Hey friend! Hey friend! Hope you're doing well and enjoying the long summer days. ☀️ I have two big life updates I want to share with you before I get into the usual 5 Things Inspiring Me...

1. I quit my job - A few weeks ago I left my 9-5 to pursue freelance and see what it’s like being a full-time illustrator and lettering artist! I’m calling it a “creative sabbatical” and honestly I’m not sure what to expect out of this new chapter, but I’m excited to spend more time making things and sharing my journey on my blog. If you have any advice you want to share or people you'd like to connect me to, let me know!

2. I’m doing an artist showcase in July at Kansha Creamery - Kansha is a Japanese-owned ice cream shop in my hometown, Torrance, that serves some of THE BEST ice cream and supports local artists. I did a showcase with them 4 years ago and I’m excited to be back again! I’m taking this time to experiment with new art styles and my work will be available to see in person for the entire month of July. If you check it out, send me a message or a photo! 

1. ARTIST: Brett Stenson Brett is an illustrator and lettering artist based in Portland and I first stumbled upon his work in the Parks Project Calendar featuring his beautiful woodcut illustrations. He’s an explorer that loves mountain biking and fishing, and has a unique way of blending simple shapes and textures to create scenes that transport you to the great outdoors. Check out his work here.
2. BOOK: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert This book has become the guiding voice I needed to overcome my fears and trust myself in my creative journey. I particularly enjoyed the chapter where she encourages readers to approach creativity (and life) with a sense of wonder and lightless, adopting the mindset of a trickster rather than a martyr. Check out the book here.
3. DESIGN: Welcome Stranger Co When I’m reminiscing about my days in Hawaii, I love browsing through Welcome Stranger Co’s portfolio. They’re a design studio creating stunning identity work for iconic Hawaiian brands including White Sands Hotel, Hana Koa Brewing Co, Kaimana Beach Hotel, and Wayfinder Waikiki. Check out their portfolio here.
4. PODCAST: Interview w/Jeff Sheldon of Ugmonk  I’ve been a long-time fan of Jeff Sheldon, founder of Ugmonk, and the minimalist products he sells. In this interview, he reflects on how he evolved the lifestyle brand over the last decade, transitioning from selling tshirts to desk accessories, and shares his philosophy on creating fewer but higher quality things. Check out the interview here.
5. VIDEO: The Science of Surfing If you’ve ever been curious about how surfing works, I recommend watching this fun animated short clip from TED-Ed. The creators did a beautiful job simplifying the complex physics behind the sport while pairing it with fluid and playful illustrations and sound design. Check out the video here.