I logged out of everything on the last day of July... Instagram, Facebook, even Pinterest. And to be honest, I didn't miss any of it like I thought it would. Being completely social media free was easier than I thought it would be. The only times I ever really wanted to post was when I was busily sketching and coming out with some stuff that I really liked, I missed sharing those things. Other than that, I enjoyed my month without the drama and depressing posts. Because, yes, while we can filter some of what we are seeing on these networks, you're never going to be able to block it all out completely. And, it's all too easy to fall into the trap yourself of playing the victim on social media. I know, because I'm guilty of it at times. If you've had a bad day, what's your first thought? Post about it and maybe someone will comfort you. While that's not necessarily a bad thing, it plays into the circle of drama and depressing posts that float around continuously. I found out that I sincerely enjoyed my time off of it. I have discovered this year that I seem to have a real problem with social anxiety, and social media has not helped the problem. I also enjoyed the time to get back to other things that I enjoy!! It's so easy to fall into the habit of when you have a few minutes, picking up your phone or tablet to check your notifications, and then you find yourself scrolling, and next thing you know, you've been sitting there way longer that you should have, and then you're complaining about the things that you didn't get done when it's your own fault!!
Now, having said all that... and maybe it sounds like I'm being very candid.. I'm the kind of person that is horrible at face to face conversing, but when you put me behind a piece of paper or a computer, words just seem to pour out.. I do not disapprove of social media. I think there is a lot of good that is accomplished with it. But social media isn't right for everyone, and some people need to keep a tighter rein on how much they're using it. I've discovered that I am one of those people. Now, don't panic, I plan on keeping my social media accounts! But, I plan to cut back on how much I'm using those outlets. If I don't post much, that's why... Because I don't want it to be the first thing I run to all the time just to get some likes or favorites. I will still be posting, they may just be sporadic posts split up between a few days or a weeks time. I think this is going to be what's best for me in the long run, and I think it's going to help my art too. Less time on social media will (hopefully... between homeschooling and theater and other things!) mean more time to focus on art!!
I went into the month with TONS of plans... as usual, I set way too many goals for myself. I'm the kind of person that puts too much personal pressure on myself, and then when I don't get all those goals accomplished, I feel frustrated with myself!! xD So, I had a lot of good intentions... they just didn't all see the light.... xD I kept up with the daily drawing challenge for a good part of the month, but it was hard. The month was also crazy busy! And I had several that I sketched, didn't feel crazy about, filed them on my desk to go back to later, and never got back to them... But! I got a few really nice Clintasha pieces out of the deal, and I'm happier about putting in the time and passion into those, because they were ones that I really wanted to do and wanted to see them through! I may be selling a few of those originals... But I'll talk more about all that in a few weeks once I have everything ironed out on the selling end and go through what I have to get rid of!
I did manage to keep up with the Miyazaki Mondays!! With the exception of the one due today, I have them all inked. As usual, my problem always seems to be in FINISHING a project from sketch to colors... It's hard to find the time to complete a project. I need to start working on things in bits and pieces. I think they would get colored faster that way!!
Probably my favorite thing I worked on for the month of August were these various poses and clothing sketches from the 1950's. It was just FUN to sit down and sketch whatever came to mind!! This is the only page that got colored, but I have three more pages of more of these sketches. Probably going to color those with pencils. My copics and I are not getting along at the moment.... xD
Anyway, that was mostly my month being free from social media! I also did a lot of crocheting this month and learned a few new stitches, and I've been crocheting things to sell for American Girl dolls. All in all, I enjoyed my hiatus, and I'll still continue to post, though not as frequently. The good news is, this blog will never know the difference, as it never seems to be updated on a frequent basis!!! xD
-Stasia-Chan '16
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