATIVE ALLY
I hope sharing my experience with Gemma Stanton as my accountability buddy has been helpful. If you're considering this approach but haven't found the right person to ask, don't hesitate to reach out to other creatives in your industry, especially if you're feeling isolated while working from home.
Knowledge is strength, and you might just find an accountability buddy who becomes your Work BFF!
Here’s to hopefully having an accountability buddy Christmas jumper virtual work party in 2025!
Be sure to come back soon to read more about my art, my life and everything in between!
Until next time!
ps. You can find me on Instagram
@yemiedwards_surfacedesign
💖Yemi xx
