Happy August!
If you’re new here, welcome! This is the Monthly Newsletter where I share updates, and it’s really great when I get to hear about your month, too. The comments are always open.
Also every Wednesday I send a newsletter specifically for us artists to learn and grow together.
What I have for you this month:
Signed Copies of Timothy’s Tee Time
I’m super excited to have author copies of Timothy’s Tee Time! When ordered through my shop, I will sign the book before shipping it to you.
New card and a Golden Sale
A new card has landed in the shop! Auggie joined our family last August, which is part of the reason for his name. To celebrate, here’s a new golden retriever card. Use the code GOLDEN to receive 20% off and free shipping on orders over $35. I never do promos like that! This week only.
🎉 Sketch Party
Thanks to everyone who joined last month’s Sketch Party!! We drew some tasty snacks, dogs on bicycles, and then really challenged ourselves with tons of one-minute figure sketches. Robyn Hepburn shared some of her lovely sketches here!
The August Sketch Party will be on August 16 at 11 AM EST / 4 PM UK.
Weekly Artists Newsletters
In case you missed any of last month’s newsletters, here’s what I wrote about:
Updates on last month:
So what’s the new book?!
The contract has been officially signed, so now I can tell you about it! I will be illustrating a book for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Western Australia, and I just received the text this morning, which is exciting! It is the second in the series. The first book, My ABCf, was illustrated by the talented Rose Lihou.
This second book will be set at a school, and it will help classmates build empathy and understanding for peers with CF, while also showing that kids with CF are just kids. As a former teacher, it’s so important to me that classrooms have books that make every child feel seen and understood, so it’s really an honor to be part of such an important project.
A Match Made in Heaven
My second book will be unveiled in just two weeks! The final copies have arrived. Everything is ready. I am so excited to share more with you. I can’t spoil the whole surprise yet, but ok fine… here’s the illustration from the back cover… Don’t tell anyone I showed you!
Character Bootcamp Class
Oh this one has been FUN! It’s a 3 month course with just 2 assignments per month. The July assignment was all about illustrating a board book starring fruits and vegetables. I learned that I really enjoy drawing objects as characters. Maybe it’s all the practice from drawing little arms and legs on the golf clubs from Timothy’s Tee Time? It’s shown me how previous work builds on to current work, even when the subject matter is completely different. Have you found this in your own work?
Commissions - 1 spot for August, 2 for September
I’m sketching a bunch of kids playing sports for a commission, and I also finished up some custom stationery for a repeat client (Thank you!). That client was gifted a map for their wedding day, and now they asked me to create this stationery for their friend’s wedding. It’s always so special to be a small part of those celebrations.
There is 1 spot open for August and 2 for September. Respond to this email, or tell me about your idea here.
Christmas in July
Did you see the reel I posted the other day? It shows this year’s version of the DIY Sticker cards. 😻 They’re just about ready to go to print. If you have a favorite gift shop, send me the name and I’ll pitch the cards. Then maybe you’ll be able to buy theme locally this holiday season!
Monthly pup-date
Someone had the time of their life at the lake. Frisbee is life.
What have you been up to?
Really, I’d love to know, so leave a comment below! I find it’s really helpful to reflect on a monthly basis, so I invite you to join. It’s a good practice for our art businesses, but also it’s a nice way to connect with you all :)
See you all tomorrow for the monthly
question!Katie
your MATS assignments look so lovely and fun.
Btw have you heard of #Doggust? on instagram?