I’m looking at my photo stream, to try to prepare a new blog post, and I’m so overwhelmed with how the photos jump from one theme/event to another. So many things are happening all at once, and I’m reminded exactly why I need this “filing” time. Yes, as in a photo filing system, because one minute I am painting, and the next moment I am taking photos of food at the restos, and then later on, speaking at an event. Conversation last night with one of my best friends Muffin last night (thank you to you and your baby bump for staying up late with me, and allowing me to share my “freelancer” thoughts :P) made me realize that I mustn’t complain, because this pace, this life, is what I chose–and things are actually working in my favor (so far). And that every job, no matter what it is, always comes with challenges.
This wall is a part of my pop-up exhibit in Casa Manila Intramuros for Design Week Philippines 🙂
If the path before you is clear, you’re probably on someone else’s.
I love that quote. It makes every stumbling block that you have faced/are experiencing totally valid and worth it. It makes you realize that if things are going too easy and working too much in your favor, then it’s probably not revolutionary. It’s so convenient to just go with the flow. To do things because everyone is already doing it.
Last week, my friends
Abbey,
Tippy,
Mansy and I gave talks at Design Week Philippines. It was such a fun afternoon, and so many people came, even if we had it on a random Tuesday afternoon!
Tippy, Abbey, Me and PJ (thank your for hosting, love!) So grateful for these ladies aka my occasional officemates. Sometimes, we have to get out of our shells and connect with other creatives 😛 (photo from Abbey)
I gave a talk on creativity entitled Notes To Self because the creativity tips that I shared are actually things I write to remind myself to stay on the creative path. Again, being a freelancer can sometimes get lonely, and as a designer, you’re always thinking, “Is this where I am supposed to be???” (Wassup with all the existentialism, right?! Does staring at the computer screen too much cause that?:P) So these Notes to Self are some little reminders to guide you on your creative path.
A couple of my slides covered that topic about (not) going with the flow. Are you carving your own path? What we see on Instagram and Pinterest can easily influence us. When it comes to finding inspiration, don’t get it online! Do your own thing. Find inspiration from your own real experiences.
If it’s online, it’s already been done.
When you aren’t sure if what you’re doing is right, remember to have the courage to be yourself. Honor your own experiences. Unique ideas spring from unique connections.
I turned my slides into a zine so that participants at the talk could take them home. I still have some extras. E-mail me at workshops@lifeafterbreakfast.ph if you want one. Selling them for P150 each. 🙂
Been living in these super comfy Zoe sandals by
Toms. Absolutely love how comfy they are. Wearing my chambray & tan leather uniform even on my feet. 😛
These creative talks were in partnership with Design Week Philippines, where we also held a bunch of workshops. I gave a Floral Sketching workshop while
Mikko taught Weaving Basics.
My kits included Pitt Artist Pens and Watercolour Pencils from
Faber Castell, a Waterbrush from
Craftdoodle, and paper from
IFEX Ph. We made floral doodles & patterns!
On the second day, I conducted a Botanical Watercolor workshop, also at Barbara’s in Casa Manila Intramuros.
We also made stamps for all the partners of Design Week.
And I joined in on the Slab Pottery + Stamp Design workshop of
Mansy and
Nica. I’m in love with slab pottery! Can’t wait to paint on the pieces that I made.
Here’s an example of a plate I painted before–which is now on current use in the kitchen, and here topped with some ricotta ensaymada from
Breakfast and Pies. A happy note to end an awesome week.
