June 12, 2016
WELL, HELLO THERE
I am so over counting how long I've abandoned this digital canvas, but I'm not over saying how I'm too busy to update this... only because I really am.
It's the start of June and I've been struggling on one end of this really long string, and enjoying life at the other. Tying the knot at the middle to balance these two sides is what I'm tryna do. Wow, deep shit there, Trace. You sure you're ok?
I did some self-reflection the other day and the thoughts has been haunting me. Since I can't explicitly explain the "bad" stuff of what's happening in my professional life (for obvious reasons (Google is everyone's best friends)), I'll skip that part (which I am 110% will regret for not penning this down because you and I both know I have Dory's memory).
Let's flashback to 2012 when I saw a simple ad on some pillar at a rundown shopping mall beside my University that says "VACANCY: GRAPHIC DESIGNER PART TIME". Gosh, I remembered I wanted to jump on that offer so bad. I went over to their little shop; They're a small team of 5 creating wedding cards, consisting of 3 middle-aged owners, 2 young graphic designers. Key takeaway here are 3 owners; THREE. It was a walk-in interview and I remembered panicking a little because I only had one skill and that was Photoshop. It wasn't top-tier Photoshop skills, but it was a strong basic I would say. I mean, I had the program back when I was in High School, me having the curiosity to fiddle around with it is a God-given blessing itself.
I panicked because the little test for the Graphic Designer part time role was to create a map (ones that you'll see on the back of a cheap-ass wedding invite) with an example given... with Illustrator. WITH ILLUSTRATOR. Now, at the time, I only had the program back home for about a month and hadn't got time to play around with it. Thinking to fake it till I make it, I sat down and REALLY tried to create the damn map.
I remembered clicking here and there with the mouse, after drawing a line and then accidentally make 10 copies of the same lines (exaggeration, but yeah). Tbf, I did mention I was only 'good' at Photoshop. Give me Photoshop and I can create that goddamn map in no time. Of course at the time I didn't know terms like vector or things like that, where if I did anything in Illustrator, it could be resized to a humongous size and yada yada, complete opposite to Photoshop. Well, it's called PHOTOshop for a reason.
At the end, they had to think about taking me in. That itself gave me so much hope lol. I wanted and was obsessed to get experience in any art related job / course. For some goddamn reason, I can't take an elective subject pertaining to anything because my University sucks balls. I'm still mad to this day. I could've just paid more to get myself into one semester in Graphic Design class, but NO. They don't do that. I'M STILL MAD AND I ADMIT IT.
It doesn't help that I'm stuck in some business course because I couldn't afford a full art / design course. Many come up to me bewildered asking the same thing "Why aren't you in Design school again???" Three question marks, that's how confused they are. Flash back to the day I got a First-class Degree in my Marketing course (surprise surprise) which means I get exempted from paying back my student loans. If only I did that with a GD course, I COULD have essentially be exempted from paying my GD course loan and only be responsible for all the art materials I gotta purchase for that course. Right now, I'm just a vessel of if only's, maybe's and what if's.
Back to my story; they called maybe, a few days later. It was a messy phone call. Remember the 3 owners? The call started with, "yeah sure we'll hire you" and then at the back 2 of 'em were discussing with the one on the phone and then it went "hold on" and more talking at the back. And then ended with "No, no we're not hiring". Uh...
Ok. Well I'm not mad about thisI'm honestly more mad that I couldn't add any GD-related classes to my list of subjects. Imagine working there LOL? 3 heads telling you what to do, AT THE SAME TIME? It's not like I'm glad I didn't join this, but I'm glad I wasn't like sad, sad that I didn't "made it". It would have been a cool story bro moment though, like "Oh yeah started from the bottom, at a local wedding invite design store". Anyway, I got a few weeks later as an Art Instructor near my place, which I'm still working at part-time till today. I insisted to get a job in this Art industry to somehow show the world that I'm serious about this. I know I wasn't privileged enough to be learning this in some high-accredited institutions like The One Academy or Lim Kok Wing, or whatever art school there is out there. But to show I DO have passion for anything art/design related that, that itself pushed me to learn these Adobe programs, and that this "fire" hasn't burned out to this day.
In that same year, I vowed to learn Illustrator because seeing that graphic designer so fast and quick on that program when drawing a simple ass map made me look bad lol. In that same year, I created Illustrations that I put up for sale two years later. They say it's not that good to be so involved in every area because then you won't be focused / a master in one; but I never learn. To this day, I am a walking (self-proclaimed) art enthusiast and I cannot not just drop what has become of my hobbies: Sketching, drawing, digital illustrations, typography, calligraphy, watercolour, photography, graphic design -- posters, logos, flyers, branding; and let's add in guitar, ukulele, piano and programming in that mix too. All these are what I can be proud of personally even if people don't see it yet, because it was my self-initiative that made me learn these things.
Flash forward to 2014, is when I uploaded my digital illustrations to the public for sale on Society6.com/itstracyy (cool plug bro). I've got little engagement on there, it's not anyone's fault but mine. In order to get more likes and possible sale, you've got to be active on there commenting on work by other artist's and the same will be done to yours. But... as said in the second paragraph of this post, "I'm too busy".
Flash forward to today, I'm a full timer at a local Company, shy of 8 months. I write, illustrate digital pieces, done photography, and created UI for clients as well. I wouldn't say I'm a Sifu of Photoshop and Illustrator now but boy I can tell you it's a explicitly drastic 4 years or so difference between then and now -- From not being able to draw simple maps to illustrations like these.
And if that's nothing to be proud of myself, I don't know what is.
I know I'll never get to be professionally called a Graphic Designer or a Designer alone or anything of the sort, but to be able to hone my craft and deliver, is satisfying for me. For now.
But hanging on mid-2016? Yeah, I am but I'm not letting go.
I am so over counting how long I've abandoned this digital canvas, but I'm not over saying how I'm too busy to update this... only because I really am.
It's the start of June and I've been struggling on one end of this really long string, and enjoying life at the other. Tying the knot at the middle to balance these two sides is what I'm tryna do. Wow, deep shit there, Trace. You sure you're ok?
I did some self-reflection the other day and the thoughts has been haunting me. Since I can't explicitly explain the "bad" stuff of what's happening in my professional life (for obvious reasons (Google is everyone's best friends)), I'll skip that part (which I am 110% will regret for not penning this down because you and I both know I have Dory's memory).
Let's flashback to 2012 when I saw a simple ad on some pillar at a rundown shopping mall beside my University that says "VACANCY: GRAPHIC DESIGNER PART TIME". Gosh, I remembered I wanted to jump on that offer so bad. I went over to their little shop; They're a small team of 5 creating wedding cards, consisting of 3 middle-aged owners, 2 young graphic designers. Key takeaway here are 3 owners; THREE. It was a walk-in interview and I remembered panicking a little because I only had one skill and that was Photoshop. It wasn't top-tier Photoshop skills, but it was a strong basic I would say. I mean, I had the program back when I was in High School, me having the curiosity to fiddle around with it is a God-given blessing itself.
I panicked because the little test for the Graphic Designer part time role was to create a map (ones that you'll see on the back of a cheap-ass wedding invite) with an example given... with Illustrator. WITH ILLUSTRATOR. Now, at the time, I only had the program back home for about a month and hadn't got time to play around with it. Thinking to fake it till I make it, I sat down and REALLY tried to create the damn map.
I remembered clicking here and there with the mouse, after drawing a line and then accidentally make 10 copies of the same lines (exaggeration, but yeah). Tbf, I did mention I was only 'good' at Photoshop. Give me Photoshop and I can create that goddamn map in no time. Of course at the time I didn't know terms like vector or things like that, where if I did anything in Illustrator, it could be resized to a humongous size and yada yada, complete opposite to Photoshop. Well, it's called PHOTOshop for a reason.
At the end, they had to think about taking me in. That itself gave me so much hope lol. I wanted and was obsessed to get experience in any art related job / course. For some goddamn reason, I can't take an elective subject pertaining to anything because my University sucks balls. I'm still mad to this day. I could've just paid more to get myself into one semester in Graphic Design class, but NO. They don't do that. I'M STILL MAD AND I ADMIT IT.
It doesn't help that I'm stuck in some business course because I couldn't afford a full art / design course. Many come up to me bewildered asking the same thing "Why aren't you in Design school again???" Three question marks, that's how confused they are. Flash back to the day I got a First-class Degree in my Marketing course (surprise surprise) which means I get exempted from paying back my student loans. If only I did that with a GD course, I COULD have essentially be exempted from paying my GD course loan and only be responsible for all the art materials I gotta purchase for that course. Right now, I'm just a vessel of if only's, maybe's and what if's.
Back to my story; they called maybe, a few days later. It was a messy phone call. Remember the 3 owners? The call started with, "yeah sure we'll hire you" and then at the back 2 of 'em were discussing with the one on the phone and then it went "hold on" and more talking at the back. And then ended with "No, no we're not hiring". Uh...
Ok. Well I'm not mad about this
In that same year, I vowed to learn Illustrator because seeing that graphic designer so fast and quick on that program when drawing a simple ass map made me look bad lol. In that same year, I created Illustrations that I put up for sale two years later. They say it's not that good to be so involved in every area because then you won't be focused / a master in one; but I never learn. To this day, I am a walking (self-proclaimed) art enthusiast and I cannot not just drop what has become of my hobbies: Sketching, drawing, digital illustrations, typography, calligraphy, watercolour, photography, graphic design -- posters, logos, flyers, branding; and let's add in guitar, ukulele, piano and programming in that mix too. All these are what I can be proud of personally even if people don't see it yet, because it was my self-initiative that made me learn these things.
Flash forward to 2014, is when I uploaded my digital illustrations to the public for sale on Society6.com/itstracyy (cool plug bro). I've got little engagement on there, it's not anyone's fault but mine. In order to get more likes and possible sale, you've got to be active on there commenting on work by other artist's and the same will be done to yours. But... as said in the second paragraph of this post, "I'm too busy".
Flash forward to today, I'm a full timer at a local Company, shy of 8 months. I write, illustrate digital pieces, done photography, and created UI for clients as well. I wouldn't say I'm a Sifu of Photoshop and Illustrator now but boy I can tell you it's a explicitly drastic 4 years or so difference between then and now -- From not being able to draw simple maps to illustrations like these.
And if that's nothing to be proud of myself, I don't know what is.
I know I'll never get to be professionally called a Graphic Designer or a Designer alone or anything of the sort, but to be able to hone my craft and deliver, is satisfying for me. For now.
But hanging on mid-2016? Yeah, I am but I'm not letting go.
BY TRACY | 1:10 AM ·
0 comments
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September 12, 2015
CURTIS TURNS ONE; MICHELLE AND I GOT TO BE THE PARTY PLANNERS
BTS
- -
I have to say, organising a party (almost) from the nitty gritty plans to managing the actual party can get pretty exhausting considering the amount of DIYs you'd have to go through to get to these pretty Pinterest-worthy (I hope) pictures. I went for the unconventional illustration for the invite poster on this one, because well, baby birthday posters are usually too 'fun & cheer' in my opinion. Let me add a touch of manlihood for baby Curtis- He's one, he should have it. He should. Which also explains the color scheme I chose; it's not too grunge for a baby's party but it's not too happy and bright and rainbows and unicorns either. Perfect balance, I'd like to think. Also did some themed poster signage for gift bags area which is aptly named 'baggage claim' and food labeled as 'in-flight meals'. We're so funny. More on the actual party, Michelle and I DIY those decorative treats — Lolli-propellers, airplane garland, propeller straws (of course the straws are store bought), pin the propeller game, the gift bags; and one of my favourite, the cupcake toppers— based on the airplane themed.
Also, I got to practice photography with fast moving objects i.e. kids, and semi-bad lighting. The photos turned out great! Better than I expected. My ISO was bump up to 1600, crazy high considering the venue was near the window with natural afternoon sunlight. A little grainy for some but I'm learning. Although... I do actually like the grain on some of the pictures. Maybe I'm just biased. So good job, me.
Michelle and I are planning to pursue this event planning thing. We don't know where are we heading with this but 'Budget Event Planning' comes to mind. Best believe we did all of that DIY in less than MYR100. That's the business model we're talking about. I believe we need a budget planner for small to medium size scale parties.
VIEW THE FULL ALBUM HERE
Photo post-processing with Adobe Photoshop CS3
BTS
- -
I have to say, organising a party (almost) from the nitty gritty plans to managing the actual party can get pretty exhausting considering the amount of DIYs you'd have to go through to get to these pretty Pinterest-worthy (I hope) pictures. I went for the unconventional illustration for the invite poster on this one, because well, baby birthday posters are usually too 'fun & cheer' in my opinion. Let me add a touch of manlihood for baby Curtis- He's one, he should have it. He should. Which also explains the color scheme I chose; it's not too grunge for a baby's party but it's not too happy and bright and rainbows and unicorns either. Perfect balance, I'd like to think. Also did some themed poster signage for gift bags area which is aptly named 'baggage claim' and food labeled as 'in-flight meals'. We're so funny. More on the actual party, Michelle and I DIY those decorative treats — Lolli-propellers, airplane garland, propeller straws (of course the straws are store bought), pin the propeller game, the gift bags; and one of my favourite, the cupcake toppers— based on the airplane themed.
Also, I got to practice photography with fast moving objects i.e. kids, and semi-bad lighting. The photos turned out great! Better than I expected. My ISO was bump up to 1600, crazy high considering the venue was near the window with natural afternoon sunlight. A little grainy for some but I'm learning. Although... I do actually like the grain on some of the pictures. Maybe I'm just biased. So good job, me.
Michelle and I are planning to pursue this event planning thing. We don't know where are we heading with this but 'Budget Event Planning' comes to mind. Best believe we did all of that DIY in less than MYR100. That's the business model we're talking about. I believe we need a budget planner for small to medium size scale parties.
1. Contact these *ahem* awesome budget planners via venturebanana(at)gmail(dot)com — Tell us your details and we'll quote you a good price!
2. If you'd like the airplane cake, find the awesome baker here.
3. Want the files to these printable (and editable!) visuals (ie. cupcake topper & posters)? Email me at tracywee93(at)gmail(dot)com
Photo post-processing with Adobe Photoshop CS3
Labels: advertisement, art, Birthdays, photography
BY TRACY | 12:54 AM ·
1 comments
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May 14, 2014
I JUST FINISHED AN 11 THOUSAND WORD ASSIGNMENT
Which took me 3 whole weeks of blood, sweat and tears. I stayed up till 3 or 4AM in the morning on some days. It's such a heavy task - I hope in the future there won't be anything like it anymore! Except for thesis... Which is inevitably coming soon in my last year of Degree. Anyhoo, I'm just here to post some quick photo updates from my Instagram (Click pic to view original instagram post).
1.
1 — Derwent Charcoal Pencils I bought for $26 at Art Friend @ Curve. 2 — Peige and I met up with Simon after probably > 6 months of not seeing each other! 3 — I took an old book that I got at a used-book "yard" sale in which I vowed to read but never did (It's been years) and tried the infamous BlackOut poem. Personally it's a great alternative to free writing. 4 — I turn 21! *cue confetti and fireworks* This was my birthday dinner with my College crazies. Birthday post on this coming soon! 5 — Mother's Day DIY Blackboard frame from my sister and I to our mama. [EDIT: 19th May] 6 — I finally purchased the motivational books for artists "Show Your Work" by Austin Kleon.
"Show Your Work" is simply a motivational book for artists to get them to show their work online to get their art out there. View some of my recent works (Though I still have some art that I don't post online lol) on my Instagram here.
Which took me 3 whole weeks of blood, sweat and tears. I stayed up till 3 or 4AM in the morning on some days. It's such a heavy task - I hope in the future there won't be anything like it anymore! Except for thesis... Which is inevitably coming soon in my last year of Degree. Anyhoo, I'm just here to post some quick photo updates from my Instagram (Click pic to view original instagram post).
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
[EDIT: 19th May]
6.
1 — Derwent Charcoal Pencils I bought for $26 at Art Friend @ Curve. 2 — Peige and I met up with Simon after probably > 6 months of not seeing each other! 3 — I took an old book that I got at a used-book "yard" sale in which I vowed to read but never did (It's been years) and tried the infamous BlackOut poem. Personally it's a great alternative to free writing. 4 — I turn 21! *cue confetti and fireworks* This was my birthday dinner with my College crazies. Birthday post on this coming soon! 5 — Mother's Day DIY Blackboard frame from my sister and I to our mama. [EDIT: 19th May] 6 — I finally purchased the motivational books for artists "Show Your Work" by Austin Kleon.
"Show Your Work" is simply a motivational book for artists to get them to show their work online to get their art out there. View some of my recent works (Though I still have some art that I don't post online lol) on my Instagram here.
Labels: art, celebrations, friends, Instagram, shopaholic
BY TRACY | 4:57 PM ·
0 comments
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May 09, 2013
OKAY I DON'T CARE IF I SOUND BRAGGY BUT A FEW WEEKS AGO
TuneWiki.com had a contest on their website and I decided to join. The prizes were Paramore merch, I mean c'mon, who wouldn't have want to join? I made a few of lyricart to automatically be in the running to win those merch and one even got up to almost 50 likes! But of course, that's nothing compared to some other lyricart that got up to 200 likes. Yikes. I didn't think much of it and just thought to myself, "You know, it's a worldwide competition, you barely got 'likes' for the other lyricart you made." and hope that luck was on my side. And it was! So happy that TuneWiki did not choose winners by the amount of likes they got! I'm not the grand prize winner, but one of the lucky 5 runner ups!
I gotta admit though, when I got an e-mail saying that TuneWiki has commented on my lyricart saying that I won, I nearly screamed. And it was 3AM in the morning... Anyway, this was my winning lyricart:
What I won:
What I received in the mail:
1 — A Rocket To The Moon That Old Feeling EP. 2 — Paramore self-titled CD Paramore. 3 — Double-sided Paramore poster (OMG?). 4 — Paramore and FBR stickers. 5 — Paramore bracelet. 6 — Badges: Paramore, Fun. + The Academy Is... (Pls don't remind me of their break-up! ahhh) 7 — FBR Sunglasses. 8 — 6pcs. Paramore coasters.
2 — Lady & Toki top from Emelia, Peige, Vinesh and Max.
3 — Art block from Joshua (Hahaha there's a funny "story" behind this).
4 — Heartfelt letter + sketchbook from Peige. Omg, the letter. She summed me up in one letter.
TuneWiki.com had a contest on their website and I decided to join. The prizes were Paramore merch, I mean c'mon, who wouldn't have want to join? I made a few of lyricart to automatically be in the running to win those merch and one even got up to almost 50 likes! But of course, that's nothing compared to some other lyricart that got up to 200 likes. Yikes. I didn't think much of it and just thought to myself, "You know, it's a worldwide competition, you barely got 'likes' for the other lyricart you made." and hope that luck was on my side. And it was! So happy that TuneWiki did not choose winners by the amount of likes they got! I'm not the grand prize winner, but one of the lucky 5 runner ups!
I gotta admit though, when I got an e-mail saying that TuneWiki has commented on my lyricart saying that I won, I nearly screamed. And it was 3AM in the morning... Anyway, this was my winning lyricart:
What I won:
1. Copy of the new self titled CD
2. Poster
3. Stickers
4. Coaster set
5. 3 months Spotify Premium subscription ($30 Value)
What I received in the mail:
1 — A Rocket To The Moon That Old Feeling EP. 2 — Paramore self-titled CD Paramore. 3 — Double-sided Paramore poster (OMG?). 4 — Paramore and FBR stickers. 5 — Paramore bracelet. 6 — Badges: Paramore, Fun. + The Academy Is... (Pls don't remind me of their break-up! ahhh) 7 — FBR Sunglasses. 8 — 6pcs. Paramore coasters.
6pcs. Paramore coasters that resembles their vinyl! Side A, B (my fav. side!), C and D and their bonus tracks 'Escape Route' and 'Native Tongue'.
Fueled By Ramen sunglasses... somebody just slap me in the face.
There's simply too much awesomeness in one package, I can't even. Never have I dreamt of having this many Paramore merch (buying and shipping from their webstore makes my purse cry). Also, A Rocket To The Moon EP? WHAT!? That CD is not available in Malaysia, I'm crying.
Thank you again TuneWiki for organizing this contest and choosing me as one of the winners! The package came on time for my birthday and it is such an amazing birthday present! As for the extra merch that I did not expect (I nearly got a heart attack, I swear.), I do not know who to thank for this sorcery... FBR? TuneWiki? I just love both of you, and thank you a million zillion times for all these!
- - - - - -
Let's not forget my friends and family who got me a few gifts for my birthday as well!
2 — Lady & Toki top from Emelia, Peige, Vinesh and Max.
3 — Art block from Joshua (Hahaha there's a funny "story" behind this).
4 — Heartfelt letter + sketchbook from Peige. Omg, the letter. She summed me up in one letter.
Okay, I think that wraps up my birthday post... well, at least till my mom is home from Denmark! Imagining what she has bought for me ;)
If you haven't already,
1. Check out TuneWiki's website and/or join their new contest!
2. Check out Paramore's new self-titled album and A Rocket To The Moon's new album Wild and Free, it's uhmazing. (I'm not being biased, I promise!... Okay maybe I am being biased, FBR's bands are amazeballs)
Thank you everyone!
1. Check out TuneWiki's website and/or join their new contest!
2. Check out Paramore's new self-titled album and A Rocket To The Moon's new album Wild and Free, it's uhmazing. (I'm not being biased, I promise!... Okay maybe I am being biased, FBR's bands are amazeballs)
Thank you everyone!
BY TRACY | 4:51 PM ·
0 comments
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February 26, 2013
IT'S THIS YEAR, GUYS.
The year we all (1993 babies specifically speaking) turn twenty and ditch the -teen word extension. :ohgodwhy: This February 11th was Sean's 20th and I have to admit that I didn't wish him on his birthday. Not that I forgot, but I didn't know. What a friend, I know. Anyway, my friends decided to buy a t-shirt for him — Also, I heard that they're (or we're) planning on recording a video. I'm not sure what video though lol? — and I didn't want to chip in and share because everyone was doing so. I felt like that was a bit sad for us ton of people sharing just one t-shirt. So, I decided I should give a present my own... the least I could do since I do not recall his birthday at all.
After much brainstorming, I decided to create a card. Though I can't take credit on this one. I was once again inspired by Charlavail's Hensel + Gretel paper art.Also, craft therapy was much needed because today is Paramore's concert for the second time here and I lost track of time, and wasn't able to go for the show. I know, just kill me.
Here are the pictures.
This was the outline I drew / plan out before I started cutting the colored papers. The black base was a leftvoer of my Art Journal cover and the rest of the colored paper was years and years of saving up unused pieces. Good thing then lol. (+) I added a cuppa coffee on 'his' right hand at the last minute; I finally remembered what was his most fav. thing in the world (as you can see the draft below, I did not draw coffee at all). Hahaha
Pictures taken with: Sony Cybershot DSC-T300
The year we all (1993 babies specifically speaking) turn twenty and ditch the -teen word extension. :ohgodwhy: This February 11th was Sean's 20th and I have to admit that I didn't wish him on his birthday. Not that I forgot, but I didn't know. What a friend, I know. Anyway, my friends decided to buy a t-shirt for him — Also, I heard that they're (or we're) planning on recording a video. I'm not sure what video though lol? — and I didn't want to chip in and share because everyone was doing so. I felt like that was a bit sad for us ton of people sharing just one t-shirt. So, I decided I should give a present my own... the least I could do since I do not recall his birthday at all.
After much brainstorming, I decided to create a card. Though I can't take credit on this one. I was once again inspired by Charlavail's Hensel + Gretel paper art.
Here are the pictures.
This was the outline I drew / plan out before I started cutting the colored papers. The black base was a leftvoer of my Art Journal cover and the rest of the colored paper was years and years of saving up unused pieces. Good thing then lol. (+) I added a cuppa coffee on 'his' right hand at the last minute; I finally remembered what was his most fav. thing in the world (as you can see the draft below, I did not draw coffee at all). Hahaha
Pictures taken with: Sony Cybershot DSC-T300
BY TRACY | 12:58 AM ·
0 comments
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