Happy July!
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 for this:
Free Monthly Sketch Party 🎉
What is the Sketch Party? The Monthly Sketch Party happens on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. A free one-hour Zoom to hang out with other artists. I lead a 15 minute sketching activity, and then we stay on the zoom and chat while working on various projects for the remainder of the hour. I hope you join us for some community and art! All levels are welcome, and it’s mostly about hanging out with other artists :)
Let’s meet on Wednesday, July 19 at 11 AM EST.
A Published Book!
A real book I really illustrated is out in the world! I have been absolutely blown away by all the people have already are added it to their bookshelf. Thank you, thank you, thank you! It truly means so much to feel your support and belief in me. I have so enjoyed all the pictures you’ve sent of you and your kids with the book!
I got to attend the absolutely coolest book launch for Timothy’s Tee Time, because it was unveiled along with an exhibit at the Discovery Center, an interactive children’s museum. A laminated copy of the book will stay in that mailbox for little readers to discover while outside in the Story Garden.
Weekly artists newsletters
In case you missed any of last month’s newsletters, here’s what I wrote about:
Updates on last month:
Contract sent off for another book!
Yesterday I sent off the contract for my third book (what?!). I don’t want to say anything else yet since the contract is still being finalized, but next month I should already be done with character design and started on thumbnails!
Spencer the Marathon Dog
Here’s a character sheet I made for Spencer the Marathon Dog. I wrote a text too, but that needs a lot more work. Have you taken any writing courses that you’d recommend? It’s an area that I’m ready to start exploring.
More DIY sticker cards coming soon…
It’s July which means it’s the time to pitch holiday products to stores andddd I’m working on an addition to my best selling products from last year: DIY Sticker Cards! If you got the dog set last year, but you’re more of a cat person, you definitely won’t want to miss these new stickers 😻
The fairytale book is done
Check and CHECK! Not only did the Timothy’s Tee Time project wrap up and launch, but all the spreads for the secret fairytale book have also been sent off! It will be fully revealed in September. Stay tuned on Instagram over the summer though, because I won’t be able to resist sharing a few sneak peaks.
Learning how to make natural dye
As you know, I also work part time at the MFA, and I get to do some pretty cool things. Sometimes I can’t believe it’s a real job. Last week we visited Waltham Community Farms and learned about natural dyes. We got to mash up flowers and make our own watercolor paint! I just planted some flowers at my house, and now I’m resisting the urge to mash them all up and see what paint I can make! Have you ever tried natural dyes?
Monthly Pup-date
And lastly… look who turned 1!
That’s it for updates. The comments are always open if you’d like to share anything about your past month (I love hearing from you).
Have a great weekend and see you next week for the monthly
question,Katie
Adam Ming mentioned your substack. Can't wait to read more about your illustration journey!
congrats on your third book🥳