October Newsletter: Updates on Everything
Hello friends, and Happy OMG October!!! The spookiness vibes are in full swing. I'm decorating for Halloween, and as I type this, the air and temperatures are crisp because holy moly, I live in Ohio now. While on a walk with Ricky the air had this beautiful smell that brought me back to a memory of sitting next to an open window while reading a book back in high school. It was such a nostalgic fall feeling, and I realized that I was smelling the same crisp air of fall poking her beautiful head around the corner. This is the season I've missed the most living in Texas. My new desk has a big window right next to it that I've been leaving open all day while I work. Hearing the sounds of the street, the trees, and the wind; It brings me such peace, and I can smell that cozy autumn air while I work.
On to the meat of the matter: UPDATES, my friends. This whole month is filled with work updates and what I've been filling my time with.
First off, I've been working on a 2027 Calendar y'all!!!!! I already shared that with you, but friends, she is almost done. I'm putting in the final tweaks so she can be ready for sale shortly. I decided not to film at all during the painting of each illustration. I wanted to be fully present in the making of it, and sometimes the mere presence of my phone camera takes me out of the creation.
Here is a sneak peek photo to get you excited!!!! She's cute and cozy and full of all the seasons!
I've also been working on wrapping up the book I wrote, which is named "Penelope's Probably Book"!!! I officially have an ISBN number for this sweet baby girl, and all of the illustrations and formatting are just about complete. I'm going to self-publish the book, so I'm currently getting all of the files ready for this step (it's a task, my friends!!!)
This book has been a long time in the making. I've realized I move slowly (and that's totes okay). Usually because I have a lot on my plate, but sometimes because I stall out of indecision and fear. This book has sat with me for 9 years, and after finishing the illustrations this year, I had to put it on the back burner (AGAIN!) because of, well, moving! Here's another sneak peek photo to wet your palette.
Client work: I shared these on social media, but I am soooo happy with how they turned out. I was asked to create custom illustrations for a client's clinic. I shared sketches a few months ago (pictured first), and below are the final paintings.
I swung by At Home with my mom to see if they had received some artwork they ordered and spotted 6 of my pieces all nestled together. It was such a fun surprise and such a fun moment with my mom.
It's Halloween Month, so naturally I've been doodling ghosts and skellies. I also made these little trick-or-treat numbers below. The latter of which is in my Etsy shop.
That about wraps up my September.
Cheers from October.
I hope she's spooky, cozy, and trick-or-treat-y for you!!!
xoxo
Rachel
