Category: Blog Posts

Mar 2020 Wrap-Up – Arting through the Pandemic

Reading my last posts and writing this one right now feels so surreal.  Last month, we were canceling cons just in case. Now?  Kev and I have been self-sequestered for 3 weeks and adjusting to a new lifestyle.

Funny enough, my husband is handling this very well, while I’m the one who’s been an anxious mess working in my pjs, taking twice as long to do anything, and reading news late into the night (a bad habit I’m breaking with reading manga/comics instead!).

It’s been rough for me launching a Kickstarter this month as well because I honestly thought “With everyone in survival mode right now, why would they support a Kickstarter? I wouldn’t blame them for saving!”.  I’m so incredibly moved that even during this tough time, you guys came out to support me so that we’ve already fully funded the Goddesses of Spring!  So many of you have also chosen to stay as my Patrons, which I am so eternally grateful for.  My fans are the best!  Thank you so much for supporting the arts during a difficult time for all!

Right now, Kev and I are both safe, working from home, and financially stable.  Knock on wood!  I hope you all are doing well.  It’s okay if it’s difficult to focus.  The world is going through something it hasn’t seen in years.  Just remember that we will endure!  

I’ve decided to keep on working through the Birthstone Goddesses and try to do my best.  I still want to work on a calendar and Art Book for my Goddesses and am still excited to indulge more Fantasy Art to share with you all!  In these dark times, we turn to art for a hopeful escape.  A little light goes a long way!

On that note, I thought I’d round up a few resources that are keeping me sane that might also help you guys out (feel free to share more with me in the comments!):

Free Comics for 60 Days – Comixology, my fave comics reader, has extended their Unlimited subscription service free trial to 60 days.  They have a ton of comics in the Unlimited program!  They also integrate with Amazon for easy sign in.

Free Virtual Museum Tours – Here’s a collection of some of the biggest museums offering tours online.

StayHomeWrimo – The minds behind NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) are doing a daily event where they share writing prompts and self-care tips.  Camp NaNoWriMo is starting up in April as well!

The Uncrucified Free Audiobook + Book – My shameless plug! If you’re interested in my current writing project, check out this story inspired by my adventures in the Exalted tabletop roleplaying game.  

It’s a mature fantasy tale about a young girl who rises to greatness from a childhood spent in slavery.  After being granted abilities by a god to help stave off the world’s destruction, she chooses instead to use her newfound powers to forge her own path of revenge to right the wrongs of the world.  But will absolute power corrupt absolutely?

Also, gunslingers, Queenpins, sand, and sorcery!

It’s my hope that those who aren’t into Exalted can still enjoy it!  Come marvel at my very first try at audiobook reading and perhaps become invested in a writing project near and dear to my heart. (Currently seeking Beta Readers for the expanded rewrite!)

New Rewards Added this Month

Posts You May Have Missed this Month

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For April, I’m hunkering down to ship out as many of the Birthstone Goddess pins as possible, while managing the Goddesses of Spring campaign.  Then, I’ve promised myself a break afterwards to work on other non-Birthstone Goddess things for awhile.  I’m excited to share new work after being focused on more decorative art for so long. I can’t wait to sink my teeth into some narrative art!  We may be seeing more art inspired by the aforementioned writing project.

Stay safe and healthy, friends!

♥ Ang

The Goddesses of Spring Enamel Pins Have Launched!

The moment we’ve been building up to for almost a year has finally come.  The campaign for the final set in my Birthstone Goddesses enamel pins has launched on Kickstarter!

This launch almost didn’t happen, however.  In uncertain times like this, I was very afraid to push the button!  Does anyone have time for art right now?  Won’t everyone be saving for other things?  It felt almost irresponsible for me to do this.  After some thought, I realized that it was ok to do this.  Art is there for us during the dark times to bring us a bit of shine and beauty.  If people connect with my project and want something to help bring that feeling to them, they should be allowed!

And honestly right now with all of my conventions canceled for the year, I’m grateful for any support that comes my way.  I almost cried during my livestream of the launch after seeing the enthusiasm of fans in the chat and the fact I raised so much during my first minutes of support.  It means a lot right now to me!

(Watch the launch’s livestream recording here)

Thank you all for your kindness!  Especially those of you who have continued your support here on Patreon as well!  It truly helps and warms the heart.   I understand if anyone must drop their Pledges for financial purposes right now and doubly appreciate anyone who chooses to stay! 

Before I get all sappy again, here’s the Press Kit of images and links to help with sharing my project!  Ya’ll are my biggest fans and your voices are always the loudest when I run these campaigns.  Share away, my lovelies!

Links to Share!

Remember to add your own commentary, if you have the time!  People love to know what you think.  Did you enjoy your last pins? Do you have a fave Goddess you can’t wait to see as a finished pin?   Let everyone know!

Downloadable Images

(16:9 aspect ratio Cover Photo)

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(Cover Photo – Square for Instagram)

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(Cover Photo – Facebook Cover Size. Feel free to snag this to use for your own Cover!)

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(March’s Pin – Square for Instagram)

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(March’s Pin – Rectangle for Facebook)

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(April’s Pin – Square for Instagram)

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(April’s Pin – Rectangle for Facebook)

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(May’s Pin – Square for Instagram)

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(May’s Pin – Rectangle Facebook)

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(Selected Reward Tier Images)

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Thanks to everyone who has been cheering me on through this project. It’s been a year of pushing and creating something grand with these pins (and more years before that for the paintings)! I can’t wait to see all of these lovely designs together soon.

I hope these beauties bring you all a bit of light and happiness today!

Stay safe, friends!

♥ Ang

Feb 2020 Wrap Up – Coronavirus Delays, Con Cancellations, & Burn Out

This month has been a doozy!  Stress levels have been high while all of my Kickstarters and the items in my shop that are made in China have been delayed by about a month due to the COVID-19 outbreak.  That’s meant writing many support messages to explain delays, dealing with folks who fear my products will contain viruses (they do not), etc.  Thankfully, most of my fans and Backers have been very understanding and supportive during the chaos.  Most can agree products are NOT worth people’s lives and I’m happy for that!

Unfortunately, due to an abundance of caution, I’ve decided to cancel all of my convention appearances for this year.  While I think most healthy adults have nothing to fear, my husband is in an extremely vulnerable population as someone with a heart condition (making him susceptible to respiratory complications), plus the possible need for cancer treatments that may lower his immune system, should he come out of remission at any point this year (he is thankfully clear for now, but it is an unpredictable situation he must get regular scans for).

Since we cannot predict what the situation will be like this year as far as the spread of COVID-19, I decided now was an opportune time to make 2020 about hunkering down and focusing on making new art.  I also very much need to update my shop which does not even have nearly all of the bags, scarves, etc. in it that I’ve been designing since last year!

And I’ll be frank, guys.  After working four Kickstarters which have included stressful delays that have prolonged these stressful times, I am ready to shift gears and let myself recuperate for awhile!  Promoting a pre-launch period, launch period, etc. is like shouting at the top of your lungs for two months each time to be seen and it is extremely draining, energy-wise, despite these being ‘simple’ projects.  I’m ready for a break!  

And there is still one more launch to go for the Goddesses of Spring (on March 19th aaaaah SOON!) 

But I got this!  I got this.  I got this!  I can do this. Aaaah!

So after that last Kickstarter, maybe I’ll work on some personal pieces?  Or some new portfolio pieces?  Perhaps I’ll indulge in some fun diversions from the Birthstone Goddesses for a little while?  We’ll see where this Side Quest might take us!

I’ll miss seeing some of your faces in person, but I hope we can still keep sharing here and in my Patreon Discord server where we’ve all been chatting about our projects and inspirations.

New Rewards Added in February

Posts You May Have Missed In February

I’ll have some new wallpapers coming in March along with some new art, so stay tuned!  In the meanwhile, I hope you all stay happy, healthy, and inspired!

♥ Ang

Feb 2020 Wrap Up – Coronavirus Delays, Con Cancellations, & Burn Out

This month has been a doozy!  Stress levels have been high while all of my Kickstarters and the items in my shop that are made in China have been delayed by about a month due to the COVID-19 outbreak.  That’s meant writing many support messages to explain delays, dealing with folks who fear my products will contain viruses (they do not), etc.  Thankfully, most of my fans and Backers have been very understanding and supportive during the chaos.  Most can agree products are NOT worth people’s lives and I’m happy for that!

Unfortunately, due to an abundance of caution, I’ve decided to cancel all of my convention appearances for this year.  While I think most healthy adults have nothing to fear, my husband is in an extremely vulnerable population as someone with a heart condition (making him susceptible to respiratory complications), plus the possible need for cancer treatments that may lower his immune system, should he come out of remission at any point this year (he is thankfully clear for now, but it is an unpredictable situation he must get regular scans for).

Since we cannot predict what the situation will be like this year as far as the spread of COVID-19, I decided now was an opportune time to make 2020 about hunkering down and focusing on making new art.  I also very much need to update my shop which does not even have nearly all of the bags, scarves, etc. in it that I’ve been designing since last year!

And I’ll be frank, guys.  After working four Kickstarters which have included stressful delays that have prolonged these stressful times, I am ready to shift gears and let myself recuperate for awhile!  Promoting a pre-launch period, launch period, etc. is like shouting at the top of your lungs for two months each time to be seen and it is extremely draining, energy-wise, despite these being ‘simple’ projects.  I’m ready for a break!  

And there is still one more launch to go for the Goddesses of Spring (on March 19th aaaaah SOON!) 

But I got this!  I got this.  I got this!  I can do this. Aaaah!

So after that last Kickstarter, maybe I’ll work on some personal pieces?  Or some new portfolio pieces?  Perhaps I’ll indulge in some fun diversions from the Birthstone Goddesses for a little while?  We’ll see where this Side Quest might take us!

I’ll miss seeing some of your faces in person, but I hope we can still keep sharing here and in my Patreon Discord server where we’ve all been chatting about our projects and inspirations.

New Rewards Added in February

Posts You May Have Missed In February

I’ll have some new wallpapers coming in March along with some new art, so stay tuned!  In the meanwhile, I hope you all stay happy, healthy, and inspired!

♥ Ang

Feb 2020 Wrap Up – Coronavirus Delays, Con Cancellations, & Burn Out

This month has been a doozy!  Stress levels have been high while all of my Kickstarters and the items in my shop that are made in China have been delayed by about a month due to the COVID-19 outbreak.  That’s meant writing many support messages to explain delays, dealing with folks who fear my products will contain viruses (they do not), etc.  Thankfully, most of my fans and Backers have been very understanding and supportive during the chaos.  Most can agree products are NOT worth people’s lives and I’m happy for that!

Unfortunately, due to an abundance of caution, I’ve decided to cancel all of my convention appearances for this year.  While I think most healthy adults have nothing to fear, my husband is in an extremely vulnerable population as someone with a heart condition (making him susceptible to respiratory complications), plus the possible need for cancer treatments that may lower his immune system, should he come out of remission at any point this year (he is thankfully clear for now, but it is an unpredictable situation he must get regular scans for).

Since we cannot predict what the situation will be like this year as far as the spread of COVID-19, I decided now was an opportune time to make 2020 about hunkering down and focusing on making new art.  I also very much need to update my shop which does not even have nearly all of the bags, scarves, etc. in it that I’ve been designing since last year!

And I’ll be frank, guys.  After working four Kickstarters which have included stressful delays that have prolonged these stressful times, I am ready to shift gears and let myself recuperate for awhile!  Promoting a pre-launch period, launch period, etc. is like shouting at the top of your lungs for two months each time to be seen and it is extremely draining, energy-wise, despite these being ‘simple’ projects.  I’m ready for a break!  

And there is still one more launch to go for the Goddesses of Spring (on March 19th aaaaah SOON!) 

But I got this!  I got this.  I got this!  I can do this. Aaaah!

So after that last Kickstarter, maybe I’ll work on some personal pieces?  Or some new portfolio pieces?  Perhaps I’ll indulge in some fun diversions from the Birthstone Goddesses for a little while?  We’ll see where this Side Quest might take us!

I’ll miss seeing some of your faces in person, but I hope we can still keep sharing here and in my Patreon Discord server where we’ve all been chatting about our projects and inspirations.

New Rewards Added in February

Posts You May Have Missed In February

I’ll have some new wallpapers coming in March along with some new art, so stay tuned!  In the meanwhile, I hope you all stay happy, healthy, and inspired!

♥ Ang

Feb 2020 Wrap Up – Coronavirus Delays, Con Cancellations, & Burn Out

This month has been a doozy!  Stress levels have been high while all of my Kickstarters and the items in my shop that are made in China have been delayed by about a month due to the COVID-19 outbreak.  That’s meant writing many support messages to explain delays, dealing with folks who fear my products will contain viruses (they do not), etc.  Thankfully, most of my fans and Backers have been very understanding and supportive during the chaos.  Most can agree products are NOT worth people’s lives and I’m happy for that!

Unfortunately, due to an abundance of caution, I’ve decided to cancel all of my convention appearances for this year.  While I think most healthy adults have nothing to fear, my husband is in an extremely vulnerable population as someone with a heart condition (making him susceptible to respiratory complications), plus the possible need for cancer treatments that may lower his immune system, should he come out of remission at any point this year (he is thankfully clear for now, but it is an unpredictable situation he must get regular scans for).

Since we cannot predict what the situation will be like this year as far as the spread of COVID-19, I decided now was an opportune time to make 2020 about hunkering down and focusing on making new art.  I also very much need to update my shop which does not even have nearly all of the bags, scarves, etc. in it that I’ve been designing since last year!

And I’ll be frank, guys.  After working four Kickstarters which have included stressful delays that have prolonged these stressful times, I am ready to shift gears and let myself recuperate for awhile!  Promoting a pre-launch period, launch period, etc. is like shouting at the top of your lungs for two months each time to be seen and it is extremely draining, energy-wise, despite these being ‘simple’ projects.  I’m ready for a break!  

And there is still one more launch to go for the Goddesses of Spring (on March 19th aaaaah SOON!) 

But I got this!  I got this.  I got this!  I can do this. Aaaah!

So after that last Kickstarter, maybe I’ll work on some personal pieces?  Or some new portfolio pieces?  Perhaps I’ll indulge in some fun diversions from the Birthstone Goddesses for a little while?  We’ll see where this Side Quest might take us!

I’ll miss seeing some of your faces in person, but I hope we can still keep sharing here and in my Patreon Discord server where we’ve all been chatting about our projects and inspirations.

New Rewards Added in February

Posts You May Have Missed In February

I’ll have some new wallpapers coming in March along with some new art, so stay tuned!  In the meanwhile, I hope you all stay happy, healthy, and inspired!

♥ Ang

Art Collection: Exalted Art Challenge 2020

After much contemplation, I’ve decided to go ahead and mark the Exalted Art Challenge as ‘complete’!  I’ve been working on it since October of 2020, so it was time to end this not-so-short break from the Birthstone Goddesses, despite the fact I didn’t quite get to finish the final two topics of the Challenge due to life throwing some major challenges our way.  

My husband is thankfully home and healing very well from COVID!  We’ve both been resting after the sleepless nights and it seemed a good time to put this challenge to bed.  It’s time to recuperate my energy levels and embark on the next part of my artistic journey!

It’s been a really great ride with this Art Challenge and I’ve enjoyed the creative challenge of strange and new topics for a while.  Did you all also enjoy the diversion?  I’m curious to know how this crowd likes my TTRPG-inspired art!

I do eventually want to finish the comic for the “Favorite Stunt” topic during my free time.  When I do, you can catch the finished pages on my Exalted project’s social media accounts instead:

For now, enjoy a compilation of all the topics!  Be sure to click the links to the individual collections for more on each topic and its creative notes.

The Master Challenge List

 

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View Collection 1 

  • Favorite Caste
  • Regional Fashion
  • Favorite Charm (Sketch)

—-

View Collection 2 

  • Favorite Charm (Final)
  • Favorite Incarnae
  • Favorite House
  • Favorite Spell

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View Collection 3

  • Favorite God
  • First Age Incarnation
  • Age of Sorrows Incarnation
  • Incarnations Back to Back

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View Collection 4 

  • Deathlord
  • Abyssal
  • Monstrance

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View Collection 5 

  • Limit Break
  • Anima Banner
  • Reasons to Have Ox Body
  • When No One Takes Sail

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View Collection 6 

  • Weapon
  • Artifact
  • Magic Material
  • Warstrider

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View Collection 7 

  • Familiar
  • Mutation
  • Animal
  • Beastmen

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View Collection 8 

  • Demon
  • Manse
  • Locale
  • Signature Character

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View Collection 9 

  • Favorite Stunt

 

Jan 2020 Wrap Up – Spring Goddesses & Plans for 2020

Wow did January fly by or is it just me?  I’ve been managing a lot of stressful situations this month, including my husband launching a deer into the stratosphere with his car (he is thankfully uninjured, but the deer was not) and many production woes involving my pins.  So that’s meant a new car payment for us and dreaded Kickstarter production delays!  

I’m especially grateful to my Patrons who have stayed with me through the holidays, as I know things can be tight during the holiday rush.  Welcome to the new folks who’ve hopped on board this month when many are still recovering from the holiday expenses!  The support is definitely helping us during the extra stress this month.  For those who had to leave, I still appreciate your support during the time you were here and totally understand that life happens (Boy howdy does it. Hello, teleporting deer!).

I’m grateful that all the Kickstarter Backers have been so understanding of delays thus far as well!  I’d much rather the factory workers be safe during the coronavirus outbreak, as my pins are not worth more than people’s lives!  I’ve written an update about how this situation affects shipping and safety here for the curious.

Meanwhile, I’m marching ever onwards and have started designing the Goddesses of Spring pins!  There’ll be a Secret Sketchbook entry showing off the creative process behind these designs within the next week or so.

I’m starting to see the finish line that’s coming after a year straight of Kickstarter projects and that feels GREAT!  I love how successful these campaigns have been, but I’d be lying if I said I weren’t also pretty exhausted from doing them!  I’ve learned exactly what my tolerance is for stress and project management and plan to never do this many in a row ever again (hopefully not famous last words!).

I’ve started to ponder what’s next after the Birthstone Goddesses wrap up, which could be a whole blog entry on its own!  For now, I’m focusing on finishing the Birthstone Goddesses  pins and the wall calendar in 2020 and then we shall see what happens at that point!

I can tell after 5 years of working on this endeavor, my muse is starting to meander with Witcher OCs and other distractions and that’s a clear sign to me that I may need to temporarily switch gears when I get to a good stopping point.  But to what?  I have many thoughts which I will save for a later entry once I’ve wrapped up my current queue!

New Rewards Added in January

Posts You May Have Missed In January

I’m keen to see what amazing beginnings and endings happen in 2020!  Thanks for being along for the ride.

♥ Ang

Jan 2020 Wrap Up – Spring Goddesses & Plans for 2020

Wow did January fly by or is it just me?  I’ve been managing a lot of stressful situations this month, including my husband launching a deer into the stratosphere with his car (he is thankfully uninjured, but the deer was not) and many production woes involving my pins.  So that’s meant a new car payment for us and dreaded Kickstarter production delays!  

I’m especially grateful to my Patrons who have stayed with me through the holidays, as I know things can be tight during the holiday rush.  Welcome to the new folks who’ve hopped on board this month when many are still recovering from the holiday expenses!  The support is definitely helping us during the extra stress this month.  For those who had to leave, I still appreciate your support during the time you were here and totally understand that life happens (Boy howdy does it. Hello, teleporting deer!).

I’m grateful that all the Kickstarter Backers have been so understanding of delays thus far as well!  I’d much rather the factory workers be safe during the coronavirus outbreak, as my pins are not worth more than people’s lives!  I’ve written an update about how this situation affects shipping and safety here for the curious.

Meanwhile, I’m marching ever onwards and have started designing the Goddesses of Spring pins!  There’ll be a Secret Sketchbook entry showing off the creative process behind these designs within the next week or so.

I’m starting to see the finish line that’s coming after a year straight of Kickstarter projects and that feels GREAT!  I love how successful these campaigns have been, but I’d be lying if I said I weren’t also pretty exhausted from doing them!  I’ve learned exactly what my tolerance is for stress and project management and plan to never do this many in a row ever again (hopefully not famous last words!).

I’ve started to ponder what’s next after the Birthstone Goddesses wrap up, which could be a whole blog entry on its own!  For now, I’m focusing on finishing the Birthstone Goddesses  pins and the wall calendar in 2020 and then we shall see what happens at that point!

I can tell after 5 years of working on this endeavor, my muse is starting to meander with Witcher OCs and other distractions and that’s a clear sign to me that I may need to temporarily switch gears when I get to a good stopping point.  But to what?  I have many thoughts which I will save for a later entry once I’ve wrapped up my current queue!

New Rewards Added in January

Posts You May Have Missed In January

I’m keen to see what amazing beginnings and endings happen in 2020!  Thanks for being along for the ride.

♥ Ang

Jan 2020 Wrap Up – Spring Goddesses & Plans for 2020

Wow did January fly by or is it just me?  I’ve been managing a lot of stressful situations this month, including my husband launching a deer into the stratosphere with his car (he is thankfully uninjured, but the deer was not) and many production woes involving my pins.  So that’s meant a new car payment for us and dreaded Kickstarter production delays!  

I’m especially grateful to my Patrons who have stayed with me through the holidays, as I know things can be tight during the holiday rush.  Welcome to the new folks who’ve hopped on board this month when many are still recovering from the holiday expenses!  The support is definitely helping us during the extra stress this month.  For those who had to leave, I still appreciate your support during the time you were here and totally understand that life happens (Boy howdy does it. Hello, teleporting deer!).

I’m grateful that all the Kickstarter Backers have been so understanding of delays thus far as well!  I’d much rather the factory workers be safe during the coronavirus outbreak, as my pins are not worth more than people’s lives!  I’ve written an update about how this situation affects shipping and safety here for the curious.

Meanwhile, I’m marching ever onwards and have started designing the Goddesses of Spring pins!  There’ll be a Secret Sketchbook entry showing off the creative process behind these designs within the next week or so.

I’m starting to see the finish line that’s coming after a year straight of Kickstarter projects and that feels GREAT!  I love how successful these campaigns have been, but I’d be lying if I said I weren’t also pretty exhausted from doing them!  I’ve learned exactly what my tolerance is for stress and project management and plan to never do this many in a row ever again (hopefully not famous last words!).

I’ve started to ponder what’s next after the Birthstone Goddesses wrap up, which could be a whole blog entry on its own!  For now, I’m focusing on finishing the Birthstone Goddesses  pins and the wall calendar in 2020 and then we shall see what happens at that point!

I can tell after 5 years of working on this endeavor, my muse is starting to meander with Witcher OCs and other distractions and that’s a clear sign to me that I may need to temporarily switch gears when I get to a good stopping point.  But to what?  I have many thoughts which I will save for a later entry once I’ve wrapped up my current queue!

New Rewards Added in January

Posts You May Have Missed In January

I’m keen to see what amazing beginnings and endings happen in 2020!  Thanks for being along for the ride.

♥ Ang