Going Online And Onto The Real World

2016 was a turning point in my career as things revved up and switched gears.  It wasn’t easy, but it was definitely onward and upward ever so steadily, excruciatingly slow but ever so surely. Putting my work online was, perhaps, one of the best things I’ve done for myself because of the personal and professional ties I’ve built over time.

With gratitude, here are some of the best people I’ve worked with, thanks to the magic of Instagram:

Working with Stabilo has been very inspiring. To have my work acknowledged by a brand I’ve been using since 4th grade (and that’s a loooong time!) has been very humbling and empowering at the same time.  My new sketchbook classes use Stabilo products in our Singapore classes and the results are simply fantastic! One of the “highlights” of working with them is being one of the first to try their soon-to-be-released color palette in 2017!

I’m not exactly someone who shops a lot and I keep a very lean wardrobe but my jaw dropped,when I saw this steampunk ring on my feed one day. Created by Inspired By Elizabeth, these rings are crafted from watch parts (the grooves move!) and Swarovski crystals. I don’t have an SLR so it’s difficult to see the intricate details. Her site, however, has all these inspiring photos of her works of art so pop in if you want to see details up close!

I conducted several sketchbook classes called “The Big Blank Page” in the latter part of the year and can I just say I am absolutely blown away by the support here in Singapore, and more so for people who made an effort to meet me here during their travels!

Will I have online sketchbook classes for The Big Blank Page? The answer is one resounding YES. See you online in 2017!

 

I have an affinity for vintage, retro jewelry and fashion. For those who follow me on Instagram, my rings have become synonymous with my creative process and regular sketchbook entries. Sometimes I really wonder if people follow me on Instagram for my art, or my rings! -_-  You can only imagine my surprise when Daniel Wellington sent me this old-fashioned leather watch.  Their simple, clean and classy large-face watch speaks volumes.

I love trees but I also love paper. It’s a bit of a personal conundrum but I make sure that I justify my paper usage as best as I can. Thus said, it was an honor seeing my work on Bookblock‘s journal. Stitched with ivory pages and rounded corners hardbound with a matte-laminated cover, Bookblock created my very own personal journal with a fire-engine red satin bookmark and elastic band. You have to feel the notebook in your hands to appreciate quality paper and fine craftsmanship.

The idea of working as a surface and textile designer never occurred to me until two years ago. For almost all my life, I always thought illustrators were limited to graphic design and/or children’t book’s illustration.  Having my work shown in New York in Printsource’s  surface and textile design show is, indeed, a dream come true. And it’s thanks to Jen of  Zoejo Design, who came across my work on Instagram and saw value in the imperfections of my work.  Thank you, Jen!

One of the keys to working effectively, in my opinion, is based on sincerity — both online AND offline. This is perhaps the most important lesson I can impart with anyone who’s keen on getting their work online and into the real world.   I’ve written about the importance of staying real on social media  and being a true professional as a working artist.  It makes life and work easy for you because posting on Instagram, or whatever platform you choose, is merely an echo of your daily life.

Although I was already online two years ago posting random kitchen escapades and late posts from travels, it wasn’t until I took a closer look at social media that I found some direction in my online existence. Melissa Camillieri did an incredibly fantastic job in helping me with the ins-and-outs of Instagram, teaching concrete steps how to make Instagram work for me.  A little bird told me she’s holding another class on January 16 so click this link to sign up!  I entered her class with 700 people in my IG and today I woke up to a 27k-strong community on Instagram.  Do know that these are not “just numbers” to me.  27k means all the breathing, thinking souls living daily lives who share their thoughts and with whom I have significant dialogue with.  This, for me, is what Instagram is all about.