What I created this month // September 2024

It's the last day of September and we're getting deeper into the fall! Another month of Patreon content is complete ~ here's an overview of everything I made this month!

 This month's tutorial video was on Stylizing Anatomy! This topic had been requested so often and I really enjoyed making it. I think stylization in general is a great topic to talk about since it's not discussed that often and yet many people are interested in how to cultivate a unique style! The video features 3 different ways to stylize, as well as lots of tips and advice. Watch it here!

Since it's my latest tutorial, it will be available on the $5 spark tier for another month! After that, it goes to the backlog, along with 50 other tutorials. Join the spark tier if you want to grab it for $5! And if you want to access the massive backlog of over 50 tutorials, just upgrade to the $10 flame tier 🔥

This month's challenge was on studying glossy surfaces! In general, I think doing detailed surface studies is such a good way to learn how to paint and render in creative ways. In my case, it was also a great way to celebrate autumn-themed foods that brought back memories of living in the USA as a kid - and it made me realize that it's been ages since I last ate a caramel apple! Here's what I created:

Next month's challenge will be on drawing expressive cat sketches, which is very compatible with halloween themes for those who want to make some seasonal art! If you want to participate, be sure to join the flame tier - I'll be posting the information, reference and resources on the 1st of September!

As always, flame members also got access to the process video and a resource video with tips and advice. This is a 20 minute long video in which I discuss my process, common mistakes, and run through the artwork that you guys posted in the discord! If you want to draw shiny things like this in the future, you might find it helpful. Watch it here!

This month I decided to warm up with some autumn-themed sketches. Sketch sessions really help me get into the flow of creating and drawing!

I also made a few digital sketches: an anatomy/stylization study, and a more emotional piece about what it was like to be a lost and confused student. I like alternating between more storytelling type of drawings and simple stylization studies that are just drawn for the sake of exploring a certain look. Both can be cathartic and fun in their own ways!

This month's process video showed my traditional sketching process! It's been a long time since I recorded myself sketching, so I figured it was time to show you how I go about a sketch session like this one. There are two videos: you can watch the first one featuring foxes and mushrooms here, and the second one featuring characters and birds here! Be sure to read the descriptions for extensive information about my tools, process, and creative choices!

Every month, flame members can ask questions and have them answered in an exclusive live Q&A session! This month's session had a lot of recurring themes: imposter syndrome, gatekeeping, and artistic burnout. All topics that are so important to discuss and that I have so many thoughts about! It ended up being a long and super fulfilling session. You can watch the full video here!

Summer ended this month, which means the summer bingo challenge came to a close! The winners are Momo, FAI and Jessbillustration! Their submissions were so creative and fun - big thanks to everyone who participated in this event! Me and the mods are already sitting down to plan the next event, so keep an eye out for that 👀

If you want to hang out with fellow artists and participate in fun challenges, feel free to join us! If you’re not sure how to join the discord, just follow the steps outlined here.

 I enjoyed this month so much! The return of sweater weather is always a happy time for me. I just love hanging out on the couch under a blanket with a warm drink - in fact, that's what I'm doing as I'm typing these very words! I'm truly living my best life.

Thank you so much for supporting me in creating this month's content and art! I hope you'll stick around for another month of creating. I'll be sending out links to this month's google drive folder today! Keep an eye on your inbox.

Thank you for being a part of this Patreon! If you're interested in getting access to all of the above plus content from previous months, upgrade your tier here!

If you have any feedback or questions, please feel free to share them with me through a direct message or e-mail to loishh@gmail.com. Any and all feedback is welcome!