Peachtober, Video Content + Getting Engaged!
Hopping right in since I haven’t shared any updates since September(whoops). In the last 2 months I have:
Gotten a new book deal
Received a “Best Book” listing by the CPL for I Like Hoops
Completed Peachtober
Started making video content
Started applying to grad school
GOT ENGAGED!
Shall we dig into each of these?
Book Deal Developments!
I mentioned in my last post a super mysterious new project, well it’s moving! We are currently developing the cover art and have been swapping notes on that. I can’t say what just yet but I’m really excited to share as soon as I’m able. In the meantime, I’ve been working really hard on a handful of original projects and we finally got a couple of them out for submission! I’m so eager to see all the feedback from various publishers and hope to have some good news in the next few months.🤞🏽
I Like Hoops!
I was so sweetly informed that my first illustrated picture book, I Like Hoops was selected by the Chicago Public Library as a “Best Book of 2025” for young readers! This is a huge honor to be recognized by the CPL as a former Chicago resident.
Peachtober!
Peachtober is a drawing challenge created by Sha’an d’Anthes (aka furrylittlepeach). I’ve been a big fan of this challenge over the years and have participated in part but had never gotten through the full 30 days, that is until this year! I decided to narrow my focus and spend time doing black and white vignettes and actually stuck it through! It was a nice exercise that kept me drawing between projects.
Video Content!
I finally took the plunge and started making video content on Instagram and Youtube. To my surprise it’s way more fun to actually make videos than just watching them. I originally made a Substack because I found myself searching for slower media. While I’m still enjoying the slow format; making videos, even short form content for Reels and Shorts, has been such a great way for me to slow down and indulge as a creative person. Talking to a camera is not for the weak and forcing myself to do multiple takes, adjust angles, and loosely script myself has been such a fun challenge. I invested in a nice microphone and I’m working up to some longer format videos for Youtube (likely in the new year). I primarily want to connect with other artists more fully and document my creative and professional journey a bit more to help shed light on anything that might help the next person. However esoteric the information may be…
Grad school!
I have always worked a 9-5 while balancing freelance gigs but for some reason two jobs just isn’t enough for me! I’ve decided to add a third and take the plunge on grad school! I should be honest in mentioning that the program I’m interested in is low-residency and therefore can be completed without needing to drop everything. I wasn’t sure about this at first, but with the direction my career is going, I have some milestones I want to nurture. I don’t think an MFA is necessary to be successful (heck i’ve done alright without one) but i’m in a unique position to get mine and it feels silly not to try. I should be done with my application before the New Year so I will check back in on the other side of that!
Engaged!
You heard it right! I got engaged over the holiday break to my very best friend of (almost) 9 years and I couldn’t be happier. We shared our announcement on my IG and it nearly broke my phone!
This has essentially locked 2026 in as a very “GO GO GO” year.
