The present moment offers us many gifts if we slow down to notice them. Listen for nature bursting through a technology-laden city. Watch the shifting light and colors in the sky. Recognize that feeling of peace that emerges when we gather around the table with friends. There's beauty—and fun!—to be found in the simplest moments.
Disco Tea, a small but mighty puzzle from our latest collection, embodies this notion—and Joanna Rosado, the talented artist behind the puzzle, firmly believes that the little things inspire intentional living. "The message of this illustration is my discovery that there is always something fun, interesting, and colorful in simple everyday activities," Rosado explained. "Having a cup of tea in the coziness of your home can be as enjoyable and exciting as a sparkly disco night. We just need to pay attention to the now and appreciate each moment."
We couldn’t have said it better. So, allow us to formally introduce you to Rosado, whose talent and collaboration we appreciate so deeply.
Besides art, what is an ordinary habit that best captures your essence or identity?
I would say walks in the park when I have time to think and relax—and enjoy nature, colors, and sounds.
Did you have a creative childhood? What has remained the same regarding your approach to art since then?
I came from a small town in central Poland and spent the early years of my life there. After graduating from university with a degree in social sciences, I moved to Edinburgh, Scotland. There, I applied to an art school and graduated with a degree in interior design from the Glasgow School of Art.
I've always liked creative things, and I've tried many crafts. I knit, sometimes I write short stories, and I've drawn in notebooks since I was little—but I never had the courage to start doing something professionally. Illustration is the result of my entire previous journey.
How does a drawing begin for you?
I sometimes have this sparkle in my mind when the idea comes. There could be a discovery of some kind of connection in things that at first seem not to be connected at all. Often, I see an interesting color palette, and I really want to create a picture using it. I think each of my illustrations has a different story.
Much of your work captures ordinary, domestic scenes: figures reading in living rooms, rich tablescapes, and vibrant still lives of everyday objects. What excites you about capturing the ordinary things in life on the page? How has it changed the way you see the world?
As I mentioned, I try to enjoy every day as much as possible and appreciate everything that happens. There are days that seem like nothing is happening, but this isn't true. There is always something we can focus on. This is the beauty of life. Often, the smallest things are the most important and valuable.
How do the seasons impact your work? What habits change for you in the spring?
Spring brings me back to life. I love spending my time outdoors. All the darkness is fading away. There is new hope. The possibilities are endless: flowers, birds, blue sky, sun, and the thought that there is more to come—summer!
Joanna’s Spring Habits
What artwork always reminds you of spring? Pre-Raphaelites artworks.
What three books are on your spring reading list? Slavic Civilisation by Kamil Janicki, Rupi Kaur’s poems, and Kiki Man Ray by Mark Braude.
What is your favorite spring habit or indulgence? Ice cream in the sun!
What is your ideal spring day at home? Open window, coffee, and energetic music.
What is your go-to spring color palette? Green and pink!
What is your preferred spring style or uniform? My favorite combo is a pair of blue jeans, a floral kimono, and Vans sneakers!
What do you hope to notice more this spring? I have a new puppy at home, so it’s like discovering the whole world with him again!
What is your ideal spring puzzling environment? A table in the lilac bushes garden!
What other Ordinary Habit puzzle do you love? I love Nap Time by Ana Jaren!
What spring journaling prompt would you give to the Ordinary Habit community? Draw and describe your favorite city or park and list its spring elements.