Making Connections and Gaining Perspective

This weekend, I got the privilege of going to the DFW Technology Prayer Breakfast as well as the Dallas Museum of Art. Both, although very different from one another, were very beneficial to my life and ISM journey.

DFW Prayer Breakfast

Every year, my Dad helps host an event at the Irving Convention Center where Christians who work in technology or business around the DFW area can come together to have breakfast and listen to keynote speakers. This year, I was able to attend, and it exceeded my expectations. Not only was the food amazing, but what I learned from the various speakers was very beneficial to my faith and overall professionalism. I had the opportunity to speak with professionals across various fields, and while most didn't have a connection to my topic of study, I got to practice having conversations with experienced people in the workforce. I really appreciate all the work that goes into this event, and I'm especially proud of my dad, who was able to organize this event by putting his vision into action.

Dallas Museum of Art

While I want my main focus this year to be on creative writing, I also want to put a spotlight on illustration. I've always loved art, and being able to incorporate it into my passion for writing manifests itself in children's books. Being able to look at art in the DMA gave me a wonderful opportunity to get inspiration for my art style from artists through the ages. Developing my art style as an illustrator has proven to challenging; as it's difficult to give my cartoonish style a polished look. During my time in the DMA, I was able to observe artists from Picasso to Monet, both giving me inspiration to use elements they utilized in their artworks in order to create something new. I love the way that Monet uses layering and mark-making in his paintings, and Picasso's surrealism definitely resonates with me. To stand out as an illustrator, I must have a consistent and refreshing style, one that shows how I can think outside of the box. What better way to think outside of the box than by observing the methods of artists who broke off of the norm?

Conclusion

To keep up with all that I've learned, I must apply it through putting my own skills to practice. I plan on doing this by illustrating for at least 20 minutes a day this week. This may not sound like a ton of time, but all it takes is a small chunk of consistent practice to build up a skill. I can't wait to practice and build up my portfolio!