January 2025 Round-Up

January always starts off busy, and this year was no different. We’ve been trying to find a letting agent for our house, but it hasn’t been going too well. It looks like I’ll need to go back to the UK for a few weeks to sort things out.

Exploring New Creative Skills

On a more exciting note, I started a video editing course in Premiere Pro, and I absolutely love it! Learning new software and getting creative again feels amazing. In addition, I’ve enrolled in a Procreate course on Saturday afternoons at NAFA, where I’m learning digital painting—something I’ve never done before. I’m hoping to integrate these new skills with my Master’s in Fashion Sustainability, allowing me to share content online through videos and create my own illustrations through digital painting. The prospect of tying all three together is really exciting!

Diving Into My Master’s Program

I officially started my Master’s, and while I was told it requires a 25-hour commitment per week, I somehow find myself working on it full-time. I’m still unsure if it’s because I’m naturally slow or if it truly demands that much time to do properly. To work more efficiently, I’ve been exploring academic support tools and new study methods. One game-changer has been using the word dictate function, which allows me to record my thoughts verbally and then use AI to organise them, refine the grammar, and structure my ideas properly.

Challenging My Way of Thinking

Our first module is about reimagining our world in 2040—if everything we implement works out, what would that future look like? Over the past two weeks, I’ve realised that my thinking is still systemic—I approach solutions as a designer within commercial boundaries rather than breaking out of the mould. It has been a real challenge to step away from the computer and let my thoughts flow naturally, but I’ve learned that research isn’t just about reading books. It also requires disconnecting, stepping into nature, and allowing ideas to form organically. Already, some exciting concepts are emerging from this approach!

Connecting with others through webinars on Thursdays has also been incredibly refreshing. Re-engaging with people in the UK, who are pushing boundaries and thinking outside the box, has been inspiring. After spending so long in a more conservative environment, being part of these discussions brings a sense of energy and creativity that I’ve been craving. Two weeks in, and I’m already loving the journey!

Exploring Creativity in Singapore

Beyond my studies, I visited a sustainable market just outside NAFA Art School and an exhibition featuring the work of fashion textile students. Some of the standout pieces included:

• A student who accessorised shoppers by weaving applique of scrap threads —such an interesting tactile approach.
• Yu Shan-Tung Carving of Time 2024  collection aimed to explore time and its integration with fashion design. This collection was also featured in Vogue next generation of fashion designers to watch.
• A tent-like installation where photographs were printed onto fabric and sheer mesh, forming a structure that seemed to represent memories. I loved the textures and the depth created through layering images on fabric.
• A jewellry designer who made roses from scrap fabric, integrating them with metal hardware into reverse necklaces—absolutely stunning!
• Another designer who crafted Chinese Zodiac animals into jewelry—a really unique concept.
• A fascinating project by an architecture student, featuring designs for sustainable green buildings, displayed on large scientific posters.

It was an inspiring way to see how different disciplines interpret sustainability through their art and innovation.

Wrapping Up January

It has been a month of deep learning, creative exploration, and self-reflection. I’m excited to see how my new skills in digital painting and video editing will shape my work, how my Master’s research will evolve, and how I continue pushing myself outside of commercial constraints.

Thank you for following along! With gratitude,
Tala 🌿✨

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