This month felt like one of those moments where all the threads of my creative life were woven together—sometimes neatly, sometimes in a glorious tangle. A metaphor for the picture book I have written, and illustrating currently, coming out in 2027 with Owl Books .

Between picture book deadlines, teaching workshops, starting a new course, and trying to keep up with my own sketchbook practice, I found myself thinking a lot about balance. Not the perfect kind (I’m convinced it doesn’t exist!), but the realistic, day-to-day kind that keeps the creative wheels moving.

A painting of a stork done in a paintery impressionist style for wall art. — I created this painting for wall art. The medium was acrylics paints, the style inspired by Impressionism.

Picture Book Work That Filled My Days

I spent a good part of the month diving deep into illustration work and writing revisions. Starting Embroidered has been a joy—lots of early sketches, pattern exploration, colour palettes, and that mix of excitement and nerves that comes with beginning a new book you really believe in. At the same time, I’ve been wrapping up details for my other picture book projects, which has reminded me how long and layered the book-making process really is.

A teaser for the next picture book I'm working on for Owl Kids. — A teaser from the next picture book I’m working on called **EMBROIDERED** coming out in 2027 with Owl Kids.

Teaching That Keeps Me Grounded

I also spent time preparing for my new class at Avenue Road Arts School: Mindful & Meditative Mark Making. This course grew out of my own need to slow down, breathe, and create without judgement. Building the lessons, recording demonstrations, thinking about what students need—teaching always shifts my perspective back to the fundamentals. It reminds me why I love art in the first place.

Water colour abstarct — A Splashy abstract water colour painting

Painting for Myself (Even When It Feels Impossible)

This month wasn’t all work-for-clients. I continued exploring intuitive abstract florals for my upcoming workshop. Some days I had thirty minutes, some days only five—but those tiny pockets of time made a difference. They helped me reconnect to that quiet part of my creative self that needs nothing from me except presence.

water colour food illustration by Farida Zaman — Mediterranean food illustration done with watercolour and inks

The Hidden Part of Balance

People often assume that juggling multiple creative projects means you’ve mastered time management. I haven’t. What I have learned is to listen—to the project that needs attention, the workshop that needs shaping, the story that suddenly wants a new ending. Balance isn’t always equal time. It’s knowing what to lean into that day.

An abstract food illustration by Farida Zaman created on Procreate — A abstract still life created in Procreate

Why I’m Grateful for the Messy Middle

Looking back at the month, I’m grateful for the variety in my work. Teaching, painting, and writing all feed different parts of me. When one part feels stuck, another opens up. They support each other, and somehow, together, they keep me moving forward.

Winter scene of people skiing by Farida Zaman — A seasonal scene of people skiing created in Procrete.

Layers of a Creative Life

The Making of Meena Can’t Wait!