A Snug New Year

Looking Back on 2023 & A Little New Years Animation

Jan 07, 2024

Happy New Year Sketchbugs,

Like many people, I spent the end of 2023 with COVID. While I did not enjoy missing out on birthday celebrations nor New Years celebrations, it did force me to enjoy a few more days without working. Also, in November, I caught a flu for a few weeks (as mentioned in this POST) so it’s been a snotty late Autumn, early winter to say the least.

Besides the last few months of sickness, 2023 was a life changing year:

Showed 5 paintings in the Send Me Across the Sea Volume 4 Show, curated by Malisa Suchanya at the Hellvella Gallery. Buy an original HERE
Participated in my first Pleinapril challenge. To see my painting adventures, check them out here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
My first illustrated fictional children’s book, The Book From Far Away, concept by Bruce Handy, published by Minerva, with art direction by Amelia Mack and edits by Maria Russo and Octavia Saenz, came out in August and got into the Society of Illustrators’ Original Art Show
I got to do book events (you can see those adventures HERE) all around the Mid Atlantic with really amazing local bookshops. Thank you Linette Kim and Deborah Sloan for making these events possible!
Hosted book events alongside legends such as David Wiesner, Tony Diterlizzi, and more. Also set up a book promo exhibition at Books of Wonder.
Illustrated a REALLY COOL BOOK written by MK Smith Despres for Holiday House under the amazing guidance of Taylor Norman and Jennifer Browne. The book comes out this year so look forward to it!
I got to make a piece about Chinese American transracial adoption for Utile Architecture, which ended up getting into the Society of Illustrators’ 66th Show for the Institutional category. You can find a post about it HERE
I was a guest on ABC Adoptees Born in China, a podcast created by Tara Nolan about Chinese Adoptee experiences. you can find the episode HERE
Taught for the first time at The University of the Arts. (My students were awesome!)
And much more!

I also made a post on instagram reflecting on some of my favorite pieces I did in 2023. You can find my instagram HERE

Going into 2024, the only thing I truly wish for is to be able to continue to support myself with my illustration career, make cool work, and that my family and friends remain in good health and spirits. (Also for the world to not lose its mind this year but that’s…less predictable).
I could end this message with talking about resolutions and productivity tips but you know what? It’s winter. The season of rest and hibernation. With that in mind, I wish you all a snug January, safe from this major wave of COVID going around. If you do end up sick, I hope you have some soul quenching soup and the best naps ever!

Enjoy this little cozy animation!

ALSO…

I’ve teased this a lot before, but this year I will be putting paid content on this platform! If you decide to become a “sketchbud” then you will have access to upcoming posts about my process, future book previews, sketchbook pdfs, and much more. If you are a paid subscriber already or join in then next few months, you will also get a free postcard and sticker set! Look for an upcoming post with more info!