Goodbye 2023, Hello 2024

Farewell, 2023: A Year of Growth and New Discoveries

As the year 2023 comes to a close, it’s time to bid farewell with joy and gratitude, and welcome the new year with hope and excitement.

Reflecting on the past year, I noticed I created fewer digital drawings compared to previous years. Despite my desire to expand my digital offerings on Etsy and Payhip, the last quarter kept me busy with other priorities.

On a brighter note, 2023 gave me the opportunity to dive deeper into traditional arts. I experimented with hand-drawn paintings and colored pencil drawings, and I found great joy in creating with acrylics, watercolors, and gouache.  It was also a year of exploration in modern art forms, such as abstract, semi-abstract, and messy art styles.

Another exciting discovery was my introduction to NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and digital assets through platforms like TikTok and Instagram. This opened up a whole new world of possibilities and inspiration.

There’s still so much to learn and create, and I look forward to 2024 with optimism—not just for myself but for everyone.

Below are some random artworks I created this year—snapshots of a year filled with creativity and growth.

Here’s to a wonderful new year ahead!

Drawing Using Colored Pencils

I recently tried a new coloring medium—colored pencils—and I’m excited to share my experience! Compared to other mediums, colored pencils are portable, user-friendly, and budget-friendly. However, achieving your desired results requires time and patience.

Choosing the Right Paper

Selecting the right paper texture is key. Some artists recommend rougher surfaces, while others prefer smoother ones. I experimented with both, and I think the choice largely depends on the effect you want to achieve.

My Process

When working with colored pencils, I begin as I would with other mediums like acrylic, gouache, or watercolor. I sketch my outline and then lightly erase the darker areas to avoid muddying the colors.

Next, I build up thin layers of color by applying strokes in various directions—left, right, and circular. This layering technique helps the colors blend beautifully over time. I start with light pressure and lighter pencils, gradually transitioning to darker shades to add depth and dimension. Don’t forget to preserve the areas for highlights! Alternatively, you can enhance the highlights later using a white gel pen.

Finished Artworks & Video Tutorials

Below, you'll see my completed pieces using this technique. I’ve also created video tutorials to demonstrate my process in detail. You can find them on my YouTube channel—don’t forget to subscribe! Thank you for your support!