Today we’re over the moon to be sharing a really fun project we’ve had in the works for some time now – we’ve teamed up with MJ Kocovski of Pars Caeli to share this colorful mini-series of illustrations and printables! First up is this adorable bookplate right in time for back-to-school. It features the quote “Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat” by Laura Ingalls Wilder. We’ve already printed out a whole bunch of them and have started sticking them in any book we can get our hands on.

Download the printable bookplate and add some sunshine to your library!

And if you’re looking to jazz up your tech to match your newly labeled books, look no further! Just click the above image to save and set it as your desktop wallpaper. And stay tuned: we’ll be sharing even more illustrations from MJ on Instagram in the coming days! We love what she’s cooked up for us and can’t wait to share them soon. In the meantime, we asked MJ a few questions to get to know her and her creative process a little better – keep reading below!

When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grew up?
Initially, a ballerina (no chance of that actually working out). Then a teacher, store owner, art therapist, and designer.

What do you do when you’re having a creative block?
Text a friend and share my woes. Follow her helpful advice. Alternatively, go outside, take many deep breaths, and study nature.

Is there an artist, designer, or creative hero you’re feeling inspired by right now?
I am so inspired by women artists, both those who create work as their full-time passion and those who make time to fit in their artistry between many other priorities. The ladies who contribute to Carve Out Time for Art inspire me (check out the Instagram feed @carveouttimeforart) Also, I work with the designer and potter, Molly Hatch, and I’m super inspired by her down-to-earth approach to incredible licensing deals as well as fine art exhibits.

 If you had to name 3 creative tools/supplies you couldn’t live without, what would they be?
Great natural light (can we count that as a creative tool?), an eternally sharp number two pencil, a large spiral sketchbook

Tell us about your creative workspace.
I work from home, and I find my living space surprises me with inspiration. My office studio doubles as our music room, and it’s the best place to be when after-school piano inspiration strikes my daughter. Working outside is my jam in the warmer months, either on our front porch with my IPad Pro or on our back deck with a sketchbook or laptop. Most of the time I’m taking up the floor space planning out a project like I might have done as a kid! Have I mentioned that I love my job?

Follow along on MJ’s creative adventures on Instagram and stay tuned for even more from this illustration series in the coming days!