2012, it’s been a wonderful year. One full of the best sort of challenges, and many realizations.
It’s the first year I’ve been out on my own as a full time freelance illustrator… and while it is quite the challenge, I’m happy to say it’s been working out great! Throughout this year, I’ve focused on finding my voice, and figuring out what I really want Paperfashion to be. It’s incredible how different I see it being, even from just a few months back. In the past I used to illustrate editorial shots, or images from around the web… but over the last few months I’ve put a stop to that. I want to solely focus on my original work. It may mean I don’t post everyday, but I hope to bring better quality work… and put more imagination into it!
On top of taking on my own business, I’ve fallen in love with where I live. It was never in my plans to move here… my dream was to go to New York City after college. I semi-reluctantly moved here back in the summer of 2008, excited for something new, but knowing I’d find a way to make the short move to NYC within a few months. Three years later, I was still here… but again not convinced I would stay much longer. Then there was 2011, when I took a job in Barcelona. It sounded like the adventure I’d always hoped for, and a chance to get away. As you know, after almost a year of traveling between Spain and Boston, I decided the job wasn’t for me. As soon as I got back, I moved into a new apartment, my current home, in Harvard Square. I’m not sure if it was the relief of finally being settled after a year of nonstop travel, but something clicked. I fell in love with Boston! Over the past year, I’ve been looking at where I live in a new light, and it’s been eye opening. I’m also thrilled that I finally took the time to learn to sail this summer- and I can’t wait to work on sailboat illustrations next year. Boston is such a beautifully historic city… full of inspiration everywhere I look, which as an artist, is priceless!
So with the closing of this year, let us all keep this in mind as we take on 2013…
“‘Someday’ is a disease that will take your dreams to the grave with you. Pro and con lists are just as bad. If it’s important to you and you want to do it “eventually,” just do it and correct course along the way.”
I want to thank each of you for following along, commenting, liking, tweeting, emailing, everything! You inspire me, and like I’ve said before, It’s a pleasure to share my imagination with you. Wishing you a very Happy New Year!
P.S. This illustration is my ode to sending more snail mail this year!
Illustration of the U.S. Post Office in December on Charles Street in Boston, MA.
Happy New Year to you!
Cheers, Elizabeth
So exciting…I took the journey into full time blogging this year too. I’m so happy for you, Katie. You’re so talented and I know 2013 will be an awesome year for you!! So happy we met this year!
PS I LOVE Boston!!
Happy New Years, dear! So, glad that 2012 was such a great personal growth building year for you! I hope you know that your work is so inspiring to me and others who read your blog. I totally find joy in your artwork!! Wishing you much success and happiness in 2013. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Happy New Year Sweet Katie!!!
Thank you for your kind words. I hope 2013 brings you the most in your life and profession!!
Please, don’t stop charing your amazing art and all your powerful thoughts!
Kindest regards from Portugal!
José
This turned out better than the photo you took! I am so excited for you in 2013 and want to thank you SO much for sharing. Looking at your work growing inspires me so much. I feel that your work keeps pushing me to keep growing. I can’t wait to see your future work! It makes me day dream with twinkling lights…just LOVE.
XOXO
You are such an inspiration to me and I soooo love your work and spirit! Have a wonderful 2013! – kimberly
Happy New Year! I look the picture. It looks like a place you could get lost in in a good way.
It has been beautiful and inspiring to see your style evolve and I can’t wait to see all of the beautiful art that you’ll be creating this new year.
May this year bring you much more joy, prosperity and inspiration!
It is perfectly wonderful.
LG
Love it! do you think you could make a tutorial on how to animate paintings?
Your art makes me happy!!! I know your parents must be some proud people!!
Happy 2013 from a huge fan :)
Happy New Year, Katie!
Happy New Year, and thank you for inspiring people! You’re a great girl and I look up to you a lot, you managed to make your dream reality and Boston is a truly beautiful place to be!
Thanks for all the wonderful drawings and sharing your abundant talent. All the best for 2013. xo
You’re illustration was prettier than the post office itself. First thing I noticed was the glow of the street lamp. Beautiful.
I need this as an iphone case!!