Sunday Letter • November 3rd, 2024
Reflections on change and growth, your bi-weekly tune, recent posts, and looking ahead.
Welcome to this week’s
It’s a new month, and I am thinking a lot about evolution. I’m a picky lady and don’t have any stickers on the outside of my MacBook, but a few years ago I did buy a sticker from my girl Kaysthetics3000 on Instagram that says “ACHIEVEMENT: look how far you’ve come.” It’s been on the inside of my MacBook just below my keyboard ever since, and it’s a nice lil’ reminder.
As we near the end of the year, the start and end of different eras and times in our lives: personally, within our country, and globally―I think it’s important to reflect on change. Metamorphosis is a word that’s come to mind for me. One thing that remains consistent over the years is my constant growth toward becoming a better and wiser version of myself. I have changed so much already from the start of the decade almost 5 years ago, and certainly from a decade ago. The version of me from 5 years ago was certainly more conscientious than the version of myself from 10 years ago, and I so look forward to growing wiser―and dare I say, sexier―in the years to come.
Growth mindset is crucial in this life. It’s something that I unfortunately see lacking in many of the young people I work with: this idea of perfectionism without making space for the wonderful opportunity to grow. I think it’s something that’s pretty common in adolescence, but it feels especially palpable with this generation. As someone who works with high school students on their applications to college, this lack of growth mindset is something that I frequently observe when I am reviewing and giving students feedback on their art portfolios, or trying to guide them towards a major that would set them up for the type of work they want to be doing 10 years from now. My favorite part of what I do is getting to connect with them about their passions and helping to guide them towards making their best work and towards a creative career. However, that experience for the student on the other side although exciting, can also be uncomfortable and intimidating.
In this role, I often find myself reflecting on my own high school and college education. I understand how these students feel. Being an artist isn’t easy… we’re a sensitive bunch. Receiving critique can be hard for many, especially when we’re still very young. The studio classroom on critique day can sometimes feel like a boxing ring with padded walls. However, it was during my own college experience that I really recognized that to grow is a choice, better yet, it’s a mindset.
I remember the first time that I made the shift to be open to constructive feedback during critique. It was the end of the fall semester of my sophomore year of college, and after suffering through two brutal critiques, I took the power into my hands and decided to enter my final critique of the semester with a different approach and mindset. It was my painting class, and when it was time for my work to be critiqued, I proactively sought the feedback of my peers. I wanted to know what was successful about my painting, what wasn’t, what questions they had about my process, and more. I didn’t always get along with my peers or enjoy their company, but I needed to be intentional about my growth to get the best experience out of my art education.
Over the next two months I encourage you to reflect with me. In what ways have you changed? Do you give yourself the space and grace to grow? Is change difficult for you, and if so, why?
“Make It Happen” by Mariah Carey
Here’s an upbeat tune to start your week. I picked up this album on tape on my last trip to LA, from my favorite record shop in Little Tokyo called Underground Records. Early ‘90s Mariah is such a vibe, and this dance-inspired track is sure to pick you up if you’re feeling in a slump.
〰️
Did you catch my recent posts?
I shared a recipe for my easy instant homemade miso soup:
and shared my favorite brand identities:
Coming up:
My 2024 Holiday Gift Guide
A recipe for marshmallow milk foam, my new favorite way to make nourishing and protein-boosted lattes
Where I shop and keep my eye out for vintage home decor
While this week’s letter is a bit more brief, I’m excited for more to come! See you in a couple of weeks, and stay tuned for my gift guide coming this week!
Kendyl
〰