Step 1: IMAGE - Part 9

Practice Makes Perfect

To read the rest of the series: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8

Instead of learning something new up to a mediocre level, I decided to work on something I already know how to do - but need more practice at. The lucky chosen mastery was sketching. Saying that I know how to sketch would be a vulgar exaggeration. I can transfer what I see onto paper, to some degree. However, I'm completely ignorant when it comes to shading, color mixing techniques ... (the list can go on, but I'm just not in the ranting mood). 

So, here are my sketchbook attempts, in chronological order. (Please cover your mouth when you laugh at me; my sketching skills still fall into the "sensitive subjects" category). 

What do you wish you were better at? 

Step 1: IMAGE - Part 8

Inspi-space-ion

To read the rest of the series: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7

My room is my world - I sleep, create, and lounge in it. But it's more than just a space. It's my source of inspiration as well. Thus, I've chosen to surround myself with it:

Framed pictures on my desk, a photo by Juliette Gold

Audrey in watercolor, a photo by Juliette Gold

Chevron flags, a photo by Juliette Gold

The Holstee Manifesto, a photo by Juliette Gold

A drawing on my wall, a photo by Juliette Gold

Some good reads, a photo by Juliette Gold

How do you keep yourself inspired?

Step #1: IMAGE - Part 7

Style 101

To read the rest of the series: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6

One's personal style is more that a few rags thrown together. Style is identity. It's both a social statement and a way of life. When redefining my own, I've focused on three aspects: shape, colors, and theme. 

Shape:

Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, that we already know. However, we usually have unrealistic perceptions of their bodies (let's take a moment here to rant about media, society, and everything else that comes to mind). Or, in other cases, we just don't know how to work with what we've got. I used to fall into that category as well. I'll spare you the horror of my middle-school's (and frankly, some of high-school's) "amazing-and-totally-pretty-my-crush-would-sooo-like-me" outfits. (Sarcasm heavily intended) A simple tool I used to find my shape is InStyle Magazine's shape finder. It suggests pieces of clothing that can guide you at your next shopping spree.

Photo source: screen capture from InStyle

Color:

Colors play a big role in our appearance. Wearing the wrong color can make your skin look dull, and emphasize dark circles and blemishes. (And no one wants to see those) Whereas the right colors, should light up your face and accentuate the color of your eyes. You can always hold up garments to your face and evaluate them; but it's best to know where to start. Quick, easy, and astoundingly precise, this article from College Fashion helped me find my perfect colors. It gives you a diagram that leads you to your "season", and then goes into some more specifics, by giving you a list of colors based on the color of your eyes. 

Photo source: screen capture from College Fashion

Theme:

The "theme" - the vibe that your outfit broadcasts - is the embodiment of your preferences and personality.
The Etsy Taste Test can give you a broad image of your preferences. It lets you pick nine items, of a list of six each time. Once you're done, it gives you a list of many pretty things. When you look at them critically, and try to find common denominators, you find specific attributes of taste you can later incorporate into your wardrobe. I really like this one - I see it as a justification of my weird obsessions.

Photo source: screen capture from Etsy

Do you have any tips for defining your style? Share them in the comments! 

Step #1: IMAGE - Part 6

Break - fiesta

To read the rest of the series: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5

“Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”  ~ Unknown

"My mom always said that the morning determines the day. She preached to never get upset and to never deliver bad news in the early a.m. hours. I haven't comprehended the true sense of her words until one traumatizing morning in the eighth grade. I left home in a bad mood and on my way to school that day I stepped on a "doggy output"– I was too preoccupied with glum brooding to notice it. Then, when I went out to drink water during class, I opened the fountain too abruptly and in return it sprayed me with water in a way that made it seem like … something else. This occasion made my return back to class beyond embarrassing. And if all of that wasn't enough, I also performed poorly on a quiz since I was so worried with my appearance and smell.

Walking home that day, I've developed a value that has guided me ever since: "The Art of Breakfast". Inspired by my mom's theory, I've concluded that a joyful morning can not only keep us in a decent mood, but might motivate us to enjoy the rest of the day, and consequently, enjoy life. Thus, I make sure to celebrate each morning with a "break-feast" – a meal with my loved ones, eaten to the sounds of French music from the 60s and the scent of vanilla.

Knowing that the morning would be so incredible, I wake up every day with a smile on my face, ready to make the most out of the day. And isn't it what's life is all about? Being happy every step of the way, enjoying everything life has to offer, and being open to miraculous opportunities we might otherwise miss?"

So, what's in that bowl?

What is your renowned (or infamous; no judging here) habit? 

Step #1: image - part 5

"Aspiration", rather than "perspiration"

To read the rest of the series: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

When I was twelve, I declared that I wanted to become an architect. I contemplated a 12-year long plan in my head, and I refused to stir from it in either direction. And, according to what my mom tells me, I was a real B about it as well. I was a little, annoying stubborn mule, who lived by the mantra "either build or die". As I became older, and luckily a teensy bit wiser, I started re-evaluating my decision. After exposing myself to other fields and possibilities, and falling in love with them as well, I decided to aspire for a goal, rather than gallop to a narrow dot [please note the stubborn mule reference]. 

"Juliette Goal":

• I want my work to affect and inspire people
• I want diversity; I want to focus on a new project or a new theme every now and then.
• I don't want my work to be  monotonous
• I want to visit new places and experience new things as part of my work
• I want to challenge myself and make myself think 

Architecture fits that outline. But so do many other fields. I know that I want to build, but now I see a whole array of ways to get to that point. So if I am no longer a mule ... perhaps I could be a ... bird? 

Photo source: Pinterest

Which path do you prefer? The straight line, or the maze? 

Step #1: IMAGE - Part 4

What do I want to be?

To read the rest of the series: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

In our parents' generation, things where much more predetermined. You could be an engineer...a doctor...a teacher, and these titles defined who you were as a person. The engineer - smart and well-educated; the doctor - heroic; and the teacher compassionate. These statements were still valid even when I was growing up - who doesn't remember the  Nickelodeon sitcom from the 90's of two grannies bragging about their doctor / lawyer sons ?

Currently, however, things are slightly different. I thing that the invention of the internet caused the change. The internet introduces a new array of possible career paths and opportunities. It also made information a lot more available, brought content from overseas, and made the world seem smaller and approachable. Nowadays the answer to the question "what kind of person do I want to be?" is completely up to us. So what kind of person do I want to be?

Who is Juliette Gold?

• She is graceful and elegant. She knows how to behave like a lady.
• She treats everyone she meets with respect.
• She keeps a positive outlook on life. On her "thunderstorms and horseshit mood" days she just keeps to herself, to avoid upsetting others as well. 
• She always strives to learn new skills and to improve the ones she already knows.
• She embraces life and enjoys every day to its fullest extent. 
• Her work inspires and influences people. 
• She knows who she is and what she stands for. 

Juliette gold is the girl who would dance in an empty room with no music on, just to enjoy herself and have a good time.

"The Ghostly Dancer", sketch by Juliette Gold, July 2012

How would you describe your ideal persona? Which qualities would it have? 

Step #1: IMAGE - Part 3

How much do you really want to change?

To read the rest of the series: Part 1, Part 2, Part 4

In order to know how much we really want to work on ourselves, how many things we would like to change, we first need to identify those things. In other words, we need to asses our life-satisfaction. 

What do you already like about your life?

Are you happy with your everyday routine? Do you like the way you treat people [and consequently, the way they treat you]? Are you happy with your apartment or house? Take a moment to ponder upon these questions:

• Are you excited to wake up each morning? 
• What do you like most about your family?
• What do you like most about your friends?
• What is your favorite spot in your home? 
• Name one thing you like about your job. 
• Name your 3 most favorite qualities.

You should have a clearer image of your life and your level of content. Do you press snooze every time the alarm goes off? Then perhaps your routine could use a little shake (or maybe you're just not getting enough sleep). Your parents seem to always get the best of you? Have you tried to sit down with them and clear the air? Can't find a single thing you like about your job? Why don't you quit then?

Our life is the result of our own choices.

Though it may sound like a cliche, it's definitely not bull'. I believe that before we can design someone else's reality, we first need to be pleased with our own. We cannot improve the being of others, if we keep ranting about our own. However, a quick shift of perspective can make wonders!

Story time: One day I had to run around Tel Aviv collecting documents I needed to apply to university. There are two ways to look at that day:

1. I left the house super-early, had to deal with the most annoying secretaries, froze (I forgot my jacket), ran around all day and did nothing productive. Basically, this day sounds terrible! 
2. I got to see the beautiful morning sky, finished all of my chores, spent an entire day walking around my beloved city, and later at home, spent some quality time with my cat. Not only this days sounds bearable, but is actually seems pretty nice.

By choosing to remember the good parts of controversial days, by focusing on the positive aspects of my life, I keep my happiness level high and my inspiration flowing.

What do you like about your life? Share your answers to the Q's in this post here. 

Step #1: IMAGE - Part 2

Click here to read the rest: Part 1, Part 3, Part 4

Keep in mind: 

• Remember that your personal image is not definite and as you grow and evolve, it would too.
• Don't forget to enjoy the process, because the "end product" is impossible to reach - there is always room for improvement. 

What other steps would you take to create your personal image?

Want to join me on my quest for personal image? Comment to join or tweet #JGIMAGE to be added to the list!