From Brushstrokes To Bookmarks
Hello friend, I hope that all has been well this past month. A few things that have happened. The United States went into a recession (for no good reason, if you ask me.) Wildfires all around have finally stopped as it’s been raining every other day (thank you, Lord.) The stock market crashed. Many jobs are being lost due to such drastic changes. Airline tickets are becoming so expensive that it’s nearly impossible to travel.
On the bright side, SpaceX successfully launched four individuals privately into space. I started a new website, but then ended up closing it down due to way too many plugins and an annoying website interface. I will never get a cheap host again. A lot of the products I was gung-ho about when I first opened my business are no longer for sale, specifically stickers and larger paintings. My main focus and what I want to be known for is my mini cozy, whimsical artwork.
Book Update
My newest novel, Hatred For Bugs, is going well. I sent it back to the editor one last time just to make sure that the few changes that I made look good. For some reason, I’m super nervous yet excited about finally getting it published. The break I’ve gotten feels way too long, even though I’m retouching the first book I made and adding actual illustrations.
Once she gets it back to me, I’m going to order a proofreading copy to make a ton of marks in and give it the absolute final look. June is the official launch unless something else goes wrong. Please pray for me that all goes well.
Newest Mini Art From April
I’ve learned so much over the past few weeks. One thing is that I produce my best work when not under pressure to produce. Normally, I get all my ideas randomly in the middle of the night during prayer. I post a new painting once a week. I was a little overwhelmed and had to take seven days off. During that time, I reflected on my true goal for my venture: to connect with others through my writing and art.
I realized that I was putting all my focus on one thing, Etsy, but that marketplace does not help me build a brand at all. In fact, most people don’t know the store from where they bought the product. That makes me so sad. In the future, I do plan on upgrading my WordPress plan to support e-commerce for more control over my brand. For now, I am selling my art and future books on Etsy, Amazon, and eBay.
My first painting got sold this past week, woohoo! I never thought the day would come, and I am forever grateful. My excitement wouldn’t wane until the moment I packed some free stickers, a bookmark, business cards, and triple-wrapped artwork. I cannot wait for my business to continue that cycle.
Book Recommendation
Kalani: Mists of Despair
This book tripped me up. I could not put the thing down because of the fact that every page was super juicy. Desire (one of the main protagonists) has such strong and firm faith in God. I seriously admire her. He gives her the strength to dispel demons. The part that I love most, though, is that she is finding herself more and more every chapter. The author did an amazing job portraying both main characters’ feelings in the chaos of the mists.
Final Thoughts
I can feel that May is going to bring in brand new challenges while also producing much growth. Mother’s Day is coming up, along with cloudy skies and tons of rain. Now is the time to plant summer plants (if you haven’t already). Let’s make this next month a great one. Go out and do great things! I’d love to get to know you. Leave me a comment below with one thing you are hoping to achieve in May.
Victoria Loria
