Feeling Tired of Life? Keep Going

I have recently been offered a job and I am currently undergoing a month-long training program. In addition to that, I am also taking care of my father and looking after three dogs. On top of everything, I have to manage the household chores. It's quite challenging and I'm grateful for the opportunity to receive job training at this stage in my life, considering it's my first job in my mid-30s. However, I wish there was a way to reduce the load. I often find myself getting only a few hours of sleep while juggling all of these responsibilities. I haven't found a solution yet, but I will try to come up with something.

For now, I will persist and continue to move forward, and see what life has to offer.

Here's an acrostic poetry for you:

Tossed and turned, the night unfolds,

In weariness, my spirit holds.

Restless thoughts, my mind is mired,

Exhaustion seeps, my soul is tired.

Through the haze of endless strain,

I face the battles, brave the pain.

Rising up with weary eyes,

Eager still to touch the skies.

Time may test, trials may bind,

In this fatigue, I'll never find

Relief and respite far and wide,

Endurance strong, I shall abide.

Tired limbs may ache and groan,

In this weariness, I'm not alone.

Rest assured, I will prevail,

Energized by an unwavering tale.

- Daisy

How to Sketch in Public Places

Sketching in public places can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you sketch in public:

Choose Your Materials Wisely

Go for a portable sketchbook or a pad of loose paper, along with a selection of drawing pencils, pens, or markers. Consider the size and weight of your materials to ensure they are easy to carry. If you're bringing water for water-based media, don't forget to bring rags or tissues just in case it spills.

Start with Quick Sketches

When sketching in public, you may not have a lot of time to capture your subject. Begin with quick, gestural sketches to capture the basic shapes and proportions. This will help you establish a foundation before adding details.

Be Observant

Take the time to observe your surroundings and choose subjects that catch your eye. Look for interesting architecture, people, landscapes, or objects that inspire you. Pay attention to the lighting, shadows, and overall atmosphere.

Find a Comfortable Spot

Look for a comfortable and convenient location where you can observe your subject without being disruptive or obstructing others. Consider parks, cafes, or public squares that offer a good vantage point.

Overcome Fear and Embrace Attention

Sketching in public can attract attention, but don't let that discourage you. It can be nerve-wrecking but remember that people are often curious and interested in art. Embrace the attention and view it as an opportunity to share your passion. I remember when I was working on an art project inside the Dunkin' Donuts store, the staff keeps glancing at my work. Sometimes, I wonder if they wanted me to leave because I've been hanging there for a couple of hours. When I saw one of the staff smiling with an admiring look, I felt appreciated.

Practice Quick Sketching Techniques

Develop your ability to sketch quickly by practicing gesture drawing, capturing the essence of a subject in just a few lines. This will help you work efficiently and capture the liveliness of your surroundings.

Use Reference Photos

If your subject is constantly moving or you need more time to complete your sketch, consider taking reference photos. Take pictures in different angles with your smartphone or DSLR. Use them as a resource to add details or finish your artwork later.

Be Respectful

Don't stare too long. Just take a quick glance. Respect the privacy of individuals and their property. Avoid sketching people in close-up without their consent, especially in intimate or vulnerable situations. If you are sketching someone in close-up, always ask for permission if you want to include them in your sketch.

Experiment with Different Techniques

Use this opportunity to explore different sketching techniques. Try cross-hatching, stippling, or using different levels of shading to add depth and texture to your sketches.

Bring a Sketch Buddy or Group

You may want to bring sketch buddies if you are not comfortable being alone. Make it an activity to catch up with each other or simply to just have fun.

Enjoy the Process

Sketching in public is not only about creating art but also about immersing yourself in the experience. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of the location. Embrace the spontaneity and allow it to influence your artwork.

Remember, sketching in public is a personal and subjective experience. Find your own approach and style while respecting the environment and the people around you. Practice regularly, and with time, you'll become more comfortable and confident in sketching in public places.

Conquer Your Fears and Embrace the Growth

Here's an acrostic poetry I've written to improve my vocabulary. I used the letters F-E-A-R.

I've been experiencing pressure and anxiety lately. But I keep pushing forward and walk towards growth as much as I can.

F-E-A-R

Fading shadows pierce the gloom of my soul, 

Echoes of doubt, whispers that take their toll

Amidst the chaos, a flicker of light appears

Resolute and steadfast, banishing my fears.

Face it head-on, embrace the unknown

Explore the depths where courage is sown

A journey within, where strength is found

Rise above the doubts that once held me bound

Fear, a teacher, guiding me to grow

Eager to conquer, with each ebb and flow

Awakened purpose, a flame burning bright

Revealing the path to a fearless flight.

-Daisy

FREE Editable Postcard Mockups for your E-Commerce Shop

I have an announcement! I just opened up my ETSY shop! I'm selling printable postcards, prints and posters. To celebrate the opening of my shop, I'm giving away FREE digital postcard mockups. The link of the free mockups is at the end of this article.

This is my first time to make mockups. The file formats are JPG and Procreate. I've also converted the Procreate file to PSD for Photoshop users. I don't know how it would look like because I don't have Photoshop installed in my devices. I hope the layers would still be intact. 

See below for the preview of these mockups. Please excuse my hands. They don't look pretty.

Download the files from my Gumroad shop. Just input the number zero in the price field when you checkout.

If you want me to make and share more FREE mockups, please consider supporting me by giving a tip in Gumroad instead of inputting zero. Get your mockups here >> GUMROAD LINK <<

NOTE: Please credit me if use these mockups. Use this link and paste it in your product description: https://dribbble.com/daisydlopez

PREVIEW OF THE MOCKUPS:

Take Your Time to be Creative: Quality Artwork is Greater than Quantity

For those who are making art for a living, producing a lot of artwork everyday is exhausting. It would gain you more followers but it won't create better sales. It won't gain you more clients. Take your time to be creative.

Here are some videos to encourage you in making quality work!

The Tiger City's Symphony

Writing a poetry about my city. Just for fun.

THE TIGER CITY'S SYMPHONY

In the Tiger City's vibrant realm, a tapestry unfolds,

A cityscape of dreams, where stories are told.

Nestled in the heart, 'neath azure Philippine skies,

A symphony of bustling streets, where life intensifies.

From Makati's embrace, it rises in grandeur and might,

A flourishing haven, etched in urban delight.

Skyscrapers ascend, like sentinels tall and proud,

Piercing the heavens, where dreams are allowed.

Through Mandaluyong's veins, Pasig River does glide,

A lifeline of history, a tranquil river's guide.

Its waters whisper secrets, from bygone days,

Revealing the city's essence, in nostalgic haze.

Where Ortigas' hub beckons, a center of commerce,

Entrepreneurial spirits dance, ambitions immerse.

A fusion of opportunities, a tapestry unfurls,

Where dreams take flight, and destiny hurls.

Streets alive with rhythm, pulsating with life,

A vibrant medley of sounds, amidst the city's strife.

From the hawker's call to jeepney's lively roar,

Mandaluyong's symphony resounds, forevermore.

In tranquil pockets, green havens delight,

Where families gather, basking in nature's light.

Parks and weekend markets bloom in splendor, offering respite and cheer,

A refuge from the urban bustle, ever near.

Oh, Mandaluyong City, you wear your pride with grace,

A mosaic of stories, interwoven in every space.

A testament to resilience, to progress embraced,

Where dreams unfurl their wings, with infinite grace.

So let us celebrate, this city's vibrant hue,

Mandaluyong's essence, forever shining through.

A symphony of life, in streets that never sleep,

Where dreams take flight, in Mandaluyong's keep.

Acrostic Poems (H-O-M-E and L-O-V-E)

H-O-M-E

Heartbeats echo in the halls,

Open doors to love's embrace,

Memories woven within the walls,

Every corner, a cherished space.

Home, where laughter dances free,

Offering solace and sweet reprieve,

Moments shared, a symphony,

Every bond, a tapestry we weave.

L-O-V-E

Lost in the depths of an eternal flame,

Open hearts entwined in a gentle sway,

Vows whispered softly, a whispered name,

Endless devotion in love's ballet.

Love, a language only hearts can speak,

Opening doors to dreams untold,

Voices entangled, in sync they seek,

Every touch a story to behold.

Dance (Haiku) and Chow-Chow (Poetry)

DANCE 

Swaying to the beat,

The music flows through your veins,

Dance like there's no tomorrow.

I AM A CHOW

A chow-chow am I, of ancient line,

Of royal blood, and high degree;

A mandarin, the proudest, fine,

Of all the dogs that ever be.

I wear a coat of many a hue,

Of black and white, and brown and tan;

My eyes are bright as burning blue,

My teeth are white as ivory.

My tail is curled up high above,

My ears are pricked up like a sword;

I walk with stately tread and love

To be admired by all the horde.

I'm proud and fierce, and yet I'm kind,

And love to play with little folks;

I'm fond of children, and I find

They like to stroke my rough, soft polls.

So here's to me, the chow-chow dog,

The proudest, finest, bravest breed;

I'm glad I'm not a common dog,

But one of royal pedigree.

Sunday Breakfast

The sun shines bright, the birds do sing,

It's time for breakfast, I've got the alarm ring.

I'll make some coffee, and some toast,

With ham and cheese, it will be most.

The coffee's brewing, the toast is brown,

I'll sit and eat, and then I'll frown.

For I have no one to share this meal,

I'm all alone, it's such a deal.

But then I smile, and think again,

I'm not alone, I have my friends.

The birds are singing, the sun is bright,

It's a beautiful day, and I'm in sight.

So I'll enjoy my breakfast, and I'll be glad,

That I'm alive, and that I'm not dead.

And I'll raise a toast, to my friends,

And to all the good things, that life has sent.

So here's to you, and here's to me,

And may we all have a wonderful day.

The Ballad of the Teenage Driver

Oh, the teenage driver,

Is a creature quite strange,

They think they know it all,

But they don't know a thing.

They'll speed down the road,

With their friends in the back,

And they'll think they're invincible,

But they're just asking for a crash.

So if you're a teenager,

And you're about to drive,

Please listen to my words,

And don't be a fool.

Slow down,

And pay attention,

And don't text and drive,

Or you'll end up in a ditch.

And if you're a parent,

And you're about to give your teenager the keys,

Please please please,

Make sure they've learned their lesson.

Because the teenage driver,

Is a danger to themselves,

And to everyone else on the road.

So please,

For the love of all that is holy,

Teach your teenagers how to drive safely.

Or else,

We'll all be sorry.

12 Time Management Tips for Artists

 As an artist, you know that time is your most valuable asset. You need to be able to manage your time effectively in order to create your best work and meet deadlines. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Set goals. What do you want to achieve with your art? Once you know your goals, you can start to break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks.

2. Prioritize your tasks. Not all tasks are created equal. Some tasks are more important than others. Prioritize your tasks so that you can focus on the most important ones first.

3. Set deadlines. Deadlines can help you stay on track and avoid procrastination. When you set deadlines, make sure they are realistic and achievable.

4. Take breaks. It's important to take breaks when you're working on a project. Breaks will help you stay focused and avoid burnout.

5. Delegate tasks. If you have the resources, don't be afraid to delegate tasks to others. This can free up your time so that you can focus on the most important tasks.

6. Automate tasks. There are a number of tools and software programs that can help you automate tasks. This can save you time and effort.

7. Avoid distractions. When you're working on a project, it's important to avoid distractions. This means turning off your phone, closing your email, and finding a quiet place to work.

8. Reward yourself. When you complete a task, reward yourself. This will help you stay motivated and on track.

9. Find a routine that works for you. Some artists like to work in the morning, while others prefer to work at night. Experiment with different times of day and see what works best for you.

10. Create a dedicated workspace. Having a dedicated workspace will help you stay focused and productive. Make sure your workspace is comfortable and free of distractions.

11. Take care of yourself. It's important to take care of your physical and mental health when you're working on a creative project. Make sure you're getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly.

12. Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you're struggling to manage your time, don't be afraid to ask for help from a friend, family member, or professional. There are many resources available to help you manage your time more effectively.

Managing your time effectively can be challenging, but it's essential for any artist who wants to be successful. By following these tips, you can learn to manage your time more effectively and achieve your goals.