New Year, Same You
Except just a little better
“You are not the work you do but the person you are.” - Toni Morrison
Happy New Year!
Okay, okay - I know we are already well into the New Year; however, being this is my first post this year, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy New Year!
New Year, Same You
If you’re anything like me, you might enter the New Year wondering whether you should jump on the “Resolutions” bandwagon. You might be thinking of areas in your life to improve or change, such as “eating healthier”, “exercising”, or “delete all your social media apps because they steal your attention from everything else…ugh!”, etc.
Look, I am definitely an advocate for self-improvement and betterment; though perhaps there’s a different mindset we should consider?
Perhaps instead of picking something we believe is inherently wrong with ourselves, which is a bit self defeating, we should considering asking one simple question - “Why?”
For me, I wanted to sketch more in a physical sketchbook. But rather than waiting for 2024 to roll around, I decided to start a daily sketchbook practice on 31 October 2023, yes, Halloween.
I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to draw each day, but I wanted a place to play, practice, experiment without stressing about creating something amazing. You see, I just wanted to draw something, anything…
My Why
Why do something tomorrow when you can do it today? Instead of starting my daily sketchbook practice on a clean 1 January 2024 day, I just started after understanding my “why”.
Why do I want a daily sketchbook practice?
I love to draw.
I want to get better at drawing and illustration.
I want to be a better storyteller.
I want to experiment with pencils, brushes, markers, paint, graphite, collage, glue, etc.
I want to create something tangible that I can show gift, and/or sale.
I want to share my journey publicly (even the crappy art).
I want to get really good so I can eventually sign with a literary agent and continue my journey in pursuing my dream of writing and illustrating children’s literature.
I enjoy the meditative qualities of creating art, such as entering the “flow state”.
I enjoy flipping through my sketchbooks from time-to-time.
I love the feeling of drawing on a physical piece of paper, the sound it makes, the permanence, the commitment with each stroke.
When I first thought about why I wanted to sketch daily, I initially thought it would just help me be a better artists, which I’m sure many of you would agree is a good enough reason to establish a daily practice.
But it wasn’t until I asked myself “why”, did I truly understand the impact of daily sketching will have on my life.
Don’t get me wrong, I still love drawing, sketching, and painting digitally; however, I wanted to create a daily practice of sketching on physical media.
Today, 19 January 2024, I have hit a milestone of 80 days sketching in a row. It’s less about the streak, and more about how much I enjoy the practice and look forward to small pockets in my day which allow me to sketch freely, without expectation.
It’s a New Year, but the same me. I will continue to work on getting better, but one thing is certain, I have zero resolutions.
Thank you for reading and for being a subscriber to, JUST ONE THING!
How’s your artistic practice coming along? Are you trying anything new?
I totally relate to your post, your "why" sounds like mine. Also, there is a joy to flipping through a sketchbook that you just don't get from digital art, even when looking back on drawings that aren't so good. ;)