🌺It's Gonna Be May🌺

Hey there! How are you doing?

I hope life’s been treating you kindly so far this year. I’d love to hear how things are going on your end share your favourite stories, experiences, or just anything you’ve been up to. Let’s catch up and keep the good vibes going!

But first… a quick question:

Got any fun plans for the summer?

• Traveling overseas
• Family vacation
• Vacation with friends
• Vacation to see SO

See All Options

You can vote for more than one answer.

To You, and the Year So Far

Let’s be real: this year has been a lot. It’s felt chaotic, overwhelming, and, at times, a little isolating. There's this heavy energy everywhere—people are staying in, staying quiet, and staying in their bubbles. The world feels like it’s unravelling a bit, and whether it’s on the news, online, or in casual conversations, it’s hard to ignore the constant noise.

It reminds me a bit of the early days of COVID-19. Back then, we were all forced to slow down. And despite the uncertainty, many of us used that time to reflect, grow, and figure out what matters. Now, while we're free to go out and see the world again, it feels like the emotional weight is back—but in a different form.

Here’s what I’ve realized: In times like these, we have to ground ourselves. We need to reconnect with what brings us joy, purpose, and peace. Whether that’s art, music, movement, or meaningful conversations, it’s okay to pull away from the noise and just be. You don’t have to fix the world—you just need to take care of your corner of it.

And maybe that starts with kindness. Not the big, life-changing gestures—just the small stuff. A smile, a message, a moment of patience. Everyone’s going through something. A little warmth goes a long way.

School Life (aka: The Academic Rollercoaster 🎢)

This past semester? Absolute madness. One of the biggest hurdles I faced was my Candidacy Review—essentially the mid-point portfolio review all art students go through. Think of it like the art school version of a massive thesis paper. And it was no joke.

On top of that, I began taking higher-level courses where critique is sharper, expectations are steeper, and the workload? Wild. Every project felt more demanding than the last, and while I definitely stumbled, I learned so much—especially about time management, resilience, and what it really means to create under pressure.

So naturally, I didn’t get much time for personal work. But that’s what summer is for. My plan is to dive into the creative projects I’ve been putting on the back burner—art I’ve been wanting to make just for me.

Artistically Speaking...

This semester helped me uncover some unexpected truths: I’ve realized I’m genuinely okay with the idea of being a barista who paints on the side. If that’s the life that brings me joy and freedom, I welcome it with open arms. But of course, becoming a full-time artist is still the dream.

I also discovered that while I enjoy design conceptually, I’m not really drawn to the graphic design side of things—logos, banners, corporate aesthetics, etc. It’s just not my jam (yet). My strength and passion lie in illustration, storytelling, and painterly work that feels expressive and emotive.

I’ve officially declared Illustration as my major. I’ve also been encouraged to explore comics, which sounds amazing! Though I’m a bit too deep into my degree to change tracks now, I’ll definitely be taking some comic courses to see where they lead.

My dream? To create immersive characters and worlds—think Dark Souls and Elden Ring vibes. I’m working toward building a strong, professional portfolio focused on narrative-driven illustration, while also laying the groundwork for a freelance career. (Because let’s face it, the corporate art world can be brutal.)

Career Paths I'm Exploring

Here's where I see myself going artistically:

• Book Illustration – especially for fantasy, children’s books, or graphic novels.

• Concept Art – for games, animation, or film.

• Editorial Illustration – bringing written stories to life visually.

• Comics/Graphic Novels – my own narratives or collaborative stories.

• Visual Development – setting tone and style for animated or gaming projects.

• Tabletop Game Illustration – think D&D-style maps, characters, and lore.

• Album Art & Merch – especially for indie, metal, or fantasy-focused artists.

• Book Covers – particularly in fantasy, horror, and literary fiction.

• Tattoo Design – for personal, meaningful ink art.

• Gallery Work – showcasing narrative-based paintings in exhibits or online.

• Freelance Print & Merch – Etsy, conventions, and more.

• Art Therapy – combining creativity with emotional healing and community work.

  
  

What all these have in common is storytelling—narrative art that resonates, connects, and stays with you.

Looking Ahead...

This summer, I’m focusing on one thing: the joy of creating. Not the pressure, not the perfectionism—just the act of making. Whether it’s monsters, magical worlds, or silly sketches, I’m leaning into what makes me feel alive and inspired.

My mantra right now? Create first. Worry later. Because the more I enjoy the process, the better the work becomes. Que sera, sera.

Past Month’s Goals:

• ✅ Survive school

• ☒ Finish Sketchbook Tour video

• ☒ Finish Scarlet Witch sketch

• ☒ Work on human anatomy

• ☒ Finish my commission

• ☒ Post 4–6 times on Instagram

• ☒ Collaborate twice on stream

• ✅ Take a break once a week (barely!)

Whew. It was rough...

This Month’s Goals:

• Finish Sketchbook Tour

• Wrap up 3 commissions

• Continue the Scarlet Witch piece

• Post 4–6 times on Insta

• Collaborate at least once

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With school behind me (for now), I can finally recharge and focus on the projects that matter most to me. Thank you for sticking with me—I can’t wait to share what’s coming next!

Catch you soon,

~ Wani