A baby, a book, a sketchbook: September
What was New in September?
I became a new mom! August 18th we welcomed our daughter Cecilia to the world. So basically our entire world has changed and we spent the month of September learning how to care for this very very new little person.
There were a lot of precious, amazing moments, and a lot of hard, overwhelming moments. After 6 weeks we still feel we are only grasping the gravity of what it means to be parents.
We’re getting to know our little star. Even though she’s so new to the world, she’s already developed a bit of a personality with likes and dislikes (some more obvious than others)
What’s New in Illustration?
In September, the focus was solely on survival mode but a part of that for me was making a bit of time each day for something creative. Sometimes this amounted to quick doodles, sometimes (very rarely, and only when Dad could step in) I was able to sit for more than 30 minutes for some sketchbook practice.
I spent a few weeks trying out some different styles, both in the sketchbook and then on procreate with my digital practice. There was a sense of urgency when I got away to draw, never knowing when Cici might need me, but not having much of a plan also let me just have fun when I was able to pick up the apple pencil.
What did I Read?
Once Upon a Broken Heart, The Ballad of Never After, and A Curse for True Love by Stephanie Garber. And i didn’t so much read as listened to the audiobooks (shout out to the Toronto Public Library and their great collection of ebook and audiobooks!).
The first book got me hooked. The main character began the story with a naivete that was equally charming and a little annoying. Throughout the series her belief in true love is tested again and again, and although she grows in confidence and boldness she doesn’t ever lose her love of love. That I found really lovely; to be able to hold onto the pureness of love even after being tricked and betrayed.
The second book built on momentum and expanded the world lore somewhat, but I was a little disappointed with the third book in the sense that it didn’t develop like how I had expected it to. Still a fun read, and a fairly satisfying ending, but I definitely wanted a little more development from the characters in the third book.
Overall, I’d recommend the series as a fun, light read and it was perfect getting me through exhausted nights breastfeeding baby.
Something I learned about Life
There’s no such thing as a “rhythm” with a newborn. As soon as I would tell a friend “ I think we found our rhythm,” something would change and we’d be learning something new about how to take care of Cici and what she needed.
Second thing that hit home this month: nature really is a balm for the weary soul. I am so grateful to live near High Park here in Toronto. There were many exhausting days where I felt borderline defeated, but a walk in the park with Cici strapped to my chest was just what I needed to gain a little bit of fortitude.
Upcoming Projects
In October I’d hoped to tackle some Inktober prompts, but alas I got a little intimidated once more on the prospect of committing to a drawing a day; especially with most of my energy and life dedicated to my kid right now. If anything, I hope in October I can perhaps carve out a more consistent 10 minute drawing practice but will give myself grace if not.
Middle Grade mock covers. About a year ago I worked on some cover designs for some imaginary middle grade books. In the coming weeks I’d really like to put some colour on them, and perhaps create a few more covers.
