Make art that people want
I launched my coloring book about clean energy 2 weeks ago. This week I’m starting to see photos of folks sharing pictures of themselves or their little ones coloring in it. Let me tell you, each and every photo makes me smile so much!
It was climate week last week and one of my favorite parts was doing a book signing and pop-up coloring event. I left at various times and came back to a group of people coloring without any guidance from me.
In the past decade I’ve done event planning, created physical products, and designed websites. I have to say I think this is the most intuitive and organically viral thing I think I’ve ever created.
People want to post photos of it, write reviews, and tell their friends. I feel so darn proud of myself for finding something that I loved creating just as much as I love using myself. I color in the book almost everyday now.
The reason I’m sharing this isn’t to toot my own horn (ok maybe a little? Toot toot!) but is to share some thoughts on the art world in relation to the tech world.
A common phrase in tech is “Make something people want.” It’s the motto from a popular startup accelerator called Y Combinator and means that you should create something that solves a real problem in people’s lives.
I think I’m realizing that my art solves a real problem. There is an overwhelming amount of climate information out there. A lot of it is highly technical and filled with confusing graphs. My superpower is distilling these complicated climate solutions into simple visuals.
Just like we need people to translate Spanish to English, I am a translator of climate research to kids and adults alike.
Now I created a book that’s accessible for all ages and an interactive way to learn the material. Each page is a portal to a new world of climate solutions and helps visualize the world we want to live in.
My question to you is what problem are you working on solving? Is it in your community, your work, or yourself? I’d love to hear!
Ways to support more climate art
Buy a coloring book for yourself or a loved one here
If you already have one of my coloring books, color in a page and tag me on social media or write a review on Amazon here. These make my day
I’m working on a system for people to donate coloring books to classrooms. If you have ideas on how to execute this idea shoot me an email
Also my Coloring Book Launch Party is on October 18 if you want to RSVP here!
Now onto September’s Creative Recommendations, a curated monthly list for my paying subscribers! Please enjoy you lovely patrons of the climate arts 💖
Creative Recommendations
This 15 minute Skillshare class on hand-lettering with Olivia Wilde- A fun crossover between watching a celebrity TV show and an art class.
This article about an artist who illustrates her meals instead of Instagramming them.
I read about her in Unreasonable Hospitality (a book I also recommend- it’s about the co-owner of Eleven Madison Park and his passion for creating magical experiences for his customers).
I made an Amazon Storefront with my favorite art supplies here. I have sections for Intro to Watercolor, Advanced Watercolor, and Coloring Book Supplies.