I'm sending out an update today to introduce all my lovely followers to my next project which is launching on the 16th of June!
I'm really excited about this one as I'll be combining my love of fantastical creatures and medieval bestiaries with my work making art for others in the disabled/chronically ill and neurodivergent communities to create my own Spoonie Bestiary!
I've designed quite an extensive collection because I got over-enthusiastic about covering as many conditions as I can so I've decided to split it into two parts; the Spoonie Bestiary this month, and the Neurodivergent Bestiary for next year.
Anyway, I'm rambling a bit so I'll show you some ART before I ramble some more lol! Here are the designs for the first goal for this project; the Chronic Dragons!
I've decided to venture into screenprint in order to be able to cover more conditions using a single mold and I'm creating different colourways for each, referencing the colours of awareness ribbons when I can (err a LOT of them turned out to be purple lol).
These Dragon babies are going to be 2.2" wide, and the whole collection is going to be hard-enamel with black nickel plating and screenprinted details.
So, why am I doing this? If I'm being honest I have to admit I got weirdly anxious about sharing this collection, which is why its ended up sitting quietly to the side until so close to launch and without me sharing any sketches with you. 🙈
I think its because the subject matter is so personal to me. I have Chronic Migraine, Fibromyalgia, as well as other chronic health issues and making my Chronic Warrior pin collection back in 2019 was a big milestone in my life (I had just lost my job to my Migraine and those pins got me started on an art career I didn't think I was capable of achieving.)
When I moved from Kickstarter to Backerkit at the beginning of last year I was in need of a break from the health-related work and decided to spend a year focusing on my more fantastical art and proving to myself I could make that work too, but now I've realised it doesn't have to be an either/or thing; I can do both, and this project is me 'pushing the boat out' and proving to myself that I can make it float. 🫡
I really hope people will enjoy these designs as I've put a lot of myself into this project, so I'd love to know what you think so far? 👀
And let me know if there's a condition you'd really like to see in this collection too!
Yours in a silly-fit-of-nerves,
Abi
(I had to take so many steadying breaths to hit send on this one! 😂)
