Book wrap-up, help me decide (Britney Spears Haggadah?) ... and more!

Sunday, December 19, 2021

Hello! Like the candles of the Menorah dwindling to waxy stubs after being lit, I'm kinda burnt out! My Hanukkah project was pretty exhausting. COVID is spreading through NYC and I've already had some scares. And I've been nomadic for months (that's coming to an end soon, though!)

I'm a creative person and I love doodling, but it's been hard to feel motivated lately. I've given myself the liberty to take a bit of a break these past few weeks.

But, I also don't know what "break" means so I'm looking for feedback on a few new ideas, like a wedding card and a pop-star-themed Haggadah. And I made a wrap-up video of Hanukkah, which I think is cute.

Enjoy!

If you're new to Danielle in Doodles, welcome! I publish this newsletter of my latest doodles and updates most Sundays, and you can see archives here.

Hanukkah wrap-up

"Hanukkah in Your Hands" 2021 isn't over til I make a video about the journey of self-publishing a book in two months. This includes how I did it and why, the hustle (aka promotion), and the response. I hope you like it. Once you finish watching (it's just three minutes) let's not talk about this holiday til next year!

Help Danielle decide...

I secretly love reading newspaper/blog advice columns, so I thought I'd start my own. Except I'm the one asking for advice on my low-stakes problems. Here we go! I wish I could integrate an in-newsletter reply feature, but for now, we have to stick to good 'ole email. Just hit reply with your feedback, after you get to the end of course :)

Is this wedding card silhouette idea cool or creepy? 

I'm thinking I can make a variety of generic couples and sell these as cards, and offer a customized option. Only if the people think it's cool!

Should I make another version of my Haggadah with a Britney Spears theme?* What else would work?

I wrote one awesome Haggadah (book for Passover) earlier this year. I want to refresh the existing one, which bases the story of Moses in NYC, but I'm thinking I can make more with other themes.

Earlier this year I made a doodle (below) about the Britney Spears conservatorship situation using her lyrics. And now she is free... so can this be used in the story of Passover?

I'm thinking she is Moses and Pharoah is her dad. The characters would use her lyrics and every time you drink wine it's "Hit me baby one more time." Is this too convoluted and will people still care in April 2022? 

*Also if you're reading this and you're a lawyer...is this idea even kosher? thank youuu

Should I go to a "Rappers & Rabbis Rendezvous Retreat" in the Catskills in early January?

A Jewish rapper reached out to me on Instagram to apply to this weekend retreat and I just got accepted. And yes, I made sure he knew I'm neither a rapper nor a Rabbi. I know it seems like a great opportunity so I should say yes, I'm just feeling kinda tired after being nomadic for so long. I'll have just moved into my new apartment. I'm a little anxious to be with strangers for a weekend because of socializing and COVID (although everyone will take a test before)... Below is a gif of me rapping (badly) in Kosha Dilz's backyard during Passover. Should I embrace the music or drop the mic?

Which do you prefer?

I drew the Carducci family for Kisha's birthday! (And baby Callie's six-month birthday — it's the same day!) I tried the black and white silhouette because I liked it so much in the wedding card and wanted to try something new. Which do you prefer? (original image is below, too) 

Should I create custom coloring books?

I told Kisha her daughter can color in the black and white version when she's older! Two gifts in one! Which makes me think...did I just come up with a new product ... custom coloring books?

From the Archives: Sex and The City

Another new section! Now that I've been doodling for over a year, I have archives! If you're watching the Sex and the City reboot, And Just Like That... I thought it'd be fun to include the prediction doodle I made in January. I wasn't that off! (and here's the video I made of this doodle, I dressed up like all four characters).

Next week I'll try to do a "Best of 2021" newsletter — and then I'll be done for the year! I can't believe I've kept up with this newsletter for the whole year and people actually read it. But I'll save my kvelling for next week. Remember to share your opinions — I know you have them! — and let me know what out think of the new sections!

If you celebrate Christmas, Merry Christmas! I never got far in creating products for this holiday, maybe next year.

Thanks for reading!

Doodles!

Danielle Brody

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