Recap 2025 — and choosing a different focus for 2026

2025 felt like a continuation of an already fast 2024.

Multiple projects running simultaneously, combined with significant changes in my personal life, created a constant sense of motion — without always knowing whether I was actually moving forward or just going in circles.

At times, I felt like a hamster on a wheel. Busy, exhausted, productive on paper — but without enough space to pause and reassess.

And still, a lot happened.

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✸ What 2025 looked like in practice

Professionally, 2025 provided me with the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects.

I:

• completed a series of four children’s books

• illustrated a personalized book for the first time — a beautiful project, but also one where I misjudged the scope, underestimated the timeline, and charged less than I realistically should have

• worked on packaging projects that brought a different kind of creative challenge

• managed to run three projects in parallel

• worked on a project that pushed me creatively — filming again after three years, picking up gouache and brushes instead of the iPad, and stepping outside my usual routine

• took on an educational advertising project as a break between books

• participated for the first time in a book promotion, which meant facing my fear of public speaking and learning to manage stress in unfamiliar settings

Alongside all of this, two major life events happened:

• I got married

• We bought an apartment

Looking back, 2025 was fast, chaotic, demanding, stressful — and genuinely beautiful at the same time.

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✸ The realizations that came with it

For the first time, I had to accept that I would miss a deadline — and that the world wouldn’t end because of it.

That moment mattered more than it sounds.

It forced me to admit something I had been avoiding: this pace — sleepless nights, constant stress, and taking on too many projects — is not sustainable in the long term.

I started noticing the consequences:

• My social life slowly disappeared

• burnout became harder to recover from

• drawing began to feel heavier, not lighter

• motivation faded, not because I stopped loving illustration, but because I was exhausted

I also realized how much I missed having a buffer between book projects — time to develop my own products and ideas. My shop suffered because of that. Honestly, considering how neglected it was, I’m surprised it still had any orders at all.

Markets, which used to be a solid income and an important social outlet for me, have been absent for two years now. And I miss them — not just financially, but because they connected me to people and new opportunities in a way online work rarely does.

To be fair, this was a conscious choice. At the end of 2024, I decided to focus almost exclusively on book illustration. And in many ways, that goal was achieved.

But near the end of 2025, I had to sit down and have an honest conversation with myself.

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✸ When numbers and life plans meet

I had to look at how this work rhythm fits into the personal phase I’m entering.

When I put everything on paper — workload, income, energy levels, and plans — the conclusion was clear: something has to change.

This pace doesn’t support balance.

And it certainly doesn’t leave room for what’s coming next.

I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship. -Louisa May Alcott

✸ What 2026 is asking for

2026 is not about doing more. It’s about doing things more thoughtfully.

With apartment renovations, a move to another city, and plans for pregnancy, it’s clear that I need to prepare the ground for a calmer period.

That means:

• slowing down

• being more selective with projects

• investing energy where it makes the most sense for me

• developing passive and semi-passive income streams that allow more flexibility

• returning to my shop and markets

• introducing digital products

• keeping book illustration — but at a more sustainable pace

Another important strategic focus for 2026 is expanding toward the international market.

There are several reasons for this:

• more diverse book topics and clients

• broader creative opportunities

• and yes — being transparent — financial reasons

Illustration work in Serbia is generally underpaid. If I plan to illustrate fewer books, the math becomes very clear.

None of these goals are guaranteed. There are risks. Some changes may not work out.

But for the first time, instead of vague intentions, I’m creating a clear strategy — not as a promise, but as an attempt.

And even if not everything succeeds, I trust that there will be lessons worth carrying forward.

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✸ Moving forward

This year isn’t about perfection or certainty.

It’s about making space. For life. For better decisions.For work that doesn’t consume everything else.

And for sharing what I learn along the way — honestly, without pretending to have all the answers.

That, at least, is something I know I can do.