Posts
Forward
I’ve spent the past few years making books. My calendar is full of book deadlines. It’s become somewhat of a joke among my close friends “How many books are you working on right now?” My answer is usually four (with a few in waiting). As I approach the release of my next book, What Will My Story Be, my fourth pandemic release, I realized the work has become quite lonely. I know this feeling isn’t unique. Without in person book launches, conferences or connecting with readers, making books is difficult. Many of my books take years to make and releasing them has felt like baking a deflated soufflé.
As I was languishing in my pity party (fully recognizing there are larger problems in the world) it dawned on me that it’s been over 2 years since I’ve made personal art. I’m always drawing on deadline. Books, freelance, or promotional art fills my days. The dissonance I feel is due to the pandemic but also this absence of art for art’s sake. So I decided that a couple times a week I will allow myself to create without purpose. Some I will share and some I will keep for myself.
The above is an hour quick draw. I didn’t know what would come of it. I was thinking about current events and feeling surrounded by storms. And reminding myself that there’s still beauty and love. There’s still a path forward.
I hope you’re all weathering your storms and finding love in these tumultuous times.
my favorite playdate
To celebrate and honor Mother’s day this year I am auctioning original ink drawings on Instagram. The auction will benefit Break the Cycle, which is the only national non-profit working exclusively on preventing dating abuse and promoting healthy relationships.
Starting bid $40 (includes domestic shipping).
Auction ends each day at midnight. Thank you for your support.
back to school is hard
It’s hard on everyone.
We’re still in the thick of it and hoping the weekend will help us reset. I hope you have a good one!
our happy place, print auction
Our happy place, 14×18, matted print
Rules
Open to US only.
Each item will be signed and can be customized with names.
Bid by commenting on this post. No limits on number of times a person can bid.
Auction will end at 12 midnight, pacific time the day of the post.
I will email the winner with a paypal request, once paid I will ship to address provided.
All funds will be donated to RAICES.
Starting big $40
everyday love and events
YAY! I can finally share the new logo and mark for Everyday Love. Years ago when I began Everyday Love I drew lots of giraffes. A few fans lovingly called me “the giraffe lady” and I embraced it. I quickly made a giraffe logo.
A common misconception is that artists are also good at design. I’m not! I’m very comfortable and confident in what I do. That comfort comes with the knowledge of what I cannot do. One of those is design. I knew my giraffe logo was a stop gap. I contacted my friend Chelsea who’s work I’ve admired, a talented designer with a keen eye. I feel very fortunate to work with stellar people like her as I create art, books and build my small business.
We began working on the new brand identity at the end of last year. I’m so happy that the process, which was long mostly due to our schedules, was easy. She knew I wanted to communicate a clean, modern style with a wide appeal. She took my vision, my work and translated it into a logo that encompasses love, open heartedness, equality and whimsy. When we finished I felt my heart swell.
I know this new identity will lead me down new paths and I cannot wait to share them with you. I thank you for your support, giraffes and all. ^_^
Also if you’re in the bay I will be presenting with Amber Padilla at the Apple Union Square on Thursday about using the ipad to make illustrations and comics. On Sunday I will join many authors at Fairyland in Oakland for their annual Turn the Page event. I hope to see you there!
pie time
I spent some time making time lapse videos of my ink drawings yesterday. It was super fun!
Meanwhile our last sale of the year ends soon! Take 15% off with the code CYWEEK18 in our shop ends Sunday!
I hope you have a great weekend!
diwali family
happy, happy diwali everyone!