Where do I start?
Advice from creative geniuses but then also me.
To quote Garry Marshall’s iconic film The Princess Diaries, “Thank you for being here today.”
This Substack will be a place to put my thoughts, my fears, my “how did I go to art school” sketches, my “hey that’s actually really good” sketches, WIPs, film photographs, and updates on my cat (Fig). For instance, right now, Fig is curled up on a grey chair she has torn to shreds.
To kick off 2026, I want to share some fun assignments I’ve sourced over the years from creative types I admire. These are little homework assignments, and some might be great New Year’s resolutions. Enjoy!
Ray Bradbury’s Writing Challenge
During his 2001 speech at UCLA, the legendary writer said, “Write a hell of a lot of short stories. If one can write one story a week- doesn’t matter what the quality is to start but at least you’re practicing- at the end of the year, you have 52 short stories, and I defy you to write 52 bad ones.” The same rule applies to a drawing, painting, or really any creative endeavor.
Maurice Sendak’s “Fantasy Sketches”
“In the 1950s, Maurice Sendak developed a life-long practice in which he would listen to a piece of classical music by a composer such as Mozart, Beethoven, or Schubert and challenge himself to draw a story before the last note sounded. These exercises, which he called ‘fantasy sketches,’ allowed him to explore motion and animation and honed his artistic training. It also sparked ideas for later books like Nutshell Library and Where the Wild Things Are.” These words are from the Denver Art Museum, but I was lucky enough to see the sketches at the Skirball Cultural Center (Wild Things Are Happening: The Art of Maurice Sendak, April 18–September 1, 2024). My only adjustment is not to limit yourself to classical, but still no lyrics allowed!
Lynda Barry Assignments
I myself have not done these, but it’s on the 2026 to-do list. The acclaimed cartoonist posts drawing prompts on her instagram, and has many books about making comics, such as- ahem- “Making Comics” by Lynda Barry. One of her instagram prompts was “Draw yourself in a scene you’ve never been in,” which does seem like a way to manifest a new experience in the new year.
And now for…
Movie of The Week: When Harry Met Sally
You’ve probably seen it before, but it’s time for a rewatch since it is both a New Year’s movie and a Rob Reiner classic. At a minimum, might I recommend the endearing conversation between Reiner and Nora Ephron, both gone far too soon.
Thanks for reading, talk to you soon.
Love, Olivia