Hello Partners!
This month’s primary Bonsai work was creating a new central home for partner perks:
This is what you’ll see:
This makes everything feel more…official (and certainly better than what I was previously trying to do, which was Dropbox files).
And if you want to jump right to a specific perk:
If you’re interested in a slightly sad story about the technical details of this endeavor, read below (if not, skip!)
- I run my website on Wordpress
- I design my website using a Wordpress plugin: Semplice
- I chose to run my website on Wordpress because it integrates with Memberful (the service you used to sign up and pay for Bonsai)
- My idea was that you’d be able to access perks through your Memberful account
- Unfortunately, I discovered that Memberful does not integrate with Semplice
- As a result, I’ve had to fall back on a generic password-protected page for you to have access to the digital perks
I’ve also been redesigning the page where people can sign up to become a Bonsai partner – now I can show examples of the type of work I create for each project, etc.
Will be done in time for the next update.
Also, there are large roses blooming outside of my bedroom:
Technicolor
After a lot of thought (and feedback from some of you — thanks!), I’ve decided to not post more interviews until I’m able to personally photograph our subjects. This project is deeply personal, and it just doesn’t feel right to post what doesn’t come directly from me.
I’m trying to make peace with the fact that the pandemic has interrupted this project and it’s out of my control, but I’m still fighting feelings like I should have more to show here 8 months into it.
But, the one area I can make progress in is the print coffee table book/magazine I’m planning. So I purchased Affinity Designer as a way to learn a new non-Adobe program while undertaking this project.
The Valleyist
Unlike Technicolor, I feel like the pandemic has actually enabled me to find a groove with the newsletter. I’ve taken the opportunity to use the newsletter as “a form of group therapy.” Here are the three most recent reflective questions I’ve asked subscribers at the end of each email:
- At what point during this pandemic has your anxiety been at its worse? What are some practical ways you manage your anxiety?
- Where have you found serenity?
- How have you been (or seen others be) creative during this pandemic?
The responses have been lovely and encouraging! I feel like subscribers are engaged.
I’m also excited about the ideas that have been coming to me during this time — my most recent email centered around the concept of “creativity as a spiritual discipline.” I know that won’t be the last time I use that phrase, and I’m already thinking about a small series of interviews where I ask other people to share what that phrase means to them.
The concept of my next email: similar feelings of disconnect felt in video calls and prayer.
April Playlist
This month’s playlist is the second to be curated by a guest! These songs were put together by Jared — I was the best man at his wedding and he was the best man at mine. We go back.
Listen on Spotify
Here’s what he had to say about his selection:
Discovering hidden gems in the music industry is quite literally a sport for me. Two highlights of every week for me happen on Mondays and Fridays at 1 p.m. Tokyo time, when Spotify rolls out its updated and personalized Discover Weekly and Release Radar playlists. Each song gets 30 seconds to impress me, or I’m moving on. No exceptions!
Naturally, I tried to highlight mostly lesser-known artists for this playlist while also borrowing from several different musical genres. From the driving guitar riffs of The Band Camino to the 80’s pop stylings of the Millennial Club and finally the rainy day folksiness of Hailaker, I hope everyone can find at least one track to enjoy!
As always, thank you for your support.
Until next time,
Justin
PS — You can access all the playlists and more from