It’s been awhile since I posted a more personal update, but I wanted to give a sign of life! It’s been quiet around here while I’ve been shaking up the formula with how I do things as an artist and working on commissions for private clients.

[Above: A peek at some of my recent private commission work.]

I have taken on as much private work as I can without overloading myself to help us stay afloat, but it’s been tough, meticulous work and I haven’t had as much free time as I’d like to work on the passion projects, like my fan cover for Cassiel’s Servant I’ve been documenting here on Patreon.

A gal’s got to eat, so hopefully Joscelin can be patient just a little longer! Here’s a little peek to tide us over. Hello, gorgeous! I have been trapped rendering and re-rendering the face trying to get it perfect, I admit.

[Above: A peek at a work-in-progress of finalizing Joscelin’s facial features.]

Thinking Outside Conventions

As I’ve mentioned, I’ve been about pivoting! I cannot run Kickstarters (my biggest money-makers) while tariffs make planning expenses unpredictable. Meanwhile, my Etsy sales have crashed even further due to being overrun with generated AI slop making it that much harder to be found and seen on the marketplace.

Social media website algorithms remain hostile to creatives unless you make videos and rage bait. Convention table and booth prices have majorly increased while everyone vies for these marketplaces that have mostly banned AI, making the chances of getting into conventions lower than they used to be, just as the hostility of social media also drives people to seek in-person venues, also upping competition for these spaces.

So what’s an artist to do?

I honestly, I thought about giving up this year, or at least temporarily shuttering everything on the art biz side of my life. However, as the ‘real day job’ opportunities aren’t calling me back either, somehow, Art has become the only option I have. (The irony!)

The answer thus far has been turning back to my local community where we can meet face to face and support one another. I’ve been looking at the galleries and markets in my town to see if focusing down on them might be a better path to reach people. You may spot me in local fairs, markets, etc. if you’re down south of ATL!

[Above: Me doing my best try at human socialization after working from home for a very long time! From my Meet the Artist event at the Staffords Arts &Craft Gallery in Fayetteville, GA.]

The Grand Return to the Art Scene (Take Two)

While last year’s attemps to work the convention circuit were a bust, I worked my first Art Fair in over 10 years! I had done this briefly before, but decided to focus on indoor shows instead because Georgia weather can be brutal. Now, I’m greeting the sun once more and not bursting into flames!

My old tent had a small hole in it and we forgot everything about how to set it up. One of my tables and a sticker display is already broken after just two events, but so far, so good! I’ve been able to make a small profit I hope to grow as I get better and faster at this.

I feel a bit like a sore thumb at these markets right now because my work is more fantastical and strange, but perhaps this will help me stand out in a good way? Time will tell! I’ve also spied a comic book shop’s market that I hope will help me meet my nerdy kind of people who might like my sword & sorcery/TTRPG work!

Returning to the Changeling Artist Collective

You may have also noticed I’ve also been taking part in the Changeling Artist Collective’s monthly auctions when I can! The Collective was on hiatus for awhile, but we’ve been back since December with monthly thematic creations for auction. We hope that people are seeking connections with real artists, enjoying an online exhibition of themed work each month, while also knowing their support is a salve for these hard-working creators who are all combining their forces to fight the algorithm.

I’ve sold two masks and a limited edition print in this month’s auction and I’m so thankful for that! Definitely follow the Collective on Facebook, Instagram, and our email newsletter if you don’t want to miss out on seeing our art and perchance supporting any of our talented member artists.

[Above: A collage of my original and limited edition art from this month’s Changeling auction.]

Hang in There!

I know times are tough all around and things are uncertain right now. Make moves where you can and remember what the light feels like. Fellow artists/creatives, stay tough! Art brings people solace in dark times and nurtures the soul in unseen ways, even if the world would try to trick us into thinking otherwise.

See you around, maybe?

♥ Ang