Blog #4

To live is to change. I created this art piece of two butterflies based on how I visualize myself in 20 years. In order to do so, I used adobe illustrator to convert my original sketch into a calligram. I used words from a letter I have written to my future self 20 years from now to create these two insects and adjusted the fonts as well as the text color. My inspiration came from the natural phenomena, metamorphosis, which is the process of a caterpillar turning into a butterfly. This process has always intrigued me and my letter was based of the personal growth I strive to achieve in the next 20 years. Changing is a natural part of life, and although often disliked, it is one of the best experiences people can undergo. 

    I focus on embracing change in my work, as no one butterfly is alone, similar to humans. The two butterflies, seemingly different, represent the idea that I am not alone when I change, but instead I am surrounding by people who change endlessly. I was inspired by the well known Monarch Butterfly when I chose the color palate and I layered different text fonts to create dimension. I find my self-growth as the most meaningful inspiration and the idea that life is fragile in many ways similar to a gentle insect like the Monarch. I enjoy making my work simplistic but not boring. 

    To create the calligram, I used the pen too to outline my sketch, the ellipse too for multiple fillings. I also used the black and white select tools to put everything into place and of course the text tool to bring my sketch to life. Creating each aspect of this piece allowed me to slowly see it come together and I enjoyed putting myself into a visualization.

My mentioned letter:

Dear Me in 20 Years,

              Hi there! As I think about myself 20 years from now, of course I wonder what I will be doing and where I will be living. Right now, I sit in my college dorm excited for my future and so curious as to how it will play out. I think about us getting married and finally being able to move out of my parents’ house. I also think by the time I’m 38 I will have kids of my own to adore. I can’t wait until that period of our life, since it’s always been something we would dream of as a little girl. When we are 38, I’m sure we would want to remember what 18-year-old me had going on in her life, so I want to share my current goals. I still haven’t picked a major, so I can’t even imagine what career I’ll be doing at this age. I’ve thought about being a nurse because I would meet new people every day, but I’ve also thought about being an accountant since math has always been our favorite subject. I have some short-term goals as well, such as fixing my posture, making new friends here in Tampa, getting more involved, and truly finding out what I love to do. The thought of being 38 and living in a house with a family is extremely comforting and something I’m dying to do. My long-term goals are a big focus too because there is a lot I want to accomplish before I am 38. I want to explore more and be able to travel as much as I can. I want to be pushed out of my comfort zone and learn something new every day. I also want to learn to do things for myself and not need any other reason to do so. I look forward to getting to know myself more at every age and flourishing into an adult who has purpose. My favorite things to do now are going out to eat, going on walks, tanning, which I will probably regret, and branching out to new people. I think when I’m 38 I’m still going to love going out to eat, I’m going to be traveling, raising children, and creating memories with my husband. I look forward to meeting you in 20 years, but I make sure to soak up every day like It’s my last. Enjoy every moment you have a remember that life is beautiful but also wat you make out of it.  I hope all is well future me and never stop being you!

As well as my mentioned sketch: