A newsletter was something I had been thinking about for a long time. At the height of a few years ago, newsletters were the *in* thing and everyone had one. Of course I immediately wanted to jump on the bandwagon (because social media) but I couldn’t work out what I could offer with one. How I could make one ‘me’. I didn’t want them to just be something that I felt like I should do, rather than something I really wanted to do. And I wanted to make it different, so I got to brainstorming.

I thought about the newsletters I really like. I read LOTS of newsletters by my favourite creators. I thought about things I wish those newsletters had included, and started to come up with a plan for my own.

I knew I wanted it to be monthly, simply because a weekly newsletter is a massive commitment, and I struggle to blog once a week with all of life going on- so I knew I wouldn’t be able to commit to a newsletter either. I also knew I wanted my art to be the main focus of it. I didn’t want a lifestyle newsletter, although I did want some personal bits in it too.

I wrote down everything I wanted to include (behind the image chats, monthly letters, recommendations, my art in homes) and then I came up with the idea of adding a monthly vlog in each newsletter too! I used to vlog years ago on Youtube, and whilst I loved the actual ‘vlogging’ part, it didn’t sit right with me that anyone could watch it, and it was there for all to see. After some more thinking time, I decided I wanted to attach a monthly vlog where I chat and go behind the scenes of my work, but also show my days in the week too, and make it unlisted, so the only way you can watch it is if you subscribe to my newsletter. It feels like a little family and a safe space where I can be myself too.

I’ve done two so far (the first one included an exclusive discount to my Etsy shop) and I’m on the way to start working on next months too.

If you’d like to subscribe, there’s a sign up box at the bottom of the page where you can pop in your email and hopefully, I’ll see you in your inbox in a few weeks!

It’s the start of a new month, which over on this blog means it’s time to check in on my monthly goals!

APRIL RECAP

Launch my newsletter. Yup, I did it! I’m really glad I made the plunge to finally start a newsletter, it’s something I’ve been thinking about for around a year now, and I love that I’ve made it a little bit different and ‘me’ with the addition of a monthly vlog included and a few little other bits and pieces. If you want to subscribe, the link is at the bottom of my website!

Celebrate my birthday. To be honest looking back at my birthday kinda feels like a blur, but I did enjoy a few celebrations and I was treated to some gorgeous presents from my family. My mum and sister put together for an iPad for me so I’ve downloaded procreate and am enjoying doodling over there and practising something different to my photoshop stuff.

Keep up the good work! April kind of seems like it was a month of two halves, but I suppose we can all say that right now couldn’t we? I think it’s important to focus on our good moments as much as possible <3

MAY GOALS

Go to a gym class. On May 17th, gym classes are re-opening in the UK. We’ve had a massive leisure centre built nearby and I’m planning on joining the gym and taking a few classes! Hopefully it will be a great way to meet more local people too.

Start another yoga challenge. I’ve been trying out various yoga teachers online, and I think I’m ready for a new 30 day challenge! I’ve been doing a lot of ‘Yoga with Bird’ recently so I think that’s the one I’m gonna go for- will report back on it!

Go on Skillshare. I signed up to Skillshare last month but I’ve still not looked at it yet, and I know there’s gonna be a bunch of stuff on there that I would be super interested in, so that’s a goal for May.

Do you have any goals for May?