A small start

And a community update

I’ve started blogging again. Not in a big, strategic way—just in the spirit of documenting what’s happening, what I’m making, and what’s catching my eye lately. It’s over on my own site, not Substack. It feels lower pressure somehow. I can write about my week without worrying if it’s art-focused enough. I’m often working on client projects I can’t share, and then I end up sharing nothing at all. So it feels good to pause and write about something personal: a walk along the trail, a visit to a neighborhood festival, or just the simple joy of making something for no one but myself.

Plus, I like having my own space. We all moved to Substack to escape social media algorithms, but I’m not convinced the same thing won’t happen here. I just want to carve out my own little corner, even if no one sees it. I don’t expect anyone to hang out on my site, but I’ll keep people posted with notes here and on Instagram, and I’ll finally dust off that email list I put together ages ago and never used.

A couple of unfired vases I’ve been working on

On Saturday I went to a neighborhood festival and saw two friends selling their ceramics. Watching them display pieces they’ve refined over years made me think about how we decide when our own work is ready to be taken seriously. A lot of my former classmates sell their pieces. And yet I still feel like a beginner. Sometimes, even if you don’t feel ready, you just have to put a price tag on it and see what happens.

You can read about it on the blog if you’re interested, but mostly I wanted to say: I’m trying to share more of the process, not just the polished results. Which feels fitting, given that I’m building a community where people can get meaningful feedback at all stages of the creative journey.

Speaking of which—here’s where things stand:

Taking the Time to Get This Right

If you’ve been waiting for news about the community I’ve been working on, first—thank you for your patience. I know I said it would be ready by now, and here I am, still building.

Here’s what’s happening: I’m making progress. Like, actual progress. The kind where I can see how it’s all slotting together and it’s getting me genuinely excited about opening the doors.

But I’m also taking my time. Because I want it to feel different. This isn’t another course where an expert talks and everyone else listens—though we’ll certainly hear from plenty of experts! What I’m building is more of a conversation: a space where illustrators at every stage can give and get honest, thoughtful feedback.

It’s not about handing down answers—it’s about drawing out what’s already strong in your work and helping it grow so that its presence is undeniable. We’ll celebrate what’s working, but we’ll also get real about what needs improvement. Because that’s where real progress happens.

So yes, it’s taking longer than I planned. But I’d rather get it done right than get it done fast.

Here’s what’s taking shape

A space for connection.
A place to meet other illustrators who are just as passionate about their craft as you are. Somewhere to share wins, swap stories, and work through the tough parts with people who truly get it.

Weekly check-ins and monthly deep dives.
I’m building a rhythm that keeps us engaged and accountable. Each week, we’ll connect and support each other’s progress. Each month, we’ll dig into a big topic—things like focusing your style, expanding your audience, working with clients, and avoiding burnout. The goal is to make space for all those important parts of our creative lives we usually push aside, like uh….getting that newsletter out and updating your website!

Monthly skill-building assignments.
For those who like a bit of structure, I’m designing optional assignments to help strengthen your technical skills and push your creative boundaries. They’ll be more than simple prompts—think of them as focused challenges to help you grow faster and with intention.

Resources that actually help.
I’m creating practical, down-to-earth guides on things like giving and receiving meaningful feedback, navigating contracts, building your portfolio, and honing your artistic voice. The kind of insight you can put to use right away.

I’m building this with a lot of care and intention. Every piece is designed to foster the kind of growth that happens when you’re surrounded by people who understand your craft, cheer you on, and push you to keep reaching higher.

What’s next

I have a few more nails to hammer in before I can open the doors. When that happens, you’ll be among the first to know.

In the meantime, if you have questions about what the community will include or how it’ll work, just leave a comment or hit reply. I’m happy to share more details.

Thanks for sticking with me on this. I know it’s been a while, but I promise—it’ll be worth it.