I wish you a wonderful year that you'll remember for decades. Filled with joy, great surprises, wonderful relationships, amazing health, and lots of self love.
I hope the holidays weren't too difficult for you and that you're in great shape, mentally and physically, to take a new start.
Go at your own rhythm, you should be your only source of pressure, and please, follow your own path.
You are fucking cool, believe in yourself.
xoxo
2020-01-01 16:47:58 +0000 UTC View PostHey you!
First, I wanted to thank you again for being here with me and supporting my art. You're so cool.
You probably have many other things to do, but if you're curious, here is a little something I wrote to close and thank the most important year of my life so far (and I'm not even being over dramatic for once!)
When I look back at who I was the first days of 2019, I can't believe that only one year passed. I was so lost, confused and negative. So freaking negative. Lots of "Ouin ouin", not enough "ahah". I was letting life and outside elements decide everything for me and I had absolutely no idea that I could just say stop and walk away, drama free. I was so depressed and focus on it that all I wanted to do was feeding the depression. The ideas of going out, doing things for/by myself or taking care of the baby I was were faaar away from my little brain.
2019 is the year I finally understood my dynamic with the women of my life and where the problem came from (spoiler: me). I wasn't the victim I thought I was, I was just never setting any boundaries and my only focus was to please them (oh Mama issues...). So thanks to the unsatisfied client who decided to tell me enough terrible things for me to question my whole life :)
2019 is also the year when I realized and decided that it was about time to love myself. Not just accept, tolerate or deal with myself. No no no. Love with all my heart and brain. I started loving myself more than I love anyone else, and that actually made me love others on a way more honest way. I am not kind just to please and be validated anymore. When I am kind, it's because I truly mean it. I now take decisions consciously, taking into account my needs, possibilities and desires. I am my own priority so I don't need to be anyone else's.
I also created my best work in 2019. Thanks to my ex partner for pointing out that I could do way more than what I was currently doing at the beginning of the year, I finally decided to translate my emotions, concerns and messages into photographs that I'll always cherish. Trusting people to be a part of these projects was a challenge that I'm proud I decided to accept.
And wow, after 4years of living in a shitty situation (that I put myself in), I FINALLY DECIDED TO FIX IT, and I came back to France. I thought I would never be able to, by a lack of financial and mental ressources. But when I finally stopped swimming against the current, everything happened exactly the way it was supposed to (once, I'll tell you what happened to me after I decided to get back to France and the story is insanely cool). When I started loving myself, I also started feeling the love from others, that I've begged for so many times, but that was always right here.
I cut lots of people out of my life, but without hate or anger. I still love these people truly and hope the best for them. I just know that the relationships weren't healthy anymore and that it was better for everybody to move on. Even if it hurts sometimes and I often miss them, I don't regret at all. Now everybody I have in my life are people that I want, so I am always happy to see them and put energy in the relationships.
Thanks 2019, I can really say that there was a before and a after this year. I cannot wait to see what 2020 has in store for me now that I'm finally ready to shop for goods!
I hope that 2019 was also kind to you and taught you valuable lessons. Please, feel free to leave a comment telling me what you've learned in 2019 :)
Take care and see you soon!!
2019-12-29 12:00:01 +0000 UTC View Post
Hello you!
Today is a little reminder that you're amazingly strong, even if you don't always feel like it. I know it's hard sometimes to love yourself, but you deserve it all the time. Even when you fail. Especially when you fail. You can do this! I believe in you!
I wish you a Merry Xmas, if you celebrate it and a nice day if you don't. :)
Here is our last day together for this month! I'm going to write a little conclusion so feel free to read it if you're curious about my experience doing this Advent Calendar!
It's my first time offering this kind of concept on Patreon and omg I'm honestly so happy with it. All this time, I felt extremely guilty about my lack of consistency and the fact I didn't really know what y'all wanted to see. So I was quite unmotivated, which made me feel more guilty etc etc etc Welcome in the sweet vicious circle of negative thoughts!
I am quite frustrated with the idea of buying advent calendars that, let's be honest, cost too much money and don't give much in return (wow, 12 mini lotions and 5 soaps that I never needed for the ridiculous price of $50! :D). Without even mentioning the waste that comes with it. So I was pretty excited about offering an affordable alternative for people who need a little boost in the morning.
I've had so many nice comments about this project and based on that, I feel like it really helped you and that's the best reward I could have. Knowing that your days may have been a bit better because of me is such a wonderful way to end the year, so thank you!
I am thinking about a way to do this more. Maybe I could make it weekly or keep it daily but without the illustrations? And I would add posts talking about my art here and there. Would that work for you?
I wish you a wonderful holiday and see you very soon!
2019-12-24 06:01:00 +0000 UTC View Post
Hello you!
Don't forget to have fun today! :)
See you tomorrow for the last Day of this Advent Calendar :D
Hello you!
Are you ready for some self love? I hope so, 'cause it's about time to embrace how fucking cool you are!
See you tomorrow!
2019-12-22 06:01:00 +0000 UTC View Post
Hello you!
I know people are always judging, and trust me, they won't stop, no matter what you do. So you either spend your energy trying to gain their unreachable approval, or you use it to live your best life and do what makes YOU happy.
I know it's hard, but every time you'll work on it will get you closer to freedom.
You can do it!!
See you tomorrow!
2019-12-21 06:01:00 +0000 UTC View Post
Hello you!
I wish you the best day you could ever dream of!
See you tomorrow!
2019-12-20 06:00:01 +0000 UTC View Post
Hello you!
I know it can be hard, but it is important and necessary for you to not apologize for everything.
The only good reason to apologize, in my opinion, is when we hurt someone.
So we stop apologizing for sending emails, needing to pass by a crowded place, or expressing our needs.
See you tomorrow!!
2019-12-19 06:00:01 +0000 UTC View Post
Hello you!
I hope this little email brings you all the selflove you need to start the day!
See you tomorrow!
2019-12-18 06:00:01 +0000 UTC View Post
Hello you!
Here is a bold illustration to remind you to love yourself exactly as you are!
You're great!
See you tomorrow!
2019-12-17 06:00:01 +0000 UTC View Post
Hello you!
I wish you an amazing week ahead! Please, take care of yourself like you would do for your dearest person!
See you tomorrow!
2019-12-16 06:00:01 +0000 UTC View Post
Hello you!
I'm thinking about you today, and hope that this illustration reminds your heart that you need the absolute best!
See you tomorrow!
2019-12-15 06:00:01 +0000 UTC View Post
Hello you!
I hope you have a fun day ahead, and if not, take a second to laugh (about whatever, and no need anyone else for a good time! You can do it!)
See you tomorrow!
2019-12-14 06:00:01 +0000 UTC View Post
Hello you!
Today is a reminder that it's okay to not be at your best every single time. Sometimes, you need to rest, hibernate or cry. And it's totally fine.
See you tomorrow my Sunshines!
2019-12-13 06:00:01 +0000 UTC View Post
Hello you!
I'm sneaking in your mailbox to wish you a great day! Like at least as great as you are!
See you tomorrow!
2019-12-12 06:00:01 +0000 UTC View Post
Hello you!
I hope you are doing well and that this little project does its job by bringing you a touch of joy everyday!
Today is a reminder to do the things that freak you out! I know they seem impossible but fuck that, you can do it and you'll be so proud of you when you do so!!
Have a great day and see you tomorrow!
2019-12-11 06:00:01 +0000 UTC View Post
Hey you!
I know this one is hard, but some tasks aren't #1 priority and can be delayed. Your world won't shatter because you take a little time for yourself, I swear!
Have a great day,
See you tomorrow!
2019-12-10 06:00:01 +0000 UTC View Post
Hey you!
Here is me to tell you you're super cool!
I hope you have a great week ahead!
See you tomorrow!
Hello you!
I hope you are doing well and that your week was awesome!
Here is your daily reminder that you deserve the best and that you are wonderful!
Have a great rest of your day!
2019-12-08 06:01:00 +0000 UTC View Post
Hello you!
Today, and all the other days, don't forget that YOU are the priority. You matter, and you deserve to take care of yourself!
Have a great day and see you tomorrow!
2019-12-07 06:01:00 +0000 UTC View Post
Hello you!
I hope your week is going great!
See you tomorrow!
2019-12-06 06:00:02 +0000 UTC View Post
Hello you!
Just a little reminder to love yourself as much as you deserve it!
See you tomorrow!
2019-12-05 06:00:01 +0000 UTC View Post
Hey you!
Already Day 4?! Wow!
I hope your day is filled with great moments!
See you tomorrow!
2019-12-04 06:00:01 +0000 UTC View Post
Hello you!
Here is your daily self love reminder!
Have a beautiful day!
See you tomorrow!
2019-12-03 06:00:01 +0000 UTC View Post
Hello you!
Welcome in Day 2 of December! I hope you are doing wonderfully!
Have a great day and see you tomorrow!
2019-12-02 06:00:02 +0000 UTC View Post
Hello you and welcome in December!
Here is the first day of this advent calendar and I hope this little email will bright up your day!
Thank you so much for supporting my art, you are so wonderful!
Have a great day, see you tomorrow!
2019-12-01 06:00:02 +0000 UTC View Post
Hello you!
How are you doing?
Here is my third and last kid illustration for my portfolio!
I wanted to make a Christmas themed scene, but especially portray kids that only have a chosen family. For many children, Christmas can be a stressful/sad/lonely time and I wanted to show them a world where they can just spend a happy Christmas, filled with the love they deserve.
Not everybody has a healthy family, many are in shelters, foster families, or alone. And this piece is for them, for us. :)
I spent 14hours making it, and I honestly didn't see the time fly!
Fingers crossed I find clients that want this kind of work because wow I am enjoying it way too much for not being paid for it! ahah
Have an amazing rest of your day!
2019-11-28 13:00:03 +0000 UTC View Post
Hello you!
Today is a special day! Indeed, I am sharing with you, in exclusivity, my new collection! Youhouuu
I've been working on it for a little while now, as you might figured, and I am so excited that it's finally about to arrive!
I wanted something inclusive, sassy and colorful so here we are, with 3 unisex sweatshirts, 1 short sleeves shirt and 3 mugs.
It's time to introduce my sweet babies to you!
I AM FUCKING HOT
This sassy/juicy/comfy sweatshirt will be available in Black, White and Baby Pink up to 5XL. Remind yourself and/or others that fat women are HOT.
And this HOT mug for your HOT drinks ;) will be available in 11oz and 15 oz.
CACTUS WOMEN
This BodyPositive design will be available in White, Black and Dark Heather (Grey) up to 5XL. :)
This cup, printed on both sides so you don't have to worry about what hand to use to drink your favorite beverage, will also be available in 11oz and 15oz :)
PIZZA LOVER
This Design was clearly made for all my Pizza Addicts!
It'll be available in Maroon, Blue, Dark Heather (aka Grey) and White, up to 5XL.
I'm DONE listening to your Bullshits
This design will only be made in mugs that you could find in 11oz and 15oz. All you need to tell people to shut the fuck up without having to open your mouth :)
GOLD MOON
And last but not least, this short sleeve Tshirt printed on both sides (big design on the back and small one on the front) that goes up to 4XL.
The shop will reopen this Saturday, with no coupon code because my benefit is already really tiny, as you can imagine. :)
I didn't realize that my launching happened during Black Friday week and I will probably think about the schedule twice next time! But it is a learning experience and my fingers are super crossed that it'll still be a success!!
Have a wonderful day, and see you soon!!
2019-11-28 12:28:51 +0000 UTC View Post
Hello you!
I hope your weekend went perfectly! Like a good comfy weekend that makes you smile when you remember it!
Today, I wanted to talk to you about a new addition to my illustration work: color.
Indeed, even if I actually started digital illustration with it, I quickly went back to my first love: black and white line art, until a week or so ago.
During my black and white time, even if I deeply loved this process, some little-not-so-little things frustrated me:
* First, I wasn't able to find a way to make my art as inclusive as I wanted. My characters were either white or black, with absolutely no nuance. I don't like that. This world is full of ethnicities and I didn't want to invisibilise (this word doesn't exist) them anymore, especially just because of a technic problem.
* Second, I like to add little details to my art, to intensifies the story telling, and my technic wasn't making them pop (some blackandwhite artists are amazing at it and let's be honest, I was not), so people would usually not notice them at all.
* The audience I want to reach connects more easily with colorful art, because they focus more on the message than the technic. Which is super great. And I didn't want to be stubborn enough to lose an opportunity to see my audience grow just by fear of changing my style too much.
Especially since a dear friend of mine gave me a really valuable lesson a little while ago about art style. Indeed, after I started photography again, I thought that my photography style was really specific: outdoor portraits of women with the sun as backlight. I was only doing this. I didn't care much about anything else than this freaking sun being at the right place. That's when my friend came in the picture and told me "hey, is that all you have to offer?" (or something like that) and wow, it opened my fucking mind. I started questioning what "art style" really meant to me and I realized it is waaay beyond mediums or technics, it is about the message I want to pass and who I want to pass it to.
I am now experiencing and playing with this new tool that scared me for so long, and I am having lots of fun! I spent a couple years secretly looking at colorful illustrations and dreaming about playing with color theory AND HERE WE ARE!!
So far, I find my new work pretty great, but I can't wait to be at the stage where I won't even be able to look at my current pieces, 'cause I'll find them too ugly. It'll mean I grew, and that is always a wonderful thing :)
(That's also the main reason why I don't want to play with a tattoo gun, but I'll talk about that in another post!)
Have a wonderful rest of your day, and see you soon!!
Byebye!!
PS: Some of these designs are coming into my shop this week, stay tuned!!
2019-11-25 14:49:46 +0000 UTC View Post
Hello you!
I hope you are doing well and your weekend is going perfectly, that you are warm, in and out.
Today, I wanted to show you 2 of my new pieces that I made in the last 48hours to expend my portfolio.
Indeed, while looking for freelance jobs, I realized the obvious: it is way more common to find (paid) gigs as a Youth illustrator than as an illustrator specialized in intersectional feminist. Which isn't that bad for me, cause I am still a child inside and I love this universe when it comes to art. So I decided to add to my to do list to create 3 simple illustrations for kids, to add to my portfolio ( http://lavieeibel.com if you want to see the said portfolio) and move on.
Well... I forgot one thing: I am me, and I'm not really into simple.
So I spent 14hours total making these 2 illustrations and I can officially say that I am now addicted.
( The second one might seem pretty dark on your screen, it really depends on your device!)
As in my main art, inclusivity and empowerment are my priority, so it came really naturally for me to portray kids of color being in the center of a magic world. I am fed up with only seeing white kids when it comes to magic and fantasy. It shouldn't be a privilege to have the opportunity to dream and identify as the heroes we see growing up.
Unfortunately, we rarely see disabled kids in art and I wanted to change that, at my level.
I am trying to practice my story telling, color palette (I'M SO EXCITED THAT I FINALLY INTRODUCED COLOR IN MY ART!! But I'll talk more about it in a post dedicated to this specific subject coming next week!) and composition and these 2 illustrations have been so helpful for this!
Here are some examples from the creation process of these pieces, in case you're curious:
Have a wonderful rest of your weekend,
Thank you for being here!
See you next week!!
2019-11-24 09:01:00 +0000 UTC View Post