I’m a bit nervous writing this post. Okay, a lot nervous. Why? Because it makes things real. Now that I’m telling you, I actually have to go through with my plan, and that’s a scary thing. And it’s scary because now there’s an expectation. I can no longer hide under the covers if it doesn’t work out. I’ve told you, people know, people (not necessarily you!) will be watching, judging, waiting to see if I succeed or fail.
For a long time I have wanted to follow my parents’ entrepreneurial path and become my own boss while simultaneously creating for a living. Originally the plan was to make handmade batch and custom party goods, but no matter how much I tried to plan, my heart was never fully on board. Realizing I didn’t want to spend every waking moment engulfed in this project made me realize it wasn’t the right one.
Several months after I put my entrepreneurial spirit to rest it hit me. Ever since I was a sanrio obsessed little girl I have always been infatuated by stationery. Always. And so the planning began and I haven’t stopped since. The ideas and direction have morphed over the last few months, and ever since picking up a watercolour brush, I’ve found my something I truly want to spend every waking moment on.
Guys, I’m working on opening up Squirrelly Minds Print Shop.
If you follow along on instagram or facebook, you may have noticed that I have been stupid obsessed with painting gems. Above are some examples, both finished samples and ones in the works, of what I’ve been consuming my days with.
I’m a pretty shy person when it comes to showing what I create. Instagram feels okay to post on, perhaps because it’s seen for a day and then buried under everyone elses pictures. But this is a bit more concrete and a bit more real. I’m not schooled in art, I don’t know techniques or artistic terms, I just do what feels right and hope it works out. Sometimes it does, sometimes it flops, that’s all part of the learning process. So it feels very uncomfortable putting myself out there like this. And hey, maybe not everyone will like what I do and be mean or nasty. That’s cool, I can deal (while gulfing down a pint of ben and jerry’s soaked in my tears). But I’m not going to get anywhere without putting myself out there. And either way, I love it, and I insanely love painting gems. I love the geometric lines, the shading, the beauty in a raw stone.
This is what I will be premiering my shop, and I’m aiming for a fall launch.
Now this doesn’t mean I will stop teaching or blogging. I plan to do all three together because, guess what, I love them all. But you may not see me here every day. I’m finding that I always put blogging first, which is great and all but gets in the way of painting and working on the stationery line. So I have made the very difficult decision not to post every day. I simply need to devote more time to developing my skills (cause I have a lot to learn!) and creating more, at least until I get it up and running.
My plan is, on days I don’t have a proper blog post, that I will share photos from what I’m working on in the studio. I may add an anecdote, or I may just put up pictures for you to see. I would love to have you join in on the process and watch the Squirrelly Minds Print Shop in its early development.
These changes to the Squirrelly Minds blog are a bit tough, and I hope I don’t lose your trust, but trust me I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t think it was absolutely necessary. I must admit, it’s going to be very strange not blogging every day!
Thank you so much for your continued support. You all truly mean to much to me and keep me going.
Much love,
Tan
Congrats Tan! I know how scary it is to create and put thing out there! Be true to yourself and Im here if you need encouragement, I’m no pro either but we can certainly cheer each other on along the way!
Awww Rachael you’re so sweet! Having cheerleaders in life is essential right? Hooray for cheering each other on!
I’m so happy for you! I’ll still be around even if you post less. It might actually make it easier for me to keep up! Lol. Can’t wait to see your first prints. The gems look awesome. Have fun!
Love, x
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Hah good point. It can be hard to keep up with blogs that post every day! 😉
This is such wonderful news!!! It takes courage to run after your dreams 🙂 I can’t wait to see what you create, I already love what I see!!
Congrats friend!
Xoxo
Thanks so much love!
Yay! Congrats Tan! So exciting when you get to follow your dreams 🙂
People should be able to more often right?
Tan, I am so excited for you! I’ve been admiring those paintings on instagram, so I can’t wait to see what you come up with for your shop. Yay for new ventures, you’re going to totally nail it!
Oh my goodness you are so sweet and encouraging. Thank you!
Tan, this is such exciting news! I love that you are pursuing something you adore 🙂 I also love those gems!
It’s so important to do what you love right? Thanks for the excitement and support!
Awesome Tan! Good for you for going after your dreams!
Thanks Adina. It feels good right?
Congrats to you for starting something new and following your heart.
Cheers Mindy! It’s scary and exciting all at once!
Congratulations! Wishing you all the best.
Thanks so much Mo!
This is so exciting, Tan! Those gems are wonderful and I’m looking forward to getting a glimpse of your artistic process. So happy for you… enjoy!!!
Aww thanks! I will enjoy. If nothing comes out of it at least I get to paint lots!
This is super awesome! I love the idea. I am stationary-obsessed too and I’ve also considered printing my own. Funny thing – whenever I see Kate Spade’s polka dot stationary line I think of you. You’ve probably seen it around (I believe it is carried in Chapters), it’s pretty cute!
Oh do it! We can totally be each other’s support network ;D
Hah! Oh I love that you think of me when you see that stationery cause I absolutely love it! You know me and my style quite well there Momo 😉