update

Entry 51: Oops

Hey Crew!

I feel like that puppy that got into trouble and is trying to be cute and innocent. Yeah, that is me. My bad. I don’t have any excuses. So, I think it is best to just dive right in to the update.

First semester is in the bag! You can see the work that I produced in my classes here. I am so thankful that I have chosen to go back to school. I feel myself improving everyday. Spring 2021 starts on February 8th. I am going to figure this balancing act sooner than later. Such is life.

I have a bunch of back logged art projects that I need to post to my IG. I am going to be rolling that stuff out this week, so be on the look out!

I discovered a new passion while making xmas gifts this year. I made candles for everyone and it was a big hit. I kind of want to get into candle making. I also want to figure out how to make my own essential oils for candle making and my aromatherapy. Maybe like a side hustle? Probably. Candle making is a lot of fun. From what I have been reading on making my own oils, that is going to be the real challenge. But luckily in this day and age, there is enough companies out there that mass produce the oils so I don’t have to feel pressured into mastering the craft right out the gate.

Nothing much else has happened. You’d think that I’d have stories oozing out my eye balls for you to explain my “lack of time”, but you’d be wrong… I tend to find myself falling down the endless black hole of TikTok and YouTube and books and laziness. Not sure how to beat my own procrastination and motivation. One step at a time I guess. I have two weeks until classes start, so I am hoping to get to a point where I have a surplus of projects and posts to be able to rely on so I don’t feel like I am slacking. If I can crank out 10+ handmade xmas gifts in a week, I and get a sizable hoard of ideas and projects done. Can you guys help keep me in check? Just a quick “how is work going?” or “get off TikTok!” or something would work. Thank you in advance!

Until next time,

Suzanna🌙

Entry 50: The Final Pieces are Found!

Hey Crew!

Welcome back! Sorry I have been away for a while, my time management skills are the worst still. Things are still kind of rough, but I am trying to force myself to do more. I also get distracted super easily. Time will only tell if I can break this cycle of procrastination. Send help. Anyway, time to get back to the show!

The Final Zodiacs are Here!

Basic Facts about Taurus:

  • Birth Dates: April 20 – May 20
  • Element: Earth
  • Ruling Planet: Venus
  • Symbol: The Bull
  • These Signs are the true definition of home-bodies. They love to feel secure and in control. At the same time they are super laid back and chill.

When I think of bulls I think of meadows and grasslands. I was trying to push the atmospheric perspective with the flat-ish plains. It worked out better than I thought it would. Trying to figure out how to paint the blades of grass was the real challenged. I think the dry brush worked well with trying to be a little abstract. What do you think?

Basic Facts about Gemini:

  • Birth Dates: May 21- June 20
  • Element: Air
  • Ruling Planet: Mercury
  • Symbol: The Twins
  • Bird: Magpie
  • Geminis are very talkative. They love open communication. They are also very thoughtful and logical people.

What better to represent Air than with birds! Magpies were the logical choice for Gemini because their gift for gab. I really, really like the brush strokes of the feathers. I also seemed to forgot to record the beginning of the creation of the birds. I was so peeved. I wanted to show you the experimental process and how it all came together. I hate technology sometimes. But I had a lot of fun with this final piece of this series.

And that is the end of the Zodiac Series! It is kind of a bitter sweet moment. I have learned so much about video editing, falling back in love with acrylics, and connecting with you. I am extremely proud of all of these pieces. Which Sign is your favorite? As one door closes and other one opens. The next series is going to be a true test for me. Time to buckle down and hash things out! In my next post I will be updating you on school, my schedule, and general life happenings. Don’t forget to check out my Insta, I am hoping to be more regular about posting on there. Time to shake out the sand and get back to the Sea!

Until next time,

Suzanna 🌙

PSSST!! 👉👉👉 Zodiac Collection 👈👈👈 PSSST!!

Entry 48: Arteza Awards 2020 Update

Hey Crew!

Welcome back! How are you doing? Time seems to be getting away from me this week. Just when I think I am ahead, I fall behind. The struggle. I think I am finally organized enough to start this semester off on a good foot. Hopefully. That is all I got for this little life update.

Winning Wasn’t the Goal

I want to say congratulations to the winners of the Arteza Awards. Please check out Arteza’s Instagram to see who the winners are and to congratulate them too! As you can tell, I did not place in the winners’ circle. But to be honest, I am not bothered by it. I am just so glad that I actually put myself and my work out there. I have been so afraid of rejection that I don’t push myself out of my comfort zone. I am so glad that I have grown so much that I do feel like I matter and my work needs to be seen. I am currently searching for other contests/competitions to enter. I want to keep pushing myself. I want to show the world I am here and I am not going away any time soon. This is my adventure. This is my ship and I plan to keep on course to greatness. Thank you for joining me on this journey. On to the next contest and the next journey!

Above is a little video I put together to show some of the process that went into making the final pieces.

Above are the final pieces that I submitted for the contest. I am super proud of how everything turned out. The flowers are: balloon flower (purple), daffodil (white), lupine (pink), and the sunflower. I really love these little bees that are popping up in my work. #SavetheBees

Rejected Ideas and photos

Above are the rejected ideas and rejected final photos. My favorite is the cloud tree. It feels very whimsical and soft. The other bee piece in has a coneflower, if you were wondering.

Just so we are clear, yes there are going to be more contests to enter and another chance to be seen on a bigger scale. I hope you guys enjoyed my pieces. Don’t forget to check out my IG on Friday for another #BlackoutFridays! Come back Saturday to see the next Sign in the series. This Sign is sure a spit-fire. Remember to stay safe and to stay sane.

Until next time,

Suzanna 🌙

Entry 46: September Update

Hey Crew!

Welcome back! How is everyone doing? Things are coming down to the wire. Don’t forget to register to vote for the November elections. Some States are allowing early voting due to the fact we are going to be relying heavily on mail-in ballots for this election. So look it up and get to it. Change is coming, which side of history are you going to be with? That is all for today’s public announcement.

What is September Going to Bring?

  • Classes start the 3rd
  • The Zodiac Series will be ending on the 19th
  • New main series starts the 26th
  • Learning to juggle the new schedule
  • Continue with set projects
Weekly Schedule (subject to change)

So this is a rough idea of what my weeks are going to look like for like the next 4 years. And things will also fluctuate with how dense each class will be. Basically I am trying to say is that if I seem to be late or posts are shorter than usual, this is why. And I have to remember to keep up with my self care routine and to take breaks through out the day so I don’t get stressed out and lose my marbles. One could argue that I already have lost my marbles, but tomato tomato.

And that is all the major events for September 2020. However, it is still 2020 and things can and most likely will change. Tomorrow’s Fan-Art Tuesday is going to be a tribute to a hero. His death had an impact on me that I am still trying to unpack myself. Remember to stay safe and to stay sane. And remind your loved ones that they are loved and you value them in your life.

Until next time,

Suzanna🌙

Entry 44: Time for a New Look (Part 2)

Hey Crew!

Welcome back! How are you guys doing? 8 more days until classes start! I can’t believe it! Summer is coming to a close, autumn is just around the corner, and time keeps ticking. Time to take a breath and prepare for the future. Let’s do this!

Business Cards, Letterheads, and Resumes

So, after much thought, I have decided that I am not going to be changing my logo for a while. I couldn’t think of anything more simple and more straight forward for me. Maybe at some point down the road I’ll change it.

I keep thinking I need more detail or pazzaz in how everything looks. I am trying to go for a simplistic style so I have to remember less is more. The struggle is real. On top of that I can’t seem to figure out which typography to use for my branding. I need your help!

I find all my cool fonts on dafont.com. They are an open source site for unique fonts. I have been using them for years. But now I have found several different fonts that I like and I can’t decide on which one is the best! These first images you see are business cards. I kind of like the vertical layout. So the side where my logo is is the front, and the side with the stars is the back. Which one do you guys like best? Is there any information missing that you guys like to see on business cards? Which font do you like best?

After we figure out the typography, I’m going to change that on the letterhead and on my resume. How do you guys like the set up for everything else? Does it seem professional? Does it all tie in together? Or is it too much? Let me know what you guys think!

I think that wraps everything up for today. It is going to be a bit before the next update on the branding adventure. So I am game for any and all feedback from you guys! Don’t forget to come back Saturday for the next Zodiac Sign! These Signs are very dreamy and flow with their environment. Can you guess who is next? Remember to stay safe and to stay sane!

Until next time,

Suzanna 🌙

Entry 43: Thoughts about School

Hey Crew!

Welcome back! Sorry, I kind of ghosted you guys yesterday. I had some things to get done before classes start. Today was supposed to be a Fan-Art day, but I couldn’t come up with anything interesting. The struggle bus has been hitting me hard the past couple of days. Hopefully things turn around soon. I just have to remember it is ok to take a break and recharge. Whether or not it is a planned break or your body telling you that you are not doing anything today, listen to your body. Now it is time to start grinding again!

I just wanted to put out there my thoughts about how school is going to go. I figured that you all are tired of hearing about this subject, so I am going to try to make this short and sweet. It is mostly for me own benefit and you guys are just along for the ride. Thank you for your patience.

For starters, I am super excited! I am excited to connect with people. I am excited for the opportunity to grow and learn. I am excited to see where this adventure is going to take me. On the flip side, I am nervous. I am nervous about doing my schooling online. I am nervous that I am not good enough. I am nervous to be seen.

I have a few predictions for this next month. I know time management is going to be the one thing that I am going to struggle with. But I also feel like I am getting right back on that bike and it is going to be smooth sailing. I can see myself having to put my foot down with my family about how I am using my time. That is probably going to be the most difficult part this month. Gotta start crossing my toes and fingers.

At the end of the month I am going to post another check in to see how things are going. Then I am planning just to do a check in at the end of each semester. But if you guys have any questions or what to know how things are going in between, please feel free to ask!

So, this is it for today. I’ll be seeing you guys tomorrow for an update about the new branding changes. I’ll probably be posted late afternoon. I am still fighting with the struggle bus right now. Remember to stay safe and to stay sane.

Until next time,

Suzanna🌙

Entry 42: Time to Rebel

Hey Crew!

Welcome back! How was everyone’s week? Anyone have any good news to share? As for your Captain, it has been the same old, same old. Although, I have been slacking on my self care routine. I have just been grinding so much with my art and prepping for school, I have forgotten to take a moment to breathe. I have tried to convince myself that the hour and a half plus at the gym is enough. But I can tell I am loosing focus and motivation. I need to be better. I have to take care of my mind, body, and soul to be my very best. Don’t forget your self care routine too! We all need some time to disconnect from everything. I think I need to hide my phone from myself. Isn’t there an app that helps with limiting your time on your phone? I need to do some research. I’ll be sure to share what I have found if you are also curious. Now, on to the show!

Aquarius the Rebellious One

Basic Facts about this Sign

  • Birth dates: January 20 – February 18
  • Ruling Planets: Saturn and Uranus
  • Element: Air
  • Symbol: Water Bearer
  • Color: Blue
  • Aquarius is the rebel among the Signs. They hate to conform to the norms. They are free-spirits and hate to be caged. They often are the one that don’t follow mainstream fashion or music.

I sold out. I totally struggled with how to represent Air in this one. So, I caved and made clouds. I mean, it kind of works, right? Like Aquarius is the Water Bearer and clouds carry water all over, so it isn’t too bad…? Figuring out how to represent an invisible force in a still frame visual art piece is a challenge. Also, I didn’t think regular grey clouds would be too interesting, so I made them blue for this Sign. If you also notice in the video, I was struggling with the coloring of Saturn. It started way too much like the Sun. So I had to let that layer dry and go back to it later. The good thing about acrylics, they are very forgiving. I think it ended looking a whole lot better. How do you guys think it all came out?

So we only have 4 more Signs to go! I’m so excited! We have come so far with all the improvements and growth. I am pumped for the next Series. Be sure to follow me on Instagram to see tomorrow’s Sunday’s Special. Monday we are going to talk more in depth about school. Tuesday is another Fan-Art day! I wonder what I’ll do for that? Finally, Wednesday is calling for Part 2 of updating my branding identity. This week looks packed! But I promise I am going to take some time for my self care. I want you to also take some time for yourself. Remember to stay safe and to stay sane.

Until next time,

Suzanna 🌙

Entry 41: Time for a New Look (Part 1)

Hey Crew!

Welcome back! It is Wednesday, that means the week is almost over! 15 more days until classes start! I still can’t believe I am starting my Master’s degree. Who would have thought this was going to be my life in 2020? I sure as hell did not. Things are looking clearer of late. We can only go up from here.

Sometimes Change is Good

Anyways, today we are going to be discussing branding. I think it is time to give my self a make over. I have to be like the river and change my flow with the land around me. So, it is time to glow up. This is most likely take multiple parts to go through everything and why it is important. And for today I am just going to be outlining what is to come.

Creating a memorable branding for yourself is key on connecting to your audience. You want something to be like, “I know that company/artist/person, they do amazing work!” Take companies like Nike(1) or Doritos(2), you can spot their products anywhere. They don’t even need to tell you who they are, all you need is a simple logo. And it is good to update your branding every few years to keep with up with the times. For example take Apple’s(3) branding. It started out as this complex illustration and now is this very simple and straight forward logo that you know what brand it is just by seeing the apple. And that is my goal. I think it is time that my Angry Floof gets an upgrade.

Here are the new elements for a brand launch that I will be making:

  • Logo
  • Business card
  • Mailers
  • Leave behinds
  • Packaging
  • Letter head
  • Portfolio (a physical booklet)
  • Resume
  • Website

I am so ready for this make over. I hope you guys are going to be pumped for the glow up. I’ll be going over each piece with you once it is created. So stick around a while, things are starting to get interesting. Be sure to keep up with the Arteza Awards process over on my Instagram. We have 5 days until the deadline! I am super pumped and nervous. This #BlackoutFridays is going to showcase another modern day POC. Who do you think it is going to be about this time? Then on Saturday our week begins with a new Air Sign. Saturn is getting a double feature! Remember to stay safe and to stay sane.

Until next time,

Suzanna 🌙

Entry 38: Time to Leap into the Sea

Hey Crew!

Welcome back! How are you guys doing? So I made a new goal for myself to read at least 1 book per month. I want to make sure that I am taking some time to myself just to unwind. If you guys want to know what I am currently reading, check out Pirate Games. We can start a little book club. I think that would be too cute. But anyways, on with the show!

The Driven Capricorn

Basic facts about this Sign:

  • Birth dates: December 22 – January 19
  • Ruling Planet: Saturn
  • Element: Earth
  • Symbol: Sea Goat
  • These Signs are super driven, responsible, and practical. However, these Signs can be super insecure. So be kind to your Capricorns, sometimes they just need a little pep talk to remember how awesome they are.

So as you can tell, I was playing around with camera angles while filming. Do you think it is too much or not enough? I am still new to filming and I thank you bearing with me as I figure it all out. Anyway, Capricorns are represented by Sea-Goats… Why and how does that make any sense? Even though they are an Earth element, I knew I had to have the sea in the piece some where. And then I remember goats can be found climbing cliff faces and BAM idea! This is the first time that my cliffs actually look like cliffs and all I can say is: Art is Magical. What do you think of the overall piece?

Did you see where I put the hidden Sign? //sneaky-sneaky//

Can you guys believe we are over the halfway point for the Zodiacs!? Holy cow! Our next Sign is a spontaneous barrel of water. HAHAHA… I crack myself up! Don’t forget to check out my IG for updates on the Arteza Awards project and for tomorrow’s Comic Sunday. See you Monday when we discuss mind over matter and what that means as an artist. Remember to stay safe and to stay sane.

Until next time,

Suzanna 🌙

Entry 33: Sagittarius the Optimist

Hey Crew!

Welcome back! How are you guys doing? Have you been liking all the new content this week? Things are really starting to heat up around here. 29 more days until classes start! I’m super excited to get back to school. I have always been that strange kid that loves school. I think it is mostly about the structure and the social interactions that is appealing to me. I am lucky that my graduate schooling is online, but there are major concerns going on about reopening schools around the nation. Do what is best for the health of you and your family. Contact your government officials and tell them your concerns. And if they don’t listen the first time, basically blow up their phones. Call, write, email, text, protest, do what you can to get their attention. Don’t let them blackmail your schools and community with withholding money because all they want is the adults to go back to work. You and your family’s health is your #1 priority. Don’t listen to the lies. You can get your education anytime and in a bunch of different ways, but you can’t bring the dead back to life. Stay strong. That concludes today’s rant, now back to the art!

Sagittarius the Optimist

Basic Facts:

  • Birth Dates: November 22 – December 21
  • Element: Fire
  • Ruling Planet: Jupiter
  • Symbol: Centaur
  • This Sign is the poster child of optimism. They can also be very blunt and straight to the point. They can turn any sort of negative event into a positive on. Plus they always seem to be the funny one in the friend group.

When you think of fire what do you think of? Campfire, arson, fireworks, candles, fireplaces, or etc? I could not come up with a composition that was compatible with the rest of the Series. Then when I was taking my pupper out for potty time, I figured it out. Fireflies. (Or Lightning Bugs if you are from the South and Midwest.) I thought it would be a cute little funny. The Magic of Art helped with making it look like they are actually glowing. But in the final piece I added of highlights in Photoshop to make them pop a little bit more. I also love how much Jupiter takes up the canvas. I wanted to make sure to emphasize the size of Jupiter compare to the other Signs. What do you guys think?

So we are half way done with the Zodiac Series! The next Sign is a goat mermaid…? How that makes sense, I still don’t know. Come back tomorrow for a Special Announcement! Sundays are going to be fun days! Make sure you also remember to take a self care day. The summer is coming to a close and things are going to get more chaotic. Remember you can’t control the world, but you can control YOUR world. Kick out the toxic things in your life. Choose a day out of the week just to vibe and do you. It is the little things that go a long way. Remember to stay safe and to stay sane.

Until next time,

Suzanna🌙