Big thanks! 2022 has been a year of picking up the pace for me, not just recovering from the turning point of 2020-2021, but in general as I figure out what I really want to do. I want to thank everyone who has supported me in my endeavors, including but not limited to visual arts and writing. This includes everything from encouragement and financial support. I couldn't keep doing this without those things.
An arts recap. Visual arts and writing have been my main two focuses this year.
The visuals: When it comes to the arts, I've always valued being able to learn a lot of different things, but never tried to hone one skill enough that I could consider myself an "artist." This year, I found I was searching for a desirable and efficient art style that I can call my own. While I deeply value malleability and experimentation in art style, I nevertheless wanted to see if I could find my own "signature" art style. I'm not sure I found it yet, but I feel it's going somewhere, at least.
The writings: I've always loved storytelling, and this year was no different. I did notice, however, that I've been solidifying a new kind of workflow when it comes to my novel. I used to think that I was a "pantster," basically writing on an impulse and just going with the flow to see where the story would go on its own. This works for some types of projects, but with the nature of my current project, that didn't work out too well. I decided to focus more on planning things out before actually writing, and I've found that this has been much more effective in getting me to move my novel forward instead of constantly starting and restarting like I've done over the years.
Looking forward. While I am a happy experimenter and a "jack of all trades" when it comes to creative endeavors, I look forward to further solidifying my visual arts style and my writing workflow. I'm hoping (and guessing) this will help me to actually get projects done and maybe even distinguish me as a creator more than before. For one, I plan to finish my first full novel this year and get it into a solid shape. Even with these goals, I still hope I can keep learning and having an open mind to new things.
I look forward to a new year!