Sometimes there are phases where you don’t get to make as much art as you’d like because… well, life is being lifey. A lot of artists get frustrated (which is totally understandable) and start putting a lot of pressure on themselves because of it (not so great!). Part of my philosophy is about shifting that mindset. You couldn’t make as much art as you wanted. That’s a fact. Life won’t stop being lifey. That’s a fact, too. Is it a bummer you couldn’t draw more? Yes. Is it a reason to scold yourself? Definitely not. Do you feel like you’ve been procrastinating? Maybe. But what’s the reason? In my experience, a lifey life tends to be exhausting. And if you keep putting off something you actually love doing, it’s often because you simply don’t have the energy for it. Even though art-making is something we enjoy, it still takes brain space, focus and energy. When our batteries are empty, it’s just not doable. So let’s be gentle with ourselves instead of beating ourselves up when we’ve already done the best we could. We are enough. And if our body tells us it’s tired and needs to rest, let’s give it exactly that. Instead of focusing on what we didn’t do, let’s celebrate what we did do. So… share your wins from this week! Let’s see if you can come up with three. ❤️ Mine are: ✨ I finished my studio makeover. ✨ I started redesigning my website (one of my biggest pain points!), and it’s turning out to be much easier than I expected. ✨ I finally went golfing again after a four-week break because work had been so busy. Now it’s your turn! What are your three wins this week? 😊

Oh wow, we are 50 members in The Wonky Art Society already! I am honestly so happy and grateful right now. Every single one of you who decided to join, say hi, introduce yourself, comment, like, share your art, or simply be here quietly in the background — thank you. It really means a lot. I had hoped this little creative space would find its people, but seeing it happen so quickly is just wonderful. Starting something new is always a bit scary, and having 50 lovely artists here already makes me feel very, very lucky. And also slightly emotional, but we’ll pretend I’m being totally cool and professional about it. 😇 Thank you for being part of this from the beginning. I’m so excited to see how this space grows, what we’ll create together, and how many wonderfully wonky art moments will happen here. Welcome, everyone. I’m genuinely happy you’re here. ❤️

Guess what I found in my inbox this morning? The newest issue of Janine Vangool's "all about YOU" Newsletter (Yes, THE Janine from Uppercase Magazine!), and guess who made an appearance in it?! My thoughts about wonky shapes & low pressure art-making! 🤯😱 I am still in a bit of disbelief, but also so, so grateful... I just had to share this little bit of happy news with my favorite bunch of creative humans because you’ve been cheering me on every step of the way. 💛 You can read the entire issue here