Discover My Etsy Shop and New Acrylic Keychains
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Importance of Taking Time Off
- Exploring Inktober Prompts
- The Joy of Creating Artwork
- Packaging Patreon Awards
- Making Frogo Kick Swirl and Cat Donut Stickers
- Reflecting on Etsy Orders
- The Ghost Daily Planner Idea
- Working on Ladder Paper Set
- Getting the Acrylic Keychains
- Attending a Metal Concert
- Fixing Resin Acrylic Keychains
- Printing and Promoting the Digital Download
- Planning for the Next Shop Update
- Addressing the Keychain Key Clasp Issue
- Conclusion
The Importance of Taking Time Off
Welcome back to another Studio Vlog! Today, I want to discuss the importance of taking time off. As a digital illustrator based in Canada, I often find myself immersed in my work. But recently, I made the decision to take a day off and it felt refreshing. In this article, we'll explore the mindset behind taking time off and delve into the benefits it can have on our creativity and overall well-being.
Introduction
Hello and welcome back to another exciting Studio Vlog! If you're new here, my name is [Your Name] and I am a digital illustrator living in Canada. I have a passion for creating cute and adorable artwork. Today, I want to share my journey of taking a much-deserved day off and the impact it had on my mindset and work.
The Importance of Taking Time Off
As creatives, it is common for us to fall into the trap of constantly working and feeling the need to always be productive. We often have this fear of falling behind or being forgotten if we take a break. However, it is essential to recognize the importance of taking time off and giving ourselves permission to rest.
Exploring Inktober Prompts
During my day off, I decided to explore a new creative challenge called Inktober. Inktober is a month-long event in October where artists create artworks based on daily prompts. While I knew I wouldn't be able to create something for every single day, I wanted to try it out for fun. I researched different artists' prompts and chose one to start working on.
The Joy of Creating Artwork
Working on the Inktober prompt sparked a sense of joy and excitement within me. I thoroughly enjoyed the process of bringing the artwork to life and experimenting with different techniques. This particular piece turned out so well that I plan to turn it into merchandise for my shop. The vibrant flat colors and overall composition make it a perfect design for various products.
Packaging Patreon Awards
After indulging in some artistic exploration, I shifted my focus to packaging Patreon awards. As a creator who values my patrons, I take pride in delivering their rewards promptly. This entailed carefully packing and shipping the items to ensure they reach their destinations safely. It's a fulfilling task as it allows me to express my gratitude for their support.
Making Frogo Kick Swirl and Cat Donut Stickers
Next on my agenda was creating more Frogo Kick Swirl and Cat Donut stickers. These two designs have been quite popular, and I received a shipment of keychains to accompany them in the upcoming shop update. To prepare for that, I needed to make backing cards for the stickers. Though it wasn't a complicated task, it required attention to detail to ensure consistency across all the cards.
Reflecting on Etsy Orders
While working on the backing cards, I took a moment to reflect on my Etsy orders. Lately, I noticed a shift in the demographic of my customers. Previously, most of my orders came from the US, but I've seen an increase in Canadian orders. It's fascinating to observe these changes and adapt my offerings accordingly.
The Ghost Daily Planner Idea
During some downtime, I had a fun idea for a daily planner featuring adorable ghosts. Each ghost would have a different expression representing the different weekdays. I thought it would add a whimsical touch to the planner and bring a smile to people's faces. I'll be exploring this idea further and possibly incorporating it into my shop in the future.
Working on Ladder Paper Set
Switching gears, I focused on a ladder paper set for a customer's order. Making sure the paper aligns perfectly and creates clean creases can be a bit challenging. However, with the help of a crochet hook, I was able to achieve precise creases, ensuring the quality of the paper set.
Getting the Acrylic Keychains
Exciting news! The acrylic keychains I've been eagerly waiting for have finally arrived. Opening the package, I couldn't contain my joy as I saw the delightful designs. The first one features a meh-faced ghost, while the other showcases a winking cat donut. These keychains turned out even cuter than I anticipated, and I'm pleased with the quality. I'll be using them for the upcoming shop update and can't wait to offer them to my customers.
Attending a Metal Concert
In a fun twist to my routine, I decided to attend my first metal concert. I'm not specifically a metal music enthusiast, but I appreciate all genres of music. It was a fascinating experience to immerse myself in a different musical atmosphere. While I may not have an in-depth knowledge of metal, I appreciate the energy and intensity it brings to certain video game soundtracks.
Fixing Resin Acrylic Keychains
Before heading out, I noticed some minor defects in the resin acrylic keychains. Scratches, dips, and chips occasionally occur during the production process. However, there's a nifty trick to fix these imperfections. By carefully running a lighter across the charm, the heat smoothens out the resin, leaving a flawless surface. It's a handy tip to ensure the keychains meet the highest quality standards before packaging and shipping.
Printing and Promoting the Digital Download
Back in the studio, I focused on printing and promoting a new digital download. This planner features the adorable ghost characters with different expressions for each weekday. I believe it will bring a touch of fun and lightheartedness to people's daily routines. I worked on creating a visually appealing post to introduce the digital download on my social media platforms.
Planning for the Next Shop Update
Looking ahead to the next shop update, I contemplated the best timing for it. I already took the product photos, which turned out beautifully, and aim to have everything ready for the update next week. I want to ensure a seamless experience for my customers, so I'll be reviewing the product descriptions and making any necessary adjustments.
Addressing the Keychain Key Clasp Issue
Unfortunately, a small hiccup occurred with the keychain key clasps. I had requested heart-shaped clasps but received star-shaped ones instead. To resolve this, I reached out to the supplier and informed them about the mistake. They offered me two options: either they could send me the correct clasps with my next order or provide a 10% discount coupon. After careful consideration, I opted for the coupon since I won't be placing any more orders this year.
Conclusion
In conclusion, taking time off proved to be a rejuvenating experience for me as a digital illustrator. It allowed me to explore new creative challenges like Inktober, create artwork that brings me joy, and focus on fulfilling orders and planning for the next shop update. Moreover, attending a metal concert added a refreshing perspective to my musical interests. The journey of running a small business involves navigating various tasks and adapting to unexpected twists, but it's all part of the adventure. Thank you for joining me on this Studio Vlog, and I'll see you in the next one!
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