October Recap: Inktober, Creative Growth, and Finding Balance

October started with so much excitement and promise as I dove into both #Inktober2024 and #Boatober2024, eager to challenge myself artistically. However, as the month went on, I found myself at a crossroads—balancing the joy of creating purely for fun with the need to focus on art that can grow my business. This experience taught me valuable lessons about creativity, productivity, and, most importantly, the freedom that comes with being my own boss.

Inktober: A Journey of Picking and Choosing

While I began Inktober with the goal of completing every prompt, I made it halfway through before I started picking and choosing the ones that resonated most. Pandy, my panda character, still had some fun adventures, and I was able to bring those stories to life through my illustrations. Even though I didn’t follow through with the entire list, I turned some of those drawings into greeting cards—small victories that made me feel productive, even if they haven’t sold yet. The challenge reminded me that every step forward is still progress.

Boatober: A Detour in the Plan

#Boatober2024 was another challenge I was eager to explore, especially with Zebra’s neutral palette inspiring some new color choices. Unfortunately, I didn’t make it far in this challenge. I found myself torn between drawing for fun and creating art that could contribute to my business. Eventually, I decided to prioritize work that aligned more with my goals, and while I felt a little disappointed in not finishing, I realized something important—there’s no “boss” telling me I have to complete these challenges. The freedom of being an artist is that I can decide where to put my focus, and sometimes, it’s okay to pivot.

Creative Growth: Turning Fun into Productivity

Although I didn’t follow through on the challenges as I originally planned, I don’t see it as a failure. In fact, turning some of my Pandy illustrations into greeting cards made me feel productive, even if they haven’t sold yet. The process allowed me to combine creativity with purpose, which is something I aim to continue moving forward. Each card felt like a little step toward something bigger, and I’m excited to explore where this journey takes me.

Looking Ahead: November and Holiday Preparations

As I step into November, I’m embracing the lessons learned from October. I’m excited to focus on holiday preparations, new collections, and finding a balance between creating for fun and for my business. I’m looking forward to sharing more greeting cards, art prints, and ideas that can make a meaningful impact as the holidays approach.