“A Warm Hug”: My 12 Illustrations Capturing Animals In Hugs

I guess much of my work reflects my mood. There were times I genuinely needed a break or an intimate conversation with someone. Most importantly, I yearned for a hug from someone, assuring me with the cliché, "everything is going to be fine." This very thought inspired the idea, underscoring the power of a hug. Since my audience appreciates how I draw animals, I leaned into this sentiment, illustrating my yearning for a hug. I adore that many animals hug or huddle together, radiating warmth. Therefore, I wanted to create 12 images to remind fellow humans that they are loved and someone out there is ready to offer a comforting hug.

I believe I've chosen all my favorite animals to draw. I often depict them, and sketching them within this theme deepened my fondness for them. The only novel animal I introduced this time was a Possum. A few months before ideating for the calendar, I came across videos of them. I found it endearing how the babies cling to their mothers. I aimed to represent these animals in realistic movement, hence the Rhinos and Elephants are more in a huddle than an embrace. The challenge lay in portraying a hug without the use of arms, relying solely on the animals' expressions and body language.

Over the years, I've discerned the visual language that resonates most with me and my audience. Today's world is inundated with heavy content, and people need respite from it. My method involves simplifying and distilling these issues. I design my content to be ephemeral, allowing viewers to pause, smile, and momentarily escape from the cacophony of information they confront daily.

The primary feedback I witness on Instagram is users tagging me at the start of each month when they flip to a fresh page. Apart from that, many eagerly anticipate the 2024 calendar.

The truth is, I'm pausing my calendar production for 2024. I'm using this period to introspect and reevaluate how I want to merchandise my art. Beyond conceiving the calendar's theme, the production phase is a distinct challenge. I aim to refine these processes to become more streamlined and manageable for me. While part of me laments breaking my 5-year streak of calendar creations, another part feels content in the decision to rejuvenate and dedicate time for personal reflection.