Nessa K Podcast: Recent Episodes

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If you like this podcast, you can share your support by joining me on Patreon! Access to all of my videos, tutorials, and podcasts for a full year for $108 or just support the podcast for $33 per year! :)

Lately:

It's warming up, so I've been spending more time outside. I attempted to paint this grey lawn furniture as wicker (it got very mixed reviews on Instagram)

(pictures and links available on https://www.patreon.com/posts/64002298)

I completed improv 101 and all of my classmates and I wrote nice things about each other on sheets of paper. I hung mine above my mirror because I loved it so much.

(pictures and links available on https://www.patreon.com/posts/64002298)

Things I mentioned:

Seaside - the town from "Truman Show" is real and weird.

The book "I didn't do the thing today"

Things I’ve been loving:

• I re-watched this classic clip from Ira Glass about why we want to quit when we think we aren't good enough.

• This amazing Victorian inspired forest wall-mural

• I spent so much time dreaming of English cottages and the instagram algorithm has me figured out now.

I feel very seen because my friend Heather bought this mushroom bowl for me for my birthday:

(pictures and links available on https://www.patreon.com/posts/64002298)

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If you like this podcast, you can share your support by joining me on Patreon! Access to all of my videos, tutorials, and podcasts for a full year for $108 or just support the podcast for $33 per year! :)

Lately:

I've been trying to make time for myself every morning to eat mindfully, even if it's junk food, so I've been making/buying/consuming a lot of little treats.

Today, I cried and then stress baked some very ugly chocolate cake (not pictured) and some strawberry and red bean mochi to have with tea.

Photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/60815947

I'm also always a little happy when it snows because our house ends up looking like this:

Photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/60815947

And I also have been buying "projects" to do (I mentioned buying a Wacom tablet to draw with, but I also have purchased clay, a bunch of paint for an air compressor, some new gouache paints. I even bought a piece of furniture that had potential that I justified as being my "work tea" station:

Photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/60815947

Things I mentioned:

The video on the planner from “Furry Little Peach” I mentioned - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHtLvrKf9_0

She also just posted a video on resolutions that I liked (it’s mostly for illustrators) https://youtu.be/nRbxVBYcR4s

Here's what her journal looks like!

Things I’ve been loving:

• Obviously tea. Specifically, I've been drinking a ton of Decaf Vanilla Comoro tea because it's soothing, I can keep reheating the same pot of tea all day long (because it's decaf and there's no cut off for when I can stop drinking it.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society on Disney Plus! Holy wow, it's pretty. It's also starring Tony Hale (Buster Bluth anyone?) and Kristen Schaal. I did some sketching while watching it the other day, too.

Photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/60815947

• Mindlessly looking through homes on Zillow.

• These amazing "Rocket Girl" photographs.

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If you like this podcast, you can share your support by joining me on Patreon! Access to all of my videos, tutorials, and podcasts for a full year for $108 or just support the podcast for $33 per year! :)

https://www.patreon.com/nessak

Lately:

I took instagram off my phone a few days ago so I haven't been taking a lot of personal photos. I have done the following:

• Took an "autumn soup making" class alone and loved it. Autumn and all this nice chilly (not cold) weather is definitely my favorite.

(photos and links over on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/59166304)

• Got my COVID booster shot and spent an entire day lying in bed with a massive headache.
• Purchased a Wacom Cintiq because I really desperately want to make more illustrations again soon.
• Had the above thanksgiving dinner alone, but watched "Home Alone" with my friend Heather while we texted about the movie while I ate it.

Things I mentioned:

My Imagen AI Patreon review - https://www.patreon.com/posts/article-review-55417998

Last month's video about burn out and creativity (which felt very reminiscent of my podcasts because we talked so much about feelings - https://www.patreon.com/posts/video-staying-57490753

Things I’ve been loving:

• This collection of photos by brian chorski
• The absolutely surreal art of Ismail Zaidy (photos and links over on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/59166304)
• Rereading Hyperbole and a Half (I have two of Allie Brosh's books and I connected with someone in Costco because I was carrying one around). Her comic about depression is incredible. (and there's a Part 2)
• Learning to identify new feelings in my body. I had this whole exercise with my therapist where I told her I felt "numb" and she got out a bunch of "feelings" cards and we went through them one by one and it turned out, I wasn't numb, I was just having feelings that I didn't recognize how they felt in my own body. So now, I use a feelings chart and I love it.
• Breakfast. This could be in every podcast newsletter episode, really, because cooking breakfast for myself is dope.

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This podcast is brought to you by my lovely Patreons! You can see all the photos, links, and previous posts for $3 on Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/posts/55692056

Lately:

Sam and I went to Paris and I got to see some incredible Henri Cartier Bresson photographs. <3

https://www.patreon.com/posts/55692056

I was, admittedly, pretty sick most of the time I was there (celiac and anxiety did not do me good) but I still loved seeing some pretty things.

I actually did a bit of drawing: https://www.patreon.com/posts/55692056

Things I mentioned:

Last week's interview with Sam Hurd on how he stays productive - https://www.patreon.com/posts/10-minute-audio-55177724

My review of Imagen AI - https://www.patreon.com/posts/article-review-55417998

Things I’ve been loving:

• I've been reading a book called "Whole Brain Living: The Anatomy of Choice" about a brain scientist who suffered a severe stroke where she lost all use of the left side of her brain. She was a vegetable for about 8 weeks and it took 8 YEARS before her entire brain came back online. Her book is fascinating and it's all about how we have more power over our thoughts than we think. You can see one of her interviews here!

• I'm saving a ton of Halloween pins over on Pinterest in case I decide to do the drawing challenge Inktober again!

• Honestly.... getting back into my tea B.S.

https://www.patreon.com/posts/55692056

It's my self care. I fell out of love with it a little over the summer, but today was a cool day and baby, I am back.

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Sam Hurd got interviewed on what motivates him on a daily basis. Everything from removing friction to making sure you like what you're doing to experimenting.

We've talked about this before, but I am an under-functioner! When I get stressed out or overwhelmed, I shut down. In that exact same situation, Sam's brain goes into overdrive. Since it's SO EASY to jump on the comparison game (especially living in the same house) I thought a conversation about it would be interesting.

I need structure, but Sam thrives with a bit of chaos! So I talk with him about what that's like.

Sometimes our brains are just different and that's OK! <3

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Lately:

This podcast is coming to you from Maine! I haven't shared anything publicly, but it's been a nice trip. We've been going to museums and small shops, mostly.

pictures & links are available for $3/month on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/posts/53538654

But if I haven't mentioned it before, I LOVE GROCERY STORES. They are my "calm/happy place" and this small town we're in has a good one:

pictures & links are available for $3/month on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/posts/53538654

Things I mentioned:

FOCUSMATE.COM

My email catch up video (catching up on email when I’m overwhelmed!)

More on body doubling

Video on remote control culling

A video on creative burnout (which is a little different than just feeling burned out at work, but I'm feeling this, too, so I'm sharing!)

pictures & links are available for $3/month on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/posts/53538654

Things I’ve been loving:

• "Hate Myself" Dodie -- this music video is beautiful and the song is so catchy.

• "Doodle Therapy" - a series where two artists real-time draw and talk together for about an hour!

• Portland, Maine buildings AND this big pigeon, just being a totally normal pigeon and blending in.

pictures & links are available for $3/month on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/posts/53538654

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Honestly so tired lately today we'll talk about why I’m considering increasing my fees for sessions because my body cannooottt get up at 4:30 a.m. for these things anymore!

Lately:

I've been shooting a lot. After this wedding, I got gelato:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/52261243 - view images and links on Patreon for $3 per month!

I haven't had much personal time at all, but when I don't have anything to do, I can be found lounging/working in my very cozy cottage core dresses (with my pets)

https://www.patreon.com/posts/52261243 - view images and links on Patreon for $3 per month!

AND! I'm starting to try to go to cafes to work a little bit at a time now. This is me in an actual coffee shop having an actual hard time because I never know if I'm expected to put my mask back on between sips of coffee:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/52261243 - view images and links on Patreon for $3 per month!

Things I mentioned:

Here’s a very math-based article on how to make sure you are CHARGING enough:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/are-you-booking-20203030

Citylit classes (some are temporarily online, but they’re mostly in person classes in London!):

https://www.citylit.ac.uk

Aftershoot for culling:

http://aftershoot.co

Hotels tonight:

https://www.hoteltonight.com

Things I’ve been loving:

• Do you mind if these are all YouTube links? Because they're gonna be. I did this driving meditation (listening only, not for viewing) on my way to DC after an especially difficult afternoon.

• I love Claire Saffitz and her Gourmet Made series. She did one on making homemade gourmet Reese's peanut butter cups that I've watched a few times. I cannot tell you why I have watched it several times, since I will not be making these, but I do love it.

https://www.patreon.com/posts/52261243 - view images and links on Patreon for $3 per month!

• Lemoncello La Croix. When this came out, I started looking for it and now it's everywhere and I'm still obsessed.

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A WARNING ABOUT THIS EPISODE:

I'm asking some questions about photographers at workshops being encouraged to share intimate stories and cry. I want us all to question if it's appropriate or helpful (especially if it's done in a way where it's formulaic). This is not to judge those of us that have shared and cried in a group where we wanted to relate about our shared struggles.

There might be a grey area between trauma bonding and forming connections over shared experiences. I would say most of my friendships with other trauma survivors might be trauma bonds??

I don't go into the gray area because it's just a 10 minute podcast! I can't help but feel like it's manipulative if it happens at every single one of their workshops and the goal is for them and their community to be the reason you feel good again before you leave.

I have a lot of feelings about STAN communities that get people to tear themselves down in front of a crowd just to be built back up by the community.

I have a lot of feelings I haven't even shared about "girl boss" culture and coaching, BUT you should watch the latest few episodes in season 2 of "Shrill" because it PERFECTLY MIRRORS my ideas on that (It's sort of "I don't know, this feels wrong, is this bad? it's Pro woman... but is it?" conflicted feelings because the community is good but maybe the leadership and messaging is problematic?)

Plus, it's a great show. Also, I just finished a book about emotionally immature parents/adults and it has me seeing red flags everywhere

Lately:

I've been taking myself on a lot of picnics. I sit and read and drink tea and don't share my food with anyone and it's nice.

Photos and links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/12-minute-cult-51054525

I have also attempted to take Popcorn on a picnic and he did not like all the "not walking" and "not eating" involved, so he probably won't come with me again.

Photos and links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/12-minute-cult-51054525

I've also been on the hunt for the PERFECT puff sleeve dress. This was a contender (until I got on the waitlist and I don't think they'll ever restock it!)

Photos and links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/12-minute-cult-51054525

Things I mentioned:

My website branding: Second Street Creative

Frannerd: Illustrator's Youtube

Keiko Lynn: Blogger

Photos and links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/12-minute-cult-51054525

Things I’ve been loving:

• This Brene Brown talk on why your CRITICS aren't the ones that count.

Photos and links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/12-minute-cult-51054525

• The book "The Midnight Library." It's SUCH a unique storyline. I had a really hard time stopping reading it once I started. I loved it so much that I immediately started his book "How to Stop Time" which is also really unique and wonderful. Sam and I are halfway through the audiobook on a road trip now.

• I wore earrings I bought a few years ago (for a couple of hours) and felt very refined.

Photos and links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/12-minute-cult-51054525

• Eating outside. It's such a small window of time where I feel like I get to do this without bugs bothering me or my legs sticking to chairs. I am very happy outdoors.

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Guys, It's been SO MUCH! I've honestly been afraid to talk about the eye surgery at length because I didn't want to scare any clients that I still needed to photograph before my surgery. But now that I'm past all of my shoots, I wanted to have a conversation with you about it all!

Lately:

It's shed-weather again:

Photos and links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/10-minute-how-im-50266192

I've been really enjoying all the spring flowers:

Photos and links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/10-minute-how-im-50266192

Most of my creative-focus lately is on plant life and wildlife:

Photos and links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/10-minute-how-im-50266192

AND!

Since I'm having it corrected tomorrow, I wanted to share this. THIS is what my vision looks like through my right eye when I look at my monitor (with my vision corrected with lenses) because of my cataract (I took a lot of time putting this together as a reference for myself - it includes the ghosting!). The images get more "separated" when they're further away.

It's called monocular triplopia when you have triple vision in one eye and it is ANNOYING. If you wear glasses - it's kind of like operating as if one of your lenses has fallen out.

Photos and links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/10-minute-how-im-50266192

Things I mentioned:

Headspace app - Meditation and Sleep Made Simple - Headspace The finance conversation I had with Sam Hurd - VIDEO (feat: Sam Hurd) How we Start to Save Money as Entrepreneurs (short term vs long term savings) | Nessa Kessinger on Patreon The flatbreads I’m in love with from Daily Harvest - Daily Harvest | One-Step-Prep, Chef-crafted Food Built on Organic Ingredients. Delivered to You. Food that Takes Care of You. Video on how I handle editing outsourcing - Outsourcing My Editing: how I gave up (some) control to get back some time | Nessa Kessinger on Patreon

Photos and links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/10-minute-how-im-50266192

Things I’ve been loving:

The scones I made! They’re AMAZING! I used frozen wild blueberries and I'm so happy with how they came out. Gluten Free Strawberry Scones | Let Them Eat Gluten Free Cake Supergirl (it's on Netflix). It's a real rollercoaster for me. It's feminist, but also they do skin smoothing on the older women. Then, in season 5, they change her outfit so she's not wearing a mini skirt anymore (she got PANTS!) but then they gave her bangs?? So many feelings. Planning an unplugged get-away/writers retreat by going through the “unique experiences” filter on Air BnB - Vacation Homes & Condo Rentals - Airbnb - one of the filters is literally “cave.” You could stay in a CAVE! Annndddd being back at full-day weddings:

Photos and links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/10-minute-how-im-50266192

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Lately:

Pictures and links on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/48380994

I've been getting our home gym together which meant cleaning out a very embarrassingly full guest bedroom that has been designated a storage room for too long!

Pictures and links on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/48380994

I haven't been illustrating much, but I have done a few pictures that I love:

Pictures and links on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/48380994

Things I mentioned:

• My haircut. Only because there is almost nothing new in my life, this is like, front page news for me.

Pictures and links on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/48380994

• What getting back to longer wedding days might mean

• Last week's Patreon article on outsourcing - https://www.patreon.com/posts/article-lets-and-48149149

Things I’ve been loving:

• "Why limit yourself to just one thing?" an article on having two skill-set careers going on simultaneously that really spoke to me.
• One of my favorite illustrators, Anoosha Syed, has started a Youtube channel about writing picture books for illustrators and she talks about everything from how she illustrates books to what it's like working with an agent.
• I'm on team "all my friends are just Podcasts" now which means I finally bought some Daily Harvest (knowing I don't love smoothies). But I'm actually kind of loving it?? I felt full for almost 5 hours after having a smoothing for breakfast which is unheard of. Also they have veggie bowls and freaking tasty flatbreads. Anyway! I'm loving it and I wanted to talk about it because drinking smoothies and feeling full is also "front page news" for me.

Pictures and links on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/48380994

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Lately:

It snowed so I did a Patreon video on how I did this bokeh panorama

photos and links on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/47589476

I've been trying to draw in little bursts. Each of these took me 3 or 4 sessions when I used to sit down and draw for hours at a time:

photos and links on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/47589476

I've been doing a few more commissions than usual lately, too.

photos and links on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/47589476

Things I mentioned:

Feed yourself the way you'd feed someone you love

Headspace APPfor meditations BUT! I also recommend listening to a free meditation on mindful eating here - https://youtu.be/p0fiS_2Mzl0

Some additional self soothing information for stress and anxiety (it's a workbook sheet!)

Things I’ve been loving:

• Having a paper planner again

• Sam and I have started to go get coffee almost every morning from a local coffee shop. I've seen 1 friend for 1 walk in a full year and zero family members so I appreciate getting some new people in my life, even if I'm just saying "hey! how are you?" and then waiting for a drink. Thank you, local baristas.

• "The Great" and "What We Do in the Shadows" - both on Hulu!

• Sam bought a hot tub. I did not think I would be a hot tub person. I guess I am!

photos and links on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/47589476

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Lately:

I turned 35! I don't do "birthdays" so it was low-key as heck. I had angel food cake, tea, and pizza for dinner and it was good. Sam even got me a cute balloon and flowers! <3

I've been making stickers like CRAZY.

I shot my first wedding of 2021 and the drive was so beautiful, I had to stop on the side of the road and photograph this field. I miss road trips so much.

Things I mentioned:

I technically did NOT mention my Acorns account here, but I did want to share the growth and drop off from last year because I've talked about it before and I shared this on instagram stories today:

• I talked a LOT about PPP loans

• EIDL loans

• The Clubhouse App (currently it's invite only)

• The Happiness Class I mentioned! It's TOTALLY FREE. I've done it before, but I was in an accountability group that was having a hard time so we didn't meet up regularly and I didn't finish. So I'm starting over fresh!

Things I’ve been loving:

• MFin' waffles. Sam got me a waffle maker for Christmas (a ceramic one because I was scared to use my nonstick one because of chemicals)

• The song "Promise" by Julia Nunes (it makes me cry every time).

• Electric socks. I don't have a link for these, because it was a birthday present, but I wore them to an elopement the other day and I didn't have ANY NUMB TOES! I have Raynaud's in my hands and toes so they lose circulation when it's cold and I can't believe I hadn't heard of these sooner.

• This Australian dessert themed, kitsch Air BNB (Please click through and look at the photos. It's a dang delight)

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Lately:

I did that Shrinky Dink tutorial because I've been laying with UV resin so much.

photos and links over on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/45731030

I also spent the entire day sewing yesterday because I craft when I feel lost. This is my hand-sewn tea cozy and machine-sewn t shirt that's now a grocery bag!

photos and links over on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/45731030

I finished Christmas illustrations and immediately started with some cute/romantic Valentine's drawings:

photos and links over on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/45731030

Things I mentioned:

How I pose family portraits

photos and links over on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/45731030

Everything I know about starting a family portrait business

The reason we didn't do more during the pandemic? Our needs weren't being met! If you don't feel safe, you can't self actualize. So you're doing your best, bb <3

Here are just the winter/christmas illustrations I did during my 100 day project:

photos and links over on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/45731030

Things I’ve been loving:

• Is this not the nerdiest thing ever? Sam and I have been watching "Murder She Wrote" together and we bought each other MATCHING KEYCHAINS for Christmas.

photos and links over on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/45731030

• Making so many Shrinky Dinks. Just... so many.

• I want to understand Adobe Illustrator better so I re-upped my Skillshare so I could do more "Illustrator" tutorials

• Birds with arms and chickens with pants.

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Lately:

I made a buttload of tiny pumpkin pies so it has been Thanksgiving all month for me (those little squashy things are tiny homemade pumpkin pies)

photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/45029260

My 100 day illustration project ends on December 28th, which means I am still mostly drawing christmas stuff. Look at these ladies inspired by this cool 1960s photo I found on instagram:

photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/45029260

Things I mentioned:

• “Stickler Syndrome” is the thing I have, in case you’re interested (it’s totally real haha)

• The "Values" exercise I did! I found the list of values you can print out and sort into three columns, if you'd like to do it - https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.naswnc.org/resource/resmgr/continuing_education/2018_fall_conference_handouts/s8_-_values_worksheet.pdf

Things I’ve been loving:

photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/45029260

• Decaf coffee. I drink coffee almost every day now! But it's still decaf. And still 50% milk.
• You DO NOT have to like meditation to enjoy the Sleepcasts on the "headspace" app.
• This article made me re-think how much effort I put into keeping my sleep regular.
• The ReMarkable2! Sam gave it to me for Christmas early and it’s my new journal tablet and sketch book and I love it. It's an e-ink writing tablet and it's really imperfect, which makes it really perfect for "play" sketching because it won't ever be a finished illustration. I love it.

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YOU. GUYS. I made gift tags! (photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/44087438)

My 100 day project has quickly turned into Christmas-ing-myself-to-death, but I absolutely want to do at least two more designs of these.

In the meantime, I decided to take my own "done is better than perfect" advice and just list it for sale already.

(photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/44087438)

Do you remember the Patreon Lens story where I was setting up lights in my basement? It was for these product photos! I also made these aesthetic color palette planner sticker dots which... I'm a super nerd about. I love a good planner accessory.

I also made gift wrap, which I'll be photographing later today but ohhh my goosshhhh I'm really enjoying making things in a big way.

Things I mentioned:

Pic-time.com (again!)

I talked a lot about some things I listed on Etsy - https://www.etsy.com/shop/NessaKPhotos

Things I’ve been loving:

I've been eating a lot of Mochi lately. You buy it in hard little rectangles and it feels like a bar of soap, but you can fry, microwave, or boil it and add chocolate or beans or all sorts of other things. I almost always just eat it with seaweed and soy sauce! https://youtu.be/88l2SE_TASE

I pre-ordered the ReMarkable earlier this year in a moment of weakness and I should have it by the end of the year. I'm only excited. (photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/44087438)

And I've been watching a lot of Furry Little Peach YouTube videos - https://youtu.be/MwD-j-C5--M - she's an illustrator with a cool Australian accent and all like all of those things, so yeah! I'm in. :)

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Brainstorming Holiday Income Ideas for wedding photographers by Nessa Kessinger

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Lately:

I've been making a lot of seamless patterns:

photos and links on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/43263167

Eating good food:

photos and links on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/43263167

But honestly, mostly eating Magic Spoon cereal because I don't have any energy and cereal is my comfort food:

photos and links on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/43263167

Things I mentioned:

photos and links on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/43263167

The “Light Phone” - https://www.thelightphone.com

Plus Minus Collective for outsourcing editing - http://plusminuscollective.com

Things I’ve been loving:

I just learned Frillback Pigeon are a real thing. They look like they have perms and they're amazing - https://twitter.com/Rabe9/status/1003934859792867328

This list of 30 books celebrating young Black joy - https://thebrownbookshelf.com/2020/08/31/30-books-for-young-readers-that-celebrate-black-joy/

photos and links on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/43263167

I've decided I wanted to start a paper planner again for redundancy sake and I found one that's my perfect fit - https://www.etsy.com/listing/553275668/2021-planner-planner-2020-2021-kraft?ref=yr_purchases

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Lately:

links and photos available for $3 patrons - https://www.patreon.com/posts/41603128

I've been making stickers.

links and photos available for $3 patrons - https://www.patreon.com/posts/41603128

I painted my wall with stencils. It was hard.

Things I mentioned:

“Atomic Habits” https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits Focusmate.com (if I got enough people on board, I could make a special group where it’s all photographers working together!) Task Manager Patreon Post - “Behind the Scenes: Managing All of My Client Workflows (from booking to shooting to sales)” - https://www.patreon.com/posts/article-behind-36352849 Streaks App - https://streaksapp.com

Things I’ve been loving:

links and photos available for $3 patrons - https://www.patreon.com/posts/41603128

• I finally caved and bought Magic Spoon cereal from all the ads on the podcast What a Day and omg it's amazing. However, it's expensive, so I've been mixing it with some rando-organic cereal to make it last longer. 10/10, would recommend.
• The sounds of people working in the office (with adjustable levels for things like the fax machine, coffee maker, and office dog. Awh). I love an app called Coffitivity (that mimics coffee shops!) and this is way more customizable so I love it a little bit more. :)
• This article on 6 ways to tackle perfectionism! Basically, just get started. Don't over-plan. :)

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Lately:

(pictures and links available here - https://www.patreon.com/posts/40924607)

I made a very accurate theoretical paper doll set for wedding photographers.

(pictures and links available here - https://www.patreon.com/posts/40924607)

Here are a few of the things I've made with my new "Cricut", which I am obsessed with and honestly had dreams about last night.

Things I mentioned:

“The Artist Way” - a book that keeps being recommended to me that I haven’t read, but this is why I do 3 written pages in the morning!

“Atomic Habits” (pictures and links available here - https://www.patreon.com/posts/40924607)

“How I Pose Clients” Patreon post. (pictures and links available here - https://www.patreon.com/posts/40924607)

Focusmate.com

Things I’ve been loving:

• You will not be surprised that I loved this article on How to Do “Cottagecore” in Paris

(pictures and links available here - https://www.patreon.com/posts/40924607)

• I'm also listening to a few podcasts and there's been an overlap of a few of them talking about how to do a successful 100 day project and I am very interested in starting this up. And nervous. And interested.

• I'm also so in love with this glass home.

(pictures and links available here - https://www.patreon.com/posts/40924607)

• And... library movie rentals! Sam said he missed blockbuster and we found out our library is doing contact-less (they put your stuff in your trunk) pickup so we rented movies! We just need to pick up some Swedish fish on the way home today, make popcorn, and we are set.

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Lately:

(photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/40352834)

Did you journal in these in elementary school? We never used them for proper homework, so this iPad case cover takes me back in a big way. :)

(this is from SlickWraps -- I'm still on the fence if I should recommend them or not. They took a month to ship my order and it only went out after I filed a dispute on PayPal because they never responded to my emails. But the quality is nice? I'm torn!)

(photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/40352834)

Adobe Fresco (the to Adobe competitor to Proreate has been updated in a big way. This image was almost completely finished in Fresco). Usually, I can it for sketching only before going into Photoshop. I love that my iPad is becoming a fully functional machine!

Things I mentioned:

How to compose better photos (my composition 101 video) - https://www.patreon.com/posts/33896737

Maslow's hierarchy of needs:

(photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/40352834)

Source: https://donsnotes.com/mental/hierarchy-of-needs.html

Things I’ve been loving:

• A Korean show on Netflix called "It's Okay to Not Be Okay." I just started it, but I'm already obsessed. It's basically about a sociopathic goth woman who writes children's books and a guy who works at a psychiatric hospital. Recipe for love? This demented mind says "yes."

(photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/40352834)

• I had some of these cute little slide viewers made for Sam for his birthday. I think I only ever had one -- a slide of me at Sea World as a little kid, but they still brought back so many memories because I loved looking at that photo when I was little. (side-note, these guys had AMAZING customer service!)

• Ginger sparkling water. I'm honestly a sucker for the cola flavored La Croix (I'm convinced it tastes like diet coke without the sweetener bitter aftertaste. Don't @ me).

• Brene Brown's podcast. Did you know she has a podcast? Sam and I both listened to her two part episode on apologizing and it's kind of really lifechanging.

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This post is possible because of my lovely Patrons! <3 https://www.patreon.com/nessak

Lately:

I'm still excited about the templates you can download in this post - https://www.patreon.com/posts/39602383 I've been doing SO MUCH documentation and turning them into little weekly vlogs: January San Juan vlog: https://youtu.be/zBnwSKUwPrw More weekly vlogs: https://youtu.be/kjou7KXPUX8 and https://youtu.be/djmCp3T5Gc4

Things I mentioned: Cinnamon Iced Tea (literally, you don’t add sugar and it tastes like sweet tea!) - https://www.harney.com/products/hot-cinnamon-spice-tea But I tend to drink it in “decaf” https://www.harney.com/products/decaf-hot-cinnamon-spice-50-sachet-bag “Are you Booking enough? Are you CHARGING enough?” A full how-to guide on wedding pricing - https://www.patreon.com/posts/are-you-booking-20203030 The primarily Sigma shot elopement in Seattle - http://www.nessakphotography.com/lighthouse-at-mt-vashon-elopement-photographer-seattle-forest-wedding/

Things I’ve been loving: This video on how to make tiny eggs - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1t-HKitR24 (she also debunks all of those “just melt jollyranchers and it turns into blah blah” fake cooking hack videos!) These calm lighting paintings by Jim Holland - https://twitter.com/CGdrawing/status/1287307124599476224 3D artist Paul Milinski. Honestly, I just want more pink stuff in the world - https://www.instagram.com/paul_milinski/?hl=en

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This podcast was brought to you by my lovely Patrons! https://www.patreon.com/nessak/

Lately: I went to the drive in to see ET and it was glorious. I’ve been cooking loads. And actually, I haven’t taken too many photos because I’ve been sharing clips in weekly vlog format here: My last weird weekly vlog - https://youtu.be/kjou7KXPUX8

Things I mentioned: Focusmate.com My personal post from Paris - http://www.nessakphotography.com/paris-vacation-trip-photos-what-to-see/ The “multiple image swipey” thing I didn’t describe well! https://www.instagram.com/p/CB-o8KggI9k/ “Uncomfortable Conversations on Inequality in the Wedding Industry” Uncomfortable Conversations on Inequality in the Wedding Industry (Part 1) - YouTube People Are Not Props // How to Avoid Tokenism in Your Portfolio — Catalyst Wedding Co. Things I’ve been loving: • This compilation of a mom packing cute Bento Box lunches for her kids - https://youtu.be/Iv54BB4R7PY • Hamilton. It’s on Disney. You know it, I know it, and it’s v good. • This sweet tweet from a teacher sharing pictures from children who created their own representations of the Eiffel Tower on oversized paper - https://twitter.com/mrs_darl/status/1280564427478249473

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THIS ONE WAS SO HARD TO DO!

I'm talking about how I feel bad because I'm causing friction being one of the only vendors that can't do all days next year (because so many other vendors are able to just hire on more staff to take on more weddings and I'm just one person) and how hard those conversations have been with clients wanting to post-pone to Saturdays next year instead of Fridays or Sundays. I hope you can't relate. But also hoping you can because it feels so weird and isolating.

Lately:

I cut 4 inches off my hair and made the perfect soft boiled egg

photos available here - https://www.patreon.com/posts/37276551

I organized all of the tools in the house and continued to drink daily tea during my work times.

photos available here - https://www.patreon.com/posts/37276551

I've been abusing the "portrait mode" on my camera with my "mall chicken" recipe food photos and my beautiful cat, Pickles

photos available here - https://www.patreon.com/posts/37276551

I did my first curb-side pick-up food because I couldn't stay away from The Charmery AND it's finally been nice enough for me to work in my shed!

photos available here - https://www.patreon.com/posts/37276551

Things I mentioned:

Daily check list (downloadable, printable!)- https://www.patreon.com/posts/33033702

My public YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/user/losergoescrazy

Stop motion video for David Ramirez - https://youtu.be/bg3YF2b1Cxw

This video is 11 years old! Dang.

Things I’ve been loving (links available at https://www.patreon.com/posts/37276551)

• I recently listened to a class on illustrating "props" that said if you need to draw a chair, don't just draw a chair. Draw the chair you need to see in that space. Draw the plate you'd love to see your character showing up at the store and buying. And guys and when I saw this store, I just wanted to draw everything. <3

• You've probably already seen at least one of these pieces of art, but this "glitterstretchmarks" instagram that photoshops (you guessed it) glitter into stretch marks is amazing. It's a branch project off of Sara Shakeel's larger glitter series

• "Community." I'm re-watching it again. Do you like it? Coolcoolcool.

• I'm like 90% sure I've shared this already, but Present & Correct has stationary and office organizing supplies that I look at and just... want to touch and hoard and not really do anything with. Just me?

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Lately:

Sam and I have been going for walks around our neighborhood without our phones, but one day, we brought the Leica. (links and photos available at on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/posts/36892369) I've been doing a bit of illustration and making daily tea and treats for myself: (links and photos available at on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/posts/36892369)

I've been spending time working on my shed: (links and photos available at on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/posts/36892369) Legit feeling like a dang carpenter: (links and photos available at on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/posts/36892369) Things I mentioned:

FOCUSMATE.com

7 Slow-Season Tasks Wedding Photographers Should All Be Doing! - https://www.patreon.com/posts/7-slow-season-be-33337461

Self Compassion is better than self esteem with Kristin Neff - https://youtu.be/MEyJ_H1U5SQ?t=13

Brene Brown podcast on over/under-functioning - https://brenebrown.com/podcast/brene-on-anxiety-calm-over-under-functioning/

Things I’ve been loving:

• SKILLSHARE CLASSES! I've been being super frugal and trying to only spend money on things that are experiential (like I re-upped my subscription to Skillshare (if you want two free months, you can sign up here! https://skl.sh/2SHUbJR)
• My new teapot (another experiential purchase. And it was only $12!) (links and photos available at on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/posts/36892369)
• This comic that I truly wish I knew the source of: (links and photos available at on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/posts/36892369)

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Grant for entrepreneurs of color, women, and veteran owned businesses - https://www.lisc.org/covid-19/small-business-assistance/small-business-relief-grants/

Grants for photographers impacted by COVID-19 - https://www.format.com/photographer-fund

(photos and clickable links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/18-10-minute-how-36320749)

Lately: Here’s my shed.

(photos and clickable links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/18-10-minute-how-36320749)

Things I mentioned: Vanilla Chai Tea: https://www.target.com/p/bigelow-vanilla-chai-black-tea-20ct/-/A-13278029 Staying in with Emily & Kumail podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/staying-in-with-emily-kumail/id1503412182 “The Big Sick” - streaming on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Big-Sick-Kumail-Nanjiani/dp/B07193L7RD Focusmate for all your accountabilibuddies needs - http://focusmate.com

(photos and clickable links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/18-10-minute-how-36320749)

Things I’ve been loving: Holy crap, these Bahn Mi sandwiches - https://www.blueapron.com/recipes/chrissy-teigen-s-pork-banh-mi-with-quick-pickles-roasted-broccoli-3 These amazing ice cream sculptures are so pleasant to look at - https://www.thejealouscurator.com/blog/2020/04/22/olivia-bonilla/ This freaking video of this 6 year old girl playing guitar and singing “I wish you love” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CDT0cwGKxY

(photos and clickable links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/18-10-minute-how-36320749)

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March -> April.

image and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/17-10-minute-on-35793191

Links that might help you:

Go through the process to “cancel” your Adobe subscriptions and get a discount - https://fstoppers.com/apps/want-save-money-your-adobe-subscription-try-simple-trick-439951

Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grant Fund - https://onestop.md.gov/forms/maryland-small-business-covid-19-emergency-relief-grant-fund-5e7a6d8db5d67700fe1e6050

These links are to the government SBA loans:

https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options

These are the two most popular links that I have heard of so far:

The Economic Disaster Relief Loan (this loan may or may not be forgiven)

https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/

Paycheck Protection Program, this one is forgiven as long as you retain your employees, but self employed and independent contractors can also apply for this one, which has to be done through a bank related to SBA, so you may want to check with your particular bank.

https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program-ppp

Lately:

I've been trying to make the perfect gluten free bread while also not following instructions. Here's my attempt at a baguette:

image and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/17-10-minute-on-35793191

I also tried to do stuff with polymer clay:

image and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/17-10-minute-on-35793191

And I've been drawing a lot!

image and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/17-10-minute-on-35793191

Things I’ve been loving:

SO MUCH cinnamon Iced tea: https://www.harney.com/products/hot-cinnamon-spice-tea?variant=16152853086279 - honestly, the “hot cinnamon spice,” “decaf hot cinnamon” and “herbal hot cinnamon spice” all taste literally exactly the same, so if you can’t do caffeine, you have options!

I'm kind of really addicted to watching speed drawing (time lapse drawings) and Karoline is my new favorite Patreon illustrator to back - https://www.patreon.com/karolinepietrowski/

I also love late night talk show hosts doing their shows from their living room. It's so weirdly nice. John Oliver has been in a studio situation and it's also really weird to not hear the audience laugh at his jokes, but that's been my favorite video-news source lately - https://www.youtube.com/user/LastWeekTonight

And my favorite non-overwhelming news source (because you cannot escape the news) is absolutely the "What A Day" podcast! https://crooked.com/podcast-series/what-a-day/

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Lately:

• Can I admit that all I’ve done lately is have a cold? It wouldn't be a full lie. I do think the cold may have eaten some of my brain (or that I'm just not recovered yet) because I'm still feeling a little fuzzy.

• I have been recording my feelings as rocks for art therapy. It's the best way I could think to express my feelings in drawing form because you don't have to use references to feel like a rock looks good.

(photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/34709591)

Things I mentioned:

Kanopy.com - a great way to stream free movies if you have a library card (which is also free!) The Power of Habit - book Triggers - book

(photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/34709591)

Things I’ve been loving:

Rewatching “Pushing Daisies” and making some fan art because why not? (photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/34709591) Watching my first EVER Mr. Hulot. I have two illustrated books based on him, but I had no idea I’d love these French films so much. Number 1, they’re actually funny, and number 2, they’re beautiful. Definitely worth a watch if you decide to get Kanopy!

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Lately:

OK! Here it is. My vision board: -- links and photos available immediately for Patreon and are viewable here - https://www.patreon.com/posts/34106657 --

Things I mentioned:

• my love for kombucha continues
• organized religion (or meditation) may not be for me
• how i think my vision board is effecting me
• how the effects of last year's depression are still effecting me and my business

Things I’ve been loving:

• listening to Ted Talks Daily (though not every day.) I'm really happy there are a few more 10 minute podcasts out there and the Ted Talks are getting REALLY good lately. Like talking about why gender marketing is bad for business, why it's important to confront myths about black history, and how grief effects us long term. -- links and photos available immediately for Patreon and are viewable here - https://www.patreon.com/posts/34106657 --
• turmeric lattes (i bought a pre-made, concentrate to mix with milk because I am not a from-scratch kind of person). -- links and photos available immediately for Patreon and are viewable here - https://www.patreon.com/posts/34106657 --
• and these upside down landscapes that were created for United Airlines, funnily enough.

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a podcast for wedding photographers.

Lately:

Brought in the new year so I had to eat a donut (a ring shaped food) symbolizes “coming full circle”

(photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/33013316)

It snowed. I have proof.

(photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/33013316)

I did a little illustration:

(photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/33013316)

Things I mentioned:

Why I do anonymous client feedback forms every year (and what my clients have said about me over time - https://www.patreon.com/posts/28353623

A list of every question I ask on my client feedback form - https://www.patreon.com/posts/32567587

The “What A Day” news podcast (the only news podcast I listen to!) - https://crooked.com/podcast-series/what-a-day/

Things I’ve been loving:

• While I am NOT loving the wildfires happening in Australia at all, I want to be a loving person so I donated money directly to the NSW Rural Fire Service in Australia. All these donations kept popping up and I wanted to make sure my money was being used as efficiently as possible, so I'm thankful we can donate right to them directly!

(photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/33013316)

• Having an exercise bike that I can prop my laptop up on (I was wondering why my legs were hurting today until I realized I edited a session on it yesterday).

• These absolutely beautiful "state lunatic asylum" book drawings found in a dumpster:

(photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/33013316)

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The audio is a little rough here! I had this theory that if I walked around with the mic, my mind would work better (since this was recorded at 9 p.m.) hey! I was wrong! haha

Lately: I've been wrapping up editing, but getting a lot of holiday commissions done! Here's a reference photo, sketch, and finished drawing from one of them (where they sent another photo of their baby a bit older so we aged him up!):

Photos available here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/32753975

Things I mentioned: The video I mentioned on SAD/depression/anxiety - https://www.patreon.com/posts/23815889 Neuroscientist Dr. Tara Swart’s scientific version of “the secret” - https://overcast.fm/+FF_lSFs1Q Coming up next week on Patreon: the daily to-do list I’ve been using! Download available for all Patrons on the $10 tier!

Things I’ve been loving: (links available on https://www.patreon.com/posts/32753975) - These perfectly symmetrical photos are so satisfying - So many videos of Claire Saffitz in the Bon Appétit Test Kitchen making things like gourmet Krispy Kreme donuts. - This video that is very important of a very important thing happening. - This song from the Up soundtrack. <3

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Lately:

I was a half-ass Pennywise and Popcorn was Georgie for Halloween! (photos and links available on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/posts/31724598)

I picked up some cough drops on the way to a wedding that turned out to be lollipops so I looked like I was really into raving or a raving lunatic at the wedding where I lost my voice. (photos and links available on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/posts/31724598)

It's officially time for me to buy new gloves which bums me out in a big way because I got these from the studio tour of The Hobbit in New Zealand. (what a weird buy, right?).

(photos and links available on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/posts/31724598)

I'm so in love with Charleston, SC. I never want to move out of my house, but if I do ever move, I hope it's some weird victorian house around here:

(photos and links available on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/posts/31724598)

But I'm quite content to be at home for now: (photos and links available on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/posts/31724598)

Things I mentioned:

The Happiness Lab Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-happiness-lab-with-dr-laurie-santos/id1474245040

The Happiness Lab class (which is totally free!): https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-of-well-being

The book “The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin - Gretchen Rubin

The Happier Podcast with Gretchen Rubin - https://gretchenrubin.com/podcasts/

10 Percent Happier with Dan Harris podcast: https://www.tenpercent.com/podcast

Kristin Neff’s self compassion website: https://self-compassion.org

Anything Brene Brown touches is beautiful and wonderful: https://brenebrown.com

Things I’ve been loving:

JOJO RABBIT! Did you see it yet? Please go see it and we can talk about what a perfect human Taika Waititi is. Cheese danishes!I'm mad about how difficult people make recipes, but I really wanted to make some gluten free cheese danishes and I figured out the perfect modification to this recipe - https://natashaskitchen.com/cream-cheese-danish-recipe/ - basically, thaw frozen puff pastry, cut it into 12 squarish shapes, whip cream cheese and vanilla extract together, put dollops of them on the pastry, and freeze all of them (if you want. I eat them one at a time), then toaster oven them on high for 8 minutes. If you're adding sweetened jam, you don't need to add sugar. Why does the internet make everything complicated? The new Apple AirPods Pro! Even though they sort of look like Cartman! The noise cancelling is surprisingly good, although they don't stay in my ears quite as well.

(photos and links available on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/posts/31724598)

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Lately: I tried (but didn't succeed for very long) to participate in Inktober:

(photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/30936218)

I've been loving the temperature and this is what our house looked like a week ago. Everything is yellow now, though!

(photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/30936218)

Things I mentioned: This podcast about mistakenly seeking solitude was fascinating. I didn't relate with it entirely (in practice, I get really grumpy when people try to talk to me in public places), but it was a great listen.

This saying:

(photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/30936218)

Things I’ve been loving: Kanopy! If you have a library card, you need to download this app on your Apple TV or just go to the website. You get access to tons of old films and I've been obsessing over some old films lately. All the fall foliage. Is it nice where you are? My morning decaf mochas! Specifically, getting to drink them outside. I make them with Milkadamia and it's my absolutely favorite non-dairy milk (I've tried so freaking many) It Chapter II! I freaking love scary movies and halloween is my favorite holiday. Totally recommend it. (photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/30936218) My insanely big hat. I just love it.

Just as a reminder! If you have a favorite podcast app (I LOVE overcast) then you can subscribe to this podcast there, too! Go here: https://www.patreon.com/nessak/overview And copy the AUDIO RSS LINK and add it to your podcast app. :) For more information visit this Patreon support page: https://support.patreon.com/hc/en-us/articles/212055866

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Lately:

I almost made a shirt, but gave up halfway through:

(missing photos and links available at - https://www.patreon.com/posts/30378007)

I've been participating in class assignments at my illustration school:

(missing photos and links available at - https://www.patreon.com/posts/30378007)

Which is too bad because working from home isn't easy:

(missing photos and links available at - https://www.patreon.com/posts/30378007)

Things I mentioned:

Adobe Fresco for the iPad Kyle Brushes for photoshop Illustrations from my instagram AND! I’m giving away a PDF of my first ever children’s book for Patrons this coming month for the $10 tier! Here’s a drawing from it:

(missing photos and links available at - https://www.patreon.com/posts/30378007)

Things I’ve been loving:

The new iphone 11 pro max cameras: (missing photos and links available at - https://www.patreon.com/posts/30378007) Frozen wild blueberries in macadamia milk (it makes the milk all slushy and it's delicious!) AND! I'm so excited about the official inktober prompts! I've never participated, but I'm excited to try it this year: (missing photos and links available at - https://www.patreon.com/posts/30378007)

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Lately:

(Photos on patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/30122351) - Popcorn turned 4! - I've been reading about writing, but making lots of progress on the pictures in my book! This cute crab confirms it. - I'm also so ready for fall and clearly have a favorite color lately that I'm using as all my backgrounds! (Photos on patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/30122351)

Things I mentioned:

Techniques for work that I’ve tried that eventually failed, but sometimes I’ll implement them again: - Creating a new workspace - Aromatherapy and essential oils (they aren’t magic, but they are linked to memory) - Placebo effect - Creating a space just for one specific task - The Pomodoro Method - The Patreon video about my most used apps for work and personal use - VIDEO: Daily App Rituals - the technology I use every day and can’t live without | Nessa Kessinger on Patreon - My post about ergonomic sitting - PSA: 5 tips for more ergonomic editing (from someone with arthritis) | Nessa Kessinger on Patreon - Brain.fm: Music to improve focus, meditation & sleep.

Things I’ve been loving:

• Making pins that will probably never be made. But aren't they fun? <3 (Photos and links on patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/30122351)
• I found a local cafe that has... amazing gluten free pastries! This one is like a glorified toasters strudel. So what? Probably just a strudel? (Photos and links on patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/30122351)
• I also got the new iphone and I'm excited, even though it still has a lot of dumb features (like this portrait mode photo).
• This beautiful post about black and white minimalist prints in the home. I'm too much of a maximalist for this stuff, but gosh it's pretty.

• Macadamia milk! I have this long series of stories saved to my instagram while I was on the search for the perfect dairy-free milk and Milkadamia is IT! It's delicious, it's not bad for the environment, it's not just made of sugar (sorry oat milk. you're taste good, but you're so bad for us). Bonus points because sam actually likes it! We put it in our coffee every day.

• The weather lately. That's all. It's just been really good.

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Lately: London was beautiful, San Antonio and Austin have the best food, and I’m secretly bummed out that I never got my Hogwarts letter (except I sort of did because Sam bought me a prop letter to Harry for my birthday years ago).

View photos on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/29596631

Things I mentioned: VIEW missing links on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/29596631

Last month’s videos about a breakdown of my “I Wish I Were Here” project - VIDEO: inside look - “I Wish I Were Here” photo series | Nessa Kessinger on Patreon

My culling video - VIDEO: What I look for when I’m culling (looking at a FULL unedited series of photos from a session!) | Nessa Kessinger on Patreon

The Pomodoro Method - The Pomodoro Technique Really Works for Productivity - The Muse

The Pomodoro app I use - ‎Focus Keeper - Time Management on the App Store

Spark Mail client The best email client for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Android | Spark

Email video - (here’s my video on catching up on an overflowing inbox that I made when I was going through a bout of depression and was very behind) VIDEO: overflowing inbox? here’s your fix. | Nessa Kessinger on Patreon

Secret Cinema in London - Secret Cinema

I needed to make this scene moodier so it went from happy and colorful to a little foggy:

VIEW missing links on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/29596631

And here’s a sketch for a spread I’ve been working on for the past day or two:

VIEW missing links on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/29596631

Things I’ve been loving:

Blueberry Basil Kombucha

I’m not going to lie. Skincare has taken over my life and I’m really loving these products:

Tatcha - The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder - The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder - Tatcha | Sephora

Kiehls Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate (Hemp-Derived) - Kiehl’s Since 1851 | Sephora

Kiehls Vitamin C. This is legitimately my third bottle of this! Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate 12.5% Vitamin C - Kiehl’s Since 1851 | Sephora

The Ordinary products are so affordable! I love their hyaluronic acid Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 - The Ordinary | Sephora

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I hope this one makes sense! I feel like I usually talk more from notes because my brain goes off on tangents and I'm always afraid they don't connect in the end.

The summary of this podcast is: our jobs are not about luck, it's about working hard. It's important to give yourself credit for the things you've done and put yourself out there. And it's important for me to revisit what the actual PROCESS was like to get started, for me to then relay information to you in a way that is helpful.

There, I just saved you 10 minutes ;)

And here is what's been in my life:

Lately:

(photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/10-minute-you-as-29040505)

• My new "business shoulders" dress was tried on while it was obviously laundry day (hello messy room)

• my new office chair is very comfortable and pretty

• and I've been eating outside with the best company a girl could ask for.

Things I mentioned:

• Honestly, these vegetable muffins are incredible and only 120 calories (shown below with cream cheese on top). I find them at Mom's organic market, but they're everywhere!
• This interview about how my business got started
• This Patreon post has my earliest pricing from my Craigslist days

Things I’ve been loving: - Most of this post was inspired by a journal entry that was triggered by this comic strip by Naill.breen.comics that helped serve as a reminder to appreciate that I've worked hard on the less-awesome building block, foundational work that got to me to where I am. - AND! I had my first ever sensorial deprivation chamber experience last week after a long long migraine. It didn't solve my migraine, but it was interesting!

(photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/10-minute-you-as-29040505)

Just as a reminder! If you have a favorite podcast app (I LOVE overcast) then you can subscribe to this podcast there, too!

Go here:

https://www.patreon.com/nessak/overview

And copy the AUDIO RSS LINK and add it to your podcast app. :)

For more information visit this Patreon support page: https://support.patreon.com/hc/en-us/articles/212055866

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Life this week was in this cabin:

(photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/10-minute-income-28627437)

I mentioned:

Working while traveling Terrible vintage books The Way Up North Conferences Jonathan Canlas’s Instaproofs sales booklet Instaproofs vs Shootproof vs Zenfolio Beet lattes My current “Stylebook” (which is basically a website version of the one I used to sell)

Things I’m loving: These vintage stock photos The newest season of Queer Eye

(photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/10-minute-income-28627437)

I hope two podcasts in one month wasn't too much for you guys! I'm amazed at how ramble-y I get during these. It started off at 18 minutes and it was cut down to 10 easily. :)

Talk soon, friends!!

Just as a reminder! If you have a favorite podcast app (I LOVE overcast) then you can subscribe to this podcast there, too!

Go here:

https://www.patreon.com/nessak/overview

And copy the AUDIO RSS LINK and add it to your podcast app. :)

For more information visit this Patreon support page: https://support.patreon.com/hc/en-us/articles/212055866

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Lately in life:

My hair is finally red!

photo available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/10-minute-self-i-28372523

I designed this wrapping paper for Sam's birthday!

photo available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/10-minute-self-i-28372523

I haven't drawn much outside of my book, so this 15 minute sketch felt necessary to get out. I posted it over on my illustration instagram!

photo available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/10-minute-self-i-28372523

And this half-covered dome in our backyard is the object I most relate with today. It looks like it got hot and kicked off the sheets, right?

photo available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/10-minute-self-i-28372523

Things I mentioned:

Cayenne kombucha (I love GT's Cayennade!) Instructional videos on Skillshare BAI (Baltimore Academy of Illustration) Baltimore's Aquarium

Things I'm loving:

Season 3 of Stranger things. (whatever. Not everything I like makes me unique and special and it's SO GOOD, you guys). Veronica Mars. I totally missed the boat on this when it first came out! Acorns App! I talked about it on instagram, but I put money into it every month, in addition to doing the round-ups and I just realized I made $400 without even thinking about it in the past 6 months. It's pretty cool! Also, if you sign up with that link, I get $5 and you get $5. Shag. It was the first modern artist I recognized as art. I found his work when I was in high school and I'm still a fan. The merch site is updated more than any portfolio of his, so I have it bookmarked and I check it weirdly regularly.

Missing links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/10-minute-self-i-28372523

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Thank you for your feedback on last month's poll! It seems like the length of this podcast is good for most, but a lot of people wanting it twice a month so next month, we are all in. :)

Today we were talking about all the things!

Here are two spreads from the book i’m working on (a nearly finished and a work in progress spread!)

Photo available on Patreon - www.patreon.com/posts/10-minute-for-vs-28033876

My bathroom "renovation": Photo available on Patreon - www.patreon.com/posts/10-minute-for-vs-28033876

Scavenger Hunt for Sam: Photo available on Patreon - www.patreon.com/posts/10-minute-for-vs-28033876

Things I mentioned:

• The class I take at BAI is called Storybook Illustration
• This overwhelmed email video I put out for you even though I was super anxious
• Read more about imposter syndrome

Things been loving this month:

• I posted all of my self portrait series on my Etsy and prints are available and I might have printed a few for my office because I really love them.
• Decaf coffee. It’s growing on me, OK?
• This ukulele chord progression generator. It makes me feel so lazy and good at ukulele.
• This shirt that I’ve wanted for literally years just came out as a thing you could buy and I may or may not have splurged because Jean Luc Goddard’s film “Breathless” was one of my first film inspirations ever.
• The Happy Newspaper. I don’t read the news, but if I did, it would be this one.
• My favorite children’s book is “Stuck” by Oliver Jeffers and I’ve gotten it from the library at least 3 times. It’s so dang funny.

Links available on Patreon - www.patreon.com/posts/10-minute-for-vs-28033876

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In this podcast I mentioned:

• My super secret self portrait series! It’s going to be called “I Wish I Was Here” and it’s all about not being present and disassociating. Here’s a sample portrait:

photo available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/10-minute-on-vs-26997831

• Using Planoly for social media
• The power of placebos
• Try your own hand at some sugar pills with Zeebo
• EMDR therapy (which is basically the argument against CBT; which is far more common and better suited for non-trauma related issues)

Things I'm loving this month: - I have a tea tattoo so it's no surprise that I get on tea kicks. Most recently? Iced cinnamon tea. IT'S SO SWEET! You don't have to add any sugar to it and it tastes like sweet tea! - I love living in our triangle house, but this pentagon shaped house has me rethinking what shape would be a better abode. - Ice cream cones. No link required. I just found gluten free cones at the grocery store and I've been eating a lot of halo top ice cream cones and feeling very good about it. - Rocko's Modern Life. OK, bear with me a second. This show might be the most accurate portrayal of what it's like to be an adult that's ever been on TV. Episodes are about joining the gym, getting the flu, going grocery shopping, flying coach and having kids bother you on the flight, washing your dog, going to the laundromat... it's seriously so good.

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I wanted to share some quick personal photos from this month's archives including:

Cute plants from the local shop in Baltimore, B Willow

photo available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/10-minute-168-of-26389517

The transition from a little green to a lot of green on the walking path I love to take Popcorn on

(photo available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/10-minute-168-of-26389517

And me hanging some fake plants because I was getting impatient for the world to become a little greener.

(photo available on Patreon) https://www.patreon.com/posts/10-minute-168-of-26389517

REFERENCES:

• The importance of Boredom for Creativity
• The Hawthorn Effect
• The book 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think
• Time Tracking App for iPhone
• Spark - my email client

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hey guys!

technically, I still haven't hit the 150 person milestone to start doing podcasts, but you were all so so patient with me last month when I was too sick to make a new video so I posted one I had previously recorded for Sam's Patreon last summer!

In this podcast we'll discuss:

How I take my Mushroom Coffee

The book 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think

The podcast Simplify

And since I love it so much, this is the illustration school I take classes at!

and an update of my drawing room!

Before:

(photo available for patrons) https://www.patreon.com/posts/podcast-lately-25254658

and After:

(photo available for patrons) https://www.patreon.com/posts/podcast-lately-25254658

I'm absolutely open to feedback so if you feel like these should be longer, shorter, more personal, less personal, or have any suggestions, definitely leave a comment or message me. :) It was so lovely talking to you, lovelies!

xo