2022 Major Update

This is it, the new year has come and 2022 will hopefully be the year for all of us! And with a new year comes changes. And I've got quite a few. So buckle up buttercup, here's where this ship is headed in 2022!

Contents

• 2022 Scope (Focus, Commisions, SQORL Print Shop]
• [MAJOR UPDATE, PLEASE READ] Tier Changes
• [NEW] “The Cove” Discord Server + Non-Zoot Art
• Continuing Plans (CNMC + Follow-up projects, Autumn Prints)

2022 Scope

Focus

After considering my goals, talking with my new mentor (reason for delay on CNMC = Santa gave me an industry mentor this Christmas!), and reviewing Patron wishes from November, I plan to focus on story-centric, animation-related works which includes storyboards, animatics, animations, concept art, etc. I'll create standalone paintings for prints on occasion (more below), but it is no longer my main focus. Some know I have a whole universe of head canon and OCs that includes storylines like "Zootopia the Series", "Uncle Nick", and "Zoobound", but I've never had a chance these past three years to develop it until now. So I'd like to explore my own playground and share the results with you. I hope you'll support me through this journey!

Commissions

A large part of my inability to develop stories was because I wanted to - and really needed to - constantly have a comm queue. Now that I'm content with my skills and willing to sacrifice this, I will not be opening commissions often this year. Please keep this in consideration when deciding to pledge for 2022. Patrons will still get first dibs IF I open, but I may only open once or twice. Again, my goal is story-based art this year. I hope you understand.

SQORL Print Shop

I plan to create and release prints this year as I develop my painting skills. Starting Feb 1st, certain tiers will receive 50% off / free prints (see "Tier Changes"). Those in certain tiers will also be able to give suggestions on what prints to make. Stay tuned!

[NEW] Discord Server Opening Tomorrow, January 1st

Nestled on a mountain overlooking the sea sits a studio cabin inhabited by a squirrel with a very overactive imagination. The doors to this place are finally opening.  

Starting Janaury 1st, all Patrons $5 and up will have access to my Discord server and art studio "The Cove"! Here I'll post finished pieces, WIPS, storyboards, animatics, doodles, sketches and everything else while also giving you a chance to chat with some of the friends we've all made over the years in a cozy space. You'll also have a chance to ask questions about the different projects I've got in the hopper and participate in streams there! This server will feature my non-Zoot art everywhere from animal studies, landscapes, other fan-art, and human works. 

Upon entering this January you will be given no roles, and The Production Floor channel will be open to all. Roles will be given out on Feb 1st and access to The Production Floor will cease to those outside the entitled tier levels (see "Tier Changes").

All patrons $5 and up will have access via a separate post going out tomorrow afternoon.

2022 Tier Changes and Perks Starting February 1st

While this year I stated that I needed to cut back on benefits (and thank you to all who stayed and donated despite it), I'd like to start perks back up in the new year!

Two tiers will see a price increase ($1 and $40), and a new tier has opened to those who want to help further support my efforts which include schooling, hiring credited help, program subscriptions and more. Your pledges allow me to avoid taking commissions and share more story-based art this year!

Please remember you are ALWAYS more than welcome to pledge outside the tier structure and continue your current donation:

$2 Tier | Donation Tier (previously $1)

• Your name in animated credits

Starting February 1st, the $1 tier will increase to $2 to adjust for inflation. This means you will be charged $2/ mo should you decide to stay in the Donation tier. You are more than welcome to continue your current pledge outside this tier structure!

$5 Tier | Little Rodentia

• Early access
• Illustration WIPs
• Access to “The Cove” Discord Studio
• Monthly montage on animated
• Access to select animation WIP art including storyboards, animatics, and animation
• Private streams
• My gratitude!

$10 Tier | Savannah Central

• Exclusive access to ALL production art (“Production Floor” channel on Discord) including storyboards, animatics, character sheets, animation and more
• Participate in character and suggestion polls, and “Chibikko” floater events to win free sketches, doodle icons, and more
• All previous perks
• My gratitude!

$20 Tier | Rainforest District

• Full resolution, watermark-less PNGs of illustrations
• All previous perks
• My gratitude!

$50 Tier | Tundratown (previously $40)

• 50% off art prints
• Your OC featured as a background character in projects
• All previous perks
• My gratitude!

Starting February 1st, the $40 tier will increase to $50. Please see below for the benefits that come with this tier. You are ALWAYS more than welcome to pledge outside the tier structure and continue your current donation!

[NEW] $100 Tier | Sahara Square

• 1 sketch page/ sketch commission per month (no NSFW)
• Free art prints delivered to your home
• Producer label on all animated work
• All previous perks
• My gratitude and tears!

If you have any questions at all please let me know!

CONTINUING PLANS

CNMC took a huge unexpected backseat these past 2 weeks and for that I apologize. I'll keep going with that one until it's done. I'll also be working on "The Question" simultaneously with help from an animator and friend.

After CNMC, I plan to work on an animatic to the "Bad Berries" comic by Eric Schwartz, who's given me permission to do so this past fall. I'll put a call out to VA's when the time has come.

I will be contacting each person to verify your desire for the Campfire Karaoke print, which I have been told I am clear to print this January. If anyone would like to order this print who hasn't done so already, please see this link.

...WHEW... well, that's all for now.

I am so happy to have had your support thus far whether you've been here since the beginning, or if you're just jumping on this ship. I'm excited for all that there is to come, but have a lot to look back on and smile about. My skills and perseverance are thanks in large part to all of you who've constantly sent me your love and support. From the bottom of my tiny little heart, thank you SO much. Mahalo plenty.

Happy New Year to EVERYONE! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and are ready to take on 2022. Here's to a HOPEFULLY awesome new year (and to some awesome shows from the Mouse House - we've waited for a good while now)!

See ya in '22!

- Your squirrel friend,

Qalcove