MY Look at 2022
A year NIKE never before!
On my birthdays, I like to look back on the past years. To reflect on what has changed me and how things have affected my work. And today is the day to do that!
The first thing that comes to mind is the collaboration with 43einhalb for the anniversary of the NIKE 97 Silver Bullet. Definitely my personal highlight of 2022! Some of you have followed along with me on Instagram and the support has been amazing - thank you for that and your interest in this project!
Time to thank
When I think back on this work, I think of the short time I had to finish the drawing. It was exactly two weeks before the finished picture had to be framed. Never before have I drawn such a huge piece in such a brief period of time - quite a high achievement by my standards. I have to say that this work made me realize that with a focused goal, I can complete projects in the shortest amount of time. And honestly, there was no turning back - do it or leave it. And leaving it would never happen on an opportunity like this, I had to suffer through it - no hard feelings dear 43einhalb-team!
Then came the release date. On the 11th November 2022 I finally could breathe a little and celebrate with the people at the Frankfurt store! At this point, huge congratulations to the winner of the final artwork! I had a hard time parting with this one, cause there's a lot of me in it. A lot of heart, sleepless nights, desperation and perseverance. That's all I felt while drawing it – just so you know! :D
I would like to thank the awesome 43einhalb team! The fact that you guys managed to put something like this together in such a short time is impressive and inspiring to me!
A special thanks goes out to Mischa, who was so open to work with an artist who is still in her early stages. Thank you very much for that - I truly value that! This whole experience has greatly empowered me in my goal to continue with my art, so thank you again!
The struggles
of a perfectionist
Before I tear up too much, let’s look at another great achievement in my eyes. This website … For a hardcore perfectionist like me, the quote "Better done than perfect!" makes my ears bleed! But in the case of the website completion, it was a necessity. I just wanted to get online as quickly as possible so I could write about my work on a broader scale. Social media is way too fast-paced for that and, in my opinion, not really sustainable for the work I do.
It took me all summer to design this website and to this day there is still some change going on - perfectionist at heart. Nevertheless, this quote "Better done than perfect!" was very helpful and now I can show you more depth in what I do and why.
No more rush!
But there is one thing on which my perfectionism works wonders and is more than reasonable - when it comes to drawing. In fact, there are two finished artworks, which were never seen by the public eye and even one, that I still haven’t finished yet. I blame my mind for having TOO many ideas and limited time resources. And that brings me to something I want to change this year. My time limitation is not really a limitation. It's the rush I put myself in. This led to frustration and a feeling of not achieving my goals because something new is ALWAYS coming. I have come to the conclusion that time is a currency for me that I don't want to waste so lightly.
No more rush! Instead taking time for what I can learn about the sneaker culture and what I can possibly contribute to those involved. (Unless another great opportunity arises for a project like the anniversary of the NIKE 97!)
What’s next?
The year 2022 I closed with a start on a new project, which will be my first series on a topic that also interests me as a designer. More about this in the future, since it will accompany me throughout the year and probably not be completed by the end of 2023. Don't worry, though! Many other things are already in the making, for which you should sign up to my newsletter and keep your eyes open on Instagram!
With this brief recap and a very small preview of the new year, I want to thank you for being here with me. For 2023 I wish you the time you need for the things you love. Don't rush, breathe. See where you are and who is with you because I see you and appreciate each and every one of you with all my heart!
So, happy birthday to me and maybe to you too!
