This week did not turn out like I planned, not even a little. Due to a cataclysmic tech meltdown, this week’s post will be a little lean because of cataclysmic computer failure and the residual effects on my productivity. The most challenging part is that I don’t have all my research bookmarks since I chose to not sync up my browsers across devices—lesson learned.

Also, I’m working without my editor (Grammarly) until I get this tech fiasco handled. If I sound a bit clunkier, that’s why.

Finally, there’s no partner this week, but if you want to give a high five for all the free content and contribute to the laptop fund, you can do that here.​

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The one where I get upset about pie!

The latest episode of the Not as Interesting as We Think is out and in this one we talk about what defines and art business, how do manage both the creative and commercials sides, and why tossing cans of soup and pie makes me unhappy.

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ANNOUNCEMENT! The podcast is now available in audio format for those who choose to listen instead of watch. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play and others.

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Art Snacks: Megan Carty

​Megan Carty is multi-disciplinary artist based in Massachusetts and someone I’ve been online friends with for several years. Like her current motif, I’ve watched Megan blossom and explore her art fearlessly. She’s also deadly serious about her business and I believe many artists could take a lesson from her playbook.

​Website | Instagram​

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Biz Bites

• Although a bit aesthetically jarring for my tastes, designer Lindsay Marsh has a Substack that is chock full of great content for designers, including this piece where she shares her most profitable passive income sources.
• I’ve given a lot of advice about newsletters in the past, but an article by Inbox Collective is some of the most sage advice I’ve read in the topic.
• One newsletter idea I’ve shared is that you do not have to write long. Christina Piccoli shares that sentiment with strategy. (This may be behind a paywall depending on how many Medium.com articles you’ve read recently)
• Maybe you don’t consider your small creative business like a startup, but there is wisdom in understanding how they work; one of those things being that you don’t have to dominate all the online channels—one may be enough.
• Over the last few years, I’ve seen a few creative friends and connections add spicy content to their side hustle list. It’s not surprising because OnlyFans announced they’ve paid out over $15 BILLION to creators since 2016 and they are still growing.
• Thinking of starting a clothing brand? Give this episode of the If I Was Starting Today podcast a listen (20 Mins).

Art Bites

• ​Duane Toops is a talented artist/designer I’ve recently connected with. He’s also generous about sharing the work of others. We should all be more like Duane. Oh, and he’s got a great Substack account.
• Like Duane, I’m a Helvetica guy through and through, but that doesn’t stop me from appreciating really nice typefaces.​
• Melicka Fouri makes sneaker art but not like anything you expect.
  • Sidebar: Who knew WeTransfer had a killer blog full of art? I definitely did not.
• Palestinian artist, Fathi Ghaben died from health complications because he was refused medical aid, but it’s ok, because the President is joking around on late night television.
• Everyone’s favorite librarian, Mychal Theets was recently forced offline by bullies who didn’t like his effervescent approach to literacy. I encourage everyone to show him some love and support to remind him why he’s needed.

Dessert

• ​At what point do tools become the art and the art becomes meaningless?​

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That’s it for this one. If you’ve made it this far and you’d like to tip out your servers, you can do that here.