Layer by Layer

Issue #34

A weekly note from the studio

Oh hello! So glad you are joining me in this week's newsletter.

A Hall Full of Colour, Conversation & Creative Joy

Sunday, 20 September, I took part in my first community art market hosted by the Bays Art Collective.

Our community hall was almost too small to contain all the colour, texture, and creative energy that poured into it.

We spent the day talking with visitors, fellow artists, and curious creatives. Conversations drifted from process to inspiration, from paper stocks to printing techniques, from the companies who help bring our ideas to life to the stories behind each piece. It was warm, generous, and beautifully human.

Every artist brought something unique, and it was a joy to meet so many people who care deeply about making things with their hands and hearts.

What I Learned (and What I’ll Change Next Time)

1. Let people touch the work. I kept many of my products packaged, but visitors wanted to feel the paper, flip through the sketchbooks, and see the binding up close. Next time, everything will be open, tactile, and ready to be experienced.
2. Smaller signage, bigger impact. My name and logo were a little too bold and overpowered the artwork. I’ll refine the scale so the products remain the hero.
3. Preparing your stock. I showcased 3 products, each product in 10 artworks/ designs each. This means I had 30 items on display. Before the market, I worried it wouldn’t be enough, but it was plenty. In fact, my single display table was overcrowded. My takeaway: begin with fewer designs or fewer products, experiment, and introduce new products with every new market.
4. Offer an accessible entry point. I’d love to create a lower‑cost item for people who want to support my work but aren’t ready for a larger purchase. I’m exploring stickers, buttons, or other small-format pieces for my December market. If you have suggestions, I’d love to hear them.
5. Your community matters. Most of my sales came from people I know. If you’re just starting out, reach out to your friends, colleagues, and neighbours. They genuinely want to support you.
6. Make it fun, and build a community. I invited fellow creative friends, and to my surprise they said yes to the opportunity to showcase their work at the same market. I loved seeing their smiles, and enjoyed talking about what they do and how they got started.
7. Learn and experiment. Also remember it's ok not to have a perfect display or market. You can always make changes to implement with the next market.

New in the Store

I’ve photographed and listed all the products I created for the market, and they’re now available on my website. If you’d like a peek (or want to send feedback), you’re warmly invited.

Fine Art Prints · Jot Pads · Sketchbooks

Building an Art Business & Marketing

Today marks Day 8 of my commitment to improving my business’ SEO.

It’s been surprisingly enjoyable. It takes 10–15 minutes a day and Mariah’s guidance is clear, practical, and easy to implement.

If you want to join in, it’s not too late.

It’s free, simple, and genuinely helpful.

New Blog Post: From Concept to Production

This guide is written for interior designers, boutique studios, and luxury brands commissioning custom prints for upholstery, drapery, wallcoverings, and bespoke soft furnishings. My approach is collaborative, research‑led, and deeply production‑minded, ensuring every pattern is both beautiful and technically ready for high‑performance interior applications.

Read the full guide:

Please reach out if you would like to set up a call, learn more about what I do, or how I can best serve you.

In creativity and community,

Nelléne

See you next week!