Designers Who Draw is now called Art As Work

What's changing and Billing updates

I have re-branded!

Why?

• I felt that the name ‘Designers Who Draw’ was a little limited, and did not feel inclusive enough for all the different types of creative people who have been attracted to this space and my work. It reflected where I was in my creative journey two years ago, but now I want to be more expansive, and have a name that can hold all the creative work that I do.

The Inspiration

• I was inspired by the late, great Milton Glaser, one of the finest Designers and Artists there has ever been. Back in 2001, I was lucky enough to hear him speak in London and I have a signed copy of his book Art Is Work. The book showcases the sheer range and scope of his work, from hand painted illustrative pieces to powerful graphic works. It is a constant reminder to me that our visual creative work can be broad, powerful and is ALL Art, no matter what discipline. I believe that is relevant now, more than ever.

It’s not just about me, it’s about Us

• I want this space to evolve into a community that gives working creatives space to share what they are doing, and access support when they need it. You may be at the beginning of your career, or a seasoned old bird like me. Either way, having a space to share insights and experiences and cheer one another on, is priceless.

Small changes, bigger impact

The changes are not huge, its more of a tweak to what I’m already sharing.

Free Subscribers: No real changes, but still loads of good stuff

• Industry Insights Posts: Tips for levelling up your portfolio and better ways of working. I write these to share real, actionable steps that can support you in your work, from the perspective of my Design Director brain. These will remain free. Frequency: As and when I get inspired to write them.

• Co-Swatch Sesh: The monthly zoom calls for a chatty, nerdy, relaxed opportunity to connect with each other, and with our materials, has been so great. These will remain open to all.

• Month in Review: A snapshot of what’s been shared in the community, and some inspo bits.

• Podcast: the occasional audio podcast or interview, as life permits!

• Marketing stuff: If I have something exciting to share, you’ll be the first to know!

Paid members: Building on community and conversations

• All of the above, PLUS

• Private Audio: ‘Notes from the Forest’ series. Regular downloads from my brain as I take you on a walk with me and my dog Nala.

• Videos: Process, Projects, Vlogs, Materials - ALL THE THINGS going on with me and my work.

• Monthly Community Chat – Ask Me Anything: An opportunity to pick my brains on anything. Let’s chat.

• Monthly Community Chat – get Unstuck: Share something you may be struggling with or need support with. The community is here to give you feedback.

• Open Community Thread – ‘Hype your Work’. Show us your best work, share your sites and projects, blow your own trumpet and see who’s in the community.

Billing is paused for the rest of July

I’m lining up some fresh posts, getting stuff ready for a trip to the UK and figuring out some admin and back end stuff - so billing is paused while I get everything set up.

August 1st – New Billing kicks in

Monthly Fee is going UP.

I’m looking to make deeper connections with creatives, for the long haul. I also want to move away from a feeling of pressure, where I am worried about how much I am sharing each month. I want to move away from aligning a monthly fee to my ‘content deliverables’. I am a working freelancer, juggling parenthood, personal projects and paid work - and the work I do here on Substack is alongside everything else. I noticed I was feeling anxious about my ‘monthly output’ and I am keen to move away from that feeling. Some months I will share more, other months will be less. So aligning a monetary value on a monthly basis feels really uncomfortable to me. This is why I am shifting my costing plan to favour Annual subscriptions.

Monthly is shifting from 6 Euros to 15.
There is SO MUCH in the archives, that if you do only pay for a month, then you have plenty to sink your teeth into, and I feel that amount of money is a fair exchange for the past labour.

💸 Annual Fee is DROPPING DOWN from 60 Euros to 35.

Let’s build the community, get to know and support one another.

If you are struggling financially right now but would love to join, drop me an email requesting a comp and I will happily gift you 2 months for free. No questions asked.

My wonderful loyal paid subs – I’m going to drop you a message separately regarding the subscription fees for the rest of the year. Watch your inbox / messages on the app.

Billing is paused, but I am still responding to messages and questions.

Thank you all for the amazing support so far, and I’m excited to make this space work harder for us all.