Okay, I didn't manage quite monthly, but this is still a massive improvement over some of my other tries at keeping these kinds of things going.
It's been a busy couple of months, both personally and artistically, and I know with all of the stresses on everyone's mind, art isn't really what you think of. But art can help us focus, help us process, help us protest and help us heal. I've been giving a lot of thought into the power of art lately, and how I can use it.
Keep reading, and I have a little something where you can join me on that journey!
New Last 2 Months
May and June were full of renaissance faires! We were so happy to see the return of the Virginia Renaissance Faire after two years without it. My fellow vendors and the cast and staff we know well have become like family over the years. This was the first serious fair I did as a vendor, and it felt wonderful coming home.
While my work went to the West Virginia Renaissance Fair with my awesome business partner, I went on vacation with my mother for a much needed break. We went to so many museums, which is something I really missed from when I lived near DC! It used to be that when I started to feel stressed, or had a creative block, I would hop on the Metro and go to a free museum. It was always inspiring, and this trip was no different for that.
My stickers raised money for Pride! I ran a fundraiser for June where $1 from every Pride sticker sale would go to my local LGBT center. Well, we raised $58, which will be on its way to them shortly.
In bad news, while I was away, West Virginia thunderstorms totally demolished one of our medieval style tents. It is going to take a lot of repair, or may just need to be replaced. So your support is extra valuable right now.
Coming Up
For the first year since I have been working as a full time artist, I am currently taking a two month break. Not a break from creating - that I will be doing a lot of - but a break from shows. This will give me the time I need to restock for Dragon Con, Pagan Pride festivals, and not feel crazy when Halloween orders start coming in.
What that also means is that this is a great time to reach out on custom projects or just things you've been wanting to order. Processing time is going to be shorter than usual, and I have a little time for some crazy things.
Or, failing that, I also have time for some crazy personal projects, so hopefully I will have some really fun updates for you next month!
Also, to make things easier and make more sense, I am opening up an additional store for my stickers, prints, and digital products. It's on GoImagine, a handmade only platform that donated a chunk of its profits to charity, so if you haven't heard of it before you should check it out. I'm still getting all the items loaded, but they will be there soon.
Special Member Update
So, one of the perks you get as a member is free access for a month to any of my printables. Well, with few members I have been keeping that window open, instead of closing it after the month.
This will be the last month I do that.
That means if you get a membership this month, you will have free access to all of the digital items that I have ever uploaded here. That will be 6 free items for the cost of less than 2.
And I have also decreased the membership cost to $3 a month.
Any bit helps to help me keep going with my artistic journey!
Sign up for a membership, or send a little support, at my Buy Me A Coffee page.
Monthly Printable Freebie(s)
Big Crazy Project Time, and You're Invited!
To start with, here is a free ink drawing for everyone, and here's why:
I want you to make something with it. I want you to color it. Paint it. Shred it and remake it. Whatever it takes to express some rage through art.
I don't do well with being angry. I never have. It makes me sick to my stomach and I don't know what to do with it. So in light of current events, this image came to mind, and for three days in spare moments, I drew. I meditated on her feathers. I let my rage be her rage.
And now I want to do it together.
So, click on the image to download the drawing and do as you would like with it.
Next, this month's Member Exclusive
Continuing the mushroom coloring page series! Free for members for the month of July or until my next update. $2 for everyone else.
Thanks everyone, and see you next month!