Journal Introduction

March 13, 2023

Hi! It has been a while since I last wrote a series of paragraphs for a blog post. My very old blogger posts have long been archived, though I still have access to its content and once in a while I love reading them again to look back on who I was (thank you past self for documenting my past life). I would probably add several old posts in here as well. I hope you find something in here that adds to your life as much as it has added to mine.

Posts are organised into 6 categories*:

*most posts will probably overlap and will belong to 2 or more categories

	Becoming an Illustrator A series of blog posts about my journey as an illustrator (specifically becoming a picture book illustrator). I am starting this journey late in my life and I am trying (doing) my best to catch-up – I have to change this mindset though because as they say “it’s not too late, it’s never too late”. Join me as I navigate this dream of becoming an illustrator – the inevitable setbacks, the learning process, the doubts and frustrations and everything in between.
	Being Creative These are pages filled with practicing creativity – mostly being aware and in awe with the simplicity of complexities or vice versa aka practicing being intentional on being and staying curious. I’m still not sure though on what posts I’ll be including in these pages as it is quite a struggle to be always in awe when your days are mostly filled with routines – I guess this will be the challenge of honing being creative despite the ordinariness of the everyday.
	Books A collection of books (mostly picture books). Excerpts of stories and how they inspire and make living magically bearable. I now gravitate towards books with pictures or books about illustrations and illustrators. In my biased opinion, I think illustrators or authors who are also illustrators are some of the most interesting people out there. Probably because I find it endearing how illustrators (especially picture book illustrators) can convey a somewhat complex emotion or situation into an illustration that is relatable and simple – without the ego.
	Dailies These are tidbits and the routine of my everyday. Documenting the special mundaness of daily tasks, life’s realities, and finding the extra in the ordinary. This series of posts include: Lists – are bits and pieces of eunoia, a concise, straightforward, and sensical space, written in limited words with infinite implied meanings – from the mundane and cliché to the bizarre and lofty Blues – are wanderlust cascades of music, star-crossed lovers, happy and sad, euphoric and melancholic Poetry – are expressions of my own piety, forcefully intertwined, it binds three conflicting egos – mind, heart, soul Challenges – are days to document the sometimes-incoherent coherence between a challenge and one’s sanity Aphorisms – are ‘words are words’, it may mean something or nothing to someone, but all the same we all thirst for the same relative truth Flutter-bug – are conscious efforts to satisfy my fluttering shutterbug self by documenting a stir in the somewhat ordinariness of an Extraordinary Struggles – are certain uncertainties, sometimes the scorn of dreams and its foundation, a reality dreams must learn to accept
	Stationery & Art Supplies Stacks of tools to explore different art medium, make art, document moments or just add to the collection that may one day be a source of inspiration. I am very precious with my art supplies (to a fault). Surrounding myself with art supplies and stationery makes me happy, makes my soul happy. Join me as I explore these amazing magical tools and let’s remind one another (especially hoarders like me) that more magic happens when we use these tools and to not leave them unused and collecting dust on our shelves.
	Travels Snapshots and polaroids of new places and experiences. To be able to travel is one privilege that I am very grateful for. Travelling awakens all my senses – the anticipation before, the excitement during and the nostalgia after. I’ll document all these senses in here.