Sunday, May 30, 2021

I react to going back to normal-ish, business card options, and my dad's doodle debut!

Hello! Is it just me, or does everyone want to catch up all of the sudden? And we need to catch up because I did not send a newsletter out last weekend. I missed you (and hope you missed me too..?!)

I've been putting out a weekly newsletter since November, so I was a little sad about breaking this streak. But, I was feeling lazy after vacation. So, I leaned in to rest, and I think it was right for me.

But, as fellow artist Zudlow said in his recent newsletter, taking a break can make you come back better (I shared one of his doodles in a Passover newsletter. Check out his work here).

I hope he is right! I'm back with enthusiasm and new ideas. And, I need some feedback!

Enjoy and please reply with your opinions!

I publish this newsletter of my latest doodles every Sunday, and you can see archives here.

What a difference a year makes! Mixed feelings on life going back to normal-ish.

I know that those of us who live in areas where COVID-19 rates are low are very lucky. But, it doesn't come without mixed emotions.

I longed for my "normal" life last year, but now I've gotten used to this situation and it's helped my doodle side hustle start and grow. I'm feeling mixed, opposing emotions like happiness, relief, anxiety, confusion. I'm a little overwhelmed. Who else feels this way?

Help me choose my first business card deisgn!

Some of you may have noticed I've been spiffing up my graphics. That's because I hired some outside help. She's helping with my logo (almost finalized) and worked hard to make a few fun business card designs. She made three front/back options, but I also think they can be mixed and matched. Reply to this email with your favorite combo! (ie front 1 back 3)

Also — I know these are not the traditional business card. They're bright! They have pictures! That's what I'm going for — a little taste of DID on a tiny card that makes the recepient want to follow, subscribe, or buy.

Front option 1

Front option 2

Front option 3

Back option 1

Back option 2

Back option 3

Dad is doodling, too!

There are actually a lot of artists in my family. My dad has been sketching for as long as I can remember, and even published a graphic novel. I don't want to say that I inspired him... but he has picked up drawing again. See his sketches below of my family plus George, my sister's boyfriend (remember him from his birthday doodle and their love story doodle). As my dad said, doing portraits is a work in progress. Who else is loving this journey for him?

The story of how I created my Haggadah in one month

I've already shared this video in my newsletter, but in case you missed it, here it is again. It's the story of how I produced a Haggadah (the book Jews read on Passover) and Seder in one month! I shared it on social media this week because as a Jew, it's been sad and frustrating to be online with rising antisemitsm. I wanted to just log off, but instead, I shared this, because it's proudly and joyfully Jewish, and the project resonated with people across religions, backgrounds, and ages. I appreciated the positive response.

Because of my struggle with social media, I'm grateful to also have this newsletter as a platform to express myself. But, as you may have noticed above, I don't know if I'll be able to keep up a weekly cadence as life starts to go back to normal-ish (and the readers might not be able to either?) ... So I'm just thinking and interested in feedback. Tell me what you think of the newsletter? Is it too long, too short, too frequent? What would you like in the future? I'm open to suggestions! 

And remember to weigh in on the business card! You know when I see you next, I'll be handing you one!

xo

Danielle (in Doodles) Brody

PS: Some email housekeeping:

1) Sometimes this newsletter goes to promotions, so add the address to contacts if you want to receive it in your main inbox. 

2) You can reply directly to this email and I will receive it!