Beijing’s an urban jungle, and in any jungle we need tools to survive and thrive. As urban jungle dwellers, we’ve managed to blend practicality with style, resulting in the modern bag. Here, form meets function, and what looks stylish and fashionable on the outside contains all our essential survival tools on the inside. Inspired by this, we ask expats each week, “What’s in your bag?” and get insights into which essentials they keep on hand when out and about in the capital city.
My name is Zhao Hong, or you can call me Ella. Last summer I decided to follow my passion and pursue my art career, drawing fashion art and custom illustrated orders after working in the business world for ten years.
I have always followed fashion and been passionate about art, even when I was a child. But my traditional Chinese mother from the North would not allow her kid to fall into this kind of career. I believe that people can discover the beauty of this planet with their own eyes, and their perspective could be completely different from that of another. That’s also the meaning of my brand – Good Eye Art. I hope my art will shine in your eyes.
As a fashion lover, I do have a few bags to match my different outfits. Since I left my “business” work, I carry this tote bag the most. It was bought eight years ago.
Some of the stains can not be washed away. I love it because it is simple with no special patterns or prints on the bag (can fit in all styles), it has an adjustable strap and lots of room. The cute design I like about this bag is its three different colored straps, which add an artsy vibe. Besides, I have to say this bag is very good quality and made of strong fabric.
Now let’s take a look at what I usually have in this bag. The items in this picture basically present my lifestyle after I left the business world behind, and also some items for Covid times.
When I go out, I prefer to bring my iPad and Apple Pencil. It is not only for sketching but also helps to present my artwork to people. And when I see a beautiful view, I can quickly capture it with my phone and see it on my iPad easily. I will add my thoughts about how to make it artsy or how I want to draw it. These tools are a trusty pair of helpers and a useful resource. Sometimes I finish one piece from drawing to printout in a few hours. When the inspiration comes, you must go with it fast.
Health is the number one thing I care about in my life. I buy one cup made of glass especially, because I make my own Chinese-style drinks all the time. Orange peel, dry roses and dry dates boiled with water together could be my drink for a whole day. The glass doesn’t affect the drink, and its size is like a regular coffee cup. Plus, it is pink!
I would like to name this group Covid Necessities. The alcohol wipes have become a necessary item in my bag since the beginning of the pandemic. If I cannot constantly wash my hands, at least I should wipe them when I can. I should also wipe down my phone. It is a habit now. My ID card and social insurance card are in the cardholder in case I need to do a nucleic acid test or I can not show my health kit.
The last items are my make-up/skincare sets. One lipstick protector, one hand cream, one lipstick with color, and one cushion foundation. All of them will make me look freshened up quickly. I like how I look without makeup on, but we have to admit that we look more energetic when we have it on. Sometimes a little lipstick can change the whole look.
My artwork is mostly inspired by my city life and my friends. Beijing combines the modern and traditional perfectly. I can find fashion spirits from different perspectives. I’m trying to catch them with my drawing and hopefully, my art can help my customers bring out their inner beauty. I have made my drawings into cards, stickers, magnets, and other cute items. Come and find them in my WeChat store or just talk to me on WeChat about your artistic visions!
Want to share your Beijing survival tools with us? Shoot us an email at editor@beijing-kids.com, message our official jingkids WeChat account (ID: beijing-kids), or leave a comment below!
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Images: Courtesy of Ella ZhaoHong
