September Newsletter 🏰

A new library, some patterns, and a fairytale book

Sep 01, 2023

Happy September!

This September is the first time that I am not getting ready for a new school year, since I went to preschool. After college, I went straight into a teaching career. So ever since I was a little kid, the fall has always meant “back to school.” But since I left my teaching job to pursue art, this season feels different. Any other former teachers here? Do you still feel like it’s “back to school?” And parents- I’m sure this a busy time for you!

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:

Library Launch!

Just a couple days ago I launched The Library which is a resource for artists who are interested in …

Guides for Children’s Book Illustration
Toolkits for selling greeting cards and products
Exclusive reviews and interviews with industry professionals

It’s a treasure trove of a year’s worth of content and learning. Unlock the full library with a subscription. The weekly newsletters will remain 100% free for the week they are published. After a week, they will join the paid Library, and you’ll receive a new free newsletter.

Check out the Library

Weekly Artists Newsletters

In case you missed any of last month’s newsletters, here’s what I wrote about:

A Different Kind of 100 Day Project
100 Days is a Lot of Days
When is the Best Time to Pitch Products?
Children’s Book Study #3
World Buildings Tips from a Top Art Director

Greeting Cards and 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. And as always, if you’re looking to stock up on cards, use FREESHIP35 for all US orders over $35 for free shipping.

Shop here

Updates on last month:

The launch of my second book!

My second book is officially out in the world! I got to Zoom in for the presentation of the book, and it was truly so special to be a part of it. Here are some of my favorite spreads:

Character Design and Thumbnails for the next book

I really cannot believe that I’m working on a third book. I’m so grateful for everyone who has supported me over the past two years! I never would have dreamed I’d be at this point, drawing another character for a book.

Here’s a look at some messy thumbnail sketches. This book will be completed in January 2024, so I’ll keep you updated on the progress.

Playing with patterns

Patterns are so much fun!! I took a class on Domestika a couple weekends ago, and I literally couldn’t sleep, because I was too excited to wake up and continue the pattern class. I so enjoyed making each animal super cute. When it came time to place everything into a pattern, I learned how to use Adobe Illustrator, and it was relaxing, almost like placing with stickers, as I found the perfect location for each animal and plant. Lastly I made a mock-up of the pattern on a bib. I seriously cannot wait to make more patterns!

Anyone else interested in patterns? Maybe it could be an instagram challenge? Draw various elements each day and then put them together? Would you join?

Bootcamp assignment

This month’s Bootcamp assignment with Make Art That Sells was all about a lemur who is a ramen chef. After the portfolio review I had with Mallory Grigg, I decided to work on creating a scene with more world building (I wrote about her insight as an Art Director here).

Commissions

I finished a really fun project featuring lots of kids playing sports, and next up is a wedding venue print with a wide border for guests to sign. Isn’t that a great idea for a guest book?

If you’re looking for a custom cards, gift tags, or wrapping paper for the winter holidays, make sure to book a spot early. I only offer a few commission spots each month. Respond to this email, or tell me about your idea here.

Book a commission