figuring it out 🌟 dec '25 wallpapers + speedpaints + sketchbook (Patreon)

always struggling with what to name these monthly reward roundup posts in a way that is enticing/understandable/informative. perhaps it's too much to cram into one title, but if you have any suggestions feel free to send them my way haha. as always, wallpapers are attached to the bottom of this post and speedpaints are at the top of this post. I didn't get to use my favorite part of the song (6:45 onward), but I preferred that the song continued uninterrupted than force the jump. also, this might be the most wallpapers I've ever made in one month. threw some experimental ones in there for the more obtusely or adventurously-inclined. download and you're good to go. :]

song credit: touch (ft. paul williams) / daft punk

now let's dive into some good ol' process! >:]

I always like to start off by taking a look at the reference board of images and ideas I gathered. I refer to this part as the brainstorming phase where I just throw ideas at the proverbial spaghetti wall to see what sticks. it's a way for me to jog my mind and begin to make connections between whatever is currently floating around in my head, deciding what parts are important and that I'd like to more deeply explore.

next, I take out my sketchbook and start drafting thumbnails for possible pieces. this is a way for me to synthesize the brainstorm pondering into a presentable form. this is when I work out what might look good in my head vs. what actually makes sense on a canvas. it's often the case that I think an idea will look really cool until I take the step to translate it onto paper and realize it looks awkward, uninteresting, or illegible. the format of a postcard and sticker is particular as well and I try to keep in mind what will look good at those smaller sizes when printed, so overly detailed pieces with no clear focus often get axed.

I explored more personal themes this month, which is something I've found myself thinking about a lot lately, and how to balance that with making art that connects with others. I get inspired by so many different things and I want to see the process of translating all that excitement into something presentable as a form of communication rather than a limitation. or moreso that limitation isn't necessarily a bad thing. after all, limitation breeds creativity and periods where I've had unbounded freedom have also been when I've felt most unmoored and directionless. always returning to accepting the truth of life that is continual unfolding and learning. there is no arrival! onwards! xD