Why Do I Make Art? An Update on AI, Commissions, and a New Plan

It’s been a long couple of years since I’ve written. Social media can give you instant attention and validation, but a blog post? That’s a squeak into the void. (And especially vulnerable when you’re not a writer.)

So here’s the topic of today’s blog: Why do I make art? Well, I love trying to create something as wonderful as the misty, sparkling visions in my head. (Still trying, haven’t succeeded yet.) This new piece below, inspired by Katherine Arden’s The Unicorn Hunters, falls short of what I was imagining. It’s still pretty though. AND I had an excuse to try the metallic watercolors I’d been hoarding in the closet for a couple years.

But besides that, my goal was to earn a steady enough income that, by the time my kids went to school, I wouldn’t have to get an outside job. It really seemed headed that way by 2021, when my Etsy sales hit an all-time high. I really thought I could be successful.

I was also extremely lucky to illustrate Gather & Pray‘s wooden rosary board, and then other products. These commissions gave me guidelines and deadlines. Most importantly, I didn’t have to promote and sell things on my own (what a relief!).

AI Art is a Plague (as of course you must be aware)

Unfortunately, in the past few years a tsunami of AI slop has flooded the internet. A search for “Stella Maris” used to turn up this piece (one of my very first commissions, 2016!):

But now, if it shows up at all, it’s under endless piles of AI. Despite declining sales in my own shop, I continued illustrating little books and other products for Gather & Pray. (If you need presents for kids, do check them out!)

Unfortunately, the economy has gone down the toilet, leaving me with fewer than expected commissions this year. We’re doing fine, but it’s left me stressing about “what ifs.”

I know things aren’t too bad and many people have it worse. We have enough and everyone is healthy. My 3-year-old is in part-time preschool, which gives me 9 hours a week of uninterrupted time to work. (My sparse commission schedule leaves me using those hours to plot my own ways of making money like a little goblin.)

Diversifying My Art Business: Original Paintings & Book Illustrations

I am diversifying my art business to focus on more original art and freelance bookish illustrations. Legit Bookish Artists recently added me to their vetted artist list. Scammers have been infiltrating the book cover space, tricking authors by passing AI art off as their own. Having a directory of verified creators is invaluable for protecting both authors and real artists.

If you are an author looking for a vetted, 100% human illustrator for your next book cover or interior, please contact me for availability! Here are a few recent examples of my work (two inspired by Moorea Corrigan’s book Thistlemarsh):

While book illustrations have taken up most of my time, I haven’t forgotten cross stitch. I need to either resign myself to computer mockups or find test stitchers, though, because I am just too darn slow. My huge Stella Maris cross stitch is 99.5% finished – just hanging out in a box – and it was started in 2022. That’s how fast I am when left to my own devices!

2026 Christmas Postcard Collection & Christmas Coloring Contest

Sharing my work and running a shop can feel a bit intimidating, especially now. However, if you’re looking for some unique, human-made art, I have a few things I am incredibly proud to offer: open commissions (portraits, religious art, illustrations, personal or commercial use), and some very lovely, gold-foiled Christmas postcards. (Single postcards here.)

I am also bringing back the Christmas Coloring Contest, which will launch at the beginning of Advent! I am so very excited to host the contest again. I’ll update here on the blog, as well as via my email newsletter and social media, so if you’re following me somewhere you won’t miss it!