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Issue #19

Dear Reader,

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I'm looking out my new window and smiling at the rain cutting through the morning air. Did I take out the trash? Is the laundry dry? What's next on my agenda? Those worries melt away as I watch the gentle drizzle scatter when it hits the ground. I love the feeling of "newness." I wish I could capture it in a bottle. That first sigh of contentment, those gentle butterflies in the stomach. I want to remember those feelings years from now when everything starts to feel not so new.

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What is something new to you that is awakening that bubbling feeling of possibility? Write it down and describe how it's making you feel today and save that note for inspiration when you feel stuck in a rut.

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This month, I've been caught off guard by the hilly, roller coaster-style country roads. The good news is that the experience made for fun comic-making. After being under the weather, I decided to keep things simple with a black-and-white comic. It allowed me to have more fun with the composition and drawing.

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What were your favorite comics growing up?

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I actually never read comics growing up. I picked up my first comic Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi in my college years, after a field trip to a local comic book store. Yes, a field trip! From then on I was hooked. The simplicity, effectiveness, and clarity of Satrapi's black-and-white storytelling blew my mind. Marjane Satrapi is a genius and my favorite comic artist.

Chicken Feet Soup

Chicken Feet Soup is the slice-of-life webcomic I started in 2022. Lovingly named after a soup my mom makes that may sound strange but is surprisingly delicious.

I find that life is that way. Strange yet surprisingly delicious.

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I intended it to be wordless but, I can't seem to shut up, which is great for improving my writing. I've also used each page as an opportunity to improve my design thinking.

In the Studio

I've separated my digital/admin work area from my painting and creative writing area. I do the final writing on the computer but use my bullet journal for brainstorming. Every time I think, " I should really just do everything digitally to save time," something remarkable happens. My computer crashes or freezes. I've decided it's the universe reminding me not to be 100% reliant on it for my work. Even if in the timeline of my life I'll produce less work—more slowly. I'm trying to avoid getting where I dream of getting only to realize I've designed a situation I don't enjoy. Something I've done in the past. Can that really be avoided though? Or is creative compromise unavoidable to make a living? Let me know your thoughts.

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My current painting setup is minimal. It may stay that way.

I can't promise I won't make a mess of things.

If you're thinking, "wow, she really needs to clean that palette."

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I agree, but, with certain brands of gouache, the paint can actually be reactivated. This means I can continue to use this dried paint for months by adding water to it. It saves a lot of money and helps reduce waste.

Community Moments

Artist Rose Marie Prins shared she also moved! She moved from Florida (my home state) to picturesque New Mexico. Read her blog post and learn more about her compelling artwork.

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A Big Move Artist Rose Marie recently wrote about her BIG move on her blog. Read Story

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Thank you so much for being here and keeping in touch, sending sweet messages, and starting conversations.

I want to know how you're doing.

* What are you finding interesting recently?
* What books are you reading that we all need to know about?
Share your news by replying to this letter and I'll be happy to spread the word. I read every single one!

Contact Let's chat over some coffee. ​contact now →​

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Studio ​ View new work ​Explore studio →​

May joy follow you. Yanuary Navarro say hello: hello@yanuary.com

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