Spring Studio Updates
New offerings, projects & favorite things
We’re not exactly thawing out in Colorado this spring since our winter was eerily mild. And while I wasn’t complaining about 60 degree (or even 80 degree) days in February while the east coast got continually pummeled with snow, it was hard to fully embrace it knowing that it will make for a hot and dry fire season. The crocuses and tulips popped out a few weeks earlier than usual, the flower trees are in full bloom (cue the sneezing) and not to be left out, a spring respiratory cough joined the party and kept our house noisy all night for many weeks in a row.
But spring fever prevails and I’ve been re-energized with fun work projects! Little Blue Pigeon, the new bookshop in Denver that I did some illustration work for, had it’s soft opening on the first of the month. I really loved getting a peek behind the curtain at watching this adorable little space come to life over the last few months. We’re working on some more projects and events together; it’s the best when I immediately click with a new client and we’re brainstorming a bunch of ways to work together.
Benny is 9 months old which is also how I track the changes I’ve made to my business over the last year or so. My work time has been limited with him still at home (he’ll be off to daycare this summer!) so I’ve been taking on only what feels really aligned at this stage of my career and this chaotic phase of young-kid/baby life. Things like: illustrating a new picture book for a self-publishing author, a clothing brand collaboration that’s coming out this fall, partnering with people I’ve met through Substack on new projects and growing this newsletter which has been a great outlet. I’m feeling antsy to have more time for work, but having strict work hours (nap times/post bedtime) means I’m super productive in those short hours, honestly maybe more productive than having to discipline myself to focus during a wide open work day. He’s also my last baby and I know my work flow will get back to normal soon enough so I’m trying to not spiral about deadlines and just get through one project at a time.
Now booking: Studio Hours!
After Benny was born I decided to stop taking on commissions for the foreseeable future, but I still get frequent requests for them so I like having other artists to refer people to. A few weeks ago I put out a request on instagram for watercolor artists taking on commissions and I got so many responses and have a great list of people to recommend now. I also ended up getting a lot of questions from those people and chatting in DMs about tips for getting clients, commissions, resources for printing & shipping, growing and sustaining a small art business, etc. So…!
I set up a link to “Studio Hours” so anyone can book a 45 minute time slot and we can troubleshoot together. I had a call last week with a woman who was recently laid off and wanting to get back into her art practice but had a lot of imposter syndrome, especially when it came to knowing what to charge when friends & family ask for commissions. We came up with a game plan and action steps for getting started and taking herself seriously and I gave her a list of resources for printing. I loved it! And she left feeling supported and driven to start which is the best.
We talked about how important it is to have other creative people to bounce ideas around with because it can be really lonely and hard to take yourself seriously when you’re the only person you know doing something “risky” with your career like choosing to be an artist. But art is about 80% business, 20% making art and I consider myself more of a small business than I do an artist honestly. I’ve been working for myself for 12 years now and I have a lot of opinions, tips and resources and I happen to disdain gatekeeping and love supporting small businesses and encouraging people to start their own. So I’m really excited about chatting with more people!
Ok enough about me (“lol this is my newsletter though” I remind myself when I’m sick of listening to my own thoughts).
Favorite Things
Buy Art!
I had the pleasure of curating Alex Steele’s art newsletter Buy Art a few weeks ago and I really love all the artists I chose! Alex’s newsletter is chock full of incredible art available to buy and is such a great resource.
Second Life with Andrea Beaty
If these books look familiar then you know of Andrea Beaty, the author. I loved that she was recently on Second Life, and hearing the back story of how this series came to be and what made them such a hit was very inspiring.
Chicago public school IDs = public library cards
Gosh this is such a smart idea that it almost feels too obvious. The Chicago Public Library partnered with Chicago Public Schools to create the “81 Club” which represents the 81 locations of public libraries throughout the city, where public school students can now use their school IDs to gain access to all that libraries have to offer, including their online databases and free academic support. I imagine this will inspire many more cities to do the same and I just love this initiative so much.
Eterna Home
When I tell you I’ve never purchased anything faster in my life! This brand came across my feed somewhere I’m now forgetting and I fell deep down a rabbit hole. I love their adorable story, I LOVE their Mexican ceramics and glassware and their whole brand vibe. My parents bought a ceramic dinnerware and serveware set on their honeymoon in Mexico that feels reminiscent to some of these styles and it’s some of the most beautiful and unique hand-painted craftsmanship I’ve seen. I bought a few things but I know I will be back for more.
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If you’d like to work together you can email me at: carlymartinstudio@gmail.com
So excited you’re doing Studio Hours!! I can see that being so helpful. It’s interesting to hear you say you feel more business owner than artist. It makes sense but I was like “oh wow.” It just shows you’ve got so much wisdom to share.
I’ve been brainstorming some office hours type ideas but you’ve inspired me to really follow through. 🙏🏼💜