Nonchalant StudioUpdate: February/24
Dear nonchalant friends,
How was your February? It’s a sunny spring vibes day here in Copenhagen. I have my coffee and set one full hour to write you about the latest month around my Studio.
Grab your favourite drink and/or snack and let’s begin the news/recap:
Client Work - paused
This month I had zero client work time. I do have a project ongoing (as I mentioned on previous post). Sometimes, not very often, happens that the client is busy making the next briefing and put me… on hold. I’m not gonna lie, it can be quite frustrating. I wish there was a clear warning like: “hey, we are going to be busy for a month, feel free to do whatever”. Of course you can mail and ask. I do sometimes. Others, I just get busy with something else. This month, no Client news end up being a huge opportunity to put my business in order - so, yay!
Personal Projects
my very own first book! - sketch progress
Last month I mentioned that I finally started working at my own book project. (20 pages + Cover + extra silly things. No words.) I had one day per week in January to make sketches and the goal for February was to finish them. Annnd I DID IT!! All 20 pages are now fully sketched with all details. I am so proud! It’s looking exactly how I imagined in my mind. I can see myself in every inch. Next step: digital Outlines!
Soon I plan to make a post only about this progress - subscribe! ;)
the magical effect of making sketch of the real size leporello book taking shape
I was planning to challenge myself making this in Procreate. I end up deciding to do it on Illustrator. The book looks too complex for my beginner experience on Procreate. So, because I want to finish the best I can, I’m using the tool I am most comfortable. I might use Procreate for textures later - I watched a video and got excited! I’ll keep you posted, of course ;) Next project will be a better Procreate fit, I believe.
I thought with the extra free time (more than just Personal Project Friday) it would be perfect to work nonstop on my book. But turns out, I started to get stuck - a lot! And quick started to find ways to procrastinate. To avoid endless scrolling I took another personal project: my shop!
My shop - dusting off the dream
Having a shop is a long time dream. I started and re-started thousand times. Too much work, not good enough, not enough time.. I can go on and on. So, this month, I faced my past shameful failures and got practical with plans and goals. First I needed to get a grip of my real situation. (same I did about my schedule). From the basics: How many products I have, costs, sales price, real profit margins, suppliers and spreadsheets. Thank God for Notion! And not surprisingly took me many boring hours! Boring days! But I am SO happy that I did all this housekeeping. It was scary and intimidating to face real numbers. Also, all these products decorating the inside of boxes -It’s just silly! I’m looking forward to display them.
the mess of counting cards for inventory
Next step is display on webshop (that I’ve been paying for over 2 years and never used - another shameful fact). Templates, mockups and then.. got stuck on photos. I was never good on taking photos for shop- it’s exhausting and I get too ambitious too fast and end up with none. So, this time, I decided to humbly ask my best biz-artsy-friend for help and she said yes! I almost cried. I think that is the first time that I actually reach out for help. BIG Moment. We scheduled the Photoshoot for March! Can’t wait! Here is a preview:
look how cute is going to look! Imagine with cool photos! <3
I also had to delete my Etsy shop because I moved country 6 years ago and never noticed that there was a bank conflict. I can get the money from my sales there. So, I “just” have to make a new shop. Real “fresh start” !
I’m optimistic and proud of myself for taking my shop as another personal project. I was planning to do so by end of year. I saw the window now, and took it! Maybe I can have it open for Easter! Can you imagine? :) I now can.
New Product: postcards
I guess the Shop project happened after I ordered some postcards during Moo sale. I couldn’t resist the sale and really wanted to have the birthday tiger in postcard. I am so pleased with the result! And then hit me… I should sell this… where is my shop? Here is unboxing video of the postcards - aren’t they cute?!
Social Media - sharing is happening!
I’m happy to report that this area is also in progress! I used some days to think about what I want to get out from my Instagram: connect and have a place to share my work in progress. So I made a plan. Twice a week, something old, something new or in progress. Starting with what I have already and growing confidence for sharing the work in progress. I prepared folders on dropbox with my fav arts making easy to just grab and post. I planned 1 day a month to fill the folders (+ spontaneously on the go drops). I’m aiming to move from “I have to do something to post” to more “oh I have this fun artwork AND I wanna share”.
Last week of february I posted my first 2 posts according to plan. And even chat with people. I felt so confident after sharing. I was… happy about it! Follow me there! :)
on the personal side…
LIFE AS HUMAN OUTSIDE STUDIO
My mind in February was buzzing with ideas. I was busy full time but in a good way. Lots of ideas and lots of energy! I spent a lot of time with Boyfriend and by myself. So in a way, was also very romantic month. I was afraid of burnout. But planning was the key to notice the necessity for breaks. I’m learning.
I travelled to Nottingham UK - saw Robin Hood statue, shop books ( The art of Beatrix Potter, The Bear and the Piano and Alphabet Street - huge inspiration for my book), enjoyed a festival of Lights, ate tons of British breakfast and celebrate my Boyfriend’s awards. I went to game talk event and watched a brilliant friend talk art. I enjoyed some days alone, I missed Boyfriend when he took few days in Las Vegas, I made my mom’s recipe of apple banana cake, I bought flowers. we played a cute mouse game. I felt overwhelmed by my huge amount of ideas. I reached for help. I got help. I listened to inspiring audiobooks. I spent time with a squirrel! I’m considering moving studio. I enjoyed biking on cold weather watching swans. We watched an insteresting movie. We visit our fav venue for wedding party. I enjoyed the university vibe in Kolding DK to make plans and learn procreate. I bought bday gifts. I baked a bday lemon strawberry cake, I made brigadeiro e beijinhos for Bf’s bday. We played lots of arcade games with friends, and just us. Phew! what a month! I made a reels on instagram if you are into images ;)
click here to see on my instagram malulenzi
Last but not least, I made a playlist with my fav songs of this month:
That’s all folks! :)
Take care and enjoy March. Life is present.
hugs and smiles and love
xxomalu