Ah, the start of 2021.
To sum up 2020, I found myself struggling to muster energy for making art with a significantly heavier workload for my full-time job (think: Covid-19 related projects). Moreover, I found most of our days (and months) blending into one another. (With everyone staying at home everyday, it can be hard differentiating our Mondays from Saturdays) Consolidating my thoughts would definitely be useful!
On a personal note, this reflection post serves to answer two main questions I pose to myself:
1. What did I accomplish? (Aka tracking my progress this past year.)
2. What did I learn? (Aka identifying where I've been effective and where I could have done better.)
Disclaimer:
This list doesn't set out to boast of any major accomplishments. Personally, it is a summary list which I hope will continue to encourage myself (and who knows, a bonus if I inspire the reader).
Here are the highlights!
01 January
Worked on a very personal project -- My own wedding invite!
There was certainly a bit of pressure to produce something I would be satisfied with. It took a few drafts before ending up with the final concept, which left me somewhat drained and disappointed. Plus, the fact that I was really new to Photoshop (after an introductory course I attended in Dec 2019) then made me feel super intimidated by the software.
Lesson learnt: To start on a project regardless of the level of intimidation. Also, not everything has to be started from scratch, an artist's existing inventory provides a valuable arsenal as well.
02 February
My First Public Watercolour Class
As part of the "The Art of Birding Exhibition" (Nov 2019 - Oct 2020) at the Botanic Gardens, local artists/photographers whose works were featured were invited to give workshops/talks to engage the public in wildlife appreciation.
For my workshop (which was open both children and adults), we explored watercolour with Pacific Swallows as the subject.
It was fun interacting with the participants and heartwarming that they were so engrossed working on their art pieces.
Many thanks to the NParks staff who have been working hard behind-the-scenes to make the exhibition happen.
More Travel Polaroids (before Covid hit)
We managed to squeeze in a short getaway to Bali and Kuala Lumpur after our wedding -- right before the whole Covid situation spiralled out of control and borders shut down across the world.
I'm glad we did and made it back safe and healthy before 14-day quarantines started kicking in.
You can check out the rest of the collection here.
03 March
Wedding Invite [Commission]
Also, I had to (very) sadly give a wedding in Vietnam a miss amidst the travel restrictions.
04 April
Reflection Journal during the Circuit Breaker (aka 'CB' period, or plainly the Lockdown)
Connected with friends during the Circuit Breaker period (Phase 1: 7 Apr - 1 Jun) with reflection journals. Initiated and hosted by my friend (who is also a teacher), Ms Karen!
05 May
Handpainted Care Cards [Commission]
I handpainted cards to accompany Covid-19 care packs for my client to send out. The fun part was painting in loose watercolour paintings.
But the best part? I had friends trying them out as well :)
Link to the tutorial here.
06 June - 09 Sept
Book Cover Design [Commission]
It was my first time working on designing a book cover from scratch.
Given the nature of the book, I poured in hours researching on subjects of references to ensure accuracy of the illustrations.
Of course, given that this was a novel experience, I had to undergo a steep learning curve where I had many months of panic and consultations with my design-trained friends.
So, thank you guys, your feedback and comments have been a lifesaver.
10 Oct - 12 Dec
Book Chapter Illustrations [Commission]
Besides the book cover, the commission also included chapter illustrations of which I created a total of 10 exclusively for the book.
Anyway, the book will be launched early 2021, and I really can't wait to share more then!
What's next in 2021?
Some goals and reminder for myself this new year:
Doing more, hesitating less
Painting more and doing it consistently
Producing more consistent content
Focus more time on selling products on my website
Be more selective of private commissions
So there, these are my highlights for 2020.
How about you? Are you the type to create resolutions? If so, what are your goals this new year?
Whatever it may be, thank you once again for reading and I wish you all the best for 2021. God bless!
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