It’s hard to build the life we truly want, because we never really know what we actually need. The trick isn’t aiming lower, but aiming high while staying open to life’s unexpected gifts along the way.

Haha, I ended up writing that because my first idea was to give this panda the line “This is the life I wanted.” But then I started overthinking it.

The title of this piece is “Panda Life,” because that’s the life I’ve been living. In my head, and for many people, I’m a panda bear, funny thing...even for my family I'm a panda bear, I’ve been one since I was a kid, and apparently I’ll never stop being one. And that’s the life I chose.
I like to look calm and pretend I’m relaxed, when in reality I’m someone full of stress and anxieties, things that have even affected my health. But this is also a reminder to myself of why I decided to be a panda in the first place. I just want to spread cuteness and make some people smile.
Not everyone will be pleased, and it’s not my job to please everyone. But I’m very grateful for those who stop for a moment to appreciate it, just as I also try to stop and appreciate what’s around me.

BTW, today is March 16th: Panda Day! Go congratulate your closest panda. That’s the main reason I wanted to make this picture.

Traditional. Acrylics
I will exhibit the original one at Texas Furry Fiesta's Art show

I recorded a time-lapse video of the process of this piece, you can go and watch it on the first comment of this submission on my Telegram art channel: https://t.me/panda_paco

And there is a longer version of this video, available on Patreon and Ko-fi for monthly supporters, also your support there helps me to keep working on this kind of personal projects, as same as on my comics. I truly appreciate everyone's support there.
Patreon: patreon.com/pandapaco
Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/panda_paco
Thank you!