The Power of a Creative Reset: Why I’m Reshaping My Patreon for 2026
I’ve always had a bit of a “jump first, figure it out as I go” pattern in my creative life and that’s definitely been true of my Patreon. I’m the kind of artist who learns by doing, which means that each year I’ve learned something new about what it means to not only make art, but to share it in a way that feels aligned with my values and with my audience.
2025 Sketchbook practice of Mary Blair inspired art.
I’ve always had a bit of a “jump first, figure it out as I go” pattern in my creative life, and that’s definitely been true of my Patreon. I’m the kind of artist who learns by doing, which means that each year I’ve learned something new about what it means to not only make art, but to share it in a way that feels aligned with my values and with my audience.
This year, I’m implementing one of the biggest shifts yet and it’s already starting to feel like a complete energetic upgrade.
A Fresh Approach (and a Beautiful Source of Inspiration)
Recently, I came across an incredible artist on Instagram, @rayleearts , who shared how she structures her Patreon around an annual theme. Each month becomes a new chapter in that theme, and by the end of the year, she’s built a cohesive 12-month body of work. Even more brilliant? She turns those pieces into a calendar, so the story lives on in a tangible form.
This clicked something into place for me.
As much as I’ve loved offering spontaneous rewards, I realized something was missing: cohesion.
A unifying theme. A guiding thread. Something for my patrons to follow along with, and something for me to grow with, too.
What’s Staying (and What’s Changing)
The rewards themselves ( stickers, & postcards) aren’t going anywhere. But in 2026, they’ll all live within a single magical, whimsical, seasonally-aligned theme. I won’t spoil it here (my patrons will hear it first, of course), but I can tell you this: it’s full of charm, storytelling, and wonder.
Even though I’m a little nervous (I’ve never created a full 12-piece collection before) I’m also incredibly excited. I want this to be a year where I build something I’m deeply proud of, piece by piece, with my patrons right there beside me.
More Than a Collection, It’s a Journey
In the past, my offerings were more like a “pick-and-mix” so each month was unique and often unrelated to the last. This new structure creates a much clearer experience for everyone involved. You’ll still be surprised by the details, but the direction will feel beautifully grounded.
If you fall in love with the first piece of the year, you’ll love the journey we’re about to take together.
I’ve learned that people connect to what they can follow. As a creator, I used to focus on novelty like what’s next, what’s different, what haven’t I tried yet? But this year, I want to focus on depth. I want to bring you into the process with me. I want this year to feel like we’re co-travelers through a magical little world, not just visitors passing through.
Want to Join Me?
If you want to be part of this year-long journey and collect each piece as it’s released, join me on Patreon especially before January 31st, 2026. You’ll be the first to know what the new theme is, and you’ll receive limited-edition monthly rewards that won’t be offered anywhere else.
You can also sign up for my Art & Soul mailing list here where I’ll be sharing what happens after each piece debuts on Patreon. (Hint: some of them may take on new life in ways you won’t want to miss.)
This year, I’m not just making art — I’m building a story. And I’d love for you to be part of it.
Dreaming While Creating: How I’m Grounding My Art Practice in Big Vision Season
As I prepare to host the Epic Year Workshop inside my other business, Blythe Starlight, I’ve been reflecting on how much energy it takes to hold a big dream while also staying present in my art.
I turned some quick ice sketches into this quick digital piece recently.
As I prepare to host the Epic Year Workshop inside my other business, Blythe Starlight, I’ve been reflecting on how much energy it takes to hold a big dream while also staying present in my art.
Big dreams stretch you. They ask more from you. And yet, this season, I’ve found ways to stay grounded even while navigating behind-the-scenes projects, emotional ebbs and flows, and the natural tension of expansion.
I wanted to share a few of those ways with you today because maybe you’re also trying to hold a big vision while tending your art and your sensitive, creative soul.
1. Letting Practice Be Simple—But Consistent
Right now, I’m sketching every night. Nothing fancy or precious, just showing up. I’m using a tiny sketchbook I call my “Sketchbook of Rage” because of how annoying its shape and paper are. That’s the point. It forces me to let go of perfectionism and just draw quickly, freely, and repetitively.
I’m using a set color palette and experimenting with turning quick sketches into digital versions, trying to bridge the gap between my traditional and digital style. Some of it works. Some of it doesn’t. But it’s moving me forward, which matters more than perfect results.
2. Dreaming Into the Future (With a Plan I Can Feel)
I’ve also selected my Big Dream Statement for 2026 using the Starlight Dream Lab, a free tool that helps you find your North Star by working with your nervous system, symbols, and body-based knowing.
Instead of starting with strategy, it starts with how you want to feel. Then we anchor that feeling into a future memory that you can recall right away to reconnect to your expansion and purpose. This process gave me a vision that still lights me up every time I think about it.
And that’s the energy I’m bringing into the Epic Year Workshop (read more about that here) where we turn that soul vision into a personalized, practical strategy.
3. Gentle Reminder: Creatives Need a New Kind of Strategy
If you’re a sensitive creative like me, chances are you’ve struggled to turn your dreams into steps. Traditional strategy can feel too rigid or overly masculine. That’s why I designed The Epic Year: to guide intuitive dreamers in building a plan that’s soul-aligned, cyclical, and actually exciting to follow.
Because dreaming doesn’t stop when you start creating. It evolves. And the more grounded you feel, the more powerful your work becomes.
Want to Join Me?
✨ If you’re curious about your own North Star and want a gentle tool to explore it, download the Starlight Dream Lab here (it’s free.)
🎨 Want to watch how my Big Dream unfolds through art? Follow me over on Patreon where I share behind-the-scenes sketches, polls, rewards, and process.
🌠 And if you’re ready to map your own creative dream with a somatic, strategic container join me for the Epic Year 2026 Workshop. We start soon.