In 2018, I participated in my first #the100dayproject (the 100 day project); my theme was #100daysofplants. While I finished the project, honestly, I’ve never had the desire to participate again. The experience of creating and posting every day, usually the same day I created, was overwhelming and stressful. To be honest, I was envious of those that chose line drawings on sticky notes as their project as opposed to my 100 days of plant “portraits” in watercolor. The daily decisions and stress wore on me long before the 100 day mark. The result was 2 sketchbooks full of work that I occasionally look back and and think, “how did I do it?”
My life in 2018
In 2018, my life looked very different than it does now. My son was a teenager, my daughter was a college student, and I had a travel schedule for work that wasn’t always conducive to an art practice. These factors combined to made it difficult to pull off a daily plant portrait. Yet, I pushed through and was determined to make it to the finish line, and I finally limped across. A long marathon that felt like would never end.
The finish line
But it did finally end. When Day 100 arrived, with a deep breath, I could finally breath. The 100 day project would never be on my agenda again, I vowed.
Fast forward to 2025.
I still don’t know what triggered the idea to revisit a long-term project, but I considered it as an opportunity to consistently work in my sketchbook, and to try new techniques. So, the day before the kick-off, I decided to jump in the water. This time, seven years later, my children are both adults and I no longer travel regularly for work. My approach is also very different, and this time it’s relaxing and enjoyable. I knew if it wasn’t easy, I’d never finish.
How’s the trip so far?
The first week felt a little sluggish; however, by Day 8, I started to loosen up and try new or different techniques. I started to have fun, and on Day 50, I’m still having fun! I haven’t missed a day yet, even though two days were Neocolor 2 crayons on the back of a brown paper bag that I then pasted into my sketchbook. Those are my favorites because they represent the true spirit of a daily sketchbook practice. A sketchbook practice should be easy and use what’s available.
Slow and steady wins the race
The timing just wasn’t right, which is why I don’t regret the 7 year gap in the 100 day project. Approaching the project with a sense of adventure and exploration has replaced the stress and overwhelm. Insecurity has been replaced by muscle memory and experience. Today, as I finish Day 50, I prepare for another slow and steady 50 days. 50 more days that I get to create, that I get to do what I love! It turns out that “easy” can produce better results. Here’s looking at you, cute sticky note sketches!
