Project: School Literary Magazine

For the past month of May, students in my school district have been staying home, as a result of job action by the school board. With this, I was able to stay home for more than three weeks. During that time, I've embarked on an unexpected journey in creating the school literary magazine, which is a collection of writing, photography and art from students in the school.

Creating this magazine has taught me an incredible lot of things I never would have learned if hadn't taken myself up to such a task. Many parts were put into consideration during the creative process of this magazine. For example, I learned about the importance of font size, margins, the colour and font palette as well as layout and coordination of writing with art. Establishing the theme and aesthetic approach before working on this magazine played a huge role into creating this work. After that, I think everything just really fell into place. These things that I've learned would usually not be incorporated into normal design work that I do, like creative banners and posters.

Being head of the school literary magazine may have been the best thing I've done all year. Here's to more projects like this in the future.

This photo is one of my submissions to this magazine.

Absence - Pt. 1

It's been several months since I've last updated and I've realized that despite promising not to neglect this blog any further, I still didn't hold up the promise - so no more promises, I'll just try my best for now. Actually, I've been having a tough school semester : biology, chemistry, functions and computer science - I've been running on a treadmill of work. 

Through all this time, I've been busy with Christmas decor, card making, calligraphy and exams. Actually, near the end of the semester, I had been showered with small gifts as a reward from returning someone's phone. I was in shock for a few days from that.

During the holiday season, I found a new love for fountain pens - from the way the ink flows smoothly the moment you place it down on paper, to the varying thickness and styles of the lettering. Getting a fountain ink pen is definitely worth the investment.

Desk Renovation Pt. 2

I got 8 of these Sharpie pens, a pencil case, pencils and erasers for a small cost of $4.00 at a thrift store. I've also learned to doodle more effectively this summer. ☺

Over the summer, new additions to my desk have been made to give it a fresh and quirkier feeling. During the summer, I often forget the day of the week and how much time has passed. So, I've put up a calendar and a countdown in hope of spending my summer days more wisely. I find that with the new cacti at my workspace, it is easier to work and find inspiration. My tip of the day: have plants near where you work.

Artist Spotlight: JESIIII

This is artwork from an artist I found on tumblr, and I have to say, it was love at first sight for me.

The use of vibrant colours with a touch of bubbliness and catchy phrases stole my heart, to no one's surprise. These make perfect gifts for lovers of nature, photography and art.

If interested, see more of her work here.

February

Hey everyone! I feel like February will wrap up to an end soon, so I feel like this post can (maybe) wrap up of what I've been up to for the past few weeks and encapsulate this month. Lunar New Year passed, which was very fun with all the firecrackers, flowers and celebrations. The weather has been pretty extreme from my window view. Valentine's Day went by with good times and fun decor.

Lots have happened but there's not much to say.

BACKBOARD UPDATE

I am completely unashamed to say that this was what I spent my time working on this Sunday morning. I would say it's a morning well spent with a scorching cold lemonade. Anyways, this collage is a collection of pictures I've stashed for the past school year. Each week in my school agenda, there's a picture in a corner depicting a foreign location. Being the weird person I am, I cut them out each week and by the end of the school year, I have between 20-30 pictures. I guess I've always dreamed of travelling, which is what makes me more motivated to do this. I'm probably going to frame this once my life has settled down a little bit more.

Anyways, I hope you guys are having a great start to the summer! Beat the heat, ok.

ROOM RENOVATION & FREE T-SHIRT

This past week has been busy, you can see. I recently moved in a new place and this week I decided

to redecorate my room for summer with a construction-woodsy feel, if that makes any sense. I matched my birch-white desk with a similar swivel chair and a wooden whiteboard in my room. To put things simply, I am in love with my desk, especially with the magnetic white backboard feature.

Also, I got a new free peta2 t-shirt that says 'ALL HEARTS BE FREE'. And I really like it.

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