Mid year review - 2016

And so the story goes...

In terms of blogging, this year's been a bit on and off for me (apologies for that). It is mostly because I've had a busy couple of months studying for my postgraduate degree (which I'm pleased to say is almost over). But it's also because I've been working on some other projects that I was fortunately selected for. So, here are the top 5 things that have happened this year:

No. 1: British Council

Probably the most exciting project of this year for me. After winning a short writing contest, I became one of the lucky few that were selected to write for the world renowned British Council for 2016. I've written 4 articles for it about my experience as a student in the UK, specifically topics such as the student lifestyle, financing, and travelling on a budget. Two have been published presently, so feel free to read them: 

• 1) http://www.educationuk.org/global/articles/frequently-unanswered-questions-of-international-students/
• 2) https://digital.britishcouncil.org/blog/how-we-use-digital-platforms-attract-students-uk

Walking to our induction!

No. 2: WBS

My university invited me to do some filming to help market my course to future prospective students. The experience was definitely enjoyable, especially since we manage to do it outside near the lake on our campus seeing as it was really sunny! The video isn't out yet but when it does come out, I'll make sure I post a link on my blog for everyone to see it. So, watch this space ;)

Sunny day - heading to the filming location

No. 3: Bag design contest - winner!

I don't normally like to share my drawings out publicly (it's my bit of privacy that I'd like to keep private!). However, seeing as it's my last couple of weeks in my student halls, I decided to enter its annual bag design contest just for a bit of fun (also because the prize was too good to miss). It worked out quite well in the end seeing as I won the grand prize. In other words, hard work does pay off.

The final design

No. 4: Enactus

For those of you that don't know, Enactus is a student-run global initiative aimed at use entrepreneurial skills to solve social issues and help vulnerable groups. I was lucky enough to get involved in one of its more creative projects, and therefore had the opportunity to teach a group of homeless beneficiaries how to draw. I taught them how to sketch a cartoon version of themselves. Here's mine if you're interested:

The final look!

No. 5: Travelling 

Needless to say, with 6 months into 2016 already, I did manage to squeeze in some time for travelling. And I know haven't posted much about my trip to Wiltshire and the others places I've been to in the UK yet, but fret not. My reviews will come soon. So for those of you that are already enthused by them, here's a sneak peek of where I went:

Day out with friends in Leicester

Photographing in Petersborough

Strolling in Castle Combe

Shopping in Leamington Spa

Of course, not everyday was sunshine and rainbows. Many of the days I had this year were rather dismal and grey. But, if you look at the cup from a different angle, it seems that my 2016 so far was more half full than half empty. And I'm sure there'll be many more great adventures to come (just you wait). 

Saltburn-by-the-Sea

“Cause you had a bad day”

A day at the beach

I always emphasize the fact that I use travel as an excuse to get away from reality, to enjoy myself and to discover something new. There’s no doubt that with all that to look forward to comes immense excitement. You might therefore think that my life’s always rosy and sweet.

Well, in truth, it’s not.

Being optimistic constantly is what I strive for, but sometimes it’s hard to maintain. Sadness is equally a part of my life as is happiness. It might have been because of a pointless argument, the inclement weather or simply the cliché of walking into a pole (which I have to admit, does happen to me frequently and is, obviously, painful). Whatever the reason, I have a bad day every so often. So rather than crying to myself over the spilt milk or munching down bars of chocolate in the hope of suddenly feeling better due to a sugar rush, I head to Saltburn.

Arriving in Saltburn

Teardrops-by-the-Sea

Sometimes it’s hard to hold the tears back, even in such a colorful and cheerful place like Saltburn. I guess it’s fair to say that I usually start off feeling absolutely gray and stay like that up until I reach the entrance welcoming me to this seaside haven.

The entrance to Saltburn

After entering, it’s difficult not to start feeling slightly peachy even just by looking at all the quirky shops, the architectural splendor of the funicular railway (aka. The Saltburn Cliff Lift), and spectrum of colors created by the natural, seaside scenery itself. Don't believe me? Just have a look yourself.

Stonehouse Bakery

Book Corner

Shop window of D.V. Townend & Co.

And yes there have been times when I’ve carried my tears with me all the way down to the beach itself. But they don’t last long, oh no. They’re easily swept away by the ocean waves and seaside breeze.

The cyclists

Pastels and sun

The Saltburn Cliff Lift

The routine

One step at a time

There’s nothing wrong with being spontaneous. Spontaneity is like a flame that essentially ignites any sort of adventure. But when I’m not in the mood for that sort of spark, I like to stick to my same old routine. This basically consists of a long and quiet stroll along the beach, followed by a vanilla ice-cream whilst gazing out to where the sky kisses the sea. And if there’s time, I’ll be taking pictures of the latest creations crafted by the mysterious Saltburn Pier yarnbombers plus something with a hint of quirk and color.

What I wore to Saltburn

Suntanning yarn plushies

It’s as comforting as a mug of creamy hot cocoa on a cold, winter’s night.

But remember, problems should be solved and not avoided. So after I feel rejuvenated and ready to go home to face reality, I end my journey by taking a relaxing trip back up to the train station via the Victorian cliff lift.

One last look before I say goodbye

Saltburn-by-the-Sea: a charming British seaside resort town for most, and a place of solace for me.

x

Special Post - Fashion in Durham

Like what? A special post? You bet. Fashion in Durham's this week and there's a heck lotta events on ranging from catwalks, samples sales to after parties with special celebrity guests. I'd been working with the organization that's hosting this fashion extravaganza for a while in many different fields. One of the things I did was design the goody bag. I may be an amateur anthropologist, but I didn't say that I wasn't a fashion illustration addict/ lover/ somewhat-amateur. 

Female figure - first drawn on paper

Photoshop treatment - I present to you the final female figure (and yes that is my name on the top - parts of it because I've cut some bits off to make it shorter :-)

And soooo, after many sleepless nights of drafting and planning (all of which I enjoyed - art to me can NEVER be a hassle or a stressful thing to complete), I came up with the goody's bag final design which involved a mix of photos showing Durham's highlights and my drawings/ fashion illustrations. And I am very pleased/ touched/ proud to say that the manufacturing of my goody bag came out perfectly/ out of my expectations. I think this all really does go to show that hard work eventually does pay off - even if it isn't immediately.

The final logo - designed and drawn by me :)

My The goody bag!

If anyone is around Durham (England), please come along to our events! The timetable of the events can be accessed here: www.fashionindurham.co.uk