Just a little Fox Magical Girl

In the realm of fan art, the balance between creativity and respect for intellectual property can be delicate. While it's important to honor the rights of content creators, artists yearn to share their art, spreading happiness and inspiration to fellow fans. My artwork embraces the fusion of Pokemon and Sailor Moon, two beloved franchises that have fueled the imaginations of countless individuals.

Eevee, known for its diverse evolution options, perfectly embodies the spirit of creativity. By blending Eevee's charm with the iconic magical girl transformations from Sailor Moon, I aimed to create something new and exciting. This crossover celebrates the unbounded potential of imagination and showcases the talent and passion within the fan art community.

Although restrictions may exist on platforms like Redbubble, it's crucial to foster spaces where artists can freely express themselves. Fan art serves as a testament to the profound impact these franchises have on our lives, allowing us to explore alternative narratives and showcase our unique artistic perspectives.


When Buzz Words Don't Match Reality

Fast fashion companies have been claiming to be more eco-friendly, using buzz words like "sustainable," "recycled," and "organic" to appeal to consumers who are concerned about the environment. However, the reality is far from their claims.

According to the World Resources Institute, the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions and is the second-largest consumer of the world's water supply. The textile dyeing and finishing process alone is responsible for 20% of global wastewater. In addition, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation found that the equivalent of one garbage truck full of clothes is burned or sent to landfills every second.

Despite these alarming statistics, fast fashion companies continue to produce cheap, disposable clothing at an alarming rate. For example, Zara produces around 840 million items of clothing every year, with new styles introduced every two weeks. This constant demand for new, trendy clothes has a devastating impact on the environment.

To make matters worse, many of these companies use unethical labor practices, such as underpaying and overworking factory workers in developing countries. These workers often work in dangerous conditions and have little to no access to basic necessities like clean water and adequate housing.

It's time for consumers to demand more transparency and accountability from the fashion industry. We need to support sustainable and ethical brands and make a conscious effort to reduce our own consumption. By doing so, we can make a difference and help protect our planet for future generations.

Beyond the Canvas: The Reality of Burnout in the Artistic Community

Overworking oneself and experiencing burnout can have a profound impact on one's relationship with their favorite hobby, especially if that hobby is tied to their career. When we engage in an activity we love, it often provides us with a sense of fulfillment and enjoyment. However, when that activity becomes a source of stress or anxiety, it can quickly lose its appeal.

When we experience burnout, we may find ourselves feeling drained and uninspired. The very thought of engaging in our favorite hobby may feel exhausting, and we may struggle to find the same level of enjoyment we once had. This is because burnout can cause us to associate the activity with negative feelings, making it difficult to separate the joy of the activity from the stress and pressure we're experiencing.

For artists, this can be especially challenging. Creating art is often seen as a form of self-expression, and when that expression is tied to a career or livelihood, the pressure to perform and produce can be intense. This can lead to overworking oneself and eventually experiencing burnout, which can cause one's relationship with art to become strained.

To combat this, it's important to recognize the signs of burnout and take steps to address them before they become overwhelming. This may involve taking a break from the activity, seeking support from friends or loved ones, or engaging in self-care activities to reduce stress and anxiety. By prioritizing our well-being and taking steps to prevent burnout, we can continue to enjoy our favorite hobbies and activities for years to come.

Dear GAP

I wanted to express my gratitude for the opportunity to work with your team and contribute to the success of our floor sets. As a visual merchandiser, I understand the challenge of creating an attractive and functional display while staying within budget.

To me, the key to a successful floor set is having a clear understanding of the brand image and seasonal story, and using color theory to guide the layout. I believe that simplicity is often more effective than clutter, and removing unnecessary fixtures and focusing on building outfits can have a big impact on sales.

I also appreciate the importance of being agile and responding quickly to changes in customer behavior or market trends. By updating displays promptly, we were able to maximize sales and keep customers engaged and delighted.

One of my favorite quotes from my boss is "are you surprising and delighting our customers, or are they leaving disappointed?" It's a powerful reminder that keeping inventory on the floor and creating a visually appealing experience is crucial to success in retail.

Thank you again for the opportunity to work with such a great team, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to our shared success.

Sincerely, Em


Below are in progress images of various floor sets at Gap