PRODUCT

Smile

Smiling is instinctive, but it can also be intentional. More than an expression, it is an act of self-care. “Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy,” said the late Vietnamese peace activist and author Thích Nhất Hạnh. Even a slight smile can help lower the heart rate and activate the body’s relaxation response, making it easier to feel calm and grounded in the present moment.

In this exclusive series for ANOTHER LAND, UK-based illustrator Charlene Man explores the theme of Smile, illustrating a spring day where she notices the small things that bring her joy.

Getting ready to step out

Her day begins with self-care—whether it’s skincare, brushing her hair, or choosing an outfit that lifts her mood. For Charlene, these grounding rituals help create a sense of readiness to meet the world with a positive spirit.

Spring blossoms

On her walk, she takes notice of flowers blooming in bursts of colour, as if celebrating the new season. These fleeting scenes invite an involuntary smile, a reminder of nature’s constant change and quiet renewal.

A surprise in a puddle

At the park, she notices remnants of rain pooling into a shallow puddle. As sunlight hits the surface, it forms “a pair of eyes”—an unexpected moment of delight shaped by her unique perspective. To complete the “face”, she illustrates a poodle running toward her with a twig curled like a smile.

Bringing the joy home

At home, the memory of the puddle lingers. In her kitchen, she bakes a pie with a playful expression inspired by the “face”. It becomes the centrepiece of a dinner shared with friends, filling her home with laughter and warmth.

Charlene describes self-care as a constant process of checking in with herself—tending to her physical and emotional needs. “It’s about nurturing a connection and love for every part of who I am,” she says. Her daily practices include brewing a slow pour-over coffee, taking walks to clear her mind, and using her favourite products. She adds, “I use lip balm every day and I absolutely love it. ANOTHER LAND’s lip balm is really moisturising and leaves my lips looking plump!”

In her world, joy doesn’t have to be grand. It begins with a reset, a shift in perspective, noticing the small things, and most importantly, a smile.

Shop the Peaceful Reverie Lip Balm here.

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Charlene Man
Artist / Illustrator

Charlene Man is an artist and illustrator based in the UK. Her joyful compositions possess a devious innocence, inviting viewers into a world of arrestingly bold humour. With a unique approach to punchlines rooted in relatability, her colourful works draw inspiration from everyday life, creating a mixed culture calliope that captures the essence of her experiences and invites viewers to explore deeper narratives.