Spectrum Noir Colourist Accreditation

Well, last week I was very pleased that  to hear that I had now got my Spectrum Noir Colourist Accreditation and can proudly display a blinkie to this effect.  I am just waiting for my name to appear on the list on their website and to receive my certificate.  I had first seen about this accreditation on Julie Woolston's blog - craftyjulie57.blogspot.co.uk - when she had got hers and then I received an email from Crafter's Companion. Like Julie, I didn't have that much confidence in my colouring.  The accredition is free for everyone to get and you need to download the test from their website www.spectrumnoir.com.  You then need to print it out onto the correct card or paper for alcohol pens, colour in, scan and submit to the email address provided.  There is a sample test for you to see what is expected but it is up to you what colours you use. 

 I was not convinced by the Spectrum Noir when they first came out but after sticking with them have found that I do like them and actually enjoy colouring with them.  I have enclosed two of the test colourings that I submitted - the first one is the nature landscape which I was really pleased with the way it turned out as I had not really used alcohol pens before to colour in nature.  The second one was an optional one that we could choose to submit so I chose to colour in Paintbox Poppets "Apple for Teacher" stamp as this is one of my favourites.

I am often very critical of my work so it was nice to submit it to the "experts" for their views.  What I like about the programme is that if your colouring is not quite up to scratch, they will provide feedback with suggestions on how to improve your colouring skills.  It is not often that you get that sort of service for free nowadays.  Luckily for me, I did not need it.