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May 17 2017
Love1

Make Instagram Work For Your Art (And Not The Other Way Around)

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It’s been almost a month since the opening of “Myriad”, my first solo gallery sold-out show. The response has been nothing short of breathtaking, with paintings moving even weeks before the opening. Even after the last piece was declared sold on opening night, the gallery informed me that inquiries were still pouring in from places as far as Greece.

I am overwhelmed, elated, humbled and anxious all at once.

Overwhelmed by the wonderful response.

Elated that my work is appreciated.

Humbled by others’ faith in what I do.

But anxious as I wonder where I go from here.

My husband just shook his head and reminded me to stop, relax and relish the moment.

It started in 1997.

My story as a professional artist began the moment I left university with a BA in Psychology in 1997, and tried being everything else other than myself. Since then, I made half-hearted efforts to break into the art industry but always with one foot out the door, ready to bolt whenever things didn’t go as planned.

And that’s exactly what happened.

When things hit a slump or did not yield the desired result, I quickly went back to my comfort zone and sprinted right back to Plan B, C and even D.

Although I had an exhibit in a bistro and another one in a fine-dining restaurant in 2003 and 2004 respectively, it wasn’t until last year, 2015, that I sold my first work through an art gallery.  While I juggled 3 to 4 non-creative part-time jobs while trying to do part-time art after 2004, my half-hearted efforts would pretty much produce a half-baked career. This was how it was up until I hit my creative block sometime in 2007 and had my breakthrough in 2012.

Fast forward to April 2017, after a long and excruciatingly slow journey strewn with hits and misses, twists and turns, I found my way back to myself.

A body of new work up in my first solo gallery show has come to fruition.

Climb a wall and commit.

For a brief moment, I got into wall-climbing. At that time, I also had the good fortune of coming to the facility whenever the national team came for training.  On my first evening,  I passed the halfway mark of a 40-foot wall, when I was met with a 1-ft indentation jutting directly over my head at a 90-degree angle. I could’t figure out how I could hoist myself up. While I was trying to find a grip, I yelled down below “I can’t!”. Others who were resting heard me and yelled “Commit! Commit! Just commit!”

This meant that I should release my grip, and without fear, hoist myself up with everything I’ve got and commit to another grip with the free hand. It also meant to let go and have faith in the movement.

When I moved to Singapore in 2010, I eventually saw it as a blank page, a fresh start, and a chance to reinvent myself as an artist. It was this brand of commitment that I took to heart that changed everything. I stopped doing things that were not-related to my art. Then, I closed down my Etsy and Society6 shop because that wasn’t what my work was about anymore. I said ‘no’ to a lot of offers which no longer fit my vision.

I narrowed my focus, buckled down and did nothing but paint, paint and paint.

Social media helped. By a mile.

Let social media work for you and not the other way around.

I joined Instagram in 2014 when I got into calligraphy, a craft with a very strong and supportive community around the world. Unfortunately, this was a short-lived hobby but I learned that being part of a community, even though we’ve never met each other in person, made a world of difference. So I stayed on Instagram.

Being on social media gave me a chance to grow my work in anonymity.  It gave me a different kind of validation knowing that my art is valued simply for what it is, and not something born of friendship, affiliation, or a favor.  In 2015, I joined an Instagram class by Melissa Camillieri. This was a game-changer. It gave social media a purpose, a direction, and showed me how something seemingly fun and mundane can otherwise be a powerful tool to connect with the world and build my work.  If there’s one thing that made IG work for me, it would be the sincerity behind both what I post and the art that I do.

Oh, and hey! A little bird told me that she’s holding her next class in a week or two! To see what this class is all about, click here.

Perhaps one of the biggest pitfalls of being on Instagram is relying on it solely  to build your business. While this can totally work  it is an unfair expectation to think that Instagram will do the job for you.  Instagram is merely a tool to be heard by the universe around you. Instagram did not create my art. My art existed independently of social media except it’s like I was handed an extraordinary megaphone to tell my story, loud enough to be heard across the planet.

And, gratefully, they did.

Apr 04 2017
Love1

When Art Becomes A Little Less Fun (Part 3 of 3)

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In an earlier post, I delved into the changes that happen when art is no longer something you do for fun, when it’s something you have to do because it’s your life, and it’s your job.

Things change when you do art professionally.   When things shift from hobby to industry, we become our own boss. Thus, parameters need to be defined and, like any other 9-to-5, work conduct must be upheld in all our transactions.  The goal of our craft is not simply about getting messy and mixing paints for its own sake.

It becomes about someone adding value in the world.

Art is not free

When I was 14, I hand-painted posters for an event in my local country club. It was something I personally pitched to the manager, and something I wanted to do because I was on summer holiday and I was running out of things to do.  The deal was they provided the materials, and I drew. I honestly think that was the start of my professional career! 🙂

One would think twice about asking a lawyer, a doctor or a carpenter to do work for free.  However, and quite sadly, many people will not hesitate in assuming that artists will be okay to do things pro bono. Up until recently, I still got offered mileage as payment, good golly.  In my opinion, mileage does not pay anymore, not in this era of social media with today’s generation of outspoken artists.  You can read my thoughts on this  here.

I’ll understand if it’s for a charitable cause that is in dire need of support, and it’s also your prerogative if you want to accept work  in exchange for goods and services that will be of use to you.  Be open to negotiations but refrain from doing things for free.  Doing things for a free meal? I say no.

I’ve also read about a lot of people on social media reaching out to designers and artists asking them for free items in exchange for a blog post and an Instagram feature.  It’s easy to get excited at the idea that someone else will talk about your work.

But here are some key questions to ask:  Who are they? What do they promote? How wide is their reach? And most importantly, how robust is their engagement? It’s not always about the number of followers that makes the difference so I’ll talk about this at a later post.  Always be on your guard when offers like these come your way because people who sincerely want to promote you on social media will do so out of their own free will because they truly believe in you.

The practice of doing art for free should be obliterated from our paradigm.

Refrain from apologising

I think a good number of artists have an issue quantifying work. It’s uncomfortable and makes people queasy. But over time, I learned to do this as gracefully as possible, with conviction and dignity. After all, art is work, mine and yours. The best advice I ever came across was in an article on the internet.  I cannot remember whose article it was but she said this: Never apologise for your prices.  

I used to be guilty of this when asked about my rates, ending it with “For the project, it costs $_____.  So sorry!”.   Now that I think about it, I can’t exactly remember why I was being apologetic yet it rolled offf my tongue quite easily.

Like I was apologising that I had to charge for art.

It was only when I accepted and embraced the full scope of my work and that it IS a job,  a profession like everything else and thus requires equal treatment like all other industries. Thus said, setting our professional fees respects global industry standards, ideally. It is rooted on size and materials (if it’s something like a painting), experience,  merit and scope of work. This makes your pricing clear, reliable and fair because it’s objective.  It’s not some numbers you pulled out of a hat or priced based on the level of emotion attached to your work.

The idea of a starving artist must die a swift and instant death right now and never be heard from again.  It is a poorly romanced idea of what makes an artist “real’.  When it comes to being a professional artist, there is much weight on the word “profession” as much as there is on “artist”.

The goal as working artists, aside from making beautiful art, is to make a living by being fair, sincere, trustworthy and credible across varying projects and clients. What our art means to people is just as important as who they’re dealing with, and our sense of commitment and purpose in all our endeavours.

To read Part 1, click here.

To read Part 2, click here.

Mar 29 2017
Love3

When Art Becomes A Little Less Fun (Part 2 of 3)

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As artists, why do we have to talk about money? Because we have to and because it’s our job to do so as a working artist.

In my opinion, this is, perhaps, the trickiest part when it comes to art: pricing your work. Money is something many of us enjoy having, but not necessarily something we enjoy talking about. This is the part when art becomes a little less fun.  I remember being taught that it’s something you simply don’t talk about at all, and asking for money is just a big no-no.  This mentality is perhaps what feeds the guilt and the lack of confidence many of us have when it comes to commanding rates and prices because art is not exactly a straightforward product you can reduce to a number, like a bag of flour or a bottle of shampoo that can be easily and objectively quantified.

But really, how do we expect to be paid if we don’t have the initiative to even talk about the value of what we do?

Pricing method

There are some ground rules you can set for your body of work. For painters like myself, one can price art per square inch, per linear inch or by the hour plus costs. Personally, I use the square inch method because it’s what I was taught and  it has worked for me since.   Now knowing the multiplier without overpricing yourself will require a lot of research.  Study the different prices of artworks across varying work experience, exhibits, art background (I have none, don’t worry), size and medium.  The internet makes this part rather easy.

Setting the tone

I think this is where having a non-art background helps.  In an earlier blog post, I talked about my years of experience wearing many non-creative hats and how this provided a solid backbone from which  business ethics and protocols were born. These non-artsy elements are key in being a reliable artist.  Our decorum affects people’s perception of our  transactions, whether on paper or in person.  Do you hesitate when asked for pricing? Do you exude conviction?  Ditch the emojis, the smiley faces and the multiple exclamation points.  Refrain from making jokes or giggling nervously, and try not to get flustered in the client’s presence when money is now the focus of the discussion.

If, however,  you feel you can’t blurt out a price at the drop of a hat, be honest and say “Could you give me time to review your requirements?  I’ll get back to you within the day”.   This will buy you time but do not delay. Keep the turnaround time very swift and be ready to draft your own contract if the client won’t provide any.

Oh, and when dealing with clients face to face, remember to dress smart and neat.  There is immense power in it.

Dealing with low-ballers

Up until recently, I still got offered “mileage” as compensation.  Seriously. It’s 2017 in the age of social media where artists have direct reach with their audience.  Unless it’s a major publication, a relevant TV feature, a globally recognised blogger  or Oprah, the offer of mileage does not always compute.

I also noticed the term “collaboration” being  distorted to serve other people’s own purpose. If you are asked to shell out your time and give your products for free in exchange for foot traffic and exposure yet the establishment you are “collaborating” with benefits financially and directly from the project, I wouldn’t call it a “collaboration” anymore.

I would simply call this unjust.

In the second part of the blog post, let’s talk about doing art (and other creative things) for free and why this practice should be obliterated from today’s world. It’s about time, don’t you think?

Click here to read Part 1.

Click here to continue reading Part 3.

Jan 19 2017
Love3

A List Of Sketchbooks

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For the longest time, people have been asking me about sketchbook recommendations and what brands I use.

Finally, two new things today:

  1. a video, and
  2. all the sketchbooks and journals I use.

I hope this helps! Sorry it took so long but I’m glad I soldiered on and put this together 🙂

Next video coming up answers the question: “What pens do you use?”

 

Jan 16 2017
Love6

Make Room For Your Life

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Breathe in.

Breathe out.

Out with the old, in with the new.

Whenever I have loads to think about, the first thing I do is clean up. And when I say “clean up”, I mean I use it as a time to de-clog and de-clutter my energy by sorting, throwing and donating stuff.

This is a habit that I built for myself since I was in high school (that’s an almost 30 year-old habit to date!), long before Konmari Method became a thing. I have a mental quarterly purging system, one that started when I used to throw no-longer-needed quiz sheets, activity papers, circulars and scratch paper. The ability to purge has become automatic that I don’t notice that I do it quite regularly.

For those who find this to be a gargantuan task (it’s only massive if you allow lots of stuff to pile up), here are some ideas how to go about it without freaking out:

  • Always start within, and start in the farthest corners of our closet by evaluating clothes I have not worn in a year or two. This does not include seasonal travel clothes, however. I’m talking about clothes I say I’ll fit into one day but I know I just won’t, clothes that have seen better days, or idle clothes I’ve been holding on to for no reason at all.
  • I donate to the Salvation Army or to communities who accept second-hand clothes. Anything that’s torn, ripped, stained, snagged or hole-y gets turned into rags. I never give away clothing I myself will not wear.
  • Another space you can go to would be drawers where you stuff bills and receipts. I’m pretty sure many of us have that drawer. Yes, that one. I typically keep monthly bills good for a year for whatever reason. After a year, they all have to go. Receipts from restaurants, take-away, taxi cabs or whatever — if you still have them in your pockets or the inner sleeves of your wallet, ask yourself ‘Why am I still holding on to these?’ 🙂
  • I only buy what is needed, what is necessary, and never in excess. Cabinets are not bursting at the edges. How many pans do I really need? Check the pantry. I’m pretty sure some bottled dried herbs are 6 months to a year past its shelf life.  I just spotted two and disposed of them over the weekend.
  • The only stuff I have a lot of are my paints and sketchbooks, but that’s because they’re consumable and used for work. I also don’t buy more paint as necessary as they will dry up if stored too long.  When people look inside my closet, they’re shocked. Why? Because there’s so much space, and to think it’s a shared closet I have with my husband.
  • I donate and give things away while it is still in working, usable or presentable condition. If you have gadgets, appliances and other household stuff you no longer need, give it to someone who can make the best of it while in good order.
  • Finally, I only buy what fits in the house and things that have a direct purpose or function. If there is no room for it at home, I won’t make room for it if it’s not a necessity.  I simply won’t buy it. When you live in a building apartment where you have a booth for a kitchen, then there simply is no room for that air-fryer  or that dehydrator I’ve been eyeing for quite some time now.

Breathe in.

Breathe out.

Out with the old.

In with the new.

 

Dec 17 2016
Love3

Thrive Amidst Your Chaos

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Letting go of the need for perfection takes a lot of practice. All the what-should-be’s, ought-to-be’s and all about the self not being enough.  It’s a habit learning to thrive in your own chaos.

It’s this gnawing dissatisfaction, nagging sense of not being able to tick of everything in my to-do and to-be list. But the year that was is coming to an end in less than two weeks, and I feel like I’m still running a race against myself.  Did I mention that I am my own worst opponent? A competitive heckler with a loud, loud voice.

Sometimes, in my obsession of chasing after a never-ending list of goals, I forget and overlook everything that I have achieved. It’s so easy to be ungrateful in the constant need of wanting more.  It was my husband who stopped me one day, and exclaimed “What the hell are you talking about?? Don’t you see how much you’ve accomplished in just one year?”.

And then it hit me.

In my constant need of wanting more for myself,  I realised I have been bestowed so many opportunities that allowed me to grow and flourish — as a working artist and most especially as a human being.

I’ve always thought I had none of that artist’s angst they speak of. But perhaps the creative process has led me to face my thoughts and emotions a bit more sincerely.

The discomfort.

The little aches.

The uncertainties.

The ability to forgive faults, mine and the rest of the world.

In all the mess of my daily endeavours and the awkwardness that comes with growing pains, I found my self.  Slightly rough around the edges but fully functional and equipped to make something of myself one day at a time.

Nov 22 2016
Love0

The Art Of Gratefulness

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If there’s one thing I learned over the years, gratitude is more than just being thankful in your heart or blurting out a perfunctory nicety. How does gratefulness hold all the pieces of my life and career together?

To be honest, I believe it’s something I tend to take for granted on many days and overlook in my so-called busyness.  Building an art career (or any career, for that matter) is not a one-woman job.  Whatever success I’ve achieved in my life is a result of an amalgamation of creativity, work and faith — mine and yours.

Being thankful, is not just a word or a fuzzy feeling. It’s really a lot of work and conscious effort.

How have I made gratitude real and tangible, really?  Hmm. Good question. Let me count the ways (5 of them, so far).

  • When I first started my art career early 2000s, there was no such thing as self-promotion because social media did not exist back then. Simply put, our careers back then relied mostly on traditional print and TV media editors.  I got lucky and writers sought me out on their own. All it took was one significant write-up in a major broadsheet to get the wheels turning.  Each time a local editor published something about my work, I always delivered a sincere hand-written thank-you note along with a small print or illustration.
  • Over time, whenever I would hit a  major milestone in my work, I would reach out to past establishments, writers and editors, to give them an update to thank them for helping me get a leg up and for giving me a chance to get my work out there.They didn’t have to do anything for me, but they did so because they must have found some value in what I do. And that is what I’m grateful for. I still touch base with many of them more than a decade later.
  • When I come across a book that has a profound impact in my life, I reach out to the bestselling author a letter via their Facebook page or email. I express how their words and insights have moved me in an unforeseen but magical direction.  Them writing me back is of no consequence to me.  But guess what? THEY DO.  Sometimes two weeks late if they’re very busy, but they write back a sincere note with an apology for their delayed response.  And they are equally thankful to hear from you and me.
  • When I used to work in the 9-to-5, I did the rounds of job interviews. And I went to a LOT! Like seriously, even the ones that may seem slightly off-tangent. But I believed in forming links through even the vaguest of job applications. Sometimes the interviewer would deem me unqualified/overqualified for the position BUT knew someone who needed someone like me.  He or she then passed my credentials to others which led me to eventually landing me a job. Every time I’d come out of an interview, I remember sending out a brief e-mail upon returning home (because back in the day you could only email from the home computer!), thanking them for their time and energy. It might not mean a lot, but it’s my way of acknowledging the other that I appreciate them for considering me worthy of their time at the very least.  Gratitude is also a skill to be practiced.  When I used to work in a PR firm, I was taught that all thank-you notes and responses after a correspondence, event or receiving something nice needs to be sent out IMMEDIATELY (no excuses nowadays with social media and smart phones!).  Now that I’m self-employed, I still continue this practice whenever I come home from any sort of  meeting, face-to-face or online,  results favourable or not. I say “thank you” not because I need to get something out of it, but I do it because I think the other deserves to hear it.
  • Finally, I count my blessings whenever I catch myself griping about something that is not up to par with my expectations.  When I catch myself in a spiritual snag, I blurt something out under my breath, sometimes struggling especially on days when things are going nowhere where I want it to. “Thank you for ____ ” or “I am grateful that ____”.  Yes, I whisper it out loud because I need to hear myself say it.  And it can be for anything, big and small, and the most trivial of things: from lying down on a comfortable bed, to having art supplies, to having all my faculties about and being  a fully abled and functioning human being, to having my husband and Jones on the couch with me, or the kind words someone shared with me that day. It’s easy to feel thankful when you get exactly what you want. The days that feel a bit more parched and wanting, however, are what I feel is the real challenge of my own sense of gratitude.

I think it’s also quite easy to dwell on what is not that it really takes will and conscious energy to embrace the is and the now.  The temptation to need and want abounds in many aspects of my life that gratitude acts as my anchor and beacon all at once, to shine the light on who and where I am supposed to be, which  is right here and now.

And that at this very moment, as an artist and everyday human being, I am gratefully enough.

Sep 29 2016
Love0

That One Person Who Told Me To Start

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A timely post written in an old blog waaaay back in 2010.

When my entire life was on part-time everything, juggling at least three jobs to pay my overhead,  and stalling with a very indecisive art career.  This post is about that one individual who opened my eyes to a world of exponential possibilities.  I don’t think we even have a photo together.

But this story is about her. This is Myra.

***

“So, wait. You’re not employed? How do you work, then?”

She beamed, “I’m freelance and set things up on my own.”  (This was the year 2000, and I had no idea what ‘freelance’ even meant!)

“That’s hard. I don’t think I can afford an office!”

“Darling, all you need to survive is a computer, internet and a telefax”, Myra said lightly and gestured as if she were touching the items around her.

“I don’t know. I don’t think I can ever do what you do.”

Myra’s eyes widened at my pessimism then burst out in laughter, that shrill sound like a crescendo of chugging machinery and sweet song as she emphatically said, “Go for it, girl!”

Back in 2000, I was only 23 when I met this embodiment of cheer known as Myra Lopez at a modeling agency we worked for. When I left, that was when she asked me out to coffee. She was the first freelance professional I’ve encountered at a time when it wasn’t even an option for many, and I  had no clue that such a thing existed. She was a writer (and back then I didn’t believe writing was a “real” job) and worked on various media projects. She was several years my senior and I respected her accordingly and was in awe of the energy she brought with her wherever she went.

My concept of freelance back then was tied to the idea of starving artists like Vincent Van Gogh who went mad.
 
I didn’t want to go crazy.
 

I also didn’t want to starve.

Myra eventually left for San Francisco but we kept in touch through email as I sailed through one institution to the next, with her writing me to visit should I happen to be in the neighborhood.  Over the years, I stuck it out at being employed but eventually found my niche in teaching ESL and public speaking.  Still, through time, I kept tabs as I hit each milestone of my life as I responded to her brief one-liner emails “Do you already have a boyfriend?” signaling that she was busy.

Last year, I realized that I subconsciously heeded her advice all along as I carved a name in the industry one stroke at a time. When I officially left cubesville to follow a more creative life, I sent her photos of my artwork sometime in 2005 to which she responded with lots of exclamation points, “I’m so happy you’re finally following your dreams!!!”

After not hearing from her since the time I received a Christmas post card from her at around 2006, I decided to dig up her last email and write her again early last year, to thank her for being that one mover in my life. Also, I thought that in the era of Facebook, she should be somewhere there.  But she was nowhere to be found online.

What turned up in my search, however, was the worst thing you’d want to read about  someone dear to you: an obituary.

 

I now find myself juggling teaching schedules with media-related writing and editing PR content, as well as conceiving creative concepts for design and scripts. Looking back, all this began when I met a friend long ago whose media career unknowingly inspired mine.

May the winds carry this borderless message of deep-felt gratitude to the heavens above, to thank Myra for telling me to use my wings and fly.  You are horribly missed.

 
***
Sep 07 2016
Love0

Why I Created The ‘Big Blank Page’

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Why The ‘Big Blank Page’ is not for kids.

Kids, by default, get so much support for creativity.  Whether it’s in school, weekend or community activities or even art lessons on TV programs,  kids have a slew of options to explore,  get happy and experiment with all things artful and creative.

Adults, however, have fewer choices that offer the same spirit.  Which is why I think grown-ups need me more than kids. For now.

The class is also a forum where we discuss the ghosts of our creative past: from teachers who may have made careless comments about our work, to a family who does not believe in art, topics that young kids may not have experienced or  be fully aware of, and can prevent them from participating in the discussion.

sketchbook-class-copy

Grown-ups need a break from adulting.

Many of the classes for adults I see are either structured lessons or art “jams” with hobbyists and/or professional artists — both of which can be intimidating for those who feel too shy about their own work.

Sometimes, adults want to make art without the pressure of perfection, judgment, or being instructed to draw “the right way”.

Sometimes, we just want to make a lot of nothing, enjoy the freedom of the beautiful mess,  and draw for its own sake.

Because every line, shape and color is valid.

You will draw.

I will not argue with you if your convictions dictate that you cannot draw.

But I am of unwavering belief and faith that everyone can draw. And I mean EVERYONE.

It’s just a matter of to what degree you can draw.

It’s crucial to remember  two things: 1. that what is considered beautiful is highly subjective, and 2. there is so much beauty in imperfection.

There’s more to art than being a Michelangelo or a Rembrandt. There’s also Rothko, Pollock and Matisse.  And if you can draw like you, then I believe that’s the best kind of artist to be.

Regardless of what you say or do, hemming and hawing, you will and can draw something.

If the shoe fits.

Some people like to draw flowers, others like swirly things, some like smiley faces, others like to make dots.  The ‘Big Blank Page’ acts as a springboard for your own exploration as you discover the smoothest groove for your artistic movement, what feels most natural and empowering for you to do artfully.

The creative journey is not meant to be travelled alone.

This is perhaps the paramount reason why I created the ‘Big Blank Page’.  I got tired of creating art by myself. Then I thought to myself, “Maybe there are others out there who are just like me, looking for a safe and supportive circle where we can make art freely.”

Making art, I learned, is all about community.  And this creative spirit is the very sanctuary on which the ‘Big Blank Page’ is built.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aug 13 2016
Love0

From The Kitchen: Leche Flan

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After a blah Friday night, I’m having a friend come over tonight for some home-cooked things and maybe a glass, or two.  It was a rough night, after terminating my sushi dinner 30 minutes after sitting down as my light-sensitive migraine attacked me full-blast. It was so intense that I threw up when I made it home.  I panicked a little as I don’t typically throw up, no matter how much alcohol I’ve had. So it was that bad.

Even after I turned off all the lights, threw myself on the bed and covered my eyes with a sleeping mask from a previous airplane ride, I still felt like there were giant waves gushing inside my head and body. And no, a migraine is not a headache.

The only cure for me is pitch-black darkness, utmost silence and sleep. So I did that and now I’m almost back to normal.

And I’m going to celebrate by cooking up a storm today and capping the night with leche flan: a traditional Filipino dessert made from either from carabao, evaporated or condensed milk topped with caramelised sugar. It’s likened to a denser panna cotta without the gelatin.

leche flan recipe

I am very sensitive to sweets so my version has a lighter texture, somewhere between a traditional flan and a panna cotta, with a delicately sweet flavor that’s easy on the palate.

LECHE FLAN RECIPE

1 tall can evaporated milk

4 whole eggs, beaten

2/3c caster sugar for flan

1/2c caster sugar for caramel

1/2 tsp vanilla

In a bowl, beat the eggs lightly and add 2/3c sugar to dissolve.  Add milk and vanilla and mix into the mixture. Set aside.

In a llanera mold (I forgot to bring them here to Singapore so I use a round cake pan), throw in the 1/2c sugar and caramelise this over the stove.

Once the sugar melts into a nice golden brown liquid, start moving really fast to prevent the leche flan from hardening and cracking. Using a sieve, pour the milky-egg mixture into the caramelly pan and quickly transfer to a steamer.

Cover and steam over medium fire, 30-45 minutes.  You know your flan is ready when you tap the surface lightly with a spoon and it’s bouncy and solid.

*****