Happy January!
We made it to 2025, which carries a mix of excitement and dread.
I love planning for a new year, but January is a tough time. It’s cold, it’s dark, and the wellness industry and inauguration day are looming over us all month. Not ideal for transforming into our best selves—and that’s okay.
Whether you completed a winter arc or are wintering until March, today is as meaningful as you make it.
I’ve never been one for resolutions or intense life optimization plans, but I do like to take the time to set the tone for a new year. A new notebook, vision board, and playlist can do wonders for my mindset.
So whatever your plans are for today, I hope you’re starting your year on your own terms.
Take care,
Brelynn
🎵January Playlist
📚Media Reads
For a Happier New Year, Focus on Your Loved Ones
Holly Burns (@hollyburns) speaks with happiness researchers about the importance of interpersonal relationships and a collective mindset. According to psychologist Emma Seppälä, “The happiest people, who also happen to live the longest and healthiest lives, are the people who live a life characterized by compassion, balanced with self-compassion.”
The Artist Exposing the Data We Leave Online
Kyle Chayka (@chaykak) talks with artist and programmer Riley Walz about IMG_0001. The project collects and presents videos posted through the iPhone’s short-lived straight-to-YouTube button.
The Two Pages sketchbooks have travelled the world, and will restore your faith in creativity
Jenny Brewer (@jennysbrewer) interviews the founders of Two Pages, a project that passes a sketchbook around creatives in a chosen city. “People are incredibly generous, and creativity has no limits,” shares art director Konstantinos Trichas. “I’m always impressed by how different creatives approach two empty pages and the variety of responses we receive.”
The Year in Review: Museums Are Leaving AI Hype Behind
Brian Droitcour (@briandroitcour) explores how museums presented the relationship between art and AI in exhibitions throughout 2024, highlighting a shift in the discussion from whether AI can make art to what meaning artists can make with AI.
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OOO
Jasmine Dowling shared this creative collection of out-of-office notes.
Trusting Growth
This carousel by Maiden Studio is a great reminder for the new year.
Just Start
Boa Studio shared this takeaway while reflecting on 2024.
🖌️Creators to Follow
Tea (@teadayblogs) is a London-based video artist, illustrator, and educator. She shares videos and resources about the creative process and overcoming the fear of creating.
Abbie (@abbiesr) is a misinformation researcher and educator. She specializes in understanding how misinformation, conspiracy theories, and extremism spread on TikTok and creates educational content that explains her research.
Salem (@corpseofapoet) is a trans poet whose work explores identity, technology, space, nature, and discomfort. They share mixed media art and poetry on social media.