2022 Intentions (Patreon)

It's a new year. I have new opportunities, more support, improving health, and a stable living situation. I've had my phase of wintertime, now to prepare for spring.

I don't plan to have sweeping changes here or elsewhere. If anything, I'm toning back all the perks and high expectations. It doesn't mean I can't so then—but posting art once a week is better than none of when I become overwhelmed and scared by the workload.

I'll begin to experiment and tackle larger projects and ambitions in time. From comics, stories, merchandise, tabling at cons, teaching online art lessons.

But I have to be realistic with my limits—even if a bit demoralizing. But I am in a situation now where I am safe with a supportive significant other. So I have to shift my perspective. Maybe I can't now. But there's still room later. I might be unable to physically/mentally handle the full-time workload, but I can at least start with a few days/a few hours a week.

If anything, I'm in a position to educate, advocate, normalize the realities of someone with chronic illnesses. There's a lot to share and show.

I'm reevaluating how I approach it all, simplifying as I go. I'm learning from past mistakes, prepared to have the grace and humility to learn from future ones as well.

For the coming weeks (and likely the whole year), I'll be trying to finish art. Merchandise and publishing are cool and all…but I should probably slow down. It's how I'm also approaching my health and life. I can't become a runner again if I'm not brushing my teeth or even doing my usual small yoga routine.

I can't say what my focus will be. It'll be a bit chaotic now. I need to draw. I have many studies, fan art, concepts, illustrations, and more. I want to explore and see what makes me happy and what y'all will enjoy the most. I understand and don't expect constant attention, but I appreciate feedback and suggestions as time goes on. As long as I'm bringing inspiration and enjoyment (and for myself), that's more than enough for now.

Let's start simple—studies of people facing left. I am continuing on my self-indulgent Bionicle story. The original concepts I have brewing. A few collab projects with friends, like the Avatar The Last Airbender/Legend of Korra one. There are other sources of inspiration and fanart I want to pursue. Star Trek, Studio Ghibli, Guild Wars 2…maybe even return to my 13 y/o self with love for anime, like Genshin Impact! I'm also currently in the beta stage of preparing commissions for the public—but Patreon will get first dibs.

There are other non-drawing interests I'd like to try to interlace. Poetry, tarot, music… we'll see where the wind takes me.

Hopefully, in the coming weeks, I'll be able to share more concise and solid information. And well…art. Let's focus on that.

Despite setbacks and imperfections, I look forward to a hopefully productive and healing year.

Thank you all for the support—current, past, and possible future patrons. Thank you for the endless love and care. I want to see this through.

See you soon,
Susannah Livengood / SueDraws