2022 presented unique challenges to the creative community. Some struggled with burnout, some found balance, and others took up the challenge of projects that fell outside of their comfort zone. 

As we head into a new year full of potential and growth, we asked Behance members to reflect on the triumphs and challenges of the past year and to share their intentions for 2023. 

See more illustrations by Kenzo Hamazaki

“At the beginning of the year I had burnout from work and had to step away from illustration for a little while. I had a feeling that what I was doing was without a soul, and that it was lacking ideas,” shares illustrator Kenzo Hamazaki.

To tackle his burnout, Kenzo decided to go back to basics and enrolled in drawing and painting classes for the first time: “In the classes, I realized that I could take away the weight of creating something outstanding, and instead of that, focus on something simple. With that, I reconnected with one of my core inspirations — daily life.”

Little Moments by Kenzo Hamazaki

Since rediscovering this important connection, Kenzo has been further exploring his identity through his creative work. This year, he plans to create illustration and motion projects that connect him to his Latino and Asian heritage. 

PIECES by Fabian Aerts

3D artist Fabian Aerts also found balance and emotional stability through his art in 2022. “From a purely artistic point of view, 2022 has been an important year for me,” he reflects. “It was a pretty intense year, both professionally and personally, but I think I have finally found the right balance between professional missions, family life, and personal artistic explorations.”

Fabian used his art as an outlet and channeled his emotions into creating mesmerizing motion projects. First came PIECES, which he describes as “something quite dark which symbolized an inner fight that I led for a few months,” then REEF, which he considers an expression of his liberation. 

REEF by Fabian Aerts

Next year, Fabian plans to further broaden his creative horizons by learning new techniques for his art: “The desire to learn new techniques remains very important for me. It feeds you creatively and allows you to approach projects from a new angle.” 

locked down / dance lab by Marina Weishaupt

For some creatives, 2022 challenged them to venture into a new direction with their craft. Landscape photographer Marina Weishaupt challenged herself to work with live models in her series locked down / dance lab. 

“Having that many people in front of my lens instead of landscapes was a bit challenging at first,” she says. “Unlike mountains, people move, so the importance of giving instructions was a big lesson. Being in control of the light was also completely new to me and a fun experience.”

new urbanism | sweden by Marina Weishaup

This year, Marina plans to delve further into visual storytelling and publish more books of her photography. 

KISS KISS BANG BANG exhibitions by kissmiklos

After 15 years in graphic design, Miklós Kiss A.K.A. kissmiklos branched out into the world of fine art: “I started to work on sculptures and paintings and took less graphic design jobs. It was challenging, but worth it: I had a solo exhibition in a South-Korean museum and in a London based gallery too.”

Miklós plans to continue on his newfound path in 2023: “My biggest goal for next year is to make a public sculpture and exhibit at Frieze Seoul. I'm working on several new sculptures and paintings and I hope my future exhibitions will be well received. This is the beginning of a long way as a visual artist.” 

The Mediator by Jessica Benhar

With the new year ahead, Behance members are making plans to push their creative boundaries. Last year, Sydney-based illustrator and printmaker Jessica Benhar learned the impact that research can have in her creative development: “I discovered that the research I do for clients often finds its way subconsciously into my personal work.” 

Last year, he created a linoprint project titled The Mediator that was inspired by Nicholas Roerich's painting Mother of the World. Her goal for the new year is to continue to look to the real world for inspiration to make art that’s true to her creative self: “I want to visit more museums, libraries, art galleries and read more great books for inspiration. You can’t always predict what people will like so you may as well just make what you want.” 

See the Best of Behance 2022 moodboard

We can’t wait to see all the inspiring, innovative projects you will share to Behance this year!