The post Holiday slump - January 2025

I wanted to share this January round-up blog, which reflects on my accountability, balance, and creativity. It gives tips on balancing my role as a mother, part-time student (Masters/Illustration), and illustrator. I am excited to share what I have been up to this month.

Two faces with dragon puppets

January derives its name from Janus, the two-faced Roman god, with one face looking back at the past and the other gazing toward the future. Yet, the transition between these two perspectives isn’t always smooth. As I’ve come to realise… 

Well, I have to say, the start of January has been a little slow and sluggish than I would have liked after a long overdue and much-needed break. My holiday season was filled with indulgent food and not enough energy to match, and getting back into the swing of things has been somewhat of a challenge. It's always tough trying to balance life as a professional illustrator and student and being a mum. This year, the post-holiday blues have made it even more challenging to find my mojo. The slump hit me harder than usual, and it was a struggle to return to my regular routine. Luckily, I could shake it off in the last week or so and get back into rhythm. My studies for my Master's degree (part-time) resumed on January 20th. It feels like we are driving right in with a very open-ended brief. The two main objectives are creating a map and many observational drawings. This module is designed to be exploratory, allowing us to experiment with different techniques and interpretations. There's a lot of creative freedom, which makes it an exciting challenge, and I cannot wait to see where this will take me! Take a look inside my sketchbook. 

This includes sketches from when I joined the "Sheffield Urban Sketchers" group at their meet-up, which was held at Moor Market. (It was fantastic to see everyone again after not being able to attend for a while) The rest are observational drawings from life. In my previous blog, I discussed how the theme of accountability will be a major part of my 2025 plan. To help me stay on track,  I’ve joined a small accountability group. A small group within the larger community of illustrations from Association of Illustrators Sheffield meetups. We will meet regularly to discuss our goals and plans, and these sessions are designed to help illustrators stay motivated, achieve their objectives, and continue growing as working illustrators.

It will be a chance to reflect on my personal journey as an illustrator—whether it’s celebrating successes or navigating the obstacles that come along the way. I’m looking forward to this experience, as it’s a chance to grow as an artist and learn more about myself and others in the process. 

Maybe you can start your own accountability buddy/group system with the goal of: Share Your Goals Openly: Be transparent, build trust, and give helpful feedback. Track Progress and Update Regularly: Monitoring your progress allows you to celebrate achievements and make necessary adjustments while keeping others informed and fosters accountability. Offer Constructive Feedback and Encourage Each Other: Positive feedback and helpful guidance support growth and improvement. Motivate Through Challenges: Encouragement during tough times keeps the momentum and helps overcome obstacles. Be Honest About Setbacks: Sharing struggles openly creates a supportive environment where everyone can find solutions together. Let’s make this year one where we hold ourselves accountable, set clear goals, and take consistent steps forward. It’s time to turn our aspirations into achievements and make progress, whether big or small things in life.

My Children (a few years ago)

Another theme for this year is balance – A balancing act between three leading roles:

• A working/freelance Illustrator

• A part-time Student (Masters) 

• A Mother
  

I don't often talk about my children in my blog posts or on social media, and I tend to limit how much I share about them online. I have two children; one is now a teenager, and the other is not far behind. When I first began my illustration path, I started with my BA degree while both were still in primary school.

One child requires a lot of support at the moment, something they've needed since the impact of Covid-19. Looking back, I still find it hard to believe how I managed to juggle everything and achieve a first-class honours degree. It was not easy, but somehow, I did it.

My tips for balancing being an illustrator and motherhood.

1. Setting Boundaries.

2. Being Flexible.

3. Ask for help and be kind to yourself. 

4. Be organised

5. Be realistic with your time and goals.

6. Use the tools and technology to make life easier and remove barriers. 

And lastly, celebrate the wins.   As we move into February, I’m reminded of the importance of staying grounded and staying focused on my goals. While balancing motherhood, work, and school can sometimes feel like a tightrope walk, I know that with accountability and a steady approach, it’s possible to find fulfilment in all aspects of life.

Here’s to a year of progress, creativity, and, most importantly, balance.

Emma