My Ins and Outs for 2025
From Ki’s Conner: new year new me~
Hi, Bonjour!
Welcome back! this weeks post is about the my 2025 ins and out! I recently went to a Book fair and got to meet some great people. I was able to learn a little bit more about the illustration field in Montreal right now. Despite being out of the game since I graduated in 2021, it was a great opportunity to get to discus what is In and Out. So why not make my own and share with you guys here.
2025 ins
sketchbooks, traditional drawing, intentional doodling: I'm mostly a digital artist and for the past 3 years I've been creating strictly in Photoshop. This past December, I played around with sketching and doodling my ideas in my sketchbook. Honestly, the best decision I've done in a while. Traditional drawing forces you to really be intentional with what you lay down on paper, with the limited canvas space, you really have to pick and choose what you are going to draw. No undo button, no adding layers. I like to push this challenge a bit more by using a black or blue pen. Talk about no undo!
gouache painting, plein-air painting: Similar to my previous point, as a background artist/ environment designer, one of the best ways to study is by plein-air painting. I've been really bad about practicing and going to group plein-air sessions. Lets change that in 2025. If you're in the Montreal area and you want to paint among artists, definitely check out MTL Painter.
taking more artist classes, conferences and or illustrator fair: Being freelance also means, I have a lot of free time.Perfect time to connect with other artist and illustrator, learn something new.
long walks (yes even in the cold): I always start my morning with a walk by the water. Helps centre me for the day, inspired me for new artwork and overall really good for my immune system!
moving your body on the daily: 2025 is the year I get a six pack :P
reading more variety (articles, nonfiction,fiction, graphic novel): I've been an avid reader since 2023, mostly fantasy romance and dark academia. But let's diversify that reading list and explore new mediums.
consuming French media( improving speaking capabilities, diversifying my reading palette): If you didn’t know already, I’m a bilingual speaker. Eh oui! je parle français! but I would say I communicate in English for the most part. This year, I really want to push on practising my french which means speaking regularly, reading when I can, and watching more French content. If anyone has any book recommendations or favourite French YouTuber or favourite french film, feel free to leave it in the comment section!
committing to things and ideas: As illustrator, we are one of two things, idea maker or executioner. I find myself leaning towards the idea maker, maybe thats why I love visual development, its mainly ideas and exploration. Hence why I have a hard time following up on the final result. I get way more enjoyment out of coming up with ideas, that changes this year! we are finishing projects and ideas.
saying no when its financially not viable for my pocket: what can I say I love my treats. Even when I can't afford them.
slow media!!!: It maybe because I’m a bit older now, but slow media like newspapers, articles, and essay videos are the shit! I want more, please!
researching: I saw a TikTok video from by matty p about researching as a leisurely activity and ways to create art based on those finding. Such a cool idea that I want to try it out with my own work.
bingo cards: Create an art/career bingo card for the year! I might make a more in-dept Substack, so stay tuned!
print media: I want more physical prints and I want to learn how to make a Zine!
purchasing more children's books: I went to a new illustrator friend the other day and she had a bunch of children’s books from friends, some she admirer and I thought that was so cool! She even had my book!!! I have a smaller collection but it's time that I expanded on that collection
solo movie dates: I'm no cinephile, but I do love going to the movies. As a single girly, I often time have no one go with. It should stop be from going alone!
solo travelling: starting out small like Quebec City or somewhere up north would be so much fun
host more parties: I love gathering and combining friend groups
more crafts
drinking more water: If you are hungry you are mostly likely dehydrated!
3-4 step skincare: Back in 2015, I was obsessed with “10-step Korean skincare routine” but a girl is lazy. Most of the time I don’t even do my skincare. This year, we are embracing a simple 4 step routine going forward. double cleanse(after wearing make-up),cleanse, vitamin C, moisturize, sun scream(in the morning)! thats it that's all!
2025 outs
ai: Need I say more?
companies taking advantage of artists in the job market and in the industry: this is a huge conversation in the industry right now! All I can say is that it is necessary to pay artists a livable wage.
algorithm trying to sell me stuff, I want but don’t need: I saw a Tiktok on the way you can unsubscribe to these apps selling your data! Don’t let these companies have power over what you consume!
+10 hours screen time: I think it's inevitable since I use my phone to work. But I think it would be smart to set a "do not disturb" feature on my phone.
overcompensation: Gurl we are entering a recession, that t-shirt from Shein can wait.
fast fashion in books and trope focus books: I think I rather read a book that took 5-6 years between books to write than a book that gets released within a year, looking at you Fourth Wing, the rate that books are being pushed out is scary. Authors be kind to yourself!
fake job listing: I couldn’t believe this was an actual thing. It's so gross
That’s most of it! Thanks for reading~
Bisou ♡
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Love your new year look! 🌌