Hello New Year!

I know we’re already half way through the first month of the year, but I promised a look back at 2023! If you follow me on Instagram (@eychristine), you may have seen I shared that I made monthly illustrations for most of the year, had a debut-illustrated picture book come out, finished 2 other picture books, met fellow Filipino artists and authors, and birthed a human! 

If you’re not familiar with book publishing, it’s a true test of patience. Some books are made years in advance before anyone gets to see your hard work. By the time it sees the light of day, you may already be a different person. But when books get into the hands of readers, their reactions and responses make the wait so incredibly worth it. 

What you didn’t see was the waiting. 2023 was a year of waiting. Waiting for LOLO’S SARI-SARI STORE to finally be published. Waiting for pregnancy to reach its final stage and meet my girl. Then, waiting for 2024.

So, what to do with all that time? Plant seeds and let them grow. While I waited, I was able to create more personal work than I had in years. I rediscovered old sketches, revived them and tried to let my style grow. I also worked on a picture book dummy that I had been meaning to finish for years! I’m glad I was able to share something new throughout most of the year, while relearning how to enjoy making art. 

I look back with gratitude that such a long year was over. But also so grateful for all the time and opportunities to make something new! With the waiting came more thoughtfulness about how I use my time. I do hope patience continues to grow in me, as well. 

This is the first January that I look ahead with a lot of hope and ideas and PLANS. I look forward to sharing new work and endeavors, and a new book - BOX OF DREAMS (written by Faith Kazmi, publishes 5/7/23)! If you come across art this year by any artist that you enjoy, I hope you take the time to celebrate with them and marvel in the creation of something NEW. 

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I’ve also soft-launched a Ko-fi where, every week, I share full previews of personal illustrations I’m working on with monthly members! I also hope to share creative resources and whatever else comes to mind. Feel free to check it out! 

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BOOKS ON MY DESK: 

DO YOU REMEMBER? by Sydney Smith

PEPITA MEETS BEBITA by Maribel Lechuga, Ruth Behar, and Gabriel Frye-Behar

OH, OLIVE! by Lian Cho

CURRENTLY WATCHING: 

The last season of The Crown

Miss Rachel, again and again and again 

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Pre-order BOX OF DREAMS!  HarperCollins | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble | Amazon