Oofta

Oofta. I don't know what made me think going into fall would make things slow down a bit for me. There's holiday events, there's the holidays, family get-togethers, figuring out presents for people. I have to admit I'm mostly looking forward to now being able to curl up in a blanket with a nice cup of hot cocoa while I work. :)

Unfortunately I wasn't able to get too much done as far as new art this past month. I know, I've been saying that a lot. When will it end?! When will I be able to just create nonstop? Unfortunately, I don't have a clear answer for that. I received three commissions that I've been working on which has taken up some of my time. When you include marketing, taking stock and all that other "fun" stuff too it leaves me with very little time to create new work. It's been driving me a bit crazy. Plus, there have been more obligations outside of work this past month. Now don't get me wrong, I love my family and friends and enjoy spending time with them, but I can feel myself slipping further into the life of a hermit. I just don't have the time to hang out and visit with people anymore. If I do all I can think about is everything I need to get done with the commissions and other business stuff. Plus with the holidays right around the corner I have to think about Christmas presents for everyone and when we're getting together with family for all the holidays. Ugh...I'm tired just thinking about it. Thankfully, some of my family seem to understand my passion enough to know that my lack of socializing with anyone isn't because I don't like them or anything, it's just that I'm busy pursuing my dream. I'm hoping once the holiday craziness is over I can take a solid week or two off and just focus on creating art. But that would be a few months off yet. I just have to keep it together for a few more months.

As I said, I wasn't able to create much this past month. However, I was able to make a few new mini paintings, some new cards and I got a little farther in one of my projects. I know it was going to be a surprise but I can't hold it in. It's a coloring book! I currently have twenty-three out of twenty-five illustrations done for a fantasy themed coloring book. Inside will be classic fairy tale creatures like unicorns and hypogriffs as well as some creatures of my own imagination. The coloring book is detailed however not to the extent that you find most adult coloring books. If I were to rate it on a scale of one to ten, ten being the most detailed, I would say my coloring book is a five. I love coloring and I love looking at all the different coloring books out there for adults these days. One thing I noticed is that almost all of them carry so much content, so much detail that it could get frustrating rather than therapeutic to get all those little details colored. Which is in no way a bad thing, I enjoy pieces like that from time to time. However, I wanted to do something different from the other coloring books. Plus, life is often really busy and sometimes I just want to end the day knowing I accomplished something. I'm sure other people may feel that way too. That's why my illustrations will be a bit easier to color, you can finish one in a day or less and you're not going to hurt your eyes trying to see every little detail. Anyway, I'm super excited about the coloring book and I can't wait to share it with you guys. My goal is at the end of this month I will launch a Kickstarter campaign for the coloring book. There will be multiple tiers and perks. I'm thinking PDFs of some of the illustrations, fairy tale bookmarks, the coloring book (of course) and who knows what else I'll come up with. :)

Last month, I know I mentioned I would be setting up my business on Patreon. While I am all set up and ready to rock and roll I have not launched my page. With everything going on with the commissions, the holidays, the coloring book general marketing and upkeep I am already stretching myself a bit thin. Therefore, I intend to wait until New Year's day to launch. Sorry guys, you'll have to wait a bit. But that doesn't mean I can't tell you about it. :) There are five different monthly tiers ranging from $1 a month to $100. One tier you'll get a greeting card a month with a personal message from yours truly. :) Another you can get two cards, one has a message from me and the other is blank for your own use. One of the limited tiers you can receive a custom mini painting every month. The most expensive tier, we'll leave that one as a surprise. You guys have to have something to look forward to. :)

I'll be sure to send out e-mails when I launch the Kickstarter for my coloring book and when I finally launch my page on Patreon. For now, please enjoy the pictures of my latest creations. Talk to you next month!