Studio Update: New Book, Fall Classes, and a Few Dog Projects 🐾

Hey, friends! Happy Wednesday! I thought I’d try something different today and share a little behind-the-scenes update in blog form. I record these as voice memos for Patreon, but if you're more of a reader than a listener, this one's for you!

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🎉 Book Release Coming Soon!

I have a new book coming out called Heaven Day Wishes! Some of you may have seen little peeks, like sketches or cover options, but I haven’t shared the final cover yet. I’ll be doing that soon over on my books page!

The official release date is August 10th (just a few days away!). With self-publishing, there are always a few variables, but that’s the plan and I’m so excited to see it out in the world.

I haven’t received my physical copy yet, so I’m eagerly waiting for it to show up on my doorstep. There’s just something special about holding a finished book in your hands instead of seeing it on a screen. ✨

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🐶 Another Dog Book??? Yep!

I’m about to start working on my next children’s book, which is set in a classroom and features dogs. This will be my third dog-themed book, which is kind of funny because I didn’t plan to specialize in dogs...

It’s one of those things that happens when you share a certain kind of artwork. More of that kind of work tends to come your way. So, even though I love these projects, I’m starting to feel like the “dog book lady,” and I think this might be my last one for a while.

After this, I’m hoping to focus on more whimsical and imaginative characters. I’m ready to draw wild, weird, joyful creatures that really light me up as an artist.

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✏️ Fall Classes Are on the Way!

I’ve got some fun creative classes coming this fall, all part of upcoming online art conferences:

• Mid-September: I’ll be teaching a class on how to create coloring book pages in Procreate.

• Possibly: A second class on designing cute characters. I haven’t fully committed to that one yet. Just trying to manage my schedule!

• Also coming soon: A Procreate sticker-making class!

  
  

Hard at work editing my sticker class! :)

These are conferences are a great way to stretch your creative muscles, whether you’re a beginner or just looking for new ideas.

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🎨 Personal Projects and Big Ideas

Between client work and classes, I’ve been slowly chipping away at a few personal projects too. I’m hoping to publish another coloring book soon, and I’d love to release my very first puzzle! 🧩

Making a puzzle has been on my goal list for the year and I even have a list of companies I want to pitch to. But like many personal projects, it got pushed aside when deadlines piled up.

I had hoped to release a holiday-themed puzzle, but Christmas products usually need to be designed way earlier in the year. It is only August, but we’re getting close to that “too late” window. So, we’ll see. If the timing works out, you might see a festive puzzle from me before the year’s end.

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💬 Let’s Make It More Interactive?

One last thing I’ve been thinking about: I’d love to find a way to make this space more interactive. Right now, it feels a little one-sided. I share updates, but it’s hard for you to share back!

I’ve considered starting a private Facebook group or Discord channel, but I’ll admit... Discord overwhelms me, and I’m not the biggest fan of Facebook either. Still, I’d love a place where we can post artwork, share ideas, and actually chat with one another.

If you have suggestions for platforms you love and that feel low-pressure, I’d love to hear them. 🩷

In the meantime, feel free to leave a comment and tell me what you’re working on! Even just a description of your latest project would make my day. I really do want to hear about it.

Thanks for catching up with me!

I’ll be sharing more updates and sneak peeks soon. 🫶

Til then, happy doodling!

xoxo

D 🥰