Growing up, I always dreaded the first day of school, I can lose sleep days ahead thinking about not how the teachers will be like, but whether I’ll be able to make friends in a new environment. The first day seemed like setting the stage to me. It offers a fresh start but could also lead to disasters. Should I be known as an outgoing person or a cool one instead? Should I smile more or act aloof? Should I go introduce myself or wait for people to approach me? Should I let my classmates come up with a nickname or supply one I like? Even in my thirties now, I still get anxious when meeting new people, afraid I might come on too strong or not friendly enough. It’s such a blessing that I created all these animals, I get to reach people and let people know a bit about me through them before actually meeting properly.
Extremely grateful for this opportunity to share my imaginary world with everyone. I’m Pongshu! And these animals are my friends. Other than the familiar animals— piggy, rooster, racoon and squirrel, there’s also the alpaca from South America and the flexible chameleon. The two critters with spotlights hiding in the curtains are my take on adorable monsters, the orange and green duo have good intentions and often try to help the animals (although the outcome might not always be ideal). These illustrations represent the moments of my daily life, either heart-warming, hilarious, or cynical. Drawing has been a great outlet for me, and I always feel happier after spending a few minutes lost in this alter universe. Hopefully my illustrations will have the same effect on you! Channeling you to another universe for a few minutes, and help you slow down.
(圖/胖鼠)
Aloof (adj)：冷淡的，冷漠的，疏遠的。
Not friendly or forthcoming; cool and distant; uninvolved and uninterested. Synonyms: distant, standoffish, detached. A funny scene from Season 3 of Friends plays around with this word when Chandler wanted to win back Janice. Monica and Rachel advised Chandler to act “aloof”, instead he acted like “a doof”.
Outlet (noun): 出口，(感情、思想、精力發洩的)出路，表現機會。
The original meaning of the word is a pipe or hole through which water or gas may escape. It has evolved into also meaning a place from which goods are sold. Here, I use the third meaning of it, which means a way of expressing one’s talent, energy, or emotions. Synonyms: release.
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