Finding time

One of the things that I was dreaming about in 2022 is to have a full-time job while still enjoying my hobbies. I imagined that I would be able to manage my time well after watching so many videos talking about strategies on how to practice while being busy.

All I thought about as I was working my ass off to study for my licensure is that, maybe, if I get licensed, I can get a job and fund my hobbies. I can finally do the things I have been struggling with, like making money to buy things that I might need for my interest in art.

I saw making this artblog as one of the mediums in which I can attain my goal. I was dead set on being active in writing blog posts this year. However due to various reasons, one of which is the fact that (thank God!) I’m finally licensed. I have a full-time job now just like I wished. My goals were reached. By reaching these goals however, I wasn’t able to fulfill the very reason why I aimed to reach those goals in the end.

I haven’t posted anything.

I planned to post more artworks so I can improve fast. Work is always hectic. And I’m always tired right after work. Meetings just keep on coming and the truth is it is my number one stressor. As an introvert, I have a deep need for a lot of me time. Being with people all the time, and being forced (because I don’t have a choice) to be with people drains all the energy in me.

Despite that though I have finished some work, slowly but surely. I decided to participate in some art events like big bangs so I would be forced to draw. Here is one of the bang pieces I finished:

I’m kinda proud of that work.

I always have a hard time starting pieces. The above piece is no different. I was late for the first two check-ins and they were mostly rushed. Pieces of this kind, where I think deeply about the composition and how I place the subjects on the canvas are hard for me. I am self-taught so I mostly go with the composition I feel looks right. I also use the strategies for basic composition I read about but I am no expert. I just try to incorporate the things that I learned so that I can improve my overall skill in art.

Holistic improvement is was I aspire to reach that’s why I try to participate in events as much as I can. In fact, I participated in two zines this year. I actually applied to some others but most of them weren’t successful. Being rejected, especially by the zines of fandoms I am active in is a bit hurtful, but I try not to let it get to me. The important thing is I get to have the opportunity to hone my skills and improve. That’s what matters. I hope I can continue improving despite being so busy now with my current job.

Wish me luck!