Hey, there! It’s been a while.
Quite a bit of happened these past couple months. I changed jobs, I was sick due to weather changes, I lost some things as I gained other things. I also had a small creative block, and I was putting things off that I had planned a while ago. Now that I’ve rearranged some priorities and created a schedule that goes well with the recent change, I’m back and hope this will work well for now.
So… let’s talk about 2023.
As we draw closer to the end of the year, I wanted to reflect. This year was an initiation for me as an artist – deciding to pursue this seriously. Prior to this choice, there were years of me struggling to believe in myself that I could even become an artist, let alone a successful one. Despite me following and supporting artists who started off as beginners themselves, I had a mindset of it not working out for me and to just get a job that comes with a big paycheck. The thing is money isn’t even the point of this.
Creativity has always had such an importance in my life because it was my way of expression. I could show how I felt in my art, my writings, my awfully sung songs. Whatever I’d stress over or was frustrated about, I could draw the mental confusion away and be calm afterwards and think better. Art has always been a part of me, but I had always kept it to myself and shown it to a few people. Now, as I am becoming less secluded, I am showing my art to the public.
Anyway, back in April, I posted on my Instagram my “Phases” Series. The intent was to create a year’s worth of art with 12 subjects to be disciplined in creating and see the growth in my art skills. Phase One: Self was about TayeDreaming, me, and introducing the “Phases” Series. By the time Phase Two was supposed to start, I moved into my first apartment, and I fell off. Disappointed, but I learned how important consistency is.
Moving forward to August, I donated a piece to “Art Lives Here”, an annual art auction for Hirsch Wellness Network. All the money raised goes to programs and classes offered to cancer patients in treatment, survivors, caregivers, and medical staff at no cost. The programs and classes offered focus on self-expressive arts and wellness experiences. It’s really a beautiful thing to give to those affected by something so life altering and to be able to enjoy said thing with others.
This was the first time my art was sold. Someone bought my art, and when I was told the news I was so happy. The whole experience gave me a general idea of how I would be selling and shipping orders and gave me more confidence to continue pursuing being an artist. Very grateful for the opportunity, and I will be donating again next year.
Finally, for October, I participated in Inktober, where you create something based on the daily prompt. Years prior, I’d attempt and fall off within the first few days. This time, I managed until about halfway through (you can check it out on Instagram or TikTok). A lot of things were happening at the time, but I tried to stay consistent until I just fell off. I wasn’t happy with the last several entries anyway – I was playing catch up and rushing through the prompts, and they just were quick doodles more than anything. The effort dropped, and I disliked it so much. However, I am proud of how far I got. My main intent was gaining discipline and creating concepts rather than completing work.
Overall, 2023 was pretty decent for my first steps towards being an artist. I have plenty to learn, especially on the business side of things. I’m looking forward to 2024 now that I have some projects planned and have this website public for you all.
Thanks, everyone. Stayed tuned for more content. :)