Hi Reader!
With the changing of the season, I’ve been taking a quiet step back to look at the bigger picture. There’s something about this time of year that always brings reflection with it. I’ve been thinking a lot about where I want my creative business to go in 2026 and how to build more space for the kind of work that feels most fulfilling. That includes this newsletter, too.
Starting next year, I’ll be making a small shift to how often I write to you. Nothing’s changing just yet, but I wanted to share that Studio Sessions will eventually move to a quarterly rhythm. This will give me a little breathing room to grow behind the scenes and focus more deeply on creating art that excites me — and, in turn, share more meaningful updates when I do pop into your inbox. I’ll talk more about this next month, but for now, I just wanted you to know that this decision comes from a place of intention and creative care.
Enough of that, let’s catch up on what’s been happening in the studio lately.
The power of following up
Here’s a little story about why following up can make all the difference.
There’s a client I’ve been collaborating with since 2023, and last year they kept me busy with a steady flow of art briefs. This year, silence. So a few months into this year, I decided to check in. They told me they were slowing things down, being more selective, and running fewer art calls. Totally understandable, so I gave them space.
Fast forward six months. I figured it couldn’t hurt to reach out again. I sent a friendly message letting them know I was thinking of them, shared a few new pieces I thought they’d like, and left it at that. A week later, they replied and sent me their newest art brief!
It was a small but powerful reminder that opportunities often circle back when you least expect them. Sometimes things just need time and sometimes, it’s a quiet nudge that opens the door again.
Two new greeting cards are officially finished and ready for the world.
Too Glam to Give a Damn — a Halloween card with a confident, stylish witch who knows exactly who she is.
Go Big or Gourd Home — cozy fall vibes in mug form, complete with cookies, pumpkins, and a few furry forest friends.
Both pieces gave me a chance to experiment with new brush textures and a warmer, more painterly style. I’ve been exploring ways to bring a bit more movement and handmade charm into my digital work, and these two designs felt like small steps in that direction. You can take a peek at them below.
(Both designs are also available for licensing.)
Joining Art Hustle Insider
October brought something new and exciting: I joined Art Hustle Insider, a membership for artists who want to grow their licensing business through trend-based challenges, honest feedback, and real buyer exposure. It’s run by two artists who’ve been in the licensing industry for a long time, Angela Staehling and Sarah Donington, and it felt like the right kind of push at the right time.
To be honest, I joined because I was craving structure and accountability. It’s so easy to work in a vacuum, especially when you’re balancing freelance and full-time commitments, but having a consistent pulse of trends and feedback keeps me learning and moving forward.
For my first month, I refreshed an older mini collection called Woodland Creatures. I adjusted the palette and icons to fit their October trend theme, and it was accepted right away and shared with buyers. I don’t expect that to happen every month, but it was a nice confidence boost and reminder that even older work can have a new life when you revisit it with fresh eyes.
Here’s a peek at the art I submitted:
As I move through the next few months, I’m setting a few personal markers to measure how valuable this experience will be for me: how much new art I create, the kind of feedback I receive, and whether I see growth in licensing opportunities. My hope is that it keeps me creatively challenged and helps me build a stronger, more intentional portfolio.
If you’re curious, you can read more about the program here: arthustleinsider.com
Introducing the all-new Affinity: Professional design, now free for everyone
|
The Great Substack Shift: 2026 Predictions
|
From ideas to page, behind the scenes of a gouache graphic novel
|
Question of the month |
|
What’s something you followed up on recently that surprised you, whether in work, art, or life?
Hit reply and tell me. I’d love to hear what’s been unfolding on your end, too.
|
As the year winds down, I’m feeling grateful for slow progress, full mugs, and friendly reminders that persistence pays off.
Until next time, stay inspired and keep creating!
