Celebrating almost a year on Substack

Read on to find out what's in store for the year ahead in this space...

Dear Reader,

It’s coming up to a year in March since I moved my mailing list to Substack and started writing this ‘ere Seasalt and Serpentine newsletter.

One of my main reasons for the shift was to be able to share more intentionally and regularly with you my process and work. I particularly wanted a place to share my sketchbook pages and give space for people to take a closer look.

Whilst I do post these from time to time on social media having a space that is static and archival means I can slowly add and build knowing that it’s not just going to be lost to an algorithm pothole. Once you’ve found me, it’s very easy to look back through all my posts and see the development that has taken place.

I also started a podcast which I hadn’t planned originally but seemed a good idea as I already possessed a handy portable voice recorder for my Youtube channel.

I must admit there is a bit of editing to take it from a long drawn out ramble to something that is half decent and calming to listen to but I like the idea of having you come with me on a sketch walk and immerse yourself in what I hear and see around me.

Plus I’ve heard that some of you quite enjoy it and use it to destress or unwind.

This makes me very happy to hear and I plan to continue with these walks and talks. (Some of you also like it when I record ad-hoc conversations with others who happen to cross my path- I do too)!

I have also enjoyed writing my Sketchbook Surgery posts and responding to sketchbook questions I have posed or have overheard. I would love to write more of these and build up a library of helpful tips for those who also sketch on location.

Some of you will have found me through the type of posts I’ve talked about above.

Others of you are here because you have taken a workshop or course in-person or online with me.

A large number of you are here because you found me on Youtube or Instagram and bought a calendar or zine and still others are here from visiting my illustration portfolio and commissioning work.

Whether you’re a fellow artist, illustrator, designer or agent, collector, commissioner or admirer, friend or family member however you’re here I’m grateful that you’re reading this and are interested enough to let me pop up in your inbox.

That being said I have been thinking about how I can develop this space further without annoying, alienating those of you who really just want a general overview of what I’ve been up to rather than hear about the nitty gritty of colour palettes and the benefits of fingerless gloves.

So to that end I’ve decided going forward to make a couple of changes.

To hear more please read on…

Here’s what you need to know:

Visitors

Anyone can visit my Substack anytime to read all my public posts. You don’t need to subscribe and it’s free to read. Bookmark it if you’d like a reminder of where I am.

Free Subscribers

As a free subscriber you get an email sent to your inbox as soon as have I posted. From March 2024 if you’re subscribed to me on a free plan then you’ll only hear from me once a month.

You’ll get a cosy round-up of what I’ve been working on over the month- client work or otherwise, a favourite sketchbook spread, and you’ll see what workshops are coming up, or products that are coming out. You’ll also get the odd review post. (Odd as in infrequent rather than strange).

If this sounds just what you want and you’re already subscribed then you don’t need to do anything.

Just sit back, relax and let the monthly, friendly emails roll in from March.

However if…

On the other hand you know you’ll be wanting to hear from me more often about sketching on location, hear the ins and out of running an art business, what kind of clothing do I wear to sketch in, receive Sketchbook Surgery posts (with an open invite to ask questions), have access to my sketchbook pages, colour palettes, prompts, special discounts etc then please consider upgrading to a paid plan.

Paid Subscribers

You’ll be able to either pay monthly on a pay-as-you-go type plan or save on your subscription by paying yearly. I’m also offering a Spring time Early bird 10% off for a year if you sign up before March 1st - offer below.

For the price of a cup of tea or two per month you’ll be able to sit (virtually) right next to me!

Know you’ll also be supporting a working artist and helping her become a better communicator and writer, which I’m fast realising is what a large part of being an artist is all about.

And a big THANK YOU

To those of you who already are a paying subscriber thank you so much for your support over the year, it really has boosted me and given me the confidence to take this next step.

Side note: My Explore and draw podcast episodes will continue and whilst these will only be available to access for paid subs with photos on the Substack app you will still be able to find and listen to them freely on Spotify.

Don’t forget I’m also on Youtube, where you can find vlogs, sketch walks and tours to watch for free and if you want more art business advice you can listen to Creative Catchup where I chat about running a creative business with artists

Kriksis

and Natasha Newton. There are now over 25 episodes on a range of art topics.

So I hope this news is welcomed and will help me serve those of you who want more, do so better. (I have been sitting on/writing this post for best part of a month working out how best to share this news, but realise if I want to grow I have to do uncomfortable things). Also if you have any comments or questions regarding this do let me know.

If you’re thinking of upgrading I’d love to hear what kind of posts you’d be interested in receiving.

The changes to my posts will only come in to effect from March 2024 and there is no pressure to sign up immediately. Sketchbook pages for Dec + Jan are still to come along with another podcast episode.

One final question - What has been your favourite post you’ve received from me over this past year? I’d love to hear- let me know in the comments or reply to this.