Hello Two thousand (sweet) seventeen!

Tomorrow will be my blog bloggiversary, if I'm not wrong (as far as I remember I started writing on this blog on 2nd January, but I kinda forget the year, I think... 2009?).

Year 2016 had been a ride, a wacky, weird ride, but really grateful of it. I think I'm ready to move on even further in 2017, yay! Hehe..

January

So what had happened? I visited some new placed and going traveling quite a lot. I started the year going for Umra to Mecca-Medina with my whole family. It's some sort of little pilgrimage for us Muslim. And although most of the time I feel like I wasn't worthy to be there, yet, I feel really thankful and emotional being able to visit the holy cities and places.

I am not your most religious person you'll ever  meet, so I wasn't really confident visiting all the holy places. It feels weird, I felt like a naughty kid visiting the principal office, you know that feelings? You know you've made a bunch of mistakes and somehow you have to go there, like it's an honor but you're not sure if you should be there. 

And when you were there, you were all nervous and shaky and afraid but then the principal just hug the hell out of you and whispers "it's okay, it's okay, you can still be a good kid," that was what I felt and for some reason, I cried. I mean, yeah... that was exactly what happened to me.

March

(pics not mine, found on pinterest)

Moving on to March, my birthmonth, I always spend it traveling someplace new, and last year I chose Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Originally I was about to visit Penang also, but then I got lazy and just stroll around KL instead, lol. Oh, and I went there with my Mom. She's becoming a traveler like me, haha.. now whenever I plan to go somewhere she will tag along, nah... scratch that, she travels more than I do now.. gee~

The food in KL is superb! I have not found anything I don't like. Like seriously, how can everything tastes sooo goood? Even their Burger King and McD is better than I have ever tasted anywhere in this world! Lolol.. but really, though.. (Maybe because I walked too much and got super hungry? Hehe..)

Anyways, it was a birthday trip well spent. I got really close with my Mommy and we got to take a lot of pics (because when I travel alone I never really remember to).

June

Around June (I think), something happened, I got unwell that I decided to go to the hospital to get it checked, turned out I have a cyst and it would be advised to have it removed through surgery. And starting from this point on, I should start my healthy lifestyle because this illness basically coming from unhealthy habit of a career women o(>___<")o like eating junk food and lack of fruit/veggies/fiber, too much meat and overheated food, grilled food, soda, etc and also stress. Also, because I am at the age of reproducing so my body is kinda ready but nothing happens to it so it causes an imbalance (it produces hormones that's gone to waste since I'm not reproducing yet, something like that..).

So I went through the surgery, healed properly (and surprisingly fast, since I'm actually not sick..) and now I'm living a healthier life. Food and everything, I can manage, now that I am aware of my condition, those MSG-filled food doesn't appeal to me that much anymore. Also, I try to always eat veggies and fruits. The one that's kinda hard to tackle is the stress one, which was actually the biggest factor I should avoid. 

Honestly, I thought of myself to be someone not really easily stressed out, I am someone who takes things slow and not force myself too much. But lately, job's been really hectic and I can feel myself stressing out and then I got even more stressed out because I know I can't be too stressed lololol... oh well this is hard haha..

I really like the job I'm doing right now, even though it's been a little stressful lately but the ambiance and atmosphere is nice, I also feel that my voice was heard and is useful, and that I contribute something to the company. When I first entered, it feels like I'm watching a baby growing up, because it literally was still a baby. It'll only be 2 years this year. So we're still wiggling and figuring things out.

It's actually really amazing to see, and I feel like the baby is growing up already, now it can walk and sometimes even run. Guess that's why it's been more stressing lately, because my energy can't keep up with it yet. But more than anything, I want to have my own baby too..

I've been thinking of resigning (again, but this time isn't because I don't like it here), and really focusing on my own business (drawing and artwork and everything). I've been drawing quite a lot this year, but since I can only create them on my free time (weekends, mostly), I feel like I haven't been really productive. Although this is kinda scary, too... since it's actually really risky... I'm not sure if I won't ever be bored doing that, for example.. hehe..

Also, I noticed most of my entrepreneur friends, they're starting to get bored with their business since it can already walk on its own, which is a good thing, actually. They just want to find something new to do, be it another new business or new activities. I'm glad that we're moving on and about, and not simply be satisfied with what we have but instead get hungry for more. I think it's a good thing.

I guess, at this age, we want to do anything and everything possible to us. Hopping to new chances and taking all the risks, at least that way, there'll be no regrets of not doing something. And I've been thinking, I should jump and take my leap pretty soon. So yeah, 2017 it is. Guess I'll stay until... Maybe March/April, or max June while preparing for the little business. After that, let's cross our fingers that I can run the business smoothly. I still have so many things to learn and I'm actually pretty excited about it.

So let's crush 2017 and make the most out of it! Let's go!

To Enjoy my Time

I've ranted enough about how I feel pretty uncomfortable with my job and being in my office all day. So here's what I do to somehow aid the boredom... yes, of course, drawing~

I've been in love with drawing some big haired girls, I just love making the swirly hair, honestly. Hehe... And I've been thinking of what I could make out of these pictures. Maybe print it and make some cushion cover or something.

made it on my post-it note. Hehe..

not sure if I like it better with colors, what do you think?

Also, I've been in love with watercolor. Been doodling and everything using watercolor. You can say I've done some experiment. Sadly, I can't do this in my office. Anyway, did it on my free time on the weekends or after office hours is over. Sometimes I'm too tired to even think but some other time I'm feeling pretty much inspired. So yeah~

Uhm, excuse my ugly handwriting, and messy typography. It's just that I love writing motivational message, it seems. I haven't tried to create something more like a painting, I've just been doodling here and there, um~

On life, 11.11, and reopening

Howdy, little lovelettes! (yes, I just  made that one up)

Did you miss me? Did ya? Did ya? Okay, maybe not but I surely hope so. My life's been on this I-m-not-sure-where-I-am-but-I'm-getting-there phase lately, so yeah~ just gotta enjoy the ride as much as I can.

Weekend's been busy, filled with pile of works and events and such (like Jakarta Fashion Week, and many of the opening stores every weekend). Pretty tiring and getting kinda boring if you look from one side but at the same time, it's pretty exciting and challenging if I dare see from the brighter side.

Also, I've been forcing myself to be more... creative~ as in create more stuff, draw more, write more, read more... just simply do more things. I still feel kinda empty and lonely at times but nothing a day off or two can't fix.

Anyways, I am here now to officially (re)open my pretty little shop. I've created some more products (pouch) with my artwork, so you can bring it everywhere now instead of it sitting (or hanging) pretty on your wall. I will also try to make notebooks, phone case, and other stuffs with my artworks later.

For now, in this special day 11.11 (or also known as pepero day in Korea -pepero: stick snack just like pocky) I will reopen my little store so you can shop again there. And I'm having this special discount, only $11 for all pouches! Yay! This promo will end by the end of the month so go go go shop right now! *ahem* do I sound too forceful? *awkward grins*

I've only shot four pics of my pouches, so there is still only four pouches available on the store but actually I have almost all my artworks printed for the pouch. So if you want to purchase the pouch but don't see the artwork you want there, you may want to shoot me an email and I will check if the said artwork is available. (I will shoot some more pics tomorrow! Promise!)

So, happy shopping!

Hello Beautiful!

It was during working hours that I made some drawings on my laptop. You know, since my job does require drawing nobody really noticed, lol. In my defense, I'd say I've done my part of the job and I was bored so a little drawing won't hurt, right?

I saw miss Katie on facebook showing her latest project to "Call someone you love", "Write Someone You Love", etc. and I thought it was really cool. How long has it been since the last time you wrote letters to someone you love? 

I mean, in the old days we use letters all the time, my mom still have the love letters my dad sent her when he was courting her, and isn't that the cutest thing? I would want my lover to send me a letter too, because sometimes there are words that are hard to say and will flow better through writing.

I've always been fascinated by writing in all form, be it letters, postcards, or even emails and blog posts (and comments!) because well, the essence is to let others know what you feel, but let's admit, there is something a little bit more special in hand-written letters, right?

Remember when I said I wanted to revive my artwork line? I guess the first product will be postcard. I will try to make them special, and maybe I will have a little project to send postcards to you lovely readers. Actually I'm not sure and a little bit scared, I mean... this blog has been so quiet and well, starting a business is always thrilling and exciting so yeah, fingers crossed, wish me luck! Until then, I will greet you with one of the postcard designs.

When I have too much to talk about

So I wanted to update this blog yesterday with a continuation of my Seoul adventure series, then I found out that I accidentally deleted all my pictures in my Line Camera folder on my phone, and apparently I had no back up in my computer so right now I am wailing at the loss... *SOBS* I guess I will update tomorrow with some pictures from my instagram and other social media platform... but still...

anyway, there is Ied around the corner, which is a big holiday for us muslim, which means long holiday is approaching! WOO HOO~! Which explains all the holiday mood in the office, like almost everyone is too busy planning for the holiday instead (including me). Well fortunately I've finished all the to-do-list I gotta do until the end of the month so I am freeeeeeeeee~~~~~ °˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°

What else is new? Oh, I am planning to revive my littletiara/tiararisa artwork line after the long holiday. Been researching for some needed informations, so wish me luck with everything! And please do anticipate the comeback! Hehe~

Something about the job and office? I'm doing good, I still can do whatever they want me to do and I can start enjoying the job (not that I didn't enjoy it). But of course, me and my never ending list of needs will forever seeking for a way to earn more, so yeah, that's where my artwork is coming to. (◍•ᴗ•◍)

Also, I've been trying new stuff and media to draw, it's always fun experimenting. I've been trying out with water colors and water color pencils, weee... so fun! The result is (of course) different from what I've been doing and it gives a pretty nice feeling trying and creating something new. Well, I am forever seeking and creating and evolving my style, so I have to learn to accept my own ever-changing style, I guess. (◡△◡✿)

I wanted to show my new artwork off but I have no scanner around me right now so.. ugh...

another dilemma I've been having for quite some time now is if I should buy a new phone, or a new camera, or just save the money for more travelling (lol) aish.. I can't seem to make up my mind... *SOBS* Even about travelling I can't decide where I wanna go, Korea (again, of course), Japan, or Bangkok? Aish, If only I were a billionaire I've flown to those places already.. aigoo aigoo..

Oh oh oh... another thing! I have this tiny liiiiittle crush here in my office! YAY! (eh...) I mean, I have someone to look forward to whenever I go to work, hehe~ found this cute little eyecandy and ughhh... I feel like a high school facing her crush all over again, dayummm... I still haven't found a way to even know his name so... uhmm.. :|

okay, so this post is everywhere and going nowhere I know. I guess it's just another life update post? Lol, I originally wanted to do some make up review, or showing you my HG list of make up, but eh.. that has to wait.

Guess Who's Back?

I am! Hahaha... yes, sorry dear readers for being MIA last month, not sure what I was busy about but yeah... I guess I was busy sleeping, lol.

Anyway, I am back! As an M.B.A! Kyaaah~! Can't believe I survived my Thesis Defense, that was intense and nerve-wrecking but here I am alive and well, so yay!

And guess who had just bought a ticket to Korea this autumn on impulse? Yay me! Lol, I just miss that country too much so when I saw a promo ticket to fly there I bought it in no time, even until now I still question myself, are you freaking serious? Did you just buy a ticket to Korea again? lol... oh well, I treat it as a gift to myself, kkkk~ well, so much for an excuse. I still have to take care of the Visa and stuff, so ahh... wish me luck~!

Shoutout to Maggie, who lives in Busan, and other Bloggers who's in Korea this autumn,  maybe we can meet because I took a flight to Busan airport instead of Incheon (because it's cheaper going there), plus I will need guidance around Busan, I have no idea at all about that city, hahaha...

I will only stay there for 10 days (!!! TOO SHORT!!!NOOOO... ;A;) so I've made a list of what I want to do there, including cycling on the Han River side and paying a visit to a YG building (the home of BIGBANG and 2NE1) because... idk, I think it will make my friends green with envy, lol.

And of course I will go shopping in Edae and Myeongdong, hanging out in cute little cafes in Hongdae, and visiting Artbox (and buy a whole loads of cute stationary).  Kyaahh~! Just thinking about it makes me jittery already!

I might even want to try waking up super early to watch the pre-recording of K-pop artist performing live in TV station (this one is a little bit too cheesy, but I think since 2NE1 the only Korean girl band I actually listen to- will be performing soooo... I shouldn't miss it while I'm there, no?).

This blog has seriously been too Korean-ified, lol, duh.

In another note, I've been working sooo hard to finish my drawings for a poetry book collection; I am so thankful that someone noticed me and gave me the chance to work on their books, kyaaahh~!!! So, for now, I will continue drawing again, see you again next time~! *kiss*

Ah, let me close this post with a summer song from 2NE1, I love how light and summery this song is. Quite different from 2NE1's previous tracks but still has the 2NE1 feels. Oh well, just in case you're in need of a new Korean song to listen to, here I present you 'Falling in Love' by 2NE1.

A Box Full of Art

Yes, a huge box in a shape of a building called Artbox

Or in another word: My favorite place in Seoul, ever. I think I've shown some pictures about it but haven't really talked about it. A place filled with adorable stationary goods, I can spend a day there just looking at everything and feel happy. In fact, I did go there one day and just enjoyed everything and came back the next day to repeat the activity.

It's crazy.

Crazy.

This is a place where I can go insane just looking at the pretty pictures in the cover of the stationary, and opening the pages and feel even more inspired and crazier, and then looking around and realize that there are still rows of notes, and diaries, and planners I've yet to touch, and it doesn't only contain notes, it has all stationary goodies you're looking for, or maybe even not looking for but you'll find it there anyways.

In short, this is my heaven, I mean, look at all those goodies winking at me and tempting me to touch them! Oh the temptation! And do you know the hardest part? It's that I spent hours (literally) just to choose which one I want to buy because clearly this poor young lady couldn't buy everything (because I still have to buy makeup and dresses, you know, lololololol). 

It'd be nice if someday I can see my artwork there too. I mean, almost all the stationary has the artists' name on it. Which is seriously adorable, seriously. I've said that Korean-style art is one of my favorite, they seem to have this certain dose of cuteness with their pastel colored illustrations and stuff. Of course there are differences between artists but I can always tell when it's a Korean artist.

By  the way, why do I suddenly bring this topic up? (1) Because I'm in dire need of new notebooks, worse is I'm running out of my own notebook (means: notebook with my artwork on the cover), and (2) Maddie from Head High Heart Strong is currently having a giveaway with something from Artbox as one of the prizes. I shouldn't miss this huge opportunity now, should I? So you should join the fun too~! (~￣▽￣)~

I am so envious of her because she's currently in Korea while I'm still struggling to finish my thesis before I can finally run away from whatever shit I'm doing right now (oops! I just said bad words!). But really though, all these thesis-related stuff is killing me (╥_╥) I just wish I can finish everything soon.

AMEN.

Oh, and as I've said before, everything in Artbox is cute, including this sign~ which can be found outside the store. ^O^.

Up Close and Personal

I love writing, always. 

I love blogging even more, because I get to share my thoughts with everyone all over the world. How magical is that?

I am always amazed at the idea of blogging, sharing your life and stories and thoughts with someone you barely know, whom you may will never meet, whose life you know nothing about, yet you share your stories with them without a doubt.

It's like having a diary wide open for everyone to read, and for them to give their two cents, and for them to help you when you're troubled, to let them pats you on the back (virtually) when you've accomplished something, letting them lend their shoulders for you to cry on when you're utterly sad (again, virtually).

I'm always attracted to personal blogs the most. I love reading people's stories and thoughts, I love how they let me hear their stories, after a little while, I will get to know them better and it feels like we're friends although we never really meet in real life, eventually we'll become friends.

That's why I always love leaving a lengthy comment when I'm really interested with the posts, I want to let them know that I care, that I read their post and want to share my thoughts about it too, although I can't deny that some of the days I'm just too lazy to read, but usually when I don't read, I don't comment.

Something has been bugging me since yesterday, that some people just came and left a comment but turns out it was a "template comment" (as I usually call it). They leave a same comment in every blogs they visited saying something like "it's so cute!" or "I love it so much!" and leave their links, they don't even read what I wrote~! ;A;

I appreciate their effort to do some blog-walking and leave a comment (more like copy-pasted the comment everywhere), but really, I don't think it's a nice thing to do to promote your blog *sighs*.

But then again, maybe that's just me being someone who loves personal relationship better.

By the way, it's our dearest fellow blogger Krissy's Birthday today! Go ahead and congratulate her! She's one of the nicest bloggers out there who always reads your posts and leave a nice comment~ I love love love her! Hahaha..

In other news, I've been hearing how google is going to stop Google Readers and Google Friend Connect ((゜д゜;)) which freaks me out a little when I found out about it. But revived as I found the solution, follow me via bloglovin~! ^O^ just click on that pretty bloglovin banner on the side~. 

I honestly think it's a great loss from Google though. I love reading blogs through Google readers and I was kind of hoping it was an April fool's joke but apparently it isn't *sobs*.

AND! Me and my friend Nanette has decided to write  (and draw) a zine. Yeeeey~ *throws confetti* (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧ we're writing on it right now. It'll be a simple one since it's our first time doing it, and I have to say, all thanks to Toizelle and her blog post about zines that remind me about this little project me and Nanette had talked about last year, lol. (We talked about it and forgot, typical).

My Muse

As a self-proclaimed artist, I have always think my artwork comes out best when it comes from my personal feeling, especially when I am in love. Gah, I know it sounds cliche but really! No joke~ I am always satisfied with artwork that was done when I am in love. But then again, it's not everyday I am falling in love, especially since I've been single since foreverrrrrrrrr... pffttt.. So lately I've found it pretty hard to make a heartfelt artwork, of course I can still make them, it just feels that it's missing something

Until I found her, yes, her...

I've talked about her in the previous post, this precious 16 year old  girl, a rookie monster of YG entertainment, Lee Hi. I just love how they styled her (I've talked about this before, lol) anyway, I still can't get over her "It's Over" music video, I sketched almost all of her costumes there :3

 

 

 

Those are the raw sketches, I've been busy with my thesis that I have only finished two out of all those pics, I hope I can do the rest too.

And honestly, it was only half of the costumes she wore in that MV they sure do a lot of job【・_・?】and I'm glad about it. Lee Hi is definitely my muse, she's so tempting to draw, her newest MV (yes, she has another MV) for her song Rose is even more gorgeous. While "It's Over" is cute and bright, "Rose" is more dark and mature.

Have I told you she has a great voice? You should never miss it. I love her, she's only sixteen yet she had found her ways to the future. I am glad that she is working with YG, if I work there I'd love to be her staff, yes please.

In another note, there's open recruitment in YGE and I am so going to apply as the design crew, cross your fingers for me, please~! (-＾〇＾-）

 (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ 

sending you lots and lots and lots of love from here~

It's Over, Let's Move On

Continuing my previous post, I am so grateful to all of you, especially Krissy and Namine who kindly left a comment here, and also you who commented on twitter and Facebook. I know I am more than lucky to have you all around me. 

Quite honestly, I feel a little bit selfish and guilty when posting something negative (as in ranting and whining) but that's one way to let things out and make me feel better, plus I will have something to remember later, and be proud of when I can finally conquer them. I will have a story to tell my children about.

Well, I am still the same 24 year old young lady, jobless, boyfriend-less, and haven't graduated yet. But at least now I've made peace with myself and deal with my lacking. Also, I have figured out more things.

As an artist (self-proclaimed one, that is), I've always wanted to try new things, I love both pastel colors and bright, vivid colors, but I think it's always colorful. My style is I'm not sure what, but I guess it can be described as girly. And each time I see someone's art, I am always inspired to try the technique. Not only that, but I also want to apply my artwork in everything, that's why I make postcards, little notebooks, dolls, also the newest one is on bags. Wait, no, I didn't make the bags, I drew on it.

Yes, ombre tote bag that I handpainted and hand-draw. I kinda love doing this a little bit too much, although it's a little bit more tiring than drawing. I spent like hours to dye the bags, and trying out the best techniques and then when it's dry I raked my brain on what I want to draw on it. I regret nothing, though.

Other than that, I've been trying to find ways to get into my dream job as an illustrator in South Korea. Why South Korea? Because I love their art style (and I love shopping in Seoul, lol). Other than Korean, I also love the art style from Bangkok, and Italy. They're all different, and adorable.

One of the main goals for me is to work with/in YG entertainment. This will sound silly, but really. I mean, I adore everyone who works there and also everyone who works with them. I love that they're so international compared to other entertainment companies. Plus, I love all their artists (BIGBANG and 2NE1, yes please).

My newest addiction is this cute little girl, Lee Hi, the newest addition to YG family. I love her voice, and how YG styled her, all cute and innocent without being overly sugary. Her newest music video "It's Over" is just too cute I can't help but to draw something inspired by it. I love all outfits she wore in that video.

I really love her hat here, and of course that adorable blue bear, hahahah...

And this one is my favorite outfit:

The details:

 Step by step:

The final result:

and here's the original music video: if it's up to me, I will suggest you to watch it, like seriously you just have to. It's so adorable and her voice is just so goooood~ and I love that the song emphasize on her unique jazzy voice instead of auto-tuning (like most south korean singer/bands do).

And of course, that evil blue bear is something you shouldn't miss~!

being productive makes me happy~! ^^