Dream projects can become a reality
I have left my blog a little lonely lately and thought it was about time I posted an update.
Last year I wrote about a project called ‘the celestial flora’ deck. The deck would be an affirmation deck inspired by gothic design, floriography and astrology. I went a little quiet after that post as I was busy working with a publisher to make the project a reality!
I have been lucky to work with Leaping Hare Press a number of times on the the Witch of the Forest series and their practical guide range so I was over the moon when I was contacted by them to publish my very own deck.
I have written about the importance of passion projects in the past and how they can improve our work and attract the projects we want to work on. Without working on this project by myself in the beginning, it would never have been a reality. This deck is something I am so proud of and I am so grateful to have been able to have it professionally published.
I suppose I wanted to write this little post to show that if you work hard enough and send your wishes into the universe, your dream projects can become a reality.
My ramblings on imposter syndrome
This morning I woke up with a big case of imposter syndrome.
I was scrolling on instagram looking at all these wonderful designers, and it hit me. Maybe I am not as good as them? It really takes the wind out of your sails. It is hard not to compare your skills and accomplishments to others when they are presented so beautifully on someone’s grid.
After a coffee, and a really good work meeting, I was feeling a lot more positive. I am sure those people I had seen on instagram also sometimes feel the same self doubt. Social media is a topic for another time but it is closely entwined with imposter syndrome, they keep each other alive.
I have learnt that taking time to reflect is really helpful. I have started dedicating 30 minutes each morning to my daily journal, writing down what I need to do that day for work but also in my personal life. I find this really positive for my work/life balance and in turn makes me a happier person. When I am happier, I compare less and I feel less imposter syndrome.
Sometimes I think however hard you try to hide from comparison, it sneaks up behind you whispering lies into your ears. If you had told me 4 years ago that I would be where I am now, I would have been over the moon. So I owe it to past me to enjoy where I am and appreciate everything I have and experience.
Each of our journeys are different but in the end we are all just trying to find our place in the world, ignoring the self doubt snaking its way around us.
2023 Passion project: The Celestial Flora Deck
Every year I try to complete a passion project or two. I truly believe that these types of self initiated projects are essential for designers regardless of where you are in your journey.
It is very different working on something completely alone - you have to analyse your own work, project manage yourself and make all those difficult decisions. For 2023, I am designing my own affirmation playing cards.
Introducing The Celestial Flora Deck.
Last year I designed 10 cards for a deck but it felt off. I couldn’t connect with the work I was creating and so I scrapped the whole thing. I archived hours of work which is hard to do in a society that pushes you to be constantly productive.
Images from unsplash
So here we go again. The deck is inspired by floriography and astrology with a splash of gothic architecture. I find these subjects fascinating and so this project is not only creative, I will be doing a lot of research along the way.
I sat down at my computer today and looked at the 11 cards I have designed already. Each is illustrated with a flower that relates to the affirmation in floriography. I am happy with how they work together apart from my first ‘ace’ design. I make a note to re-do that card and decide to try and create an overall look for the deck.
First title concept
An afternoon of designing later and I have worked out what I think the deck should look like. I started with the layout above which developed into a box design and then a digital mock up. I ended up working the florals into a gothic window design, and I feel inspired to continue this arch into the picture cards of the deck. I know the spacing is slightly off and I am sure I will change out flowers as I draw new ones but it seems like a good start.
First box design and mockup