Peak Productivity ≠ Sustainability

Welcome back, printmaking lovers! I am back from the Sierra Nevada. The temperatures in California have finally lowered. I am excited to be back after some much needed rest.

In this week's issue:

• Summer Recap

• Working to the Bone

• Newsletter Forecasting

• Printober Challenge

Let's dive in…

Cartoon of the Week

Summer Recap

This was probably one of the busiest summers I ever had.

• I recorded & sold my first set of printmaking classes

• Turned 31

• Celebrated another year with my special someone

• Wrote over 20 articles

• Registered my business

• Got an office

• Interviewed over 15 artists

• Participated in two different in-person markets

• Sold my work to the Haggin Museum

• Exhibited my artwork at DeYoung Museum

• Worked with the National Park System

• Was awarded a grant

• Turned down a Hollywood offer

• Received multiple offers to work with nonprofits

• Did a studio makeover

• Started a newsletter!

• Met more people in one summer than ever before 😀

As I look back, I can't believe all of that happened in the course of a couple months. There were a lot of firsts in that list, like dealing with attorneys, federal agencies, applying for grants, and working with museums.

There was also a lot of doubt and the never ending impostor syndrome. I kept wondering, ‘why me?’

I never felt like any of this just fell on my lap. I had been hustling for months before any of those things happened. My goal all summer was to live up to people’s expectations of me. I set my own bar really high.

Working to the Bone

At the same time, juggling these tasks with intense speed was exhausting. By August, I was running on fumes. Despite Yosemite being a work trip, it was a huge reset for me. There is something about those mountains and just being in nature that always melts the doubt away.

We live in a culture that worships productivity. I count myself among those that hold it in high regard. However, getting good rest is just as important as working hard.

I had originally mentioned I would be back on the 5th of September, but honestly, I needed extra time. When I was getting invited to do demonstrations, donate my artwork to charitable events, lead committees, or sponsor events beyond my financial and physician capacity, I had to reevaluate things.

If there is one thing Brandon has taught me is: You don't have to say yes to everything. 

During these past few weeks, I have been able to dedicate time to my other interests like teaching myself to code, read, and practice for some upcoming tryouts with a football team. Most importantly, I have been spending quality time with my loved ones. At the same time, I had time to think about my personal life, my mental and physical health.

In my late twenties I began struggling with both my mental health and weight. I often told myself 'I am too busy to workout or take a break', but that only got me so far until something gave in. I have always believed that change is good. It forces the brain to fire up and find solutions to new challenges. With that ethos, I went ahead and changed a few things for the better.

Newsletter Forecasting

Change started here with the newsletter…

I love writing this newsletter. My goal has always been to provide a quality learning resource. For that reason, I have been publishing these articles as blog posts, accessible to anyone not on the mailing list. These newsletter articles are now my only blog, accessible directly through my website. On the blog, you will be able to search for articles based on the topic.

As the newsletter readership continued to grow, I realized that paywalling the content would hinder its future growth and defeat the purpose of being a learning resource. However, I could not deny that it takes time to produce, write, edit, and set-up articles and videos on a weekly basis. Simultaneously, some of you came forward and began inquiring about how to financially support or tip for the newsletter. I knew I wanted this platform to remain free for everyone, but I also wanted to allow contributions.

The solution was…Patreon!

On November 1st 2022, you will be able to sign-up for a membership on my Patreon page. There will be different memberships ranging from $3-20 a month. Each tier will have different perks and benefits, ranging from print subscriptions, guides, tutorials, and Patreon exclusives. As we get closer to November I will be sharing more details about subscriptions and perks.

I will continue to write this newsletter, format and length may change, and artists highlights will be released in seasons. I plan to streamline a lot of my creative process and output through this newsletter.

I may like change but I know that not everyone does, if you have time to give me your thoughts about ‘The Inkplate,’ I would greatly appreciate it. This will help me move forward with designing and curating content for you.

Printober Challenge

We have all heard of Inktober, but have you ever heard of Printober? Yes, that's Print+October. This initiative is the brainchild of Paltaprint who last year along a set of Peruvian printmakers (Gloria, Studio Gunsle, Eduardo, and Vuelo Ambar) started the challenge. This year I joined the team to be the English speaking host of #Printober2022

The official prompt list launched on Saturday and trust me I feel your excitement, but also understand your concerns and questions!

I understand that making 31 prints in a month is a huge undertaking, so let me reiterate this. You can do a print a week, that is how I will be participating. The Peruvian team will spearhead the 31 mini prints.

Each week I will pick a prompt from the specific week and carve a block. Throughout the month I will host carve parties on Instagram Live. You are more than welcome to request to join the live and share what you are doing! Full list of these lives will be published on October 1st!

While you draw, carve, ink, and print your blocks don’t forget to post your progress with #Printober2022 #Printober or use our sister Spanish hashtags #Tallactubre #Tallactubre2022

We are very grateful to Speedball for allowing us to share the word about this month-long challenge. I hope you consider joining us for #Printober2022

Hey Hold Up!

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Thanks for reading. See ya next week.