This is the start to a new series of blogs I'm going to begin writing about adventures. :)

First stop - OA Expo!

I’m very late in sharing my experiences as the Spring semester has been a roller coaster ride for me. I went to this OA Expo at the start of the year. (Yes, it’s been that long… nervously chuckling.)

This experience first made me feel like a fish out of water. It was an experience that I never had before. I never realized how shy artists could be. I also was amazed by the sheer amount of love for sequential art. I never read comics much as a child so I did feel somewhat intimidated. :”)

If you’ve been following me along, you know that I found adjusting to the Spring semester difficult. Hence, I went to this event with a heavy heart. Yet, Ringling was privileged to offer an amount of free tickets. I was one of the lucky ones to get a free ticket.

I soon got over my fears and found everyone was super friendly. Someone even told me that I had the spirit of being an artist. I was so thrilled. It sweeped away all my doubts about attending this Expo while buried with homework assignments. This encouragement indeed pushed me to advance. Thank you, Ms. Julie Bell, you saved my confidence that day.

Another joyous surprise at the Expo was seeing a display of cupcakes! Shortly before the event, I had gotten my braces tightened so solids were not an option. These cupcakes were so delicious, I lost count how many I ate. The chocolate was my favorite. What’s more impressive was they were vegan and “doctored-up” cake mixes and frosting. These are still one of the best cupcakes I have ever had. (The frosting was the reason why! The links - Chocolate and Vanilla)

My mom, being my constant companion, accompanied me again. We joked again on how our roles are switching by the day. She’s joining me again to one of my “meetings.” I gave her a cupcake too.

We also had brunch at Tous Le Jours. Everything was so flaky and soft, I (with sore teeth) ate everything with relish. I really recommend the garlic and cheese croissants. And of course, you can't forget the spinach and cheese danish! One of my favorite savory pastries.

The kind owner also allowed me to take pictures of the bakery for references for my next 3D project: my bakery interior room! :D Stay tuned!

Anyway, that’s enough about food. In the afternoon, I managed to get one original artwork from a Ringling Faculty member! Two of our professors were invited to exhibit in this Expo. I allowed him to draw whatever he wanted. He chose WW1. It was a pleasure to meet you, Professor Pratt. See you again on campus!

I also talked to many other artists and gleaned from their experiences. I enjoy asking two questions constantly – What advice would you give your past self? Then, I would ask how they balance work and life. (Haha)

Everyone was more than happy to share. Hence, I decided to share what I have learned from them in this blog. I gave some a little bit twist to reflect my own struggle and I am even still learning them too.

#1 – Be Kind to Yourself

Being an artist is hard enough. Don’t make it harder for yourself by tearing apart your work for nitpicking reasons. Be that friend to yourself that picks you up after a fall. There is room for improvement so don’t get cocky, but never beat yourself up for your failures. Don’t take yourself too seriously; we all make mistakes.

#2 – Don’t Be Afraid to Try Different Mediums

Art is all about playing around. There is no exact answer to making the one and only perfect playground. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; the biggest thing is to try it. Without trying, I will never know which idea doesn’t work and which will. Look at what my favorite artists do and mimic. Then, see what I can add or subtract, etc.

#3 – Keep Going (Bonus! Draw, Draw, Draw!)

Even when it seems hopeless, remember that art is a marathon not a sprint. I may feel neglected or success seems far away, but one day I will look back and be grateful I didn’t give up. Just. Keep. Drawing. So simple yet so hard to do. It takes practice and discipline to be great. Be patient and Don’t stop!

#4 – Set Small Goals to Achieve Bigger Goals

Don’t bite off more than I can chew. As I work in one main area in my life, the rest will slowly catch up as I progress. Steady, baby steps are the key to having sustaining success.

#5 – Have a Shut-Off Time

Art is tiring, art is demanding, and art is never finished. Set a time where I stop for the night. We all have to take care of ourselves to sustain ourselves for the long run. Know my limitations and find a good stopping point to refuel.

#6 - Make Art the Way You Want

I hear this all the time from my professors. Anyone who I know who is successful in their career has said this to me. In a world like today, authenticity seems to have lost its flavor. The world can be too judgemental to scare away originality although it is still in demand. Make art the way that you would like. Life is too short to try to be someone you are not. It’s better to be a poor, happy artist than to be a miserable millionaire. The sooner you may demonstrate your style to the world, the sooner you can be happy and have a content life. :)

Personally, I’ve been battling with #2 and #5 the most. I’ve always been scared of trying new mediums in the fear that I’ll mess up. But, isn’t it what makes art so exciting? I’ll keep trying to overcome this fear, especially in my environment project for 3D Design.

I’ve been sleeping quite late because I’ve been battling with adjusting to more demanding assignments. Sometimes I don’t even hit the hay till 4 am. I’m grateful all my classes are in the afternoon but in five hours, I still have to wake up to finish an assignment before the class starts. It’s been a learning curve to ensure enough sleep.

Regardless, I feel so blessed to be in a community where arts are celebrated and encouraged. I left the Expo with a lighter heart than when I first came. Maybe next year, if I’m lucky to come back (maybe even with a friend!), I’ll grab more chocolate cupcakes and more insight on the joys of art.

Till Next Time,

Isabelle

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” ~ Proverbs 27:17