I’ve had a little time to reflect on my #2015PostcardProject, and here’s what I have to say about it:
- I did it! I made and mailed 366 postcards–I messed up the numbering at some point, so I made two on the last day.
- I experimented with a lot of techniques and media, from watercolors to acrylic ink to bic pens. My favorite technique is an ink drawing with watercolor details added.
- I developed a style. What started as a need for a model who would always be available when I was ready to draw (many a selfie card went out into the world), along with facing my fear of drawing faces, grew into a love of making my illustration people.
- I forgave myself. A few times, I missed a day and made it up later. The first time it happened, I almost quit the project. And then I didn’t quit. A few times, I made a card so lame that I was embarrassed to send it, but I sent it. And then I tried to make a less lame card the next day.
- I like working in series. I had a calligraphy series, a doodle series, a very lengthy famous faces series…whenever I had a series going on, I felt a little more excited about sitting down to make my card.
- I made some folks happy. People like mail! I sent to total strangers who later wrote beautiful notes about how much getting a piece of friendly mail meant on that day. Perhaps most exciting, my mom–known for being no-nonsense about clutter–framed the card I sent her. And I even got a few postcards back in return!
- I did not dig documenting the project. Originally I intended to post a gallery at the end of each month like I did in January. I did take a picture of all the cards, and a lot of them are posted on Instagram.
- I fulfilled my goal of not dropping out of drawing (or painting) once my semesters got busy.
- I had fun. I enjoyed trying out new skills as well as imagining my cards wending their way around the world.
If you have any questions about the project, leave a comment. I am happy to share whatever information might be helpful to you!
You are an amazing creator and artist. Congratulations, well done.♡♡
Bravo! That’s quite an accomplishment! Love my card. ☺
I was thrilled to receive mine! Thank you!
I still have mine and use it as a bookmark. I am glad that you received good out of this as did all your recipients. Well done!
I received a beautiful postcard and am ashamed I hadn’t commented or written sooner to thank you. It’s been hanging on my fridge since I received it many months ago. It brings a smile to my face every time I even so much as glance at it, so thank you very much.
That was an AMAZING project and you should be so proud of those 366 pieces of art you created and sent out into the world. I am honored to have one of them. I love the part about forgiving yourself when you miss a day. It’s not failure… and if we come back with renewed energy, maybe that break was just what we needed.
Every time I see the cards you sent me I feel joy, I am inspired, and I am in awe of what it took to draw 366 postcards, personalize each one with a note, and then mail. When looked at as a whole, it was a very impressive project, one that brought delight to many of us!
I have my postcard hanging near my desk. I love seeing it.
SO amazing that you stuck it out for a whole year! and i’m especially impressed with the not letting little setbacks make you totally quit. good for you! i always fall off these things pretty quick. you are awesome!