It’s Holiday Crunch Time!

A pink and white unicorn poses next to the words "Art by Arlo Updates."

Holy cow! Where did the last month go?

I've been swamped! Between starting a new job, adopting a senior dog, taking care of his various health needs, and diving into some new sculptural projects, I've lost track of time and haven't shared any updates. Before the month ends, here's a quick recap.

A thin banner wrapped around and hanging from an iron bar reads "September 2025."

Gif flashing between screenshots from fantasy films from the 90s and 00s.

Meet Skipper!

I recently adopted another dog! It was a case of coincidence and being in the right place at the right time. When I took a trip back to New Mexico to help my mom move, I came across this little guy at a local shelter. My sister saw a posting about dogs needing adoption, so I visited the shelter's website and instantly fell in love with him. When we met him in person, we knew I had to bring him home.

Christmas Creativity

Since finishing my first doll, I have been inspired to create many more. Although it may be more ambitious than I realistically have time for, I have decided to start three additional dolls so they are ready to gift for Christmas.

I have always had a love for Christmas tree angels, captivated by their elegant beauty. These pieces serve as incredible centerpieces—delicate and ethereal—sat atop a tree and paired with color-coordinated ornaments that enhance their whimsy and beauty. My dolls already share similar aesthetic qualities with tree angels, and they also embody the same religious imagery and significance. So, I thought, why not create some?

My little sister has been a huge fan and supporter of my work. She is particularly excited about a feminine doll design I've been working on, so I'm making her a Christmas tree topper based on it! It will also be a wonderful surprise for her, as she has been eager to see this design in its early stages, unaware that it would become hers.

However, I am now in crunch time. Between my sister's tree topper, the one I plan to make for my mom, and various other projects I've somewhat haphazardly come up with for others, I have a lot to accomplish in the next couple of weeks.

Bringing together my sculptures and podcasting

One of the other projects I have to get done in the next couple of weeks is a doll that combines my passion for dollmaking and my love for Danmei novels, creating a really unique intersection between this work and my work on the No Longer Subtext podcast.

Pa Ying and I have been friends since college and share a passion for Danmei. Together, we host No Longer Subtext, a podcast and book club that explores these novels. For her Christmas gift this year, I wanted to do something that combined my artwork and our shared interests. So, I'm making her a doll inspired by one of the novels we read for the podcast! This doll is quite a bit different from my others, featuring an entirely clay-sculpted body and human-like hair, something I've never done in any of my other work. So, this doll is a really exciting challenge. As I make progress on him, I'm increasingly excited to see the final result.

Can you guess which Danmei character this is going to be?

Hint: He’s from a novel series we covered in No Longer Subtext earlier this year.

No Longer Subtext

Speaking of No Longer Subtext, we've got an episode dropping tomorrow! In the episode, we will be discussing Peerless Vol. 2.

Part of the reason I've been so busy and a little spread thin is that I've had to make time to read more than usual. 🤫 We are going to be dropping a special bonus episode real soon. So be on the lookout for that!