100 Days of Chicago
After the success* of 100 Days of Peoria - I knew I wanted to reimagine the daily drawing project with Chicago icons, small businesses, and favorite spots. With Chicago being the massive city that it is, this project could truly be never-ending. There are always new places, events, and things to do. Ultimately, to keep the project manageable, I set a goal of 100 illustrations.
One new drawing will be released each day for the duration of the project (August 22-November 29) via Instagram and Facebook. Because simply posting on social media is a huge job in and of itself, I’ve worked ahead on the illustrations to ensure that I can share a new design every day for 100 days.
*I’d like to take a moment to define the “success” of 100 Days of Peoria because it was not successful in the ways I expected. I initially hoped it would connect me with lots of interesting businesses who would love my work, immediately hire me, and want to purchase their respective designs. I was a naïve new freelancer, what can I say? A couple of the designs were purchased, but overall the engagement with businesses was no where near what I hoped. Really what made it feel like a success was that the project helped me to establish myself as a Peoria designer, someone who enjoys working with small businesses, celebrating local, and creating branded graphics and logos.
My hope for the 100 Days of Chicago project is more realistic and rooted in my first 100-day project experiences. I’d like to establish myself as a Chicago designer, let other creatives and businesses in Chicago know that I’m here, and continue to practice my lettering skills. Would I love it if it leads to a ton of new projects, connects me directly to my favorite businesses, and inspires them to purchase my work and hire me? Absolutely.
Drawing 1/100. The first illustration for 100 Days of Peoria was the Peoria skyline, so naturally I had to follow suite with this Chicago skyline illustration.
What’s in it for you? I hope this project serves as a fun highlight of many of the things that Chicago has to offer - whether you learn about a new place to go, can share your insights to support some of the small businesses that I highlight, or just follow along from afar. I believe 100 Days of Chicago can promote pride and community support with your help.
What can you do to help? Check in each day, let me know what you think, share the project with a friend, and/or make sure a business knows they’re featured if you know them personally.
Head on over to Instagram and press that blue follow button!
Follow the project on Instagram: @100daysofchicago and Facebook: @100daysofchicago.
