Ever since I can remember, I’ve always had a creative soul, I’m constantly getting into new hobbies. From music, podcasting, art, gaming, and cosplay, I never get bored. I grew up in a creative household, learning all about art from my mom. Throughout my childhood, my parents always encouraged me to explore different hobbies and learn new skills. Because of them, I was able to take singing and guitar lessons, participate in theater and choir and complete many art projects. As I’ve entered the workforce, I’ve tried to keep my creative juices flowing in and outside of the office. In this blog, I’m sharing my favorite out of office activities.
Chatting Up a Storm on My Podcast
2020 was difficult for many people, and I was no exception. I spent most of that year unemployed and alone. Job searching was depressing and exhausting and I needed something to do to keep myself busy. I’ve always wanted to start my own podcast and in April of 2020, that dream came true. That’s when Chat About That was born! Episodes are available in both audio and video form.
Most of the podcasts I listen to are based on a single topic, but because I’m a self-proclaimed “idea person”, I couldn’t think of one topic to focus on. Chat About That podcast is just that, a space where I can chat about anything and everything. I’ve covered topics including pop culture, current events, my personal life and so much more. Recently, I started interviewing my friends about their passions and business ventures. More guests are lined up, so stay tuned. I’m so proud of this podcast and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.
Getting Crafty and Creative
Painting has always been one of my favorite hobbies. Before I moved out of my parent’s house, I would paint pictures and do little crafts with my mom all the time. Now that I live on my own and have a full-time job, I don’t have as much time for crafts as I’d like. Whenever I’m in a painting mood, I turn my tiny kitchen table into a workshop. I’ll take as much time as I need to create a masterpiece. I have a stack of blank canvases that are just waiting to be turned into something wonderful.
Another crafting hobby I love is cross-stitching. My best friend made me a wonderful cross-stitch piece for my birthday in 2021 and I was so impressed, but never thought I could do it. In February of 2022, I attended a beginner cross-stitching class and instantly fell in love. The process came naturally to me and after the class, I got all the materials I needed to begin my own projects. When I need inspiration for new designs I search through Etsy, Pinterest, and Google. Currently, I’m working on my 10th design. I definitely recommend cross-stitching to anyone looking for a relaxing hobby.
Playing Dress Up as an Adult
Since 2016 I’ve been attending Awesome Con, D.C.’s version of Comic-Con. Ever since going I’ve dreamed of cosplaying as my favorite characters. Last year my cosplay dreams came true. For Awesome Con 2021 I went as Starlight from The Boys. I was the only person cosplaying as her and so many people wanted to take my picture. It was an incredible experience and I knew I had to get more costumes.
This year at Awesome Con I cosplayed as Starlight again, Kate Bishop from Hawkeye, and Fennec Shand from Star Wars. It was the first time I cosplayed each day at Awesome Con. All day people came up to me asking to take my picture. I was even featured on a few professional photographers social media pages! Cosplaying makes me feel so powerful and free and becoming another person for a day is so much fun. Awesome Con only happens once a year, but I will definitely be putting on the costumes again soon.
Always Performing
As mentioned earlier, I’ve been performing since I was a kid. I’ve been in choirs, performed in theater productions, took guitar and singing lessons for many years, and was in a Music Sorority in college. Being on stage has always come naturally to me and music is a huge part of my life. Since graduating college I haven’t been able to perform as much as I’d like to but I do try to make time to play the guitar every once and a while. Recently I discovered a new way to “be on stage,” live streaming on Twitch.
Twitch is an online platform that allows anyone to live stream whatever they want. A few months ago I launched my Twitch channel and go live every week. I’m considered a “variety streamer” which means I stream multiple different games. Usually, I play The Sims 4, Planet Zoo, and an adorable game called Ooblets. Live streaming is a great way for me to practice my public speaking skills. I figured if I’m playing video games anyways I might as well turn it into another way for me to perform and connect with people online.
What’s Next?
Like I mentioned previously, my hobbies keep me from getting bored, there is always something for me to do and look forward to. Although I don’t have as much free time as I did when I was younger, DCG’s creative atmosphere and close-knit community keeps me inspired. I’m proud to be part of this creative family! There are many more hobbies that I’d love to explore, and maybe a DCGer will be the spark. Who knows what I’ll get into this summer and beyond?
