Yes... I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaack! Wow, it feels like I haven't written a blog entry in ages. Well, to be honest, it feels like I haven't done anything at all in ages. I'm just stepping out of my hibernation phase, and by that I mean my yearly December break, when I take time to step away from work and spend time with family. It is a great time, no doubt about it, but I would be lying if I told you that switching back to work mode from hibernation mode is a quick process (I can't believe it's already the middle of January!). And it's not because I don't feel like working, but pretty much the opposite: there are so many things to do, so many projects to tackle, that I don't know where to start. I want to do everything at once!

OK, as you might already know (if you're following my work), I don't write as much blog entries as I did in the past. Last year I replaced my weekly writing with quickly sketches and some videos... and the occasional writing. However, since I'm basically starting this year (at least work wise), I wanted to kick off with a new blog entry. So, here I am!

Therefore, since we're starting 2018, let me talk about what I did in 2017. It was an awesome year for my artwork. I pushed the envelope a bit more than usual, and not only in the technical aspect (my style, my technique, etc.), but also on networking. My main goal was (and still is), to broaden my horizon regarding what I can do with my artwork and that's exactly what I did.

The direction I took in my networking was definitely aimed to the adult industry, which is where I feel my artwork fits in a more natural way (not to mention that it is where I feel most comfortable). I got to meet and/or connect with a lot of great people that in one way or another are part of the adult business. Furthermore, I didn't only make contacts within the adult industry in United States, but in Mexico as well. I am proud to see how this industry has grown in Mexico, and I'll try to do my little part to support it.

2017 is the year when I started doing weekly quick sketches, featuring a different model on each one. This allowed me to cover a larger number of models in a shorter period of time. Plus, in more than one occasion, these quick sketches worked as a form of study, before doing a full rendered pin-up of the model that I previously sketched. It's all about fun, it's all about the artwork. :)

2017 is also the year when I started to upload videos to my YouTube page in a more regular basis. My series of "Tribute to a muse" aim to share a bit of my color rendering process; similarly, my "Sketching a muse" series show my actual process of doing the quick sketches that I mentioned previously. If you haven't visited my YouTube page, please check it out: youtube.popeyewong.com

2017 was also the year when I saw my number of patrons at Patreon grow. I'm still at a very modest number, but I am truly grateful for what I receive from each of one them. One of my top priorities for this year is to make this number grow considerably, and I already have a few plans aimed in that direction. By the way, if you are not my patron yet, please consider becoming one. Check out how it works at patreon.com/popeyewongart

As I mentioned before, 2017 is the year where I pushed the envelope regarding my artwork, more than I usually do. This is more evident in my traditional yearly illustrations: Mexican Independence Day (two images in 2017), Halloween, Day of the Dead, Xmas and New Year's (Valentine's for this year is coming soon). I am very proud of how these images turned out, it gives me the confidence to keep trying new styles, new ideas. Sometimes it is a bit hard to work in a new way, stepping out of my comfort zone, but that's what makes all this process so fun.

Last and absolutely not least, 2017 also allowed me to become an uncle for the first time, it brought my dear niece to my life. And, even though that note is not related to my artwork, I mention it because: 1) I wanted to brag about my new niece :) and 2) it turns out this note is indeed related to my artwork. See, my niece was born in France, which gave me the ideal reason to travel to Europe for the first time (I obviously had to go see her). Once in Europe, I was presented with the opportunity to meet with not one, but two models and dear friends of mine, who have been a huge part of my artwork for the last ten years. Needless to say, that trip to Europe made 2017 a very special year.

So... what's next? I can't say exactly, but I know something for sure: 2018 has to top 2017. And seeing what I did in 2017, it really won't be an easy task, it will require a lot of work and dedication. But, as I said before: isn't that the fun part of all this? :) Thanks again for all your support, and cheers for a great 2018. See you next time!
~Pops.