This past Tuesday was my birthday and to commemorate this special occasion, I thought I would share 41 of my current favorite things from my 41 years on this planet.
My absolute most favorite read this year has been This Time Tomorrow* by Emma Straub
But also really enjoyed My Best Friends Exorcism by Grady Hendrix
Pleasantly surprised at how much I loved Severance on Apple TV
Have found the Leuchtturm1917 to be my favorite for visual journaling and keeping all my deep thoughts and secrets in one place
Got a dog and I love him
Drew some adorable vehicles for the cutest board book coming out in December (pre-order and share some love)
And also drew some happy baby animal faces
Became an adjunct professor at Columbia College Chicago
Gave a live lecture at Columbia College Chicago that you can rewatch here
My mom moved down the street from us
Fell in love with graphic novels and cartooning
Wrote and illustrated two stories/book dummies and shared them with my agent (fingers crossed)
Took our first vacation to Savannah, Ga since the pandemic started. It was lovely
Started making a monthly #whatupdiarycomic thanks to @hagsville. Feels like a fabulous way to ease into drawing comics
Participated in #kidlistartpostcard hashtag on IG thanks for Gina Perry for starting
Supporting some good Pateron-ers; Lindsay Victoria Lee & Carrie Shryock have been my recent favs
Took a great class on starting a newsletter and uncovered a lot of stuff about myself. Learned what things were holding myself back in my business. And figured out what it is I wanted to share with all of you <3
I have always had a soft spot for Pamela Adlon (Grease 2 anyone? The voice of Bobby Hill!) and have been making my way through her show, Better Things - Can’t recommend enough
Season 2 Episode 10 is everything. The song has been on repeat in my studio everyday
My daughter turned double digits this year. How do I have a 10 year old?
Graduated from doing Physical Therapy for my hip (thanks to how i draw) and moved into doing Pilates, luckily no more pain
Purchased some really good Procreate brushes; Cute Japanese Brushes, Risograph Brushes & Textures, + Joe’s Brush Set 6, but I still go back to Procreate’s Dry Ink Brush
Discovered so many good new illustrators on IG; Corey Egbert, Fani Bela, Asahi Nagata, Lizzie Lomax, Louise Pretzel, + Lala Watkins
Saw BUG at the Steppenwolf Theater
Received my first royalty payment from my children’s books - if you know, you know, this is a big deal!
Top favorite picture books I bought and loved; The Flower Garden, Little Witch Hazel and To Make
Meditated every night thanks to Headspace App
Daily Qigong practice with Ksney, especially love the evening routines before bed
Listened to every episode of my favorite podcast; Ho Yeah! (it’s currently on hiatus and hope they come back)
Pre-ordered Drawing for Illustration, because it’s Martin Salisbury
Loved The Green Knight
By far one of my favorite pens to take notes with
Mentored Erin through SCBWI and loved the experience of sharing everything I know and helping her develop an amazing portfolio piece
Drew my most favorite drawing
Started this newsletter and am actually enjoying it
Purchased this print because I love it
My most played song on Spotify
This show gave me all the feels this year, it’s a favorite. I refuse to watch the American remake
Thankful for Slack and all the friends I get to chat with daily while quietly working away in the studio
If you see me this summer, I will most likely be wearing this tank top. Target for the win
Thank you for reading my fav 41! If you clicked the links and purchased, I don’t get anything in return, except through Bookshop.org, because they are amazing.
Enjoy the sun this weekend.
Best,
Denise
So many delicious links Denise! Thank you!
Hey Denise. What date is your birthday? I’m 41 this year on the 18th of October