This is a submission for Frontend Challenge - February Edition, CSS Art: February.
Inspiration
The Autumn Arc: A Season of Letting Go
As February draws to a close in South Africa, a gentle wind sweeps across the landscape, whispering the arrival of Autumn. Unlike the harsh winds of winter or the heavy rains of summer, this soft breeze is almost symbolic—a quiet transition into a new phase, one that invites us to shed what no longer serves us.
This shift in seasons brings with it an opportunity: The Autumn Arc. Inspired by the Winter Arc, a period of intense self-improvement and habit-building during the colder months, the Autumn Arc encourages a different kind of growth—the power of letting go.
Letting Go of the Fear of Letting Go
We often hold onto things long past their time—bad habits, toxic routines, outdated beliefs, or even relationships that no longer serve us. We convince ourselves that change is difficult, that familiar patterns, even harmful ones, provide security. But just as the trees begin to shed their leaves, preparing for renewal, we too must learn to release the weight we carry.
The Autumn Arc is not about drastic transformation. It’s about making space. It’s about understanding that letting go is not loss—it’s preparation. Just as trees must shed their leaves to thrive in the next season, we must clear out the mental, emotional, and even physical clutter that holds us back.
What Should You Let Go Of?
As the last days of February unfold, take a moment to reflect. What are the leaves in your life that are ready to fall?
• Procrastination – The idea that tomorrow is a better time to start.
• Self-Doubt – The inner voice that tells you you’re not good enough.
• Negative Self-Talk – The habit of being your own worst critic.
• Toxic Relationships – The people who drain your energy rather than uplift you.
• Unhealthy Routines – The patterns that no longer serve your well-being.
Letting go isn’t easy, but it’s necessary. Growth doesn’t come from adding more—it comes from removing what holds you back.
The Gentle Wind of Change
As the warm, humid air of summer gives way to the crispness of Autumn, the shift is so gradual that it almost feels effortless. This is how letting go should feel—not a sudden, forceful change, but a quiet, natural transition into something new.
Embrace the Autumn Arc.
Let go of what weighs you down.
Make space for better habits, deeper clarity, and renewed energy.
Because when winter comes, and it’s time to build again, you’ll be ready. 🍂✨
Demo
https://codepen.io/Ntombizakhona/pen/emYNwKq
Journey
Process & Learnings
Creating the Autumn Arc CSS Art was a meaningful and symbolic project. The goal was to visually represent the idea of shedding bad habits, just as trees shed their leaves in preparation for a new season. This concept, inspired by the Winter Arc’s focus on self-improvement, transformed into a gentle, scenic animation that captures the beauty of transition and letting go.
What I Learned
CSS Animations & Transitions
I gained an understanding of @keyframes, timing functions, and CSS transforms to create a smooth and natural falling motion for the leaves.
Layering & Depth in CSS
Using different z-index values, opacity variations, and gradient backgrounds, I tried to create a more scenic, painterly effect.
Art Explained
The tree starts full of leaves, and as time passes, they gradually fall off, revealing a bare tree—just like releasing bad habits over time.
Each leaf carries a word representing a habit to let go of, making the visual storytelling even more impactful.
The animation is subtle yet dynamic, giving a sense of movement and life to the artwork.
Next Steps
I’d love to expand this project with interactive elements and make it more realistic, where users can click on leaves to “let go” of specific habits manually.
Adding sound effects (like wind rustling or birds chirping) could enhance the immersive feel of the artwork.
Experimenting with JavaScript interactivity could allow for a personalized experience, where users input their own habits to release.
This project was more than just CSS art—it was a creative reflection on personal growth, change, and embracing new beginnings. 🍂
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