Let’s talk about commissions as artists for a second~ ^_^ Not every artist has to take on commissions~ and honestly, not every artist should. Commissions come with structure, expectations, revisions, and sometimes a level of direction that doesn’t fit how everyone likes to create. Some artists thrive in that space. Others feel completely boxed in by it. Both sides are understandable~ For me personally, I actually enjoy the play room within commissions. I like starting with an idea~ sometimes something small like a bookmark or a quick mockup~ and then letting it evolve into something bigger over time. There’s a bit of collaboration in it, but also a challenge in translating someone else’s vision through your own voice. That said, I’ve learned that the way you approach commissions matters just as much as whether you take them at all: - Setting clear expectations upfront - Leaving room for your own artistic interpretation - Knowing when to say yes… and when to say no Commissions can be a great way to build relationships, stretch your skills, and create work you might not have made otherwise~ but they should still feel aligned with you as an artist. Curious where everyone else stands~ do you enjoy commissions, avoid them, or are you somewhere in between?

It’s celebrated today, 15 April, in honour of Leonardo da Vinci’s birthday. I would like to thank all artists from all disciplines for delighting us with your work, for prompting us to reflect on the human condition, and for sharing your unique vision of the world. Here’s to all of you!

Seems like a simple question~but there’s actually a lot behind it. Some artists sign everything. Some never do. Some hide it. Some make it part of the composition. And here's the thing~ None of these are wrong. Signing your work is part authorship, part presentation. A signature can: • Claim the work as yours • Build recognition over time • Become part of your visual language But it can also: • Distract from the piece if it’s too loud • Break immersion if it’s placed without intention • Feel unnecessary, especially in studies or sketch work There’s also the question of where and how: Front vs back Full name vs initials vs symbolIntegrated vs separate Visible vs subtle Traditionally, many artists signed on the front. Others reserved signatures for the back, especially for more minimal or contemporary work. In digital spaces, this shifts again~ watermarks, captions, logo, embedded signatures. At the end of the day, it comes down to intention. Is your signature: • Serving the piece? • Supporting your identity as an artist? • Or just there out of habit? There’s no single rule~ but there is awareness. Curious where everyone lands on this—Do you sign your work? Where and how? 👇

Lifestyle photos matter more than you think. Not because they’re “pretty.” But because they answer a question your audience is already asking: “Where does this fit in my life?” A bookmark on a desk is a product. A bookmark inside a well-loved book, next to morning light and a cup of tea~ or dried flowers~ that’s a moment. That’s connection. You don’t need a full studio setup to do this well. Start simple: • Natural light (window > overhead lighting) • Real environments (your desk, your studio, your home) • Objects that support~ not distract • Let the work stay the focus Think in scenes, not just shots. Where would someone actually use this? What does it feel like to hold, use, or live with your work? Lifestyle photos aren’t about perfection. They’re about context. And context builds trust. If you’re up for it~ (no pressure) share one lifestyle shot below 👇 (or your first attempt—we’re building this together) Thank you @Christopher Foster for taking these~! They turned out great~!

I want to let you know about Artfields. This is in Lake City, SC and runs from April 10 - May 2. The entire town is an art display for juried in artist. Look - https://www.artfieldssc.org/festival/ But here's the amazing part, their prizes are cash prizes with a Grand Prize of $50k. No prize is less than 4 digits. Really. And looking back at past winners, I sam surprised by what wins. I find it encouraging. Look here for the prizes and parameters - https://www.artfieldssc.org/prizes-and-rules/ What that could means for us here is -think about what you might make and even start making it now so you are ready to apply SEPT 1 2026. I say that as a way to prompt myself into starting the things I know I want to make for this.