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Dear Reader,

What a difference a month makes. After a year of running at full speed, I took the entire month of July off. To say it was fantastic would be a complete understatement. I drew in my sketchbook, I designed stickers, made ugly paintings, went to museums, and even spent an entire day poolside. I'm not sure I'll ever run at top speed again. I'm doing some serious thinking about how I want to work and grow this business moving forward. I promise I'll share more on this subject in my next email, but for now, I hope you enjoy a few tips, some recommendations, and of course, some rare book images to spark your creativity.

Yours truly,

Kristi

What happened in July

I made more art than I have in months! Boy oh boy did it feel great.

I bought a cheap birding book called Birds in Every Season and decided to draw a bird from the many reference images it contains most days (not everyday....that's not realistic for me). Here's a few snaps of what I've got so far:

If you're struggling to start an art practice here are a few tips to get you going:

1. Choose a subject. I went with birds, but it could be anything. Hand lettering, fruit, European cities, the Olympics, anything. The trick is to pick a subject you can explore and have fun with again and again.
2. Size matters. Yep, I said it, but it's not what you think. Choose a sketchbook or single sheets of paper that are a size you can handle. This sketchbook is little (3.5 x. 5.5in), I chose it strategically because I knew I didn't have much time to devote to this project.
3. Stick to one medium. It's one less decision to make when you sit down to create. I went with colored pencils because they are portable, no mess, and I wanted to get in some practice using them.
4. Be realistic. This is quite possibly the hardest part. I knew I wouldn't be able to draw a bird every day. So instead, I've been trying to draw one most days. Is that a nebulous concept...yes, but it works for me. A lot of people preach that you need to "draw every day", while that might be nice, it's not practical for everyone. Choose a schedule that works for you. Maybe you draw a little every day, or maybe you sit down for a long session at the weekend. Do what works for you.

What’s inspiring me lately…

I'm not gonna lie, I've consumed a ridiculous amount of YouTube content in the last month. Here are a few channels I've been loving.

Sophie McPike I was just introduced to this channel by my friend Stacie (thanks!). Sophie hosts sketchbook livestreams, shares her art process, and her many sketchbooks on her channel. I recently followed along on a livestream where we drew vintage stamps, it was wonderful! Sophie's YouTube Channel

Stacie Martinez It takes real guts to start a YouTube channel...and Stacie just started one! She's got 2 videos so far and more to come. I love watching her art process and seeing a glimpse into her sketchbook practice. Stacie's YouTube Channel

Brooke Cormier Brooke is a full-time fine artist. Her videos are educational, sometimes raw, and often quite funny. I really love her dry sense of humor. I mean her face pretty much says it all. Brooke's YouTube Channel

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One more thing worth sharing...

I reread Big Magic this month. If you haven't read it, I can't recommend it enough. And if you have...maybe give it a reread. It was a wonderful way to spend the month. Here's a quote I've been thinking about a lot:

Rare Book Inspiration This month there's a little more typography than before. The fun part about my job is I never know what's going to come across my desk next. Click through to see some fun vintage ads, interesting book covers, and a medieval manuscript. I hope something inspires you to create your next pattern, doodle, or masterpiece. August Rare Book Images

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Warmly,

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