Thank you for signing up to receive my newsletter! I’m excited to launch this monthly update to share news about all my projects, including podcasts, illustrations, and my exploration of new mediums.

Since announcing the launch of this newsletter, I have taken time to reflect on how I use digital platforms to share my art. In addition to providing regular updates and news via Bluesky and Tumblr, this newsletter will serve as an outlet where I can offer more detailed insights into my creative process. I've also considered the art I'm working on and how it continues evolving.

I initially wanted to release a tarot deck inspired by MXTX's novels this year and create more acrylic projects using my digital art. However, the uncertainty created by new tariffs and the ever-changing economic landscape has complicated those plans. These factors have prompted me to think more critically about what I want to create, as these projects are becoming increasingly inaccessible due to rising manufacturing costs.

Reflecting on my background in traditional art mediums and crafts, such as printmaking, clay, and needle felting, I’ve begun to explore new projects that utilize these skills. In doing so, I have found renewed excitement for creating art and inspiration for my work.

SK8 THE INFINITY IS BACK!!

Sk8 the Infinity is a series that holds a special place in my heart and has greatly inspired me. When this series was released, I was recovering from a serious accident that caused significant harm and permanent damage to my left arm and hand. Fortunately, this was my non-dominant hand, so I still could draw. Unfortunately, the accident eliminated my capacity to create 3D and sculptural art, which had been my focus at the time. I fell into a depression and desperately needed inspiration to continue making art, and this series provided that motivation.

For the first time in a long while, I began creating and sharing fan art online. I regularly posted my artwork on TikTok, where I found a supportive community among other fans and artists. This sense of community was incredibly inspiring and motivated me to keep creating. I was making art every day, developing the illustration style I still use today. With the new OVA recently released, I revisited this series and made some new art.

I’ve shared previews of this new artwork on Bluesky and Tumblr. I hope to create products from this art for my shop, similar to what I have done in the past, but I am still exploring what that will look like. The unpredictable changes and significant impact of tariffs have introduced uncertainty regarding the types of products and manufacturing options that artists like me rely on to produce our work. I am currently assessing my options for production and hope to find a solution soon!

Until then, I’m running a sale on everything in my shop, including all MXTX art and the last of the in-stock Renga keychains.

MXTX Tarot News Coming Soon!

After much reflection and debate about what I wanted to do with the MXTX tarot cards project after finishing the Major Arcana, I’ve decided to produce a Major Arcana deck. I plan to start production soon. Well, as soon as I determine which manufacturer to use, now that my earlier production plans are becoming less feasible.

Instead of offering a preorder option, I will produce a limited batch of decks to be listed as ready-to-ship items. Given the growing uncertainty around the production of products like this, I cannot guarantee if or when I will produce more than one run of these decks. So, if you want to get one, be sure to sign up for release updates! 

Revisiting old skills and art mediums

Before focusing on digital illustration, I worked across several mediums, including various traditional crafts and techniques such as clay, needle felting, and printmaking. Recently, with tariffs affecting the production of acrylic products derived from my digital art, I’ve been reflecting on art and my creative direction during these turbulent times. This reflection has drawn me back to those traditional mediums.

I’ve been considering how to merge themes and subjects from my illustrations with these mediums. I’ve come up with some ideas that I’m eager to explore, and have also started diving into new original projects. 

It has been a while since I dedicated significant effort to original work. Previously, I struggled with inspiration and motivation to shift my focus from projects inspired by BL and danmei content to original work. However, after exploring other mediums, I suddenly feel inspired. My sketches overflow with ideas for new original projects, and I can’t sketch them out quickly enough.

I’m very excited about these new projects and looking forward to getting them started. I will be sharing progress on these projects here, so stay tuned! 

Half a year of No Longer Subtext podcasts

My friend Pa Ying and I have been producing a podcast for over half a year now! In this series, we delve into the captivating stories within queer East Asian literature. Often censored for television and other visual media, these narratives reveal rich themes and experiences frequently left unspoken in film. Each month we read a novel and come together to discuss it. New episodes drop on the last Thursday of each month.

So far, we’ve been reading through The Disabled Tyrant’s Beloved Pet Fish and Thousand Autumns.

The Disabled Tyrant’s Beloved Pet Fish episodes:

• #1 - He’s in love with the fish!

• #2 - This Prince is SHAMELESS.

• #4 - I was promised a pregnant man!

Thousand Autumns episodes:

• #3 - New trope: hurt/aftercare

• #5 - Foundation shattering.

• #6 - Anthropomorphic creatures, TBIs, & toxic masculinity, oh my!