A letter for you, creative
So, what is this club about?!
People who are close to me know very well that I have the “Good Girl” Syndrome. Along with that, I’m a ✨perfectionist✨ and also accustomed to being complacent, always polite, trying hard to do everything right. My art isn’t the exception.
You might think this is the moment when I say, “NO MORE!! THIS IS MY VILLAIN ERA.” But I’d be lying. I’m still an occasional people pleaser and an obsessive on my craft.
Turns out I’m also a psychologist— but before anything else, I’m human.
I can go through a mid-20s existential crisis. I can screw up and make decisions that aren’t truly authentic to me (thinking they are). I’ve pushed myself too hard, dealing with imposter syndrome, not feeling “original” or “educated” enough since I’ve always been self-taught, and I’ve compared my art style to others, leading me to work twice as hard. I used to say yes to every work-for-hire offer, feeling like I had to take it for the money, for the experience, to not let my agents down. To reach the unrealistic expectations I had on myself.
But, trying to fit industry standards, I realized I was craving meaning. Longer creativity breaks. To hold the reins and decide the direction that I wanted my career to take.
I might forget, but I’m constantly trying to stay conscious. It’s annoying sometimes. Just last year, I hit rock bottom. Ironically, I think that’s what brought me into a more balanced place. I learned the hard way that taking breaks is essential: Lifting our heads from the sketchbook, looking around, taking care of our health. Explore the different versions of ourselves beyond our mental labels and artistic trademarks.
I reconnected with the value in slowing down. Experiencing life without the need to constantly redesign it or come up with the perfect idea. And simply being a not-always-creative human.
Because the truth is, sooner or later, I pick up the pencil again, this time with a stronger grip, since stepping away from creativity for a while can actually be fuel to create better.
So, here’s an introduction to this newsletter for you…
1. Who am I?
Still figuring it out. For now, I’m a 26-year-old Mexican illustrator named Karen, with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, who has never offered a single therapy session since graduating during the pandemic. But I did try four different therapists for myself before finally finding my favorite! Turns out I have great potential as a patient.
I chose art over psychology because I noticed I’m more drawn to my emotional side than my analytical one (not because I cry every time people share their traumas with me).
Currently, I’m represented by an agency, Astound U.S., and I’ve done six graphic novels for big publishers like Scholastic and HarperCollins, along with other illustration projects over the past four years (and counting!).
Everybody has different ideas of how a “successful career” looks like but I’m proud of my journey so far. I’m still not where I want to be, but I’m no longer where I used to be.
I’m creating this newsletter—this club—to share my journey with you and find my most authentic voice in the process.
2. Who is “Not Always Creative Club” for?
Being an artist is a lonely, rare job. Seems like it’s made for introverts. Turns out, I’m not. I love to connect with people (and probably oversharing). I believe both extroverts and introverts crave equally for a sense of belonging.
Something I’ve noticed in online art communities is the constant desire to learn from others' processes and, hopefully, recognize ourselves in their struggles. So that we can stay inspired. Stay creative. Or simply find compassion and grace on the days we just can’t create.
If you’re an art lover, join the club. My approach is more illustration-focused, so I’ll mainly talk about topics related to it. But this newsletter is for anyone who enjoys any form of art, whether you actively create it or simply appreciate it.
Social media isn’t a reliable space anymore. This is a great time to explore new platforms. Substack seems like the perfect place.
3. What to expect from this newsletter:
One or two free entries per month. You might consider downloading the Substack app, but it’s not necessary. Each entry will include quick updates related to my art career—things that might be helpful or interesting to someone. You’ll occasionally find links, videos, recommendations, quotes and sarcasm.
The themes will revolve around wellness and mental health for creatives and the insights behind my work talking from my experience on illustration, sequential art, and publishing.
A community. I’ll be here, putting the cards on the table, watching, responding—but this is up to you. Feel free to comment, share, ask, smile, shed a tear. This is your space.
4. What other kinds of content do I offer outside Substack?
I’ll be releasing paid tutorials and courses on Patreon very soon! (Or in Substack? Still not sure) They’ll have a more technical and detailed approach to my illustration process (how to do a graphic novel, how to draw expressions, etc.) So stay tuned!
I’m currently selling prints and merch with my art on my Redbubble shop exclusively.
You can also find me procrastinating posting my art on BlueSky and Cara (and still on Instagram atm).
5. Who’s the kid in the profile logo?
Meet my inner child. Still thinking of a name… or maybe not.
She doesn’t people-please, is kind of grumpy, and is emotionally attached to her dog, May. She’s mad and not afraid to show it. She’s not always creative, she has some wise things to say.
