Category: Blog Posts

Inspiration Reference Photos: Spring Flowers in Georgia

As you know, nature plays a big part of inspiration for me, especially for my Birthstone Goddesses.  Part of the joy of moving to a new place is seeing what new flowers will emerge in spring!  Now that it’s started to get warmer here at our new home, our house and neighborhood have erupted with blooms.

We have Spring Stars, beautiful starlike blooms that range from purple to white. I’ve never noticed these blooming here before!  I’m definitely saving them for fantasy landscape inspiration, as I can imagine them twinkling like little stars in a night scene.

We also had daffodils and narcissus all over, though they’ve sadly withered by now.  I was so happy to see a line of daffodils pop up lining our driveway on both sides!

Next, we have what I thought were Snowdrops, but are actually a smaller, more  delicate flower called Summer Snowflakes.  The little green smudges on the petal tips make the designer in me very happy, it’s such an elegant little detail!  They’re like little fairy bells.

Finally, as we were wrapping up our walk, we spotted this feathered friend who was powered by bird screams.  A red-shouldered hawk, I suspect!  We have a lot of hawks and owls in this neighborhood, which points to a healthy ecosystem.  I enjoy living in our shaded little patch of forest and am so happy we’ll be staying for the foreseeable future after our past few years of home-hopping.

If any of the images here might make good reference for you, feel free to use them!  I’m looking forward to seeing what summer will be like here and taking a trip to Gibbs Gardens for more reference hunting.  I hope you all enjoy the beauty of nature as much as I do.

Ang

Sketchbook Feb 2023

Sketchbook Feb 2023 + Recovery Update!

Well, guys, January and February didn’t go exactly like I had planned.  I’ve been dealing with an allergic reaction to surgical glue, other nasty incision difficulties, and just trying to catch up on all the sleep I’ve missed from being unable to sleep comfortably after surgery.

This may end up affecting other plans I’ve had this year, like the amulets Kickstarter, but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.  I at least want to finish the designs to have for stickers and Patreon goodies!  I’m finally healing up today after those recovery hiccups, so we’ll see what I can achieve without overwhelming myself.

Speaking of the amulets, I’ve started inking them in Clip Studio Paint!  This design for January needs some tweaking because I can’t unsee the Eye of Sauron in the middle, but it’s been exciting learning more about this extremely useful program, as I’ve finally started taking proper classes on the software.

Before anything else can happen with the Birthstone Goddesses project, however, I need to clean up the studio/shipping area, which has been taunting me since I haven’t been able to lift much!  It’s been stacked with garage and parents’ basement overflow and I’ve only just now begun the excavation process to sort what’s for donation and what’s for keeping. (Oh no and is it also tax season? Halp!)

More Character Art!

Meanwhile, in my continued mission to manufacture happy brain chemicals during my stressful times, you all have witnessed Rabs’ development over the course of the past couple months.  I’ve FINALLY finished her Level 0 form!

Enjoy Teen Rabs in all her irreverent glory!  Teen Rabs hasn’t earned her tatts through training yet and sits on a gallon of pent up anger against the world and her messed up family.  Hopefully I’ve captured the difference in Teen vs Adult Rabs, with Adult Rabs being much more at peace with herself and her past.

You can watch a timelapse of both of these portraits here.

Have an additional closeup because I spent hours on the faces and I’m proud of them:

Both painted in Procreate.  I’m getting more comfortable with this style the more I do!  Though I’m a bit grumpy that you can see the skill gap already between Teen Rabs and her Adult form which was rendered first last year.

Next up, I’ll be doing a Level 0 & Armor Base for the party’s flamboyant Tiefling Arcane Archer, Calumny, which I’m very much looking forward to.

(Cal in all his sassy glory!  He belongs to my dear friend, Hayley.)

Eventually once all these base forms are done, I’ll be doing an armor/level progression chart for them, which will be great practice for me, as I consider armor, in particular, to be a big weakness after years of drawing mainly flowing dress feminine fashions.

Finally, I started playing Elden Ring when I’ve been couch-bound during recovery.  What a strangely beautiful dark fantasy game!  I wasn’t sure I would like it, at first.  The enemies can be frustrating to beat, but now I’ve found myself thoroughly hooked by its hauntingly beautiful world and intriguing exploration.

Behold my swashbuckling mage, Asha the Starless!  Still just a rough sketch, but I expect with all the cool imagery of this game, you may see more fan art from this game pop up here.

Screenshots for reference:

—-

That’s all for this month, friends!  In March, I’m hoping to be back in good health (knock on wood) which means I’ll hopefully have more to share next time.  I also have some inspiring books, supplies, and photos I want to share.

Till then, don’t forget you can come hang out on my Discord whether you’re a Patron or not!  I love getting to know you all there and sharing inspirations and interests.  You can use this invite to join the public server, though if you want my Patron perks for Discord, which include a private Patrons-only area where I share my private sketchbook, you’ll need to connect your Discord to Patreon.

Till next time!

Ang

—-

Posts You Might Have Missed from February

Jan 2023 Sketchbook + Health Update!

I wanted to peek my head out and give you all a sign of life!  I’ve been taking it easy this month while healing from surgery and dealing with very heavy doses of pain medication, which means I don’t have a lot of art to share from January.  However, I hope you’ll enjoy what fun I was able to have with art!

January was all about stimulating the happy brain chemicals to help with the stress of recovery, which meant, once again, having fun with totally pointless original character art!

The Uncrucified VTT Tokens

I wanted to practice drawing tokens for virtual tabletops and so the cast of The Uncrucified, my Exalted tabletop RPG story, felt like a good starting point!  I’ve also created a project logo for The Uncrucified which I incorporated into the token’s decorative border.

(Watch a timelapse here.)

This style might not have enough contrast to really stand out for smaller tokens, but I enjoyed the painting practice, none-the-less!

WIP – Young Rabs

I’ve been poking at this young teen Rabs, my most recent Dungeons & Dragon character, since last year!  You all might remember the full body of her present day self done for a D&D party level progression chart (which I’m using as reference on the left).  

I wanted every member of the party to have a unique Level 0 example to show what each character looked like when they first got that glint in their eye to become an adventurer.  Seeing their younger self makes it even more interesting to see how they’ve changed over time/levels.  I wanted to do this to incorporate more storytelling into what is otherwise a very basic straightforward level chart.
Plus, it’s good practice for me at drawing younger ages.

(Explore a mini-gallery of Rabs’ tattoos and design here.)

Rabs was a scrappy, angry teen who used to practice her combat skills in secret in preparation for a coup her mothers and sisters were plotting against her murderous father (more on that from my 2022 NaNoWriMo exploration of her backstory).  She’s chilled out a lot since those dark days and is now rather more the cheerful optimist of the party!

—-

With my medications thinning out and body and mind getting back to normal, I hope to ease into a more regular schedule in February.  I have big plans this year to launch some exclusive Patreon goodies and a couple of Kickstarters I have been looking forward to for years, now, so I’m excited to FINALLY get started on working towards those goals!

I’m also starting back to my art studies and classes, as I’ve felt my skills have stagnated while I’ve been in Recovery Mode.  Working digitally has been wonderful since I can do it comfortably with my shoulder (and now stomach) limitations, but I really want to get my hands dirty with traditional paints again, which means getting my butt back in the studio!

I hope to have more to share soon, with a Patrons-only sneak peek coming soon.  Keep your eyes peeled!

❤️ Ang

Project Status: Birthstone Goddesses FINAL PHASE!

It’s the New Year and that fresh beginning is always an exciting time of re-assessment and looking forward!  2022 was a time of adjustment for me while we set up our new home and got used to a whole new flow to our lives.  I’ve had a lot of time to think about this Patreon and the Birthstone Goddesses and it’s my hope to both re-launch this Patreon and wrap up this project in 2023!

The Birthstone Goddesses: FINAL PHASE!

So what’s in store for this year?  I want to complete the collections I started when I was prototyping various merch at DragonCon back in 2019, an endeavor which was thoroughly waylaid by the pandemic, our own life challenges, and supply chain issues.  Folks really enjoyed the more wearable and utilitarian art I shared at the con back in 2019 and I’m all about bringing beautiful things into the everyday!

Prototype Scarves and Totes from my DragonCon 2019 display. It’s time to redesign them with your feedback in mind!  I still have a few of these prototypes available in my Secret Shop, as well.

—-

My tentative biz goals for 2023:

  • Mandala & Goddess Tote Bags, Apparel, & Journals
  • Frame & photograph the complete set of Birthstone Goddess paintings
  • Kickstarter Project in Late Spring – Mandala Enamel Amulet Necklaces
  • Kickstarter Project in Late Fall – Birthstone Goddesses Wall Calendar
  • Designing Gift Sets for each Goddess’ Collection by the holidays!
  • Re-launch this Patreon with Exclusive Merch!
  • Finish setting up automation with Art of Where & Printful
  • More video content & streaming! Without conventions, I need face time with folks again. I miss your faces!

A Big Decision – Birthstone Goddesses Art Book Delay?

One of the biggest decisions I’ve made this year is that I don’t think I have the energy in me to do the Birthstone Goddesses art book I wanted to do.  I could either release that book now as a simple collection of my years of work on this project OR I could set this book for a later time where I’m able to create a few of the experimental paintings I had in mind to include, as well as create the luxury experience I feel would make the book special.  I’ve opted for the latter.

Waiting till later means I can give myself the space away to not be burnt out by spending the time on the book that I’d like to in order to make it extra special!  I’ve been working on this project for so long and I need a break before I come back to the book at a later point in my life.

As for this Patreon?

I’m still aiming to re-launch this space with a bit of restructuring to make it more of a low key Tip Jar with a few extra options for those who’d like to collect some premium exclusive goodies. I’ll still be sharing my experience and archive of material (coloring pages, tutorials, Secret Shop, etc), but I’ll be adding material here at my own pace instead of overwhelming myself.  More details on that when the re-launch is actually happening!  Right now this Patreon is staying in Tip Jar mode for health reasons.

I have another minor surgery for a hernia repair of an old surgical incision in my belly scheduled for tomorrow (eep!), so that’s definitely delaying my start to the year!  Designing the exclusive merch will have to wait till I’m able to sit up comfortably again.  2022 had one last sucker punch to give, it seems!

After that, though, I hope to hit the ground running and give you guys a tour of the new studio space because it’s so amazing aah!

I’ll be back soon with hopefully more substantial updates and new things to share after a little recovery time.  Till then!  I hope you all are good!

♥ Ang

Project Status: Birthstone Goddesses FINAL PHASE!

It’s the New Year and that fresh beginning is always an exciting time of re-assessment and looking forward!  2022 was a time of adjustment for me while we set up our new home and got used to a whole new flow to our lives.  I’ve had a lot of time to think about this Patreon and the Birthstone Goddesses and it’s my hope to both re-launch this Patreon and wrap up this project in 2023!

The Birthstone Goddesses: FINAL PHASE!

So what’s in store for this year?  I want to complete the collections I started when I was prototyping various merch at DragonCon back in 2019, an endeavor which was thoroughly waylaid by the pandemic, our own life challenges, and supply chain issues.  Folks really enjoyed the more wearable and utilitarian art I shared at the con back in 2019 and I’m all about bringing beautiful things into the everyday!

Prototype Scarves and Totes from my DragonCon 2019 display. It’s time to redesign them with your feedback in mind!  I still have a few of these prototypes available in my Secret Shop, as well.

—-

My tentative biz goals for 2023:

  • Mandala & Goddess Tote Bags, Apparel, & Journals
  • Frame & photograph the complete set of Birthstone Goddess paintings
  • Kickstarter Project in Late Spring – Mandala Enamel Amulet Necklaces
  • Kickstarter Project in Late Fall – Birthstone Goddesses Wall Calendar
  • Designing Gift Sets for each Goddess’ Collection by the holidays!
  • Re-launch this Patreon with Exclusive Merch!
  • Finish setting up automation with Art of Where & Printful
  • More video content & streaming! Without conventions, I need face time with folks again. I miss your faces!

A Big Decision – Birthstone Goddesses Art Book Delay?

One of the biggest decisions I’ve made this year is that I don’t think I have the energy in me to do the Birthstone Goddesses art book I wanted to do.  I could either release that book now as a simple collection of my years of work on this project OR I could set this book for a later time where I’m able to create a few of the experimental paintings I had in mind to include, as well as create the luxury experience I feel would make the book special.  I’ve opted for the latter.

Waiting till later means I can give myself the space away to not be burnt out by spending the time on the book that I’d like to in order to make it extra special!  I’ve been working on this project for so long and I need a break before I come back to the book at a later point in my life.

As for this Patreon?

I’m still aiming to re-launch this space with a bit of restructuring to make it more of a low key Tip Jar with a few extra options for those who’d like to collect some premium exclusive goodies. I’ll still be sharing my experience and archive of material (coloring pages, tutorials, Secret Shop, etc), but I’ll be adding material here at my own pace instead of overwhelming myself.  More details on that when the re-launch is actually happening!  Right now this Patreon is staying in Tip Jar mode for health reasons.

I have another minor surgery for a hernia repair of an old surgical incision in my belly scheduled for tomorrow (eep!), so that’s definitely delaying my start to the year!  Designing the exclusive merch will have to wait till I’m able to sit up comfortably again.  2022 had one last sucker punch to give, it seems!

After that, though, I hope to hit the ground running and give you guys a tour of the new studio space because it’s so amazing aah!

I’ll be back soon with hopefully more substantial updates and new things to share after a little recovery time.  Till then!  I hope you all are good!

♥ Ang

Project Status: Birthstone Goddesses FINAL PHASE!

It’s the New Year and that fresh beginning is always an exciting time of re-assessment and looking forward!  2022 was a time of adjustment for me while we set up our new home and got used to a whole new flow to our lives.  I’ve had a lot of time to think about this Patreon and the Birthstone Goddesses and it’s my hope to both re-launch this Patreon and wrap up this project in 2023!

The Birthstone Goddesses: FINAL PHASE!

So what’s in store for this year?  I want to complete the collections I started when I was prototyping various merch at DragonCon back in 2019, an endeavor which was thoroughly waylaid by the pandemic, our own life challenges, and supply chain issues.  Folks really enjoyed the more wearable and utilitarian art I shared at the con back in 2019 and I’m all about bringing beautiful things into the everyday!

Prototype Scarves and Totes from my DragonCon 2019 display. It’s time to redesign them with your feedback in mind!  I still have a few of these prototypes available in my Secret Shop, as well.

—-

My tentative biz goals for 2023:

  • Mandala & Goddess Tote Bags, Apparel, & Journals
  • Frame & photograph the complete set of Birthstone Goddess paintings
  • Kickstarter Project in Late Spring – Mandala Enamel Amulet Necklaces
  • Kickstarter Project in Late Fall – Birthstone Goddesses Wall Calendar
  • Designing Gift Sets for each Goddess’ Collection by the holidays!
  • Re-launch this Patreon with Exclusive Merch!
  • Finish setting up automation with Art of Where & Printful
  • More video content & streaming! Without conventions, I need face time with folks again. I miss your faces!

A Big Decision – Birthstone Goddesses Art Book Delay?

One of the biggest decisions I’ve made this year is that I don’t think I have the energy in me to do the Birthstone Goddesses art book I wanted to do.  I could either release that book now as a simple collection of my years of work on this project OR I could set this book for a later time where I’m able to create a few of the experimental paintings I had in mind to include, as well as create the luxury experience I feel would make the book special.  I’ve opted for the latter.

Waiting till later means I can give myself the space away to not be burnt out by spending the time on the book that I’d like to in order to make it extra special!  I’ve been working on this project for so long and I need a break before I come back to the book at a later point in my life.

As for this Patreon?

I’m still aiming to re-launch this space with a bit of restructuring to make it more of a low key Tip Jar with a few extra options for those who’d like to collect some premium exclusive goodies. I’ll still be sharing my experience and archive of material (coloring pages, tutorials, Secret Shop, etc), but I’ll be adding material here at my own pace instead of overwhelming myself.  More details on that when the re-launch is actually happening!  Right now this Patreon is staying in Tip Jar mode for health reasons.

I have another minor surgery for a hernia repair of an old surgical incision in my belly scheduled for tomorrow (eep!), so that’s definitely delaying my start to the year!  Designing the exclusive merch will have to wait till I’m able to sit up comfortably again.  2022 had one last sucker punch to give, it seems!

After that, though, I hope to hit the ground running and give you guys a tour of the new studio space because it’s so amazing aah!

I’ll be back soon with hopefully more substantial updates and new things to share after a little recovery time.  Till then!  I hope you all are good!

♥ Ang

Project Status: Birthstone Goddesses FINAL PHASE!

It’s the New Year and that fresh beginning is always an exciting time of re-assessment and looking forward!  2022 was a time of adjustment for me while we set up our new home and got used to a whole new flow to our lives.  I’ve had a lot of time to think about this Patreon and the Birthstone Goddesses and it’s my hope to both re-launch this Patreon and wrap up this project in 2023!

The Birthstone Goddesses: FINAL PHASE!

So what’s in store for this year?  I want to complete the collections I started when I was prototyping various merch at DragonCon back in 2019, an endeavor which was thoroughly waylaid by the pandemic, our own life challenges, and supply chain issues.  Folks really enjoyed the more wearable and utilitarian art I shared at the con back in 2019 and I’m all about bringing beautiful things into the everyday!

Prototype Scarves and Totes from my DragonCon 2019 display. It’s time to redesign them with your feedback in mind!  I still have a few of these prototypes available in my Secret Shop, as well.

—-

My tentative biz goals for 2023:

  • Mandala & Goddess Tote Bags, Apparel, & Journals
  • Frame & photograph the complete set of Birthstone Goddess paintings
  • Kickstarter Project in Late Spring – Mandala Enamel Amulet Necklaces
  • Kickstarter Project in Late Fall – Birthstone Goddesses Wall Calendar
  • Designing Gift Sets for each Goddess’ Collection by the holidays!
  • Re-launch this Patreon with Exclusive Merch!
  • Finish setting up automation with Art of Where & Printful
  • More video content & streaming! Without conventions, I need face time with folks again. I miss your faces!

A Big Decision – Birthstone Goddesses Art Book Delay?

One of the biggest decisions I’ve made this year is that I don’t think I have the energy in me to do the Birthstone Goddesses art book I wanted to do.  I could either release that book now as a simple collection of my years of work on this project OR I could set this book for a later time where I’m able to create a few of the experimental paintings I had in mind to include, as well as create the luxury experience I feel would make the book special.  I’ve opted for the latter.

Waiting till later means I can give myself the space away to not be burnt out by spending the time on the book that I’d like to in order to make it extra special!  I’ve been working on this project for so long and I need a break before I come back to the book at a later point in my life.

As for this Patreon?

I’m still aiming to re-launch this space with a bit of restructuring to make it more of a low key Tip Jar with a few extra options for those who’d like to collect some premium exclusive goodies. I’ll still be sharing my experience and archive of material (coloring pages, tutorials, Secret Shop, etc), but I’ll be adding material here at my own pace instead of overwhelming myself.  More details on that when the re-launch is actually happening!  Right now this Patreon is staying in Tip Jar mode for health reasons.

I have another minor surgery for a hernia repair of an old surgical incision in my belly scheduled for tomorrow (eep!), so that’s definitely delaying my start to the year!  Designing the exclusive merch will have to wait till I’m able to sit up comfortably again.  2022 had one last sucker punch to give, it seems!

After that, though, I hope to hit the ground running and give you guys a tour of the new studio space because it’s so amazing aah!

I’ll be back soon with hopefully more substantial updates and new things to share after a little recovery time.  Till then!  I hope you all are good!

♥ Ang

Project Status: Birthstone Goddesses FINAL PHASE!

It’s the New Year and that fresh beginning is always an exciting time of re-assessment and looking forward!  2022 was a time of adjustment for me while we set up our new home and got used to a whole new flow to our lives.  I’ve had a lot of time to think about this Patreon and the Birthstone Goddesses and it’s my hope to both re-launch this Patreon and wrap up this project in 2023!

The Birthstone Goddesses: FINAL PHASE!

So what’s in store for this year?  I want to complete the collections I started when I was prototyping various merch at DragonCon back in 2019, an endeavor which was thoroughly waylaid by the pandemic, our own life challenges, and supply chain issues.  Folks really enjoyed the more wearable and utilitarian art I shared at the con back in 2019 and I’m all about bringing beautiful things into the everyday!

Prototype Scarves and Totes from my DragonCon 2019 display. It’s time to redesign them with your feedback in mind!  I still have a few of these prototypes available in my Secret Shop, as well.

—-

My tentative biz goals for 2023:

  • Mandala & Goddess Tote Bags, Apparel, & Journals
  • Frame & photograph the complete set of Birthstone Goddess paintings
  • Kickstarter Project in Late Spring – Mandala Enamel Amulet Necklaces
  • Kickstarter Project in Late Fall – Birthstone Goddesses Wall Calendar
  • Designing Gift Sets for each Goddess’ Collection by the holidays!
  • Re-launch this Patreon with Exclusive Merch!
  • Finish setting up automation with Art of Where & Printful
  • More video content & streaming! Without conventions, I need face time with folks again. I miss your faces!

A Big Decision – Birthstone Goddesses Art Book Delay?

One of the biggest decisions I’ve made this year is that I don’t think I have the energy in me to do the Birthstone Goddesses art book I wanted to do.  I could either release that book now as a simple collection of my years of work on this project OR I could set this book for a later time where I’m able to create a few of the experimental paintings I had in mind to include, as well as create the luxury experience I feel would make the book special.  I’ve opted for the latter.

Waiting till later means I can give myself the space away to not be burnt out by spending the time on the book that I’d like to in order to make it extra special!  I’ve been working on this project for so long and I need a break before I come back to the book at a later point in my life.

As for this Patreon?

I’m still aiming to re-launch this space with a bit of restructuring to make it more of a low key Tip Jar with a few extra options for those who’d like to collect some premium exclusive goodies. I’ll still be sharing my experience and archive of material (coloring pages, tutorials, Secret Shop, etc), but I’ll be adding material here at my own pace instead of overwhelming myself.  More details on that when the re-launch is actually happening!  Right now this Patreon is staying in Tip Jar mode for health reasons.

I have another minor surgery for a hernia repair of an old surgical incision in my belly scheduled for tomorrow (eep!), so that’s definitely delaying my start to the year!  Designing the exclusive merch will have to wait till I’m able to sit up comfortably again.  2022 had one last sucker punch to give, it seems!

After that, though, I hope to hit the ground running and give you guys a tour of the new studio space because it’s so amazing aah!

I’ll be back soon with hopefully more substantial updates and new things to share after a little recovery time.  Till then!  I hope you all are good!

♥ Ang

Project Status: Birthstone Goddesses FINAL PHASE!

It’s the New Year and that fresh beginning is always an exciting time of re-assessment and looking forward!  2022 was a time of adjustment for me while we set up our new home and got used to a whole new flow to our lives.  I’ve had a lot of time to think about this Patreon and the Birthstone Goddesses and it’s my hope to both re-launch this Patreon and wrap up this project in 2023!

The Birthstone Goddesses: FINAL PHASE!

So what’s in store for this year?  I want to complete the collections I started when I was prototyping various merch at DragonCon back in 2019, an endeavor which was thoroughly waylaid by the pandemic, our own life challenges, and supply chain issues.  Folks really enjoyed the more wearable and utilitarian art I shared at the con back in 2019 and I’m all about bringing beautiful things into the everyday!

Prototype Scarves and Totes from my DragonCon 2019 display. It’s time to redesign them with your feedback in mind!  I still have a few of these prototypes available in my Secret Shop, as well.

—-

My tentative biz goals for 2023:

  • Mandala & Goddess Tote Bags, Apparel, & Journals
  • Frame & photograph the complete set of Birthstone Goddess paintings
  • Kickstarter Project in Late Spring – Mandala Enamel Amulet Necklaces
  • Kickstarter Project in Late Fall – Birthstone Goddesses Wall Calendar
  • Designing Gift Sets for each Goddess’ Collection by the holidays!
  • Re-launch this Patreon with Exclusive Merch!
  • Finish setting up automation with Art of Where & Printful
  • More video content & streaming! Without conventions, I need face time with folks again. I miss your faces!

A Big Decision – Birthstone Goddesses Art Book Delay?

One of the biggest decisions I’ve made this year is that I don’t think I have the energy in me to do the Birthstone Goddesses art book I wanted to do.  I could either release that book now as a simple collection of my years of work on this project OR I could set this book for a later time where I’m able to create a few of the experimental paintings I had in mind to include, as well as create the luxury experience I feel would make the book special.  I’ve opted for the latter.

Waiting till later means I can give myself the space away to not be burnt out by spending the time on the book that I’d like to in order to make it extra special!  I’ve been working on this project for so long and I need a break before I come back to the book at a later point in my life.

As for this Patreon?

I’m still aiming to re-launch this space with a bit of restructuring to make it more of a low key Tip Jar with a few extra options for those who’d like to collect some premium exclusive goodies. I’ll still be sharing my experience and archive of material (coloring pages, tutorials, Secret Shop, etc), but I’ll be adding material here at my own pace instead of overwhelming myself.  More details on that when the re-launch is actually happening!  Right now this Patreon is staying in Tip Jar mode for health reasons.

I have another minor surgery for a hernia repair of an old surgical incision in my belly scheduled for tomorrow (eep!), so that’s definitely delaying my start to the year!  Designing the exclusive merch will have to wait till I’m able to sit up comfortably again.  2022 had one last sucker punch to give, it seems!

After that, though, I hope to hit the ground running and give you guys a tour of the new studio space because it’s so amazing aah!

I’ll be back soon with hopefully more substantial updates and new things to share after a little recovery time.  Till then!  I hope you all are good!

♥ Ang

Project Status: Birthstone Goddesses FINAL PHASE!

It’s the New Year and that fresh beginning is always an exciting time of re-assessment and looking forward!  2022 was a time of adjustment for me while we set up our new home and got used to a whole new flow to our lives.  I’ve had a lot of time to think about this Patreon and the Birthstone Goddesses and it’s my hope to both re-launch this Patreon and wrap up this project in 2023!

The Birthstone Goddesses: FINAL PHASE!

So what’s in store for this year?  I want to complete the collections I started when I was prototyping various merch at DragonCon back in 2019, an endeavor which was thoroughly waylaid by the pandemic, our own life challenges, and supply chain issues.  Folks really enjoyed the more wearable and utilitarian art I shared at the con back in 2019 and I’m all about bringing beautiful things into the everyday!

Prototype Scarves and Totes from my DragonCon 2019 display. It’s time to redesign them with your feedback in mind!  I still have a few of these prototypes available in my Secret Shop, as well.

—-

My tentative biz goals for 2023:

  • Mandala & Goddess Tote Bags, Apparel, & Journals
  • Frame & photograph the complete set of Birthstone Goddess paintings
  • Kickstarter Project in Late Spring – Mandala Enamel Amulet Necklaces
  • Kickstarter Project in Late Fall – Birthstone Goddesses Wall Calendar
  • Designing Gift Sets for each Goddess’ Collection by the holidays!
  • Re-launch this Patreon with Exclusive Merch!
  • Finish setting up automation with Art of Where & Printful
  • More video content & streaming! Without conventions, I need face time with folks again. I miss your faces!

A Big Decision – Birthstone Goddesses Art Book Delay?

One of the biggest decisions I’ve made this year is that I don’t think I have the energy in me to do the Birthstone Goddesses art book I wanted to do.  I could either release that book now as a simple collection of my years of work on this project OR I could set this book for a later time where I’m able to create a few of the experimental paintings I had in mind to include, as well as create the luxury experience I feel would make the book special.  I’ve opted for the latter.

Waiting till later means I can give myself the space away to not be burnt out by spending the time on the book that I’d like to in order to make it extra special!  I’ve been working on this project for so long and I need a break before I come back to the book at a later point in my life.

As for this Patreon?

I’m still aiming to re-launch this space with a bit of restructuring to make it more of a low key Tip Jar with a few extra options for those who’d like to collect some premium exclusive goodies. I’ll still be sharing my experience and archive of material (coloring pages, tutorials, Secret Shop, etc), but I’ll be adding material here at my own pace instead of overwhelming myself.  More details on that when the re-launch is actually happening!  Right now this Patreon is staying in Tip Jar mode for health reasons.

I have another minor surgery for a hernia repair of an old surgical incision in my belly scheduled for tomorrow (eep!), so that’s definitely delaying my start to the year!  Designing the exclusive merch will have to wait till I’m able to sit up comfortably again.  2022 had one last sucker punch to give, it seems!

After that, though, I hope to hit the ground running and give you guys a tour of the new studio space because it’s so amazing aah!

I’ll be back soon with hopefully more substantial updates and new things to share after a little recovery time.  Till then!  I hope you all are good!

♥ Ang