January is (finally) coming to a close, and I'm happy to say that things are, at last, beginning to look up.
I'm on my way to completing this round of commissions, as well as preparing for a few upcoming freelance gigs. I'm glad I devoted much of my free time this month to getting back into painting and traditional work, as the some of the work I'll be doing on the side for extra cash will involve such methods. I have a gig coming up, and as it's still in the planning stage I can't quite go into depth just yet, but to summarize it in its simplest terms: I'll be illustrating a fashion line's spring/summer collection sometime next month.
Now, saying I'll be partaking in those gigs on the side also implies one thing: the job hunt looks like it's reaching its conclusion. I've mentioned a cute gift shop in a nearby neighborhood I've expressed interest in a few entries ago and, well, after speaking with the manager, my training starts next week!
I've got loads to learn, obviously, although I'm especially excited for managing the store's social media. This place is about as photogenic and Instagram-worthy as it gets.
More on that soon!
Another nice life update: I finally got to spend some time with my friend Elle and her boyfriend again yesterday -- it feels like it's been ages since I've had a social outing. As is customary with seeing her, we got some bubble tea (pictured above), and I had Malaysian food for the first time!
I've also been knee-deep in YouTube makeup videos -- or shoulder-deep, really, it's gotten to the point where I've got to watch the KathleenLights channel on a daily basis -- and I'm trying out new things. I've got approximately zero skills when it comes to eyeshadow, yet will browse the cutest palettes for hours on end, and add them to my cart, only to remove them. I've had the Sonia Kashuk matte eyeshadow palette for a few years now, although I primarily use it for eyebrows and as a rare substitute for liquid eyeliner. (The pigmentation is wonderful.) I have a Maybelline nudes palette I'm playing around with, too, before I get onto anything too fancy...or Too Faced.
Lipstick is definitely something I'm more comfortable with, however, and I finally decided to try out Colourpop's Ultra Matte Liquid Lipsticks. After watching hours of swatch videos, I've decided to purchase the shade Bumble. It's a lovely color to start with, as I'm unfamiliar with the matte liquid lipstick formula -- and, yeah, okay, the cute bee name obviously pulled me in.
The color is slightly more cool-toned and dustier than it looks in the tube and in these photos, but everything you've heard about the long-lasting, kiss-proof, ultra matte formula is definitely true. This doesn't come off, ever. Just make sure to exfoliate and let some lip balm sink in first, though, because when it's something this matte, it's especially drying. I've got my eyes on Avenue next.
Anyway, as things are to get busier in the next few weeks/months, I suspect they will get better, too. I'm seeing Mitski in concert next month, and I also bought tickets to The Last Shadow Puppets show in April! Finally! I never thought I'd get to see them live, ever. I might have mourned my bank account for a minute after purchasing the tickets, but only for a minute. I've already started thinking of outfits for both, although -- as it usually ends up happening with my concert attire -- I will likely just pick something else at the last minute.
Speaking of attire, at the moment I'm ridiculously tempted to purchase the perfect replica of that 1970 Bella Freud sweater which, let's be real, I will probably end up doing.
(Look, alright, when the day comes that I can justify throwing away $500 on a sweater, chances are I'll still scout a cheaper lookalike.)
The orange/red version I recently drew Alexa in would be perfect for a Valentine's Day outfit, even though I'll likely be working that weekend, and the nature of being in a long-distance relationship basically limits outfit sharing with an equally stylish boyfriend to an exchange of pictures. To any of you who are fortunate enough to be within the same city or state as your partner: I really fucking hope you're having the time of your life, and that there are cute plans brewing for the upcoming Hallmark holiday, because being miles and miles apart is the absolute worst.
My birthday's in May, but I'm 100% open to anyone gifting me with a flight ticket any time of year.
And on that note, I'm out! Will write soon.
