Alright, I’ll admit it (this stings a little to say out loud) but I don’t have that many projects going on right now. There. The harsh reality of freelance illustration - sometimes, you're drowning in work and fantasizing about a break, and other times, you have way too much free time, which, if you’ve read my last post, means I have to find something to do before I start climbing the walls.
So, here’s a little life update! Alongside a few fun ongoing projects, I’ve decided to paint my life in some new shades - by learning fresh skills and diving into hands-on crafts. My current obsessions are knitting, embroidery, and clay, plus a renewed love for reading and writing.
Knitting
There’s something almost magical about knitting. It runs in my family - every woman in my lineage has knitted at least one wearable piece in her lifetime (and my grandma, a seamstress, has made many). Watching her weathered hands guide the needles in smooth, rhythmic motions was pure art. She taught me the basics, handed me her old needles and some leftover yarn, and sent me on my way. And like every beginner, I’m starting with the classic first project - a scarf! Stay tuned for the big reveal (featuring a very questionable stitch consistency).
Embroidery
In a burst of enthusiasm, I ordered a concerning amount of embroidery hoops, fabric, and threads. Something about the idea of peaceful evenings, hand-stitching little details into fabric, just speaks to my soul. Total Grandmacore vibes. Unlike knitting, though, embroidery and I haven’t fully clicked yet. It’s fun, but I haven’t been obsessed - though one thing’s for sure: anything that gets me away from a screen is a win.
Clay
Now clay? Oh, I could talk about clay for hours. There’s something about shaping an object with your hands, breathing color into it, and then holding this imperfect creation that just feels right. My little clay collection is steadily growing, one wobbly masterpiece at a time.
In the photo here, you’ll see my frankly gigantic mushrooms! I’ve been loving adding elements to them - acorns, moss, little stones - all things I collect on my walks in nature. Next goal: incorporating tiny fairies or mythical creatures! Because honestly, what’s a whimsical mushroom scene without a mischievous little forest spirit lurking around?
Reading
For the past few years, my reading habits have been… well, let’s just say struggling. I'd pick up a book, get through about two pages, and then - boom - out like a light. Thanks, self-diagnosed dyslexia! But after years of resisting, I finally caved and tried audiobooks. And let me tell you - game changer!
In January alone, I “read” six books! (yes, I’m counting audiobooks as reading - fight me). I might even write some reviews one of these days because some of them really stuck with me - especially Black Butterflies by Priscilla Morris. Some of the others? Let’s just say… they weren’t for me. Fun fact: I used to read almost exclusively nonfiction, but out of those six books, five were novels! Who even am I? Anyway, fingers crossed I can keep up the momentum.
Writing
Yep, you heard it right! It’s come to this - I’m officially giving it a go! Although I’ve dabbled in writing the occasional poem (shoutout to my "poet" phase), I’ve started writing a novel. Well, let’s say I had a bit of a crazy moment where I couldn't tear myself away from the keyboard and got halfway through writing it! And then... I stopped. I feel like it’s time for the characters and the plot to just marinate for a bit. But honestly, writing is SO much fun!
What I’ve learned, especially because of the nature and message of the novel, and also because of the characters, is that sometimes the best thing you can do is NOT say something! Don’t reveal too much - just let the story guide itself. In the novel I’m writing, not much actually happens (kinda like in my life, if I’m being honest – self-deprecating humor, anyone?), which could result in a pretty boring book. But my goal is for the internal world of the characters to drive the story, revealing both them and the plot through every little non-action.
Oh, and of course, part of the story will be told through illustrations – because obviously one of the main characters is a sketch artist, and, naturally, the other is a little ball of anxiety. Am I writing this novel about myself? Who knows, maybe! But let’s face it, the first novel every writer writes usually ends up in the trash (or collecting dust in some shameful drawer), so this is probably the first and last time you’ll hear about this book. And I’ll be haunted by it for years to come. Yay!
...
Well folks, that’s all from me for now! Can’t wait to dive into more exciting creative adventures! Maybe I’ll actually finish that novel one day and knit a scarf that becomes my new favorite... until then, stay awesome!
Hugs,
-K
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