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illustrator

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100 Days of Digital Illustration – A Creative Challenge

April 9, 2023

After a long absence, I’m back with an exciting new project to jumpstart my creativity – the 100 day illustration challenge! This is more than just completing another task; it’s about reigniting that passion within me and feeling proud of what I can accomplish. With this goal in mind, here’s hoping for fulfilling days ahead as an artist on the rise!

Introducing my 100 day illustration challenge

I started the challenge on March 30th, rather than wait for a new month to begin and kick off my challenge then, I decided that day was the perfect time to get started. No matter when you start something important in life – it’s always the right moment!

How I chose my subject and medium for the project

Instead of being confined to one location or space, I decided to explore digital illustration using an iPad and Adobe Fresco as a medium that can be accessed anywhere. For the project’s subject, I am focusing on female portraits with simple and achievable details. Something that is doable and creating 100 illustrations over the next hundred days!

How I overcame my creative blocks and plans to continue working hard for the next 90 days

Plan at-least the next 7 days of the challenge – sketch out a few ideas and plan ahead. Consider this exercise as a warm up activity. With careful preparation, you’ll be able to create your artwork with ease and confidence!

Rather than worrying about how your work measures up to that of others, close out the world and remember what you already know – trust in yourself! Don’t be afraid to take inspiration from those around you but don’t let it overshadow your own inner voice; when the time comes, dig deep for something original.

Embrace your creative spark! When you’ve finished a piece, take the time to admire and appreciate all that it took for you to make it. Instead of focusing on what could have been done differently or better, focus instead on all that was accomplished – no matter how small and share it to the world 🙂

The learning 🙂

If you’re searching for a way to better yourself, to discover your creative potential, the 100 days challenge can be a great start. No matter what the subject is, focus on what you can accomplish and even if it feels insignificant or small; recognize that being able to achieve something means you have made progress. Trust in your own creativity and don’t be afraid to be vulnerable with others by sharing your explorations as you grow. Even when comparing yourself against others, remember that growth is a personal experience- one that may have milestones but also require patience and diligence. Believe in your creative spark and plan ahead for each of your goals not just so you stay motivated, but more importantly to celebrate the many small wins along the way! Start small and do it now– instead of wondering “what if” create the future you wish to see!

Being an artist is a mindset. It’s a lifestyle commitment.

ctto
Blog Surface Pattern Design

Dubai Miracle Garden – Design and Pattern

April 10, 2021

Finding your own inspiration is one of the best things that I learned from Bonnie Christine. Since then, I have been more observant and mindful in searching for inspiration and elements for future artworks and pattern designs. In my recent visit to Dubai Miracle Garden, I took a lot of photos for reference to create artworks.

As promised here are few artworks and a pattern that I have created I still intend to create a cohesive pattern collection, it might take time but I’m getting there. I hope you will like it.

I’m going to make everything around me beautiful, that will be my life.

Elsie de Wolfe

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Dubai Parking Meter Project

February 29, 2020

I received a message in my Instagram later last year asking if I do digital illustration and if I am based in Dubai. A casual question from a random stranger online, I winked as I typed my response…. “Yes. I do”. A response and a self encouragement at the same time. 

She introduced herself and mentioned that she is from Brand Dubai. They are working in a project and in need of illustrators.  Gulp… an illustrator??? Big word! 

She said that if I am interested, she will send me the project details. Again… I said Yes… but this time, my hands are sweaty. I’m scared and intimidated. Tried to brush off the feeling while waiting for the email. Ding…. (that is an an email notification)

I read it over… and over… and over again. Brand Dubai invited me to submit my illustration designs for the parking meter project.  I doubted myself… not sure if I can commit.  Blessed that I am surrounded with positive people and before I beat my self-confidence, my husband was already celebrating.  Excitement, anxiety and happiness filled up my heart! I am not dreaming… this is a reality and this is happening!!! 

This experience brought me out of my comfort zone.  I immediately started to brain storm for ideas, we walked on the busy streets in Deira, Jumeirah and Sheikh Zayed to find inspiration. I drew and drew until early morning and my eyes were out. I thought of this project even at work. Skipped the weekend stroll to finish the artworks. 

The BUS artwork is inspired from my early days in Dubai as it was the main transportation I use to bring me to my destination. In the bus you will see people from all walks of life from Asian, Arabs, European and Westerns. Name it we have it 🙂 Dubai is a multicultural city made up of diverse cultures, skills and talent from across the globe.
Claw machine just makes me smile. It’s cuteness and fun vibe of the artwork was inspired by different nationalities harmoniously working together in making Dubai a fun City to work and live in.

To put it briefly, I submitted my design and they loved it.  In collaboration with six Emirati and expatriate artists, Brand Dubai  partners with RTA Dubai to create new art experiences in the city’s parking spaces.  Around 100 parking meters in Jumeirah, Dubai Media City, DIFC and Al Mustaqbal Street have been enlivened with 15 artworks inspired by themes of diversity and tolerance. 

Thank you Brand Dubai, RTA Dubai and Dubai Media office the opportunity. To Ms. Fatma Al Mulla, this Project will not be successful without your kindred spirit and hard work.
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Hi! Hello! I’m back :)

February 22, 2020

I know! Its been a while. Oops  … wrong word… I mean it took a loooonnnnggg time before I made this post. 
WHY OH WHY??? 
Simply because I got scared.
After my 3rd article, I experienced a massive creative block in writing. I don’t know what to share. I was stuck and ideas just stop flowing. 


They  seem like playing hide and seek and no plans to show up. Even I got lazy with the chase.
I wanted to finish the series that I promised but as I write this blog… I still don’t know how to end the series.  
After many blog drafts, I decided that for now I will keep One Way Ticket  series on hold. I am sorry to keep you hanging…. I am really SORRY!


For now I will move on and write on art projects that I am currently doing.  Topics that is easy for me to write and illustrate. No promises but I will try not to be overwhelmed this time. Like the project that I worked with Brand Dubai in partnership with RTA. Do you want know the whole story??? Then check my blog next week 🙂

Brand Dubai
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One Way Ticket – four part series

July 19, 2019

On December 2007 I first set foot to the glamorous city of Dubai. It is one of my so called “in a snap of a finger decision”. Low and behold, in a snap I packed my things,  resigned from my  job, bid sayonara to my friends, convinced my family and I that it will be a quick trip and I shall return in 5 years.

I know right! Ang pangakong napako! Its been 12 years and still counting. Kapit lang! Sayang naman, may visa pa ko e.

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My First Blog Post – A Leap of Faith

July 14, 2019

Hello World!

I am taking a gigantic LEAP of FAITH right now.

Honestly it’s a year of dreaming, planning, procrastinating, self doubting and hoping that one day I will press that publish button of my first blog post.

Bakit ko ba gusto mag blog? Lakas kasi maka-millennial eh.

Baka wala namang magbabasa ng blog ko? Hindi naman ako interesting…

Anong isusulat ko? Aatakihin na naman ako ng paralysis option.

Pano pag nabasa to ng mga friends ko? Patay! Mga grammar police pa naman ung mga yun… Friend! Alam mo na kung sino ka. LOL!

Pano na kung mali ang grammar and spelling? Waaahhh… nakakahiya naman… Di pa nga sikat malalaos agad.

AARRRGGGHHHH… Bukas na nga lang… Naubos energy ko!

Hayst! Those are just few of many criticisms that I throw on to myself. But luckily I have reached the point of being tired in procrastinating. The urge to write the blog is too strong to be be ignored. So… here I am, my first blog post.

I am Rosanna… just Simply Rosanna.

I am a Filipino expat working in Abu Dhabi and residing in Dubai. I have been living and enjoying the multi-cultural and cosmopolitan city for more than a decade. Yes! I am a proud OFW. Ang bagong bayani!

In my blog, I will showcase mainly my artworks and the city that I live in.  I will be sharing my progress as I learn the art of traditional and digital medium while having a full time job.  Oh yes! I am an aspiring artist that wish to share her journey and hoping that one day I will have my own exhibit and able inspire someone who have the same dream.

“Comfort zones are, well, comfortable, but they’re also a place where possibilities are limited and opportunities are minimal. JUST DO IT!” Elite Daily

I hope you will stick around and discover with me.

There you go…

I just hit the publish button for my first blog post. Wheeeww…