Hey Rude Dude Crew!

First things first — I owe you an apology and an explanation. It's been over a month since I've sent any kind of update on the 2026 sketchbook crowdfunder, and that's on me. Pull up a chair to the drawing table, because here's the full, honest story of what's been happening here at the studio.

You already know December was rough. Like, "electricity getting shut off and staring down the very real possibility of closing everything" rough. On New Year's Eve, we put out the call — and you showed up. Over 200 orders poured in that weekend. I'm not exaggerating when I say you saved us.

Here's where "be careful what you wish for" comes in (in the best possible way). We were not staffed for 200 orders. We went from survival mode straight into scramble mode — and I wouldn't trade it for anything. But it did mean the 2026 crowdfunder launched faster than we were ready for, which put us behind on production from the jump.

Once the crowdfunder wrapped, we put out another call — this time for designers and help. And just like before, the universe delivered. We've brought on a part-time project manager (who we're hoping to grow into a full-time role!) and a designer dedicated to the Battle for Thuneworld Artist Edition Hardcover. That's huge for the future of the studio.

The honest truth? All of that reorganizing pushed me personally even further behind on the actual 2026 sketchbook production. So we've made the call to bring in a dedicated book designer to get that project across the finish line — which will move things along much faster than if I were juggling everything myself.

One more thing I want to be upfront about — the exit surveys haven't gone out yet, and I know some of you have been waiting on those. Here's the plan: I'm spending this next week pulling together everything the new book designer needs to hit the ground running. Once that's handed off, sending out those surveys is next on my list. Thank you for your patience on that too!

📚 2026 Sketchbook — new anticipated shipping date: April

🎨 Battle for Thuneworld Artist Edition Hardcover — launching end of March (yes, that means the sketchbook won't have shipped yet when we open that campaign — we just want to be upfront about that!)
( https://www.steverude.com/thuneworldae)

Thank you. Genuinely. For your patience, your grace, and for being the kind of community that shows up when it matters. We're getting our footing, we're building the team, and we're so grateful you're on this ride with us.

Come hang out with us this Saturday at 1:30 PM Arizona time — Steve's live on YouTube every week and it's always a good time. 👉 https://www.youtube.com/steverudethedude

And if you want to be part of keeping the studio lights on (literally, lol), we'd love to have you over at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/steverude

With so much gratitude,

Jaynelle
Studio Manager, Rude Dude Studios (and my entire amazing volunteer crew)