Hi Reader!
Somehow we’re already halfway through the year. I’m not totally sure how that happened, but here we are.
The last few months have felt like a real mix of exciting art things and very practical business things. There have been a few lovely updates, a new project that feels right in my happy place, and plenty of learning as the business side of my studio continues to grow.
So I thought this issue could be a bit of a mid-year check-in. A little peek at what’s been happening lately, what I’ve been working on, and a few honest thoughts on how the year is going so far.
A Valentine’s card coming to Trader Joe’s
My card Perfectly Paired has been licensed for Trader Joe’s for Valentine’s Day next year.
I’m so excited to see this one out in the world. Once I receive samples, I’ll make sure to share a little peek in a future Studio Sessions because holding the printed card in my hands is always one of my favourite parts.
A new birthday card with Sellers Publishing
I also had a new birthday card licensed with Sellers Publishing. This one is called You Grow More Beautiful With Each Year, and it will likely be available near the end of this year or early next year, though I don’t have the exact timing just yet.
This was such a sweet update to receive. Licensing can be a bit of a waiting game, so it always feels extra nice when a piece finds a home.
My first illustration commission
I’m currently working on a custom illustration commission for the cover of a toy catalogue in France. It’s the first commission I’ve taken on, and a big part of why I said yes was because the project felt like such a natural fit for the kind of artwork I love making.
The sketch direction has now been approved, and I’m moving into colour and the final illustration. The team has also been amazing to work with so far, which has made the whole experience feel like a really lovely introduction to commissioned work.
Brushes Down
Since the last Studio Sessions, I’ve wrapped up five new collections: Wild at Heart, Get Together, Merry Little Season, Choco Spring, and Blush Bath. Apparently, I’ve been bouncing between the jungle, Halloween, Christmas, Easter, and spa days, which feels pretty accurate for surface design. They all have their own mood, but I love that they still feel like me.
Rating 2026 so far
I’ve been seeing people share posts rating the things that have happened in their year so far, and I thought it would be a fun way to do a little mid-year check-in of my own.
For my version, I thought I’d rate some of the bigger themes and lessons that have been coming up in my creative business this year. There’s no official scoring system here. I’m just making it up as I go.
Reaching last year’s total by July
10/10
This month, I realized my art business has already earned as much as it did during all of last year.
I don’t always notice the growth while it’s happening because it tends to come in smaller batches. A licence here, a royalty payment there, and now a commission added into the mix. Seeing the total was a really nice moment because it gave me something concrete to point to and say, okay, this is actually growing.
Making more than I realize
9/10
So far this year, I’ve created 33 new illustrations across seven collections, which was honestly more than I expected when I stopped to count everything.
It’s very easy for me to focus on what I still want to make, so seeing the actual number was a good reminder that I’m often making more progress than I give myself credit for.
Saying yes to the right project
9/10
Taking on my first commission has stretched me in a good way. Not only creatively, but also in how I plan a larger project, present each stage to the client, manage the timeline, and keep everything moving.
It has also been a good reminder that I don’t need to say yes to every kind of commission. I can look for projects that genuinely fit my work and feel exciting to take on. This one has been such a positive experience so far, and I already feel more confident about doing the right kind of commissioned work again.
Feeling clearer about the business side
8/10
Pricing, usage, agreements, deposits, invoices, payment methods, and revision limits. None of it is especially exciting, but I feel much clearer about all of it than I did at the beginning of the year.
I’m still learning, of course, but I’m also not starting from scratch every time anymore. I’m slowly building a process I can come back to, which makes everything feel much less intimidating.
Giving the business a proper home
9/10
I’ve been restructuring where the different parts of my business live, with Notion still handling my day-to-day planning and Airtable becoming the main home for the actual business admin.
The Airtable interfaces have made a big difference because they make everything feel less like a database and more like a studio app built around how I actually work. It has taken quite a bit of time to set up, but it already feels worth it. I also know myself well enough to accept that I’ll probably keep adjusting it forever.
Getting better at the waiting part
5/10
The two new card licences were a welcome reminder that work can still be moving behind the scenes, even when I’m not hearing anything.
I understand that licensing takes time. I’m just not always thrilled about how much time. I’m getting better at sending the work, following up when needed, and then trying to move on instead of wondering what’s happening with it every five minutes.
Keeping things steady
9.5/10
My word for this year is steady, and halfway through the year, it still feels like the right one.
The progress hasn’t come from one huge breakthrough. It has come from consistently making work, sending it out, following up, improving my systems, and slowly getting more comfortable with the business side.
Not every week feels especially productive, but when I step back, I can see that the smaller things are adding up. I’m taking off half a point because I’m still me, and I would occasionally prefer everything to happen immediately.
Interesting finds
This season's question... |
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What would you rate your year so far, and what’s been your biggest 10/10 moment?
Hit reply, I'd love to hear from you!
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So that’s my little mid-year check-in. Looking at everything together has been a good reminder that more has been happening than I sometimes realize while I’m in the middle of it.
There’s still plenty I’d like to do before the end of the year, but for now, I’m trying to appreciate what’s already moving, keep showing up, and stay steady.
Thanks, as always, for spending a little time with me and catching up on what’s been happening in the studio. I really do appreciate you being here.
Until next time, stay inspired and keep creating!
