Originally published in NW Asian Weekly - illustration by Wasabi, aka, Denise Sakaki |
Yes, I totally printed the article out and snail-mailed it to Wasabi Mom. It meant a lot to be able to send that piece to her, even if I had to kill a tree in the process.
This is how I hit "send" to give Wasabi Mom article copies - Photo by Wasabi Prime |
I don't always get to do a lot of illustration work, and with a lot of creative freedom to boot, so it was a special treat to combine all the things I love into one project -- even food! Yes, those are real star anise, and I used the texture of rice paper to give the background a nice organic pattern. Wasabi, you so artsy! I also made the illustration into Mother's Day cards, so that was extra special as well. And I didn't have to pore over the greeting card aisle trying to choose the perfect card that you can never truly find.
I know it sounds cheesy, but the saying is true: "If you love what you do, then you'll never work a day in your life." Well, okay, I do work on plenty of bread-and-butter projects, and the hours get crazy, but when you're working for yourself, even the worst day can have a silver lining of basic gratitude. Gratitude for clients who keep you busy. Gratitude for the creative projects that both challenge and scare you. Gratitude for just being able to write a blog that more than your cousin's best friend's old roommate reads once in a while.
So thank you, everyone. I really mean it. You have no idea what a privilege it is to be writing these words and drawing these pictures.
Okay, so now I need to add illustrator to the list of your many talents which also includes roasting your own coffee beans. I remember that one from way back. --and the old saying is not cheesy at all; especially for someone like me who has a job that doesn't feel like work. Well, most days!
ReplyDelete