Freebie: Patience & Appreciation (Printable + Phone Wallpaper)

They were gone - everything - past lettering work, future lettering and illustrations I had intended to showcase, logos and headers from upcoming collaborations, styled photographs, family vacation photographs, school assignments.

In the last couple of months of 2015, the portable hard disk containing all my design and personal files had become faulty, and the price for its repair and file recovery was far too costly - more than ten times the original price of the hard disk itself. As a college student who was still studying, I was had no means to afford the four-digit repair cost.

The loss of my diligently-organised folders in the hard disk (which I had previously committed much of my time to construct) had upset me so much then that it came to a point where I wanted to throw in the towel.

I subsequently subjected myself to the deplorable state of remorse, lamenting how I should've opted for cloud storage, or used other methods. Returning to the one therapeutic activity that could take my mind off things, however, inevitably called for the labourious task of put the remaining, salvageable files back in order.

So during the last semester break, I had undertaken the arduous challenge of rebuilding the library of all my lettering and design work. Re-organising, re-editing, re-scanning any physical copies that were left. It was time-consuming and labourious, but without any reason, the only way to circumvent the problem. 

'Two things define you: your patience when you have nothing, and your attitude when you have everything.' - Imam Ali 

Version 1 // White

Printable
Simple Download
Floral Download

Phone (Andriod/iPhone)
Simple 1080 X 1920
Floral 1080 X 1920

Version 2 // Black

Printable
Simple Download
Floral Download

Phone (Andriod/iPhone)
Simple 1080 X 1920
Floral 1080 X 1920

The freebie for this post is just a little reflective reminder I'd like to share after my much-needed test. I've been practicing more each weekend, experimenting with new brushes and brush pens to create a neater lettering piece each time. I acknowledge that it is not the best, and there are improvements to make. Documenting my lettering progress has made this space such a beneficial learning journey and I am ever so grateful to have family, friends and readers to share it with.

As for losing family vacation photographs in the hard disk, it finally occurred to me that living in the moment is far more important than possessing those scenic images. Captured moments in physical form are doubtlessly beautiful, but being present and mindful as each new experience sweeps in supersedes this. The fleeting nature of each irreplaceable second makes it even more breathtaking than we can imagine.

It's difficult to imagine, but losing everything was the best thing that has ever happened in the recent months. Having some patience and a sense of appreciation will certainly shape resilience, and our seemingly innate ability to survive the worst life can hurl towards us.

Until next time ♥ 

Lettering and photo by me

Printables created by Dian from The Happy Candle. For personal use only. Not for distribution or resale. Please link back to original post if shared. Thank you.

The Creative Minds Series: Listen (+ Freebie)

Last June, a blogger from France, Elsa, from Totally Elsa, came forward and wanted to collaborate on a project together. Totally Elsa is a place where Elsa shares her very delicate and detailed nail art as well as some of her pretty impressive drawings and portraits. She was unsure of what exactly we should work on, but proposed that since both of us had a common interest of art and creative things, we could create an art piece that featured her illustration and my lettering.

The downloadable wallpaper for this July is something that both of us had created together, with Elsa's intricate and delicate illustration of a beautiful crown and jewels, coupled with my lettering. I also decided to try out something new, and created my own gold foil to use with the crown that Elsa had illustrated.

The late Princess Diana had mentioned this beautiful quote worth a reminder to all. She would have turned 54 recently on 1 July, and will be remembered for being kind and down-to-earth, and indisputably, an inspiration to many.

Version 1 // Black Background Phone (Android/iPhone) 1080 x 1920 Laptop 2880 x 1800 Desktop 2560 x 1600 / 1280 x 1024

Version 2 // White Background Phone (Android/iPhone) 1080 x 1920 Laptop 2880 x 1800 Desktop 2560 x 1600 / 1280 x 1024

From this collaboration initiated by Elsa, I also decided to introduce a new collection/post series called 'The Creative Minds Series'. After the introduction of the Loopy Doodles, it seemed appropriate to also include another series in this little getaway to go on wilder creative adventures. The series will be a type of collaboration where it will feature the wonderful work from the contributor, and where the contributor and myself will create an artwork or a piece together. :)

I'm very grateful for Elsa for her initiative to start this collaboration that sparked the idea of this series. It was very kind of her and she didn't mind if this idea was used with others. She was very accepting, open-minded and happy that she gave the idea of the series as well, so I'm very much appreciative of her support. :) It was wonderful working with Elsa, she had great ideas and it was such an amazing experience to be able to work with someone from across the globe once again.

Finally, we often listen to the voice of reality of our heads, rather than listening to our hearts that harbour the growing list of dreams we constantly wish for. Let's remember that choices lead to destiny as well. We have the ability to cross off those items on our bucket list and find solace in even the smallest of things, if we just keep a close ear and listen to the whispers of our hearts.

Until next time ♥ 

Illustration by Elsa, lettering by me. Wallpapers created by Elsa from Totally Elsa and Dian from The Happy Candle. For personal use only. Not for sale or distribution. If shared, please link back to original post.

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+ The Creative Minds Series is a collaborative collection where a contributor and myself will create an artwork or a piece together, featuring the original works from contributor about art or any other form of design, including photography, and anything creative. 

Freebie: Love Her Tender (Mothers' Day Special)

It wasn't an extraordinary day for the family. By this, I mean it was treated as any other good day. Once in a few years, we might have had a little dinner out, but most years, Mothers' Day wasn't a big deal, yet it didn't creep over the weekend inconspicuously either. 

I didn't realise why this was until I had a relatively fruitful discussion with my sister about it. She pointed it out that we regarded Mother's Day as a reminder, not a celebration. And this was something that was more significant than having a mere celebration of the occasion itself. 

The Internet is filled with ideas and ways to celebrate Mothers' Day and things to do with our mothers but it is underlying purpose of Mothers' Day that is often overlooked. This doesn't mean we give the day depleted attention to entertainment either. Though unnecessary, a party or a day out is still acceptable because it allows us to spend time with our loved ones and eventually, it may serve as an alternative course to express our appreciation. 

Inevitably, Mothers' Day is a time of reflection. It is in human nature for people to forget. This day allows people to realise the importance of mothers and their innumerable contributions. What can we do to improve ourselves to be more understanding to them? What can we do to be better sons or daughters? 

Depending on the country we live in Mothers' Day is just a day or two away, (it falls on 10 May). Cards are great simple ways to write a short letter of gratitude and apology instead of a big day out. They are also more heartfelt and genuine. For anyone who hasn't made any preparations to give thanks, here's some printable cards I've made that you can use and print easily if you decide to give something to your mother at the last minute. :) 

There are 2 versions of the cards, one that says, "Happy Mum's Day" and another that says, "Love You Mum." The cards have a touch of watercolour with floral details, but I've also created plain cards without the floral details available for download. They also come in various sizes. If you'd like a mini card (that's half of an A4-sized paper), the links to those have been included below as well. There's lots of choices you can make to suit your individual preferences. :)

Version 1 // Happy Mums' Day Floral Download Floral (Small) Download Simple Download Simple (Small) Download

Version 2 // Love You Mum Floral Download  Floral  (Small) Download Simple Download  Simple (Small) Download

I started learning more methods to watercolour in the past week and the flowers on the card are just a little detail I added to apply what I learnt. I am fully aware that it's not the best, and there's a lot more to improve on, but I'd just like to take this as an experience and see how it goes. :)

People are often misguided that mothers only need to rest and take time to relax on this day. Yet in truth, she deserves a break whenever she wants and whenever she needs it, not just on this day itself. When the chips are down, she's been there for us and if she experiences something similar, she deserves timeouts as well.

It may also suffice to adopt an alternative perspective where if any day should ever be celebrated as and deserving enough to be a "mothers' day", it should be our birthdays - the celebration of our birth that has made the woman who took care of us mothers. These are the days that actually celebrate their new adventure into motherhood, and have made them stronger, happier and more blessed.

This Mothers' Day, let's remember to be thankful of these dedicated women. Run a detailed inventory and take stock of all the things she has sacrificed and done for us. After all, we are indeed indebted to her.

Happy Mothers' Day. ♥

+ All cards are for personal use only. Not for distribution or resale. Please give credit if reshared. Thank you.
Photo + Lettering + Illustrations by me

Freebie: The Route to Imperfection

I took days to figure out what to write about. I wanted it to be perfect. Flawless. It'd be a staggering feat - one that can take this from teetering on the brink of mere steady progress to its breakout success. 

By the end of the week, stacks of drafts had filled my desk, and I haven't come to a resolution. It's just not perfect, I thought. Perfection. We'll be damned if we can't figure out its magic formula. 

I had sprawled out my brushes to hand letter various pieces over and over, only to make more mistakes, and setting me back in a fray. And after more unsuccessful attempts to create an impeccable piece, I reluctantly accepted the hard truth - perfection was clearly insurmountable. 

The reason to why the formula to perfection is so 'magical' is because it doesn't exist. We strive so hard for something that's clearly unattainable. I'd set out to create perfection, cracking my head before realising the only way to be perfect is to be imperfect. And the only way to be imperfect is, quite frankly, to be fearlessly authentic. 

After much thought, I made a wallpaper for myself that I'd like to share to remind all of us not to be afraid to just be ourselves. It's the yellow brick road to flawless imperfection. 

download in three colours

Version 1 // Baby Blue

Phone (Android/iPhone) 1080 x 1920

Laptop 2880 x 1800

Desktop 2560 x 1600 / 1280 x 1024

Version 2 // Navy

Phone (Android/iPhone) 1080 x 1920

Laptop 2880 x 1800

Desktop 2560 x 1600 / 1280 x 1024

Version 3 // Black

Phone (Android/iPhone) 1080 x 1920

Laptop 2880 x 1800

Desktop 2560 x 1600 / 1280 x 1024

Everyone is seemingly, shamelessly, attempting to appear perfect, especially in this digital era. In social media or even being around others - we swallow our sour concoction of pain, weakness and fear, peddled on the promise of appearing just completely defectless to the universe. However, it is these flaws that makes us unique. 

Authenticity is a human attribute. To be authentic is to accept our little flaws. Simon Sinek, a trained and inspiring ethnographer, mentions: 

"Great leaders are not the strongest, they are the ones who are honest about their weaknesses. Great leaders are not the smartest; they are the ones who admit how much they don't know. Great leaders can't do everything; they are the ones who look to others to help them. Great leaders don't see themselves as great; they see themselves as human.  

Great leaders don't try to be perfect, they try to be themselves. And that's what makes them great." 

I profess I'm not the best at creating lettering work, and regardless of any blows and criticisms, it's the best way to learn and try. People connect with humanness, authenticity, imperfection, and transparency. It's time we gather some courage to be authentic and show our imperfections. 

Until next time ♥  

Imperfect lettering by me 

Wallpapers created by Dian from The Happy Candle. For personal use only. Not for distribution or resale. Please link back to original post if shared. Thank you.

Check out more freebies here. 

Freebie: Collecting Moments

Our hurried lives in the competitive world has painted what seems to be a mundane portrait of the universe. It appears to be an unpleasant piece, but in fact it's beauty lies in the acknowledgement that it is exquisitely abstract. Some see graceful light rays on the little corners of the canvas, carefully splayed, others see a mere stroke of paint. It's just like the little details in our lives.

People tend to think of life as nothing more than calendars after calendars - days, months, years. We fail to see that life is pleasantly punctuated with instances of joy. It's liberating to be in the realm of the setting sun, chirping birds in the morning or just being around smiles of loved ones. These are the little things in life meant to be relished. Let's appreciate that life consists of moments. For if we fail to see them, the daily struggles is what's left in our eyes. Perhaps this should be a mental note for writing the upcoming new year's resolutions. 

I wanted to make something special to motivate myself to commit more resiliently to any new resolutions. Since I had my eyes plastered to the computer screen more frequently to edit photographs and lettering this holiday, I decided to make a personal wallpaper with a reminder. I scrawled up some water colours and pens to the drawing board and set my mind to inspired-mode.

So, here's a little gift I'd like to share - a wallpaper for our gadgets to remind ourselves to enjoy the little things in life. I profess that my work may not be completely pleasant-looking because I'm really still learning lettering, but I'd just like to share it with others so that we can improve on ourselves together.

Phone (Android/iPhone) 1080 x 1920

Laptop 2880 x 1800

Desktop 2560 x 1600 / 1280 x 1024

Let's also note that enjoying the little things doesn't mean to sweep our slip ups under the rug either. We remember the good things that matter but that doesn't excuse us from forgetting our trying times, because it is these disasters and disappointments that admonish the pessimistic thoughts that lurk at the back of our minds and allow us to think - if we can make it through then, we can make it through now.

Until next time! ♥

Lettering by me, Watercolour Illustration by me

Wallpapers created by Dian from The Happy Candle. For personal use only. Not for distribution or resale. Please link back to original post if shared. Thank you.