This year is flying by! Yes, I have been posting less... but I also have been doing more! As much as I constantly miss the city, my friends and the lifestyle, I stop to think about my accomplishments. 

For those of you who do not know, I am currently a full-time art teacher. I teach grades 4 though 8 and also get to teach fashion design. I know crazy, middle school!? They are crazy indeed— somedays they are all attitude and are cooler than school, other days they are inquisitive, insightful, creative, silly and inspiring. I absolutely love that I get to inspire and teach them everyday! 

Massillon has truly given me the opportunity to make my visions a reality. We have been creating so much goodness in the classroom- check out some of the work on my art ed twitter. I also have taken on my largest project yet! I recently was the Artistic Director for our school musical, Beauty and the Beast. I was overwhelmed with nothing put positive feedback! Also being part of the theatre community, fed my soul (I'm obsessed with theatre for those of you who didn't know!) Even though it was a middle school level, I set my expectations at nothing but the best. People raved that it did not look like a middle school production either! 

All of these things combined have gotten me noticed. And I am proud to say, I have been chosen as the candidate for my district as Educator Rookie of the Year! I am proud to be a Massillon Tiger. Thank you to everyone in believing in me, supporting me, and recognizing me.

T-I-G!

Jacket: Forever 21 | Jeans: Tobi | Shoes: Free People | Photography: Rachel Hanon

As for my outfit- I found this jacket at Forever 21! It's our school spirit colors, but I love that on the sleeve it says NEW YORK. It is like the best of both worlds! I let the jacket stand for itself by pairing it with all black, of course. My ripped knee black skinnies are from Tobi and my slide-on mules are Free People. I feel like a race car driver in this outfit. 3-2-1... Let's go! Here's to more greatness this year. 

Xo Zafi 

I usually never make serious resolutions for the new year. When I make resolutions, they are typical and not taken seriously- like getting organized, or working out. Although I did discover my love for working out, but that came unrelated to resolutions. 

This year I do want to make it a mission to be creative, make, and collaborate as much as possible. This means whatever it maybe - starting my art, growing in photo, reaching out to fellow creatives, or working on my blog. I want to be in a constant state of making. So far I think I have a good start, I went to a photo meet up on the New Years Day and met over 200 photographers as part of the instagram group Pursuit of Portraits. I have already reached out to a few area photographers for meeting up, and collaborating, and making that happen. I also have been creating a studio area for some visual art! I have a feeling this year is going to be a good one. 2018 is gonna be my year. 

This shoot was done at the end of 2017, with one of my first connections back here in Ohio. Lindsey Poy's photos are magic. I always love seeing her new photos, check her pics here. I can't wait to hang out more, collaborate and feed off of her creative energy. 

I also loved this outfit. How perfect and easy is this blush, velvet, hoodie-dress? I threw on some OTK boots, and my stack of Alex and Ani's and I was good to go. 

What are some things you are working on this year?

Xo Zafi