I was inspired to create this piece because I wanted to match the decor of my new home which was already fully furnished and decorated by my husband who is from West Africa. However, as the painting developed I realized that not only was I adding to the decor of my home but I also was absorbing and incorporating my husband's culture and my experiences from my trip to Africa into this work. Within this work I found literal pieces of me and my experiences, and it would stand as a landmark recalling that beautiful experience. I must say I’m still proud of it down to this day.
While COVID-19 has canceled a lot of our planned trips back “home,” to “The Motherland” I can still use my many beautiful memories to visit mentally, and through my art I can bring all the things I love about the continent to life and to others. The colors, the people, the culture, the beautiful elements of nature, the clothing and so much more. This piece is the first and oldest piece in my African inspired art collection and I look forward to guiding you through the evolution of these pieces inspired by such a beautiful part of the earth.
December 6th I will be showcasing all of my pieces in this African Inspired Collection during The Motherland Exhibit. I can not wait for you to experience Africa through my eyes - through my art. Make sure you get on my VIP list to get special, behind-the-scenes insights and free entry to the event.
]]>Pick a Good Starting Price
When first starting off selling your artwork pick a number that you are comfortable with, whether it is $50 or $500. Whatever the number is just be confident about it and know that you can always raise your prices afterwards. When you raise your prices it shows to your audience that you are growing and truly emerging into the art scene. When you lower your prices, it appears that you may be struggling and any buyers that bought at the higher price point will feel jipped. Start off with a good, comfortable number and then build on that as time goes.
Tell Your Story
I believe Art Collectors buy not only the Art but they also are buying into the artist. So it is important to tell your story. Tell the story of the Art and why you create and what inspires you. Sometimes buyers buy the Art because of the emotional connection they feel with the piece, and other times buyer buy the Art once they hear the story behind the piece or the story behind the artist. Your story gives your Art more value so tell your story.
Check Out What Other Artist on your Level are Charging
A good idea for a starting point would be to check out what other artist are charging. Now this is solely for you to have a baseline and to get an idea of a good price point. Now if you are a beginner artist I would go compare my Art to a Mater Artist. Look for artist creating similar work as you and same number of years of experience. Again this is only to get an idea of a good starting price point for you.
Charge Based on Size
Charging based on size is the best method for pricing artwork in my opinion. It helps make the the process of figuring out numbers super simple and that is by pricing by size. It's similar to when they put prices on house. It is based on square inch. So you start off with a base price and then the math begins. For a more detailed explanation when charging based on size check out this article How to Price Your Artwork - Charge By Size.
Consider Your Materials and Supplies
Are you using professional high quality material? Are your pieces archival? This also has an impact on how much you should charge for a piece. You always want to consider the materials you are using to be sure that you recoup the cost of material. A good rule of thumb is that you want to charge enough to be be able to buy the materials 3 times over. Just in case you create the piece and their is an accident and you have to recreate the piece.
So combining all 5 of these tips will help you set prices for your pieces and to feel and be more confident pricing your artwork. Let me know in the comments which tip you like the most.
]]>If you are ready to start charging for your art work here is how I currently price my Artwork. This is the best method that I found to be helpful and make the process of figuring out numbers super simple and that is by pricing by size and style.
When I started off selling my art I charged .25 cents per square inch. This is where those math classes come into play. So $.25 per square inch is configured this way. For example a 16 x 20 inch painting would be charged this way. You multiply 16 by 20 to get the number of square inches: 16 x 20 = 320. Now you take that 320 and multiple that number by .25 (25 cents) and that is your price: $80.
I recently switched over to charging by linear inch because the pricing base on size has a more lateral transition and makes more sense as the pieces get larger. Meaning the prices don't have such a large jump as the size grows. The math for charging by linear inch is by adding the width and length then multiply that number by your linear inch rate.
For example: if your linear inch price is $2.50, the price is configured like this 16 + 20 = 36. Multiply 36 by 2.50 and that gives you your price of $90.
These pricing structures are widely accepted in the Art Marketing field and it makes the most sense to me. Using this in combination with other tips I give on pricing your artwork will help you starting pricing your Art. So my question to you now is: How Much Is Your Painting?
]]>Why did you start selling your artwork?
Putting a price on my artwork was so difficult for me for several reasons.
1. I never created art with the purpose of selling.
Selling my artwork was never a thought to me. I've been painting and creating art since I was 7 years old. I was purely creating Art because it's literally a part of who I am and it comes natural to me. Fast-forward years later to that moment I was discussing earlier when I was doing some experimental painting and someone asked me to buy a piece, my response was, 'oh you can just have it'.
I literally was not anticipating nor expecting that question and had no intentions on selling that painting. I was just painting for fun and to clear my mind.
2. The bottom-line is: Art is priceless.
When Art is a part of who you are as a person it makes your Art priceless. Some people feel that when they put a price on their gifts that it taints or tarnishes their gift. Also, some say that it can start feeling like a job when you place a price tag on it. I disagree with that. Something only starts to feel like a job if it is something that you truly are not in love with. And perhaps it is a certain aspect of your Art Business. For me, accepting commissions is definitely a job. I love creating custom pieces for people but it is a job because someone else is setting the guidelines of the painting. Not me. That can become burdensome but the end result is still priceless.
3. Art is Subjective
Another reason why it is hard to price our Art, is because Art is so subjective and we wonder who will buy it? But in order to beat the 'starving artist' mindset we have to get pass all that and put a price on our Art. The final question you need to ask yourself is - Am I trying to make a living off of my Art?
I hope this article helps you to feel more comfortable and confident if you choose to start selling your Art. Be happy and stay creative.
]]>As a portrait Artist I paint many faces and many people. Each painting is such an intimate and personal experience for me. Constantly looking at photos of someone and really trying to learn who they are and not just get a likeness with the painting but also the personality. Now when you think about painting yourself the same rules apply however it is much more intimate and much deeper.
Self-Defining
This is the first stage of the painting. Deciding the composition of the subject (subject meaning you). You have to decide how you will use the space on the blank canvases to place the yourself and what angle you will use and what features will be dominate and capture the light and which features will fall more so in shadow. Talk about intimacy.
Self-Evaluating
Sometimes painting oneself can be a bit intimidating. It requires spending time staring at yourself and not in a necessary admiring I like my selfie kinda way but in an evaluation type of way. You are studying the details of all the shapes that make up you being and then isolating those shapes in proper proportion and relationship to one another. This is the stage that you a working to create and build a likeness. Talk about honesty.
Self-Expression
Now this is the fun part. You sort of have an idea on what colors you plan on using at the onset of the painting. However, now is the moment to truly commit to you color palette choice and express your creative energy and the emotions that create the larger part of your personality. I love color. Color has so much meaning and a huge impact on our thought pattern that we don't even realize.
Different colors can evoke different emotions in us. Red can make us more alert and caution of what is going on around us. Blue can put us in a more relaxing state and breezy. Yellow can brighten up our day and provide high and energetic vibes. I can talk about colors for days but we will save that for another blog. Feel free to learn more about color in this amazing article that discusses the meaning behind certain colors.
If and when you take on the thrilling challenge of paining oneself you will be pleasantly welcomed on a journey that you may never have realized existed. I hope I have encourage you to take on this challenge and I would love to see the beautiful artwork you create of your selves so be sure to tag me on Instagram @simone_agoussoye or shoot me a message on Facebook. Be happy, and Be Creative. xoxo
]]>Starting my African Art Collections has always been a goal of mines but being drown in Commission work and my 9-5 career and the fear of not meeting my own expectations held me back for 3 long years. I’m honestly not sure what I was afraid of most failing or never starting. But the question was ‘how can I fail?’
Art is soooo subjective and I’ve never been the one to pay a lot of attention to what the pay day. I create art for my own self healing and happiness. Others can benefit from the joy and live I put into a piece but if they don’t like it then obviously that piece of art was not meant for them. You will often hear me say that the world is too big to focus on what one or two or even 100 people say. So go for it. Create that piece you have been dying to create or too scared to start be wise that is exactly what I did by starting my African art collection.
Now right now there isn’t much too it since I am finally getting started and in the groove. I’m trying to finish out all my commission and close commissions for the rest of the year so I can start creating art that really speaks to my creative soul without feeling guilty of unfinished paintings someone else paid for already.
Needless to say I am super excited for this collection and I know it’s going to be the best works of Art that I create because of how close and dear Africa is too me. So I hope you are ready for this trip in creating the Simone Agoussoye African Art Collection.
]]>1. Establish Your Business
Having a website makes your business appear more legit and it is of course. People are constantly searching google and the other online application to look up a business or to learn more about what a company has to offer so missing out on this real estate opportunity is a huge mistake.
2. Sell Products
This is my favorite reason as to why you should have a website. Having a online store gives you such a huge advantage over a physical store. The price to maintain a virtual store is less expensive than maintaining a physical store and paying for rent, electricity, and all the other nuances that comes with having a physical space.
Even more so with COVID-19 shutting small and large businesses worldwide how much more so would an online shop benefit you. When the only option people have to shop is virtually.
3. Prove Creditability
So this point goes into the establishing your business however you don't want to just have any old Go Daddy throw away website. You need to have a nice organized website that clearly presents and represents your brand on a high level.
4. Owning Your Space
Now having ownership to your space is something people often fail to realize. People build these multi-million billion business on instagram, youtube, tik tok, facebook, etc but they fail to realize that they do not own these spaces. Having you own website gives you ownership to you own space in this digital world. You have control over your website. Can nobody take that away from you so you should def make sure you get yourself a website if you don't already have one.
5. Build A Community
In addition to having a place you can call your own you can build and customize a community like no other. This is an amazing way to have engaging and reoccurring visitors to your page.
There are so many reasons why having a website is so important especially in 2020. So be sure to grab yourself a domain name and launch that website. Fun Fact I am a graphic designer web developer by trade so if you have any questions feel free to leave them below and I will answer them. Now go be great!
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It has been reported that out of all the college students and graduates in America 70 percent have student loans. Today, student loan debt is about $1.5 trillion collectively. Now lets break that down individual where you will find that the average collage graduate has about $30,000 in student loans debt. If only I was so fortunate and average but no, not me! I owe 4 times that much and all for what?
Now the question I asked at the forefront was is college really worth it? I would have to say that is a hard no. No it's not worth it. Okay wait, lets talk about this for a little bit. Now there are a few factors to consider when thinking and discussing about being 30 thousand dollars in the hole. The first and most important question is what are you going to school for? So many people are running to go to school and don't even know what they want to do as a career.
Quick Fact: Only 27 percent of college graduates work in the field related to their major.
Now these numbers are looking quite lopsided. So the question is - is college really worth it?
Now the answer is going to be different for each person and reasoning and understanding. I went the the Art Institute of Washington and majored in Graphic Design. My whole college experience is a whole other story that we will save for a different day. However, I do feel that I would have been just fine and in a better finical situation had I not took on almost $100,000 in student. Yes I said it 100,000 American dollars.
I can write for days on this subject but I have one better for you. Check out my YouTube video where I go into details on my viewpoint of going to school. Let me know your thoughts in the comment and if or was school with it for you.
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It’s a sad reality for most artist to have unfinished paintings laying all around but having unfinished commissions from years ago. No bueno. Even thou this might make some seem like a terrible artist to admit how horrible I am with commissions but I just want to keep it all the way real for those who are ever so interested in sharing this art journey with me.
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During this first week I say that I had to make some adjustments to my schedule and move some things around. I also felt a little anxious at first and also rushed to complete certain tasks before my allotted time ran out for that specific item. Hence why I must readjust my schedule.
I find it beneficial to not be so annal about filling up every minute of your day but allowing perhaps 15 minutes in between certain task can help account for those runs to the bathroom or maybe unexpected calls from grandma. Sometimes it can afford you the time to be ahead of your schedule and what a great feeling that is to be early for an event/appointment for once. Even if its just a few minutes.
Overall I really enjoyed the time blocking. I felt that I was being more productive or perhaps it was because I can physically see on paper that I am being productive. I feel more motivated to accomplish my tasks and goals.
My main objective for this moving forward is being more aware of my time management and realistic thinking. I am so much of an optimistic at time that it makes me a little unrealistic however time blocking has really been able to show me the real. laugh of loud
]]>I really connected to those words and I strive to always be honest with my words. When you are honest you don't have any fear that the truth might come out, whatever that truth might be. One of my rules of thumb is never say something I wouldn't want repeated in my absent. Meaning I can say something to you about X Y Z and have no worries if A B C hears about it. Especially if it is true statements. And not just true, but facts.
Now of course there are things that should be intimate and kept between two people but even within those moments of intimacy the exchange is an honest one.
Some may feel that it is hard to be honest, like straight up raw honest. But like from my last blog, practice makes perfect. The more you practice being honest the easier it will come. There nothing more freeing then truly being who you are. Love yourself and stand by your choices in life. Whether good or bad because those choices play a part of making you who you are today. And if no one told you today, I love you! Stay safe :*
]]>I absolutely love reading. Reading is such a power tool. However, whats funny is that while in highschool and college I did not like English class. Odd right? I don't know what it was about that English class that always annoyed me, the teacher, the forced literature, the labor writing assignments. But being free to read and write is a different kind of feeling, a feeling of freedom.
Here are 3 reasons why I feel that reading is sooo important. Reading can give you valuable information.
Reading is so different from someone verbally telling you something vs sitting down and reading it yourself (this dos not include audible - well discuss that in a sec). When you read information for yourself it sticks to you better.
When you read information for yourself it sticks to you better.
Reading can allow you the time to really process the information. This is why meditation often go hand and hand with reading. Especially for deeper readings, sometimes it takes the same amount of time spent reading that you should spend meditating on what you read. That way it'll help you evaluate how to best use that information in your personal life.
Reading is so beneficial for so many reasons. And as mention earlier whether you physically read or listen to the audio recording such as a platform like audible you still can gain great value. I love audible, however I do always buy the printed hardcover is available version to all the audible and audio recordings that I listen to. It's just something about having that tangible feeling while reading. Plus I love the act of physically writing with pen and paper sol I take lots of notes in my little books.
However, I encourage you to read and continue reading. Read more and more. Check out my reading list if you are looking for any ideas or suggestions and as always be creative and keep creating. xoxo
]]>The Oxford definition of the noun perfection is the condition, state, or quality of being free or as free as possible from all flaws or defects. Normally I would list the second and third definition but I believe Oxford nailed this one right on the head first try. The part of the definition I would like you to key in on is the later part where it says “the condition or quality of being free or as free as possible from all flaws or defects”. Did you notice how it included the word possible.
Now let’s break down the Oxford definition of possible - able to be done; within the power or capacity of someone or something. Key point in this definition? ‘Within the power or capacity of someone or something'.
Grow to your own level of perfection because art is subjective
So when you put it all together here is the conclusion definition, perfection is the condition or quality of being as free as within the power or capacity of oneself to accomplish a certain thing. I hope that wasn’t too much for you.
All I’m saying is that you determine your own perfection in your craft, whether it be singing, dancing, or drawing. Also, the cool thing is that what you might consider perfection last month can be completely different the following month. Currently for me perfection is ensuring my pieces are created with the highest quality materials and that no spec is out of place. That is why in the photo you see my up close and personal with my piece ensuring the perfection.
You are your own limit. You want to get better, keep working at it repeatedly and you will grow to your own level of perfection. This holds true especially in the arts, because art is so subjective. So be free and as always be creative. xoxo
I am an artist, if this is the first time you are reading my blog. I’ve been drawing and painting from a very young age. However, in the past few years of my art journey I find myself constantly saying that I am not creative. I say this not to be hard on myself or in a bad way necessarily.
People tell me that I am so creative but I don’t feel that I am that creative. Let me explain why.
I am primarily a portrait artist. That means that I paint people. In order to paint people I am constantly looking at different photos of people from different angles and positions. For me, being an artist consists of 60% looking and 40% painting. So to get to the point that I mentioned earlier about not being creative, I say this because I am only painting what I see. I am not adding any imaginative element or aspect to the painting. But the funny thing about this is as I am writing this I can see where I am actually indeed creative.
being an artist consists of 60% looking and 40% painting
So what was to be a simple blog has now become my self realization piece. I am creative. Just a little thou. So to explore the aspects where I can see my creativeness working is when I created my surrealism pop portraits painted with bright non flesh colors. So now that I am thinking more and writing out my thoughts I can see that I am creative, in a small way. However I do not consider myself super creative.
My goal is to do more exploration within my art. I have a few ideas that I need to test out and feel that it will definitely change my art game. I will keep you posted but make sure you follow me on instagram to keep up with my art journey.
In my full time office job I am a graphic design and HTML developer working 7-4. Then as an Artist I work 4-12 and the weekends. Now in additional to my 2 full-time jobs I participate in a bible education program where I devote 70 hours a month to. And that is not it. On top of that I am a wife. Trust me the titles and roles go on and on but you can pretty much paint the picture.
Have A Lot Going On?
So the question that people often ask is How In the World Do You Manage All of THAT?! The answer is simple; Time Blocking. I spend a lot of time organizing my days filling out to do list and writing in my day planner. I have over a gizzilion bullet journals and notebooks. However, my new found love is time blocking with my google calendar. It's a match made.
What is time blocking? This is when you take a list of task and you assign them different time slots. Its a concept my cousin first introduced to me but I didn't take the initiative until one of my friends decided to try it. And I must say it is looking like a total game changer. I'm finally able to get to all the things that I say I want to do. I'm feeling more accomplished and organized. I can look back on my days and see what I've been spending time on and truly making the best out of my time.]]>
So I have been painting for 3 years now. In the beginning I was painting only with acrylic paints. However I have been finding it a struggle and a bit frustrating with blending and really having control of the paints. So I decided to try some oil paints and the first oil paint I grabbed was Gamblin Oil Paints.
When I tell you that Gamblin Oil Paint changed the game for me I am telling no lies! I absolutely fell in love with the first stroke.
The first thing I decided to paint was a portrait of the beautiful and talented singer Brandy. Literally one of my favs. I found it so easy pretty (much effortless) to painting and blend and create beautiful transitions from tones and colors.
Now there are a few reasons why I think Gamblin has something really special here. One the paint is accessible and not overly expensive. Now they have a student grade and a professional grade and me being the pro-fess-ional that I am I also grab the higher end paint but honestly both paints are created with so much integrity I barely can tell the difference.
Another reason why Gamblin Oil Paints are amazing is because the creators of these paints Are Also Painters. So they know exactly what an artist like myself is looking for in a paint and they hit the nail right on the head. Not only that but they pride themselves with making safe mediums for us and for the planet.
Lastly, I feel that as an artist coming from a Fine Arts background where my main medium was graphite pencil on paper I think oil paints is such a natural transition. If you're an artist thats use to spending time rendering shadows and puling out highlights I honestly think Gamblin Oil Paints are the perfect match for you.
I will be trying my colors from Gamblin and will definitely be sharing my thoughts with you. Meanwhile check out my finish piece of Brandy here. Happy painting and stay creative.
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But is it really?
Here is my definition of what abstract art means to me. A painting or depiction of a feeling, emotion, or thing. What do I mean by that? Abstract paintings look to be just paint thrown around on a canvas with random colors but in actuality (and in reality I can only speak for my own abstract art pieces) there is a complete or incomplete thought process behind each stroke and each color of paint.
Have you ever felt that you could not find the words to describe or explain a feeling? That has definitely been the case for me on several occasions. This is why I love to turn to abstract paint. Also since being more of a realism artist I love the opportunity to be “carefree” and let a painting take on a form of its own.
Check out my latest abstract works of arts on IG and tell me what do you feel or think of when you see it.
]]>Now the great Picasso said it best
"All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up."
So with that in mind we all were born as artist. So your concern shouldn't be how to become an artist, it should be how to claim my artistry. How do you claim your artist? First step is by saying you are an artist not just in your head but say it with me out loud I AM AN ARTIST. Say it again. I Am An Artist.
That is the first step. Now for some that may be easy to do but I found for a lot of new artist and especially myself when I first started off it was difficult. Someone would ask me what do I do for a living and I often times would shy away from claiming my artistry. However, if you want to be an artist the first step in being successful artist is claiming it! I AM AN ARTIST.
So Let me ask you, what do you do for a living? Comment below.
]]>Consistency Builds Trust.
Now when you prove to be consistent you build a rapport with your art collectors, fans, and audience. You prove to them that you are true to your artistry and not abandoning it at any given moment. When you consistently show up for your audience your audience will show up for you.
Consistency Makes Perfect.
Now this sounds like an obvious int right? The more you do something the easier, and the more second nature it becomes. It’s like riding a bike. After you ride a bike consistently and often people tend to be able to ride with no hands! The same goes for most things when you put in the constant effort to learn and build on a skill it will come more naturally to you meaning you won’t even have to think about it as you are doing it.
Now this month’s challenge is to blog everyday Monday-Friday. Now this is something that I have been struggling with for the past 3 years that I have had my blog. So I am excited to see how this challenge turns out and I hope you all enjoy this new content that I will be putting out.
I would love to hear what you all think about consistency and what are some things you would love to hear me talk about. I appreciate you all - be safe and I will talk to you soon!
]]>reception was set for the month of March and I couldn’t have been more excited. But as is the normality in this world, unforeseen circumstances as a result of COVID, prevented any of that to really happen.
Fast forward a bit, and now, over three months later, necessity has led to almost every event you can think of occurring virtually - including art shows.
With this new means of reaching people, I was inspired to take what I had - my art, my team and a bevy of artists in my network - and create an event that although virtual, would give people something they would never forget. Now - on top of the COVID - civil unrest is at an all time high, and we all are on edge and unsettled. The constant feed of bad news that’s really happening out there tugs at your heart strings and your sense of hopelessness, causing us to yearn even more for the future the Bible promises us.performances and spoken word sessions, capped off with a few hours of dancing our behinds off to the musical stylings of DJ Krunchy and DJ Nonay.
Occurring this coming Sunday, June 21 at 7pm ET, I’d love to see you there. The dress code is all white if you have your camera on - which we really hope you will - and four opportunities to win an 8 bottle collection of wine from our sponsor, In Good Taste Wines ($65 in value) will be had. We will also be collaborating with Superior Wireless and DemGirls Q&A. To register and get the dial in information, please see our event page here.
I hope to see you there!
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I am so excited to finally announce that I am creating my clothing line! This has been a dream of mine for a very long time, and now it's finally coming to fruition. My collection will include very exclusive items featuring my original artwork. Except to see hoodies, t-shirts, hats and eventually much more. With my art it is my goal to make everyone's favorite comfy clothing item stylish and edgy, making the piece a fashion statement. You can wear it anywhere.
My first release to my clothing line is the Aaliyah Pop hoodie. The original painting was created with acrylics using a reddish pink, neon blue, bright yellow paint, while using mars black to define her timeless features. I created a digital version of my painting that will be printed on bright white cotton hoodies. I choose white because it is one of my favorite colors (although people would argue that white is not a color, we will save that for another blog), and more than that, these primary colors really pop the most off a nice clean white canvas. Printed using the DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing technique, these cotton hoodies are high quality, ensuring long lasting designs.
The special thing about my clothing line is that each piece that I create will be limited edition. For my first piece, the Aaliyah Pop hoodie, there will only be 50 hoodies available for purchase, first come first serve. Make sure you are the first to know by following me on IG @simone_agoussoye and subscribing to my email list. Y'all are going to love me for this one, especially if you are a Aaliyah Fan. #neverforgotten. Mark your calendars and put aside your coins, so you can take advantage of this must-have special release!
]]>My name is Simone Agoussoye and I am a visual and graphic artist. I've always been creative and artistic throughout my childhood. In the 3rd grade in Art Class, my teachers name was Mrs. Henderson and I remember creating a painting a self portrait inspired by Andy Warhol. At the time I didn't know who he was or that is what the inspiration was for the project. Looking back I just recall that it reminds me of the Andy Warhol 1962 Marylin Diptych painting. I won 2nd place in the county fair and from that moment I knew I wanted to be an artist. However once I graduate college my drawing and painting switched gears dramatically.
I went to the Art Institute of Washington where I studied graphic design. So upon graduating I was designing and creating logos, websites, flyers, business cards working as a graphic artist. A little ways off of drawing and painting where it took my 7 years to get back to my sketchbook.
I started drawing again January 2017. This was a year after I had got married, moved, and exposed to another way of life. There are too many changes happening at once and one way I was able to cope with that was going back to the basics which included drawing. For me drawing was a very therapeutic thing for me. The first thing I decided to draw was a portrait of my favorite singer of all time Aaliyah.
The first drawing wasn't the greatest, was pretty terrible actually that I redrew it the same night (picture posted here). Check out the second take here. Ever since that night I picked my pencil back up I haven't put it down since and I am now here to really push myself to the best artist that I can be.
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