Dusting Off My OLD ART

A couple of weeks ago, we chatted about the idea of “seasons” in a creative career. Seasons of marketing, seasons of creativity, seasons of video editing, etc. But I believe this idea of seasons goes even deeper into the art itself.

Buckle your seatbelts; it’s time for a road-trip down memory lane.

Don’t mind me hiding under a rock while we take a peek at The Art of Allison: 2010’s Edition. Inspired by artists like Baylee Jae, Sakuems, and Mira Byler, I was STRONGLY in my Copic Marker Era. Combined with the moodiness of my teenage years, an obsession with high-fantasy books, and an un-apologetic attitude toward making whatever art I wanted, I created countless portraits of elves, warriors, fairies, etc. We also explored some acrylics and watercolors during this time (plz enjoy this sighting of a very rare canvas painting), but for the most part, we stuck with the markers.

Once I started shifting more towards making art a full-time career, I began to flounder. All of a sudden, the pressure to make art that people wanted rather than simply what I wanted to make was immense. Although I loved making those portraits, enough people labeled them as “weird” that I felt too self-conscious to continue. I haven’t made one since…

A growing pressure to create things people were interested in and a lack of direction in my work caused me to stop loving the creative process quite so much. It became more of a burden than a joy. But although they were few and far between, I still created some things I loved.

A random finger-painting exploring my favorite dessert.

A gouache illustration of a cozy little baker (thus begins the gouache journey!)

As I’ve healed with my creative practice over the past couple of years and relearned how to consistently create from a place of joy, my art has continued to grow and evolve. I’ve absolutely fallen in love with the Meraki Meadow and its deeply cozy stories. I’ve found a joy in painting foods and try to fit a foodie spread into my sketchbook schedule from time to time. I’ve discovered gouache and embraced it as my favorite medium. I’ve even begun to paint some of the “weird” things again like a hiker spotting a dragon or a girl who lives in a submarine enjoying the jellyfish.

I think looking back on the many seasons of our art can bring up mixed feelings. Feelings of cringe at our lack of fundamental skills or subject matter. Bitterness in knowing we stopped creating things simply because someone else didn’t like it. Nostalgia for art we used to make but no longer resonates with us.

Our creative journeys are full of seasons. Prolific seasons and fallow seasons. Seasons of joy and seasons of frustration. Seasons of honing in on one medium or idea and giving it our all and seasons of exploring everything the creative world has to offer.

Whatever season you’re in, I pray all the best for you, my friend. May you find joy in the process and create whatever speak to you.