If you have yet to find Lisa McLoughlin’s art then I am so pleased that you have come to this interview today. Lisa is an exceptionally talented woman who can provide incredible custom work for websites, books and businesses. Her two Oracle decks The Plant Ally Cards and the Tree Wisdom Cards quickly became favourites of mine and continue to bring wisdom and healing energy to my Client and personal Readings.
Lisa is sharing her experience creating these decks with us all in this interview.
Can you share a little about yourself. Where you are from, what you are passionate about and what is your profession?
I live with my partner (Paul) in London. I originate from North Wales where most of my family and friends reside.
I am passionate about all things related to nature. For three years, I worked as a voluntary director of a Community Supported Agriculture Scheme. I love to cook and eat seasonal and local food which has been sustainably sourced. I dream of a compassionate world where humans see themselves as part of nature and that everything matters.
In my previous life, I was a physiotherapist for nineteen years. Since 2013, I have been self-employed as an artist and illustrator. Initially I included website building, but this has deliberately fallen away (it feels too technical for me). The majority of my work is made up of commissioned illustrative work for women (in their digital spaces) and the creation of products such as oracle cards. I experience a joyful flow when I am immersed in making my art and crafts.
How did this journey of creating the deck unfold?
Back in November 2014, I was taking part in an online Practical Magic Business Circle hosted by Amy Palko. We were assigned our own business goddess for the 3-month immersion. It felt like a safe container to explore what I really desired for my business.
During that time, I was holidaying in Southern Ireland. I visited many ancient woodlands and experienced a sudden shift in my perspective whilst amongst the old trees. I suddenly had a feeling that everything was going to be okay. From that day, the oracle deck idea appeared as pictures in my mind.
I knew in my heart that the deck had to be linked to nature and the vulnerabilities of being human. Tricky! Although I am interested in plants, I am not an expert. By accident, I researched online resources and books that described the spirit and essence of plants/flowers and their healing properties. My thoughts at the time were:
“If we are all interconnected then surely the energetic energy of plants can be experienced at a distance?”.
I decided to select the qualities of different plants (especially the wild ones) and connect them with my intuitive art style. I had around 200 plants to chose from and selected the most resonant ones. I created each card in the moment based on the images and feelings that came up for me as I connected with each plant. To retain the magic of the experience, the majority of the card illustrations are my first draft. I hopefully manifested inspirational and evocative prompts with meaning.
What were the unexpected challenges creating this deck?
The upfront expense of printing decks of cards. Initially I had to print in Hong Kong. Their minimum order was 1!
The customs charges.
Working with digital templates. Getting good colour matches to the original illustrations.
The time it takes to create the artwork and written information. A long time!
Communicating with printers in other countries.
The packaging! Not only the pouch/box for the cards but also the postal packaging.
Initially my cards had a single word on the illustration with no additional writing. This was okay. I wanted people to intuitively connect with the word and then the artwork. Responding to the early feedback, some people wanted a booklet, or writing on the back plus the latin words. I tried to create a PDF but it was cumbersome. I experimented with writing over the artwork and compromised by placing writing at the back of each card. Printing booklets is far too expensive. I have tried to find a win:win situation for the stage I am at in my business and product evolution.
Finding storage space in my tiny flat 😉
The intense feelings of vulnerability launching a product into the online world. I am naturally more introverted with the sensitivity trait.
However, it was all totally worth it ;)))
What is your favourite Oracle Card?
My favourite card is Blackthorn – Survival Instincts. (it is mine too!) I used to live on a smallholding with ample fields of blackthorn. I feel connected to the warrior-type archetype as I am surviving and thriving in my own business. I love the evocative colours and the beauty of the female figure.
How do you use Oracle cards in your spiritual practice?
I use them when I seek extra guidance or support with something. They help me connect with my inner intuitive wisdom. They make wonderful journal prompts for flow writing.
I mostly pull a single card from a chosen deck. Sometimes I draw a number of cards to build a story or place into a reading (I take cards from a few different decks that I own).
Any advice for the artists and creators reading this?
Be patient and allow your ideas to percolate for a while before acting.
Make the cards relevant to your passion and not about what you think people might like. If you are in love with your ideas then you can be sure others will love them too.
Try and be unique. Perhaps a quirky twist on an old idea?
Find a printer that allows a single pack to be printed and then circulate it around your most supportive allies.
Use your deck as intended and see how YOU connect with it. If you feel it’s magic then others will too.
Have a basic understanding of software programs like Photoshop, Illustrator or InDesign.
Have a good scanner!
Any exciting projects in the creative pipeline?
In 2016, I plan to launch an e-resource about the nature of pain ( http://www.lisamcloughlinart.
I have been invited to teach a class based around art journalling and my plant ally style of art.
(http://classes.kialagivehand.
I have also introduced Pet Portraiture service on Etsy https://www.etsy.com/uk/
I plan a range of organic teeshirts and perhaps more oracle card decks. I also see my art moving more into mixed media art to sell.
Rapid Fire Round!
Starsign? Aquarius
Favourite flavour of ice-cream? Vanilla
Do you have any pets? No (because I currently rent a flat in London). I love animals!! In the past I have had many dogs and cats. I hope to adopt a rescued dog within the next 2 years.
What book are you currently reading? Sisters of the Earth: Woman’s Prose and Poetry About Nature.
Name a film you have seen more than 5 times? Notting Hill and It’s a Wonderful Life.
Who is your biggest inspiration? Nature
What is your go-to crystal? Moss Agate has helped me in the creation of my oracle cards.
How can we follow you and your projects?
Website: www.lisamcloughlinart.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/
