So 2020….let’s just say some days I feel like “I’ve got this” and other days I feel like I’ve been punched in the gut. And I know EVERYONE can relate. I’ve been taking a break from social media for the rest of the month to really quiet the noise, work on a new body of work uninterrupted, and reset intentions as well as my internal thinking to bring my vibration UP and UP.
I’ve gone through some major changes this year internally with how I see my art and career moving forward. Many of you know I’ll be closing my Etsy shop and reopening a newer, more elevated way to shop with me in 2021 right here on my website. So don’t miss out on my Etsy Shop Closing Sale coming November 27th-December 4th. I’ll be selling originals at 75% off and retiring the prints you see in my collection. There will be door prizes, and all sorts of BLOWOUT deals. Just thinking about the end of this era it makes me misty eyed. But I know it’s the change I need to make to GROW and evolve to the next chapter of my creative life.
Stepping into September like a BOSS. This design I created to get me thinking about the challenge is a silk, chartreuse shirt dress with black suede boots, and gold buttons.
2020 started off busier than ever and seemed to continue moving forward (even during COVID) like a speeding train. I don’t always know how to slow down, as I love to create and the work I do. I finally found an analogy that describes me…I love fashion illustration & creating like I love chocolate. What you see on my Instagram is true, authentic passion and a drive to become better daily. That disposition coupled with the strong empath that I am got me through many months of COVID. As you know I care so much about helping others become more creative and positive in their lives and I felt a strong duty to create free art workshops on my IG (which is one of the things I know looking back I’ll always be so grateful I got to do) All that being said, the burn out is real. So taking breaks from social media really helps me. As well as taking the time to just slow down and reconnect to WHY I STARTED. So I’m grateful that even having a week or so to really build my mental strength and self-love back up is so vital for me. Getting through COVID has got me thinking more and more creatively.
A month or so ago I kept thinking how fun would it be to do a creative initiative of original fashion designs for the month of September? I always love September as it marks the start of the foray into Autumn. All the fashion shows and The September Issue, pumpkin space lattes, putting on a pair of boots….you know all that stuff ;) And of course, this year it will be a little different. But I wanted to create a challenge for me and anyone else who wants to participate via Instagram using the hashtag #theworldisyourrunway2020 and posting your own dream collection, one look a day. So that by the end of September you have 30 looks! It’s a personal challenge for me, because I want to push myself to come up with original looks that I’m excited about and allow me to DREAM. Dream about the day where we will once again go on date nights, cocktail hour with my girls and painting at live events again! All while wearing things that make me feel confident and beautiful. Not gonna lie though, I am still wearing dresses and heels during this quarantine. I did about 3 solid months in sweats and then hit my breaking point bought a bunch of dresses and fancy shoes to say, “enough with these gray sweats…I need to feel like ME again.” Because dressing up for me, allows me to feel like I have a say in my confidence for the day, a tool of self-expression as well as happiness even during COVID.
I hope you’ll have fun if you do participate in this challenge. I will be so happy to share them in my stories and we can all encourage one another and bring some positivity and beauty into the world. And remember…don’t wait to wear that fancy dress. Do it tonight. Put on your favorite Pop songs and dance around. Remind yourself that if you can make the most of your life and time during COVID WE CAN DO ANYTHING!!!
xo
Jess