Hey, it’s been a while. I’m making some changes around here, and I thought I’d give you all a heads-up. I’m still going to keep my “no tracking” policy. The only thing I know about you is the email you used to sign up. And when people subscribe or unsubscribe. Too much of our digital lives are tracked, monitored and sold for advertising purposes. I find that invasive, and I don’t want to be in that business, personally.
The great thing about having your own newsletter is that you can do whatever you want. The bad thing about having your own newsletter is that you can do whatever you want. At the end of 2020 I had some paralysis by analysis (I just didn’t know what to say here). I talked with some creative friends, which lead me to think through some ways to better express myself and grow as an artist.
I’m setting out to make more art. Sketches, sketchnotes, doodles, visual notes, illustrations, animation. My main focus these days is on learning and communicating ideas about mental health and behavior change. I started seeing a therapist in fall of 2020 and this relationship has helped me in more ways than I could have imagined. I’ve learned some techniques and practices that have helped me with anxiety and being more present in the world. I will share them visually, here in the newsletter.
This is the new description of the newsletter:
About once month I send a newsletter. It typically contains an illustration or animation on a mindfulness exercise. Also, a sketchnote of a quote I like, and a question for you to consider. The Presence newsletter is my way to use art and imagery to express myself, and hopefully spark some conversations with you.
Austin Kleon is a “writer who draws”. In his fantastic book Show Your Work he writes:
So don’t think of it as starting over. think of it as beginning again. Go back to chapter one-literally!-and become an amateur. Look for something new to learn, and when you find it, dedicate yourself to learning it out in the open.
So that’s the main focus of the upcoming issues of the newsletter. In fact, I’m renaming it “Presence” to remind myself why I’m making things. To help me take up space, and be more present in my own life. The next issue (in the new format) should arrive in one week on Sunday March 7th. After that, I’m looking to publish on a monthly cadence.
Until next week…