Happy August!
Can you believe it’s August already? The summer is flying!
If you’re a new subscriber, welcome! On the first of every month, I will send you some updates on current projects as well as any new products in the online shop. You’ll also get a free phone background, so make sure to scroll down for it.
First, a bit of housekeeping: Last month I piloted sending weekly emails. Although these emails are targeted to an artist audience, anyone is welcome to join! Let me know your preferences in the poll below:
What I have for you this month:
Summer cards: When I posted this popsicle card on instagram, I got the most replies to my story ever. What a lovely surprise that we all love brightly colored popsicles! I also have a new thank you card in the shop. I am ordering these cards from the print shop today, so they will be in stock and ready to ship in a few days.
Commissions: In July I finished up a wedding map, some stationery, and I’m nearly done with a drawing of some fancy whiskey. Since I had an open spot in July, I filled it with a personal project - a map of Florence. I’ll be sure to share it when it’s done. I have a 50th Wedding Anniversary map on the docket for August, which means there’s one more open spot. If you're interested in a custom project, sign up here to get a spot for August.
Freebie: Since the popsicles were popular and we all need some cool thoughts during the heat this next month, I figured popsicles would be the perfect theme for a background. Download your free phone background here!
What I'm working on this month and updates on last month:
My art business was featured on the Skimm!! My sister nominated me for the community section, and I felt like a celebrity when people messaged me that they saw the feature. I’m so grateful for all of my friends and family supporting me on this art journey. You’re all the best!
Making fun connections with local artists: Jen Gubicza and I met in a course last year, and now we are both members of the Illo Guild. Jen is an art maker extraordinaire. Not only does she have her own business, Zoogu, for all her hand-sewn creations, but she’s a very talented illustrator! She has been so kind to offer advice and help me make local connections in Boston. We took a field trip to visit her friend’s super hip, fun store named Calliope Paperie. Jen and I learned so much from the visit, and we couldn’t help but buy some awesome stuff before leaving. I highly recommend you check out Calliope!
Holiday products: I agree that “Christmas in July” is too early… way too early! But it’s a standard time for stores to buy holiday products, which means I created some holiday art. I’m not going to share it all yet, but here’s a little sneak peak:
Open-air Sketching: I was traveling at the beginning of July, and I had this romantic idea that I would sit outside and get back to my watercolors. But there was a problem…. I felt way too self conscious. I was worried people were going to judge my painting ability. Instead I broke out my sketchbook and did some low-stakes pencil and pen drawings. This helped to build up my confidence. Then on one of my last days, I finally did some watercolors. I haven’t used watercolor in quite some time so it felt really good paint again. I sat and drew a bunch of buildings across many pages, and I was so surprised at how much more quickly I was able to draw the buildings in my most recent wedding map commission (above). So get out there and practice your sketches! Remember that it’s better if they’re messy - you’re just collecting references and learning how to see in a new way :)
And that’s it— thank you so much for reading! See you soon,
Katie
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