--- title: 5 minutes with illustrator, Ruby Jones description: Ruby Jones is a Wellington-based artist and writer, inspired by themes such as self-love, compassion, and kindness. image: https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/Similing%20Minds_008.jpg --- [Back to smilingmind.com.au](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/) [![](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/SM_BlogLogo_black.svg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au) [Login/Sign up](https://app.smilingmind.com.au/?_ga=2.99144346.505229074.1559522319-1047861382.1534989894) - Mindfulness - [Meditation](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/meditation) - [Informal mindfulness](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/informal-mindfulness) - [Mindful eating](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/mindful-eating) - [Self care](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/self-care) - [Tips & Tricks](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/tips-tricks) - At Home - [Children](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/children) - [Parents](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/parents) - [Family](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/family) - In Schools - [Students](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/students) - [Teachers](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/teachers) - [Schools](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/schools) - At Work - [Workplace](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/workplace) - [Business](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/business) - Mental Health - [Anxiety](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/anxiety) - [COVID19](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/covid19) - [Mental Health](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/mental-health) - [News](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/media-release) [Self care](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/self-care), [Informal mindfulness](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/informal-mindfulness) 3 minute read # 5 minutes with illustrator, Ruby Jones ![Smiling Mind](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/SmilingMind_Icon_RGB_Purple-Background.png) by [Smiling Mind](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/author/smiling-mind) ![](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/Similing%20Minds_008.jpg) October 10, 2022 Ruby Jones is a Wellington-based artist and writer. Ruby is passionate about creative projects positively impacting young people. Ruby’s work is inspired by themes such as self-love, compassion, and kindness. ![Similing Minds_008](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Similing%20Minds_008.jpg?width=827&name=Similing%20Minds_008.jpg) ## Tell us a bit about yourself... My name is Ruby Jones and I’m an illustrator from Aotearoa/New Zealand. I grew up down south in Ōtepoti/Dunedin and moved to Te Whanganui-a-Tara/Wellington four years ago. I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember and made the transition to working primarily in digital form about five years ago. I like to make art that shines a little light on everyday moments and explores the connection between ourselves, each other, and the world around us. ## What inspired this tutorial and activity you have created? I have found myself feeling pretty overwhelmed by the state of the world over the last few years and I wanted to make an activity for anyone who might be feeling the same. The focus of the activity is about creating an image of calmness: the space you can put yourself into mentally when the world around us all feels too much. [![DOWNLOAD RUBY'S ACTIVITY TEMPLATE HERE](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4687378/307525cc-a35d-4a19-8f8d-f1a9bc3f8b98.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4687378/307525cc-a35d-4a19-8f8d-f1a9bc3f8b98) [![WATCH VIDEO TUTORIAL](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4687378/e95ea7ae-523c-40cc-95c4-6f1567144825.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4687378/e95ea7ae-523c-40cc-95c4-6f1567144825) ## **Were you always a creative person?** Yes! I grew up in a really creative home with a family who were always drawing, painting, sculpting, sewing, etc. However, it was drawing that both my brother and I seemed to be obsessed with from day one. We would sit for hours surrounded by piles of paper and pens having an absolute blast. Even at a young age I was only ever interested in drawing people and telling their stories—it’s funny how some things never change. ![Similing Minds_007-1](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Similing%20Minds_007-1.jpg?width=690&name=Similing%20Minds_007-1.jpg) ## **How familiar are you with mindfulness?** I first became interested in the idea of mindfulness as a teenager when I discovered meditation. I wouldn’t claim to be an expert, but I think I have a pretty good grasp of it these days and have managed to weave mindfulness practices into my day-to-day life more and more over the years. For me, this is small things like slowing down, being present and actively listening. # Describe your creative process? I’m constantly writing down thoughts in my notes app and sketching rough ideas in notebooks that I like to refer back to. It’s always the words that come first for me. Once I have those, I know what the tone and feel of the illustration needs to be. I’ll usually sit and think on a set of words until I can see the image in my mind, sometimes this might be for a few minutes, or it might be a few weeks. I’ll then start sketching the idea out on my iPad using Procreate, and it’s really as simple as that. My favourite part of the process is trying to match the colour palette, light and tone to the words in the image. Once I have captured that, it’s the best feeling. ## How do you get in ‘flow’ (aka in the zone)? What does it feel like? I think I’m able to get in the zone once I have the idea for an illustration—when I know what I’m doing, when I can see it clearly in my mind and I’m feeling excited about it. I put on some music or a podcast and I go. For me it’s almost like going into a trance, and before I know it there’s a finished illustration in front of me. > ### Flow for me is about slowly shifting into a state of complete immersion in the art I’m making. It’s when I’m at my most calm and most present. ![Similing Minds_014](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Similing%20Minds_014.jpg?width=689&name=Similing%20Minds_014.jpg) ## **What inspires you and your art?** I’m inspired by the connection and relationships we share with each other, ourselves, and the world around us. We carry so much around with us in our heads and hearts every day. I like to make art that takes a peek inside at those thoughts, feelings, experiences, emotions, etc. ## What are some of the ways you connect with what inspires you? I’m really inspired by other people and their stories so naturally that means I like to communicate a lot with the people in my life. It also means I always like to be listening to something whether it be music, podcasts, radio, or audiobooks. I think I have a fear of missing something really beautiful if I’m not consuming words all the time. ![Similing Minds_016](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Similing%20Minds_016.jpg?width=690&name=Similing%20Minds_016.jpg) ## How do you think people can start to use creativity to support their mind? I find getting things out of my head and onto a page is incredibly helpful for the mind. I think it’s also important to remember there doesn’t always have to be an end product, sometimes just scribbling some doodles on a page or playing around with colour can be incredibly therapeutic and calming. [Discover all about the mental wellbeing benefits of mindful colouring.](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/what-is-mindful-colouring) ![Similing Minds_006](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Similing%20Minds_006.jpg?width=690&name=Similing%20Minds_006.jpg) **Support your mind with creativity and [find more activities on our website](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/creates?hsCtaTracking=984e0751-c0c9-422f-b04e-a77d64f254fa%7C3e88a3e3-d3b0-4f02-a841-16ae0b2d54db). Don't forget to share and tag us! #SMILINGMINDCREATES** [![DOWNLOAD RUBY'S ACTIVITY TEMPLATE HERE](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4687378/307525cc-a35d-4a19-8f8d-f1a9bc3f8b98.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4687378/307525cc-a35d-4a19-8f8d-f1a9bc3f8b98) [![WATCH VIDEO TUTORIAL](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4687378/e95ea7ae-523c-40cc-95c4-6f1567144825.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4687378/e95ea7ae-523c-40cc-95c4-6f1567144825) ![SmilingMindCreatexBICIntensityLockup (2)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/SmilingMindCreatexBICIntensityLockup%20(2).jpg?width=396&name=SmilingMindCreatexBICIntensityLockup%20(2).jpg)   ![Smiling Mind](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/SmilingMind_Icon_RGB_Purple-Background.png) ### Written by [Smiling Mind](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/author/smiling-mind) ### SIMILAR POSTS [![](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/pexels-nicole-michalou-5765722.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/switching-off-and-reflecting-on-the-year) #### [Switching off and reflecting on the year that’s been.](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/switching-off-and-reflecting-on-the-year) [Workplace](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/workplace), [Mental Health](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/mental-health), [Meditation](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/meditation), [Self care](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/self-care), [Informal mindfulness](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/informal-mindfulness) 2 minute read [![](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/SOM%202021%20Assets/Smiling%20Mind%20-%20Intrepid%20%20(114%20of%2081).jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/5-tips-to-help-recognise-and-address-workplace-stress) #### [5 Tips To Help Recognise and Address Workplace Stress](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/5-tips-to-help-recognise-and-address-workplace-stress) [Workplace](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/workplace), [Mental Health](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/mental-health), [Meditation](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/meditation), [Self care](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/self-care), [Informal mindfulness](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/informal-mindfulness) 2 minute read [![](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/2O0A2454.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/5-minutes-with-illustrator-ben-sanders) #### [5 minutes with illustrator, Ben Sanders](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/5-minutes-with-illustrator-ben-sanders) [Self care](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/self-care), [Informal mindfulness](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/informal-mindfulness) 3 minute read [![Smiling Mind working from home tips](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4473893.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/how-to-stay-motivated-when-working-from-home) #### [How to stay motivated when working from home](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/how-to-stay-motivated-when-working-from-home) [Workplace](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/workplace), [Mental Health](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/mental-health), [Self care](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/self-care), [COVID19](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/covid19) 2 minute read [![What is the Mental Load? Signs you’re carrying too much, and what to do about it](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1319763211.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/what-is-the-mental-load-signs-youre-carrying-too-much-and-what-to-do-about-it) Family, Parents, Self care, Mindfulness, Mental Fitness 10 minute read ### [What is the Mental Load? Signs you’re carrying too much, and what to do about it](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/what-is-the-mental-load-signs-youre-carrying-too-much-and-what-to-do-about-it) by Smiling Mind ## Latest [![What is the Mental Load? Signs you’re carrying too much, and what to do about it](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1319763211.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/what-is-the-mental-load-signs-youre-carrying-too-much-and-what-to-do-about-it) ### [What is the Mental Load? Signs you’re carrying too much, and what to do about it](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/what-is-the-mental-load-signs-youre-carrying-too-much-and-what-to-do-about-it) If you’re a parent or caregiver, you probably know the feeling: your brain feels full of tasks that somehow keep multipl... Family, Parents, Self care, Mindfulness, Mental Fitness 10 minute read [![The Wellbeing Shifts I Hope to See in 2026](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1498908506.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/five-wellbeing-trends-to-watch-in-2026) ### [The Wellbeing Shifts I Hope to See in 2026](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/five-wellbeing-trends-to-watch-in-2026) We’ve made real progress in reducing stigma around mental health. But too often, we still wait until something is broken... Family, Schools, Mental Fitness 5 minute read [![Raising mentally fit kids in a digital world](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1368247217.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/raising-mentally-fit-kids-in-a-digital-world) ### [Raising mentally fit kids in a digital world](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/raising-mentally-fit-kids-in-a-digital-world) Practical tips to support children’s mental wellbeing and build better screen habits, without the daily battles. Tips & Tricks, Children, Family, Parents, Mental Fitness 10 minute read [![How to tell if it's stress or anxiety, and what to do about it](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1135957638.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/overwhelmed-and-on-a-deadline-how-to-tell-if-its-stress-or-anxiety-and-what-to-do-about-it) ### [How to tell if it's stress or anxiety, and what to do about it](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/overwhelmed-and-on-a-deadline-how-to-tell-if-its-stress-or-anxiety-and-what-to-do-about-it) You're staring at a long to-do list, the clock is ticking, and suddenly you can’t remember your email password. Is this ... Mindfulness 7 minute read [View more](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/all) ## At home [![Raising mentally fit kids in a digital world](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1368247217.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/raising-mentally-fit-kids-in-a-digital-world) ### [Raising mentally fit kids in a digital world](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/raising-mentally-fit-kids-in-a-digital-world) Practical tips to support children’s mental wellbeing and build better screen habits, without the daily battles. Tips & Tricks, Children, Family, Parents, Mental Fitness 10 minute read [![How can we better support caregivers and the children in their care?](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1307370020.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/how-can-we-better-support-caregivers-and-the-children-in-their-care) ### [How can we better support caregivers and the children in their care?](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/how-can-we-better-support-caregivers-and-the-children-in-their-care) Each year Smiling Mind checks in on the wellbeing of Australians through our State of Mind survey. The 2024 report focus... Children, Family, Parents, Mental Fitness 7 minute read [![Empowering Generations: A Bold Partnership to Transform Mental Health for Australia’s Women and Girls](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/Collection%20Resilient%20Families%20Parents%20.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/empowering-generations-a-bold-partnership-to-transform-mental-health-for-australias-women-and-girls) ### [Empowering Generations: A Bold Partnership to Transform Mental Health for Australia’s Women and Girls](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/empowering-generations-a-bold-partnership-to-transform-mental-health-for-australias-women-and-girls) Creating generational change in mental health for Australia’s young girls and women is the driving force behind a new 3-... Children, Family, Parents, Mental Fitness 3 minute read [View more](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/children) ## At Work [![The Small Business Owner’s Survival Guide: Prioritising Mental Health in 2025](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-2154297863.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/the-small-business-owners-survival-guide-prioritising-mental-health-in-2025) ### [The Small Business Owner’s Survival Guide: Prioritising Mental Health in 2025](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/the-small-business-owners-survival-guide-prioritising-mental-health-in-2025) Running a small business can be challenging—you're the strategist, the problem-solver, the cheerleader, and everything i... Workplace, Tips & Tricks, Business, Self care, Mental Fitness 11 minute read [![Navigating Peak Season Stress with Business Mental Fitness](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-2160502739.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/navigating-peak-season-stress-with-business-mental-fitness) ### [Navigating Peak Season Stress with Business Mental Fitness](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/navigating-peak-season-stress-with-business-mental-fitness) Running a business is no easy feat, and the current economic uncertainty adds another layer of complexity. To support bu... Workplace, Business, Mental Fitness 5 minute read [![Mental Health in the Workplace: Why it Matters, with Mental Fitness Tips for SMEs](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1317277259%20(1).jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/mental-health-in-the-workplace-why-it-matters-with-mental-fitness-tips-for-smes) ### [Mental Health in the Workplace: Why it Matters, with Mental Fitness Tips for SMEs](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/mental-health-in-the-workplace-why-it-matters-with-mental-fitness-tips-for-smes) Did you know that one in three small and medium sized business owners identify mental health as their top concern? It's ... Workplace, Business, Meditation 14 minute read [View more](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/workplace) ## At school [![The Wellbeing Shifts I Hope to See in 2026](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-1498908506.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/five-wellbeing-trends-to-watch-in-2026) ### [The Wellbeing Shifts I Hope to See in 2026](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/five-wellbeing-trends-to-watch-in-2026) We’ve made real progress in reducing stigma around mental health. But too often, we still wait until something is broken... Family, Schools, Mental Fitness 5 minute read [![How to Encourage Friendships in the Classroom: A Guide for Teachers](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/iStock-907283180.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/how-to-encourage-friendships-in-the-classroom-a-guide-for-teachers) ### [How to Encourage Friendships in the Classroom: A Guide for Teachers](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/how-to-encourage-friendships-in-the-classroom-a-guide-for-teachers) Healthy friendships are fundamental to a child’s emotional and social learning in school, but they don't always come eas... Tips & Tricks, Teachers, Students, Schools 9 minute read [![Why a ‘Blended’ Approach to Social and Emotional Learning in Schools Can Create Greater Impact](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/Schools%20program%20impact%20article.png)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/impact-of-a-blended-approach-to-social-and-emotional-learning) ### [Why a ‘Blended’ Approach to Social and Emotional Learning in Schools Can Create Greater Impact](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/impact-of-a-blended-approach-to-social-and-emotional-learning) Schools, and the educators that work within them, are in a unique and influential position. They have the ability to cre... Children, Schools 18 minute read [View more](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/schools) ## News [![](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/youth%20social%20media%20ban.png)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/youth-social-media-ban) ### ["A social media band-aid won’t stick": Smiling Mind's take on Australia's Proposed Under 16 Social Media Ban](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/youth-social-media-ban) The ban to prevent Australian children under 16 from accessing social media is filled with great intentions. However exp... Parents, Mental Health, Media release, Mental Fitness 4 minute read [![Children’s mental health the losers of this year’s budget](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/childrens%20mental%20health.png)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/childrens-mental-health-the-losers-of-this-years-budget) ### [Children’s mental health the losers of this year’s budget](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/childrens-mental-health-the-losers-of-this-years-budget) The 2025 Federal Budget has failed our children, according to Australia’s leading children’s mental health not-for-profi... Mental Health, Media release 3 minute read [![Don’t forget Our Kids this budget, Prime Minister](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/hubfs/210506_SmilingMind_WaitaraPrimary_PaulMcMillan-014_Edit.jpg)](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/dont-forget-our-kids-this-budget-prime-minister) ### [Don’t forget Our Kids this budget, Prime Minister](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/dont-forget-our-kids-this-budget-prime-minister) Tomorrow’s budget announcement will be an important reflection of what we care about as a nation. There’s an opportunity... Children, Family, Mental Health, Media release 3 minute read [View more](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/tag/media-release) © 2026 Smiling Mind - [Privacy & Terms](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/privacy-and-terms) We recognise and pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, their ancestors, the Elders past, present and future from the different First Nations across this country. We acknowledge the importance of connection to land, culture, spirituality, ancestry, family and community for the wellbeing of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families. ### Info - [Home](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/) - [Mindfulness](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/what-is-mindfulness) - [Education](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/education) - [Workplace](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/mindfulness-workplace) - [Our free app](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/smiling-mind-app) - [Blog](https://blog.smilingmind.com.au/) - [FAQs](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/contact-us#our-faq) ### About - [About us](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/about-us) - [Our Team](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/about-us#anchor-our-team) - [Our Board](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/about-us#anchor-our-board) ### Action - [Contact](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/contact-us) - [Donate](https://shoutforgood.com/embed/lightbox?version=latest&client_token=dc092e09-150a-4a06-93de-14a387bffccc&custom_css=https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/smgeneral/media/shout-donate-form.css&uid=d375e26da7&logLevel=error&xcomponent=1) - [give](https://www.smilingmind.com.au/support-us) - [shop](https://smilingmind.org.au/) - - - -