(Contains spoilers)

Blind and with low expectations, this manga basically blew me away. It opened my eyes, enlightened me on the significant do's & don'ts of living youth. An honest-to-God touching series which, I believe, could connect to most people in many ways.

At first, realizing it's an autobiographical manga, I started contemplating on what blurs the line between fiction and reality. "Should I treat it just as a manga?" "How should I feel knowing it's based on a true story?" "Should I really trust what happens here isn't exaggerated to the limits?"

Initially, I was turned off with that notion due to my unfamiliarity with such concept in animanga. However, I could say that the author delivered her own story with proper execution, pacing, and tone. I understood why there were plenty of timeskips and it isn't riddled with numerous interactions. It stays true to life for the most part (though I'm sure there are some parts that are contrived to a degree, but I can't pinpoint which one it is so I've disregarded that now), and it seemed "real", and because of that realness I was able to be vulnerable to the author's intentions and was able to intake the whole brunt of the story's message and lessons.

Blank Canvas: My So-Called Artist's Journey made me empathize with the mangaka. I admire her being completely open and personal with her personal journey, exposing all of the mistakes she's made throughout her life through the characters.

What struck me the most was the teacher-student relationship which I always love seeing as it is one of my favorite tropes. In this series, the connection is done so well. And about Sensei...Well, what happened to him was depressing to say the least. His impact in life and in death broke my walls and made me contemplate on my own situation. "Just Draw. Draw. Draw. Draw." I could never forget his words. Repeated as it is, cliche as his advices are, harsh as his disciplinary habits were, it made it all the more moving.

We all need someone like Hidaka-sensei in our lives to keep our butts moving. People like him ready us for the harshest points in life and help us adapt when the worst comes. Perhaps it's a mixed view, but personally I would want to be under someone like Sensei. He teaches not only what's within the four confined walls of a classroom, but a world way beyond in distance and in time.

Blank Canvas made me think about my own future. I'm a university student and I'm filled with so many doubts towards myself. I don't have as much privilege as the mangaka had at this stage of her life, so it pushed me to do what counts and to grab any opportunities I can, and not waste 4 years of my college life in passivity and incompetence. I need to improve myself, need to find my dream.

The future is clouded in uncertainties, but life always has something planned for us. It might take a long time, it might be hard to remain optimistic, but to struggle on is one of the biggest achievements and requirements to attain what we deserve.

I like how the author's experience in art and her utilization of art in her story heavily ties to life. Truly, art is closely resembled and synonymous with life. There are endless possibilities, but it is the truth that we are constricted in what we make to pave a path of success. Sometimes we can be in a slump and don't know what to do. Sometimes we love art but aren't good at it, and so we can either work hard or leave the road. Either way, in life the brush is always in our hands. The materials are just scattered around. The canvas is always there, waiting for us for it to be given life.

I would just like to reiterate how grateful I am of the author's openness. In the ending parts of the last chapter, she's shared some of her sentiments. It felt like I'm left with a long-lasting, gentle touch in my heart. It is an inspirational story, and I highly recommend more people to read this.