Flavie Eidel

Advent Calendar 2019

Hello you!

I hope you are doing great!

I am here today to tell you that something great is coming in here!

Indeed, I am currently working on a Self Love Advent Calendar.

Between December 1st and December 24th, you'll receive daily reminders to love, cherish and appreciate yourself in your inbox. And of course, these reminders will be exclusive illustrations, created just for you, with lots of love!

You'll be able to share, print or send these illustrations if you feel like it, since they are made for you, but I won't personally do it until January!

Thank you so much for being here and supporting my work!

I discovered lately that I won't be able to have any help from the government for the upcoming months so your help is really appreciated! And if you want, you can always spread the word around you and invite your friends to subscribe to this Patreon and have a cool Advent Calendar in their inbox too! :D

I hope you have a wonderful week ahead!

See you soon!!

Update

Hello Beautiful People!

I hope your week is super cool, and even better!

Sorry for the lack of posts, I don't have much to show lately since I just came back to France -yoohooooo I did it *happy dance* - but I can't wait to take my rhythm again and show you cool stuff!

Coming back was such a struggle the first couple of days and I was seriously thinking about going back to America illegally by a Canadian lake or something (what? dramatic? me??). After liters of tears, I started breathing again and I realized I was exactly where I should be.

I am honestly extremely proud of myself and everything I've accomplished so far. I can't wait to set and reach new goals (with french pastries in both hands).

Thank YOU, really. Your support is so precious to me and is such a motivation.

I am currently working on Halloween limited edition shirts designs and a brand new online store that will be way more effective and professional looking. I am excited to show them to you asap!

Don't forget that you're cool. Like SUPER cool. 

*wow this post isn't structured at all, but it comes from the bottom of my heart*

Fat Nymphs - 2019

Hello you!

I hope you are doing great!

Here is a photoshoot I did yesterday, after months preparing it!

I am really excited about it and I am so glad to be able to share it with you!

INTRODUCTION

As you already know, my signature is "social justice with a little touch of magic" so this photoshoot is definitely right up my alley. I've always been really inspired by women magical creatures and I got a bit confused when I realized that I didn't see fat nymphs anywhere in actual art. Nymphs give me the feeling of freedom, sisterhood and empowerment so I really needed to portray them before I leave America.

MODEL(S)/TEAM

This photoshoot was originally planned with 7 models, but 3 happened to bail, unfortunately. As much as I would have absolutely loved to see a real group of nymphs playing in the water together, I am so happy with the way these pictures turned out and the amazing vibe that was connecting the whole team. Our group chat is a concentrate of love and support and makes me feel amazing.

@jana.june was our wardrobe person during the shoot and put together dresses on site, which, I'm sure, was a real challenge! She made all the outfits besides the flowy dress entirely made out of tulle. 

The models were @terrisjenay (that I already worked with last month), @curvyvegann (that barely modeled before, surprisingly), @solachsbo7 (@curvyvegann's sister) and @the_first_thick_princess (who is 23weeks pregnant, as you can see on some one the last pictures)

LOCATION

I was looking for a quiet water area with nice greeneries. Since we were shooting on a sunday, the "quiet" part was definitely a challenge. Luckily, I remembered this place that I checked out more than a year ago when I lived around. Also, I am kinda terrified of being in water that isn't see through (I am secretely convinced that a monster will jump and eat me alive...) and I needed to be in the water to shoot. I am pretty low key proud that I DID IT and I didn't panic (too much)!

ANECDOTES

It was so amazing to work and connect with a group of women I can relate to and who could also relate to each other. Listening to their motherhood stories, their doubts, their aspirations... filled me up with love and motivation. I couldn't have dreamt of a better photoshoot to closure my time in America.

Illustrations - Update

Hello you!!!

How are you doing today? Are you doing things that make you feel good? How do you sleep?

Today, I am here to show you my new illustrations and I hope you'll like them!

I kind of got fed up with the night mood that was going on my illustrations since November. I am always in need for change and it was about time to update my style.

It's funny cause lately I am more convinced than ever that I don't want to share my life with anyone in the near future but my subconscious keeps making me draw people happily in love. I think my brain wants to find me a nice girlfriend. But I said no no no, like Amy Whinehouse, yourself you know, as French people would say. 

In reality, I think it's mostly trying to show me that humans can be happy and share intimacy and that there is hope if I ever want to try again. But it's great, cause it makes me create art that portrays beautiful love between all kinds of people, sharing all kind of unique links with each other.

I hope you're liking my new inspiration lately! 

Have a wonderful rest of your week!

Life Update

Hey people!

Thank you for sticking with me for another month!

Here is a little life update for whom (is that the right word?) might be interested.

As you probably already know, I am going back to France to live there for a while. My airplane is Sept 11th, which puts me in a weird limbo. I am trying to plan my next chapter as much as possible to be able to be independent asap, but I also try my best to enjoy my last days in America while it lasts.

Photography

I am currently working on some really cool personal projects that I can't wait to put together. One even involves 7 women. In the water. Yes, I am panicking. But it'll be such a freaking cool project, I am so excited about it. I love its challenge. I can't wait to be there and have no clue what to do, but still make the best out of it. :) I want my models to have a really good time and leave by feeling better than they arrived.

I am also trying to book some clients in America but to be honest, my support is definitely in France and I can't wait to start booking french clients!

Illustration

I am under a new wave of creativity when it comes to illustration. I've been creating around 3 pieces/day this past week and I love it. A post with all my new illustrations is on its way!

I really love my new work and I wish more people could see it, 'cause of course, as a proud mama, I think that everybody wants to meet my prodigious children.

I have 3 creative markets coming up in August and I am really looking forward to it. I love the ambiance at these events, connecting with strangers around my art is such an amazing experience. I even used to get manic after markets since it is pretty overwhelming to receive so much love at once.

Many products on my shop are on sale!! Mostly original artworks and prints. All the money collected will help me for my big move and it'll also help me diminish my stock, since I won't take my prints with me. You can check it out at http://lavieeibel.storenvy.com 

I am thinking about launching a couple of shirts before leaving, as a way to collect money while I will be transitioning to my new life, but I always hate the idea of being a part of fast fashion. I contacted so many companies for the shirt project I showed you previously (printed on second hand shirts) and it seemed like it's not really possible to make it happen as is, which is pretty frustrating.
Please, let me know what you think: should I print on new shirts that will be created by the order (so there isn't overstock and I won't have to worry about selling/shipping them) or not?

Personal

Lately, I've been questioning who I am a lot (aren't we all?) and I am a bit nervous about going back to a place that knew me as a silly social seductive person. These past 4 years in America definitely changed me and even if I appreciate a lot of my new personality traits, I hope my people will still appreciate me and that I'll be able to appreciate them even more than when I left.

I am spending a good amount of time with my dog, Merle and I am loving every second of it. We are finally bonding like I always wanted but wasn't ready for until now. I am amazed of all her fast progresses and she is teaching me so freaking much every day. She is my best friend and she is the only one with who I am truly myself. Our unconditional loves for each other are helping us growing self confidence and this is so beautiful. Alright, I stop this love letter, it is getting embarrassing. 

For the first time, I finally feel like I don't need to be in a relationship to be fully happy and fulfilled. In reality, I even finally understood that being in a relationship awakens the worst in me and kills the good version of me on a really slow and painful way. I am such a terrorized ghost when I am too close to people, due to my codependence tendencies, and of course, my mental health issues. I am ready to experience the world by and for myself.

Thank you for reading all of this!!

I hope you're having a wonderful day!! 

Creative Goals - 2019

INTRODUCTION

As soon as I saw Terris, I knew that I wanted and needed to work with her on a project and she agreed, with lots of excitement. The issue was that I had no idea what project I wanted to bring to life for this team work and I was in the middle of a lot of changes in my life. So, while I was often wondering what was this new project that would bring us together, I have to admit that delaying it was comforting, since new projects are always scary.

Luckily, she followed up with me and didn't give up. So I hoped in the train of uncertainty and went with a vague idea. It is hard for me to work on intense projects with complete strangers. I need to know if we resonate with each other, if I can trust them and allow myself to be vulnerable on their company. I had no idea if all of this was possible yet, so I thought a vague project was the right idea for a first meeting.

CONCEPT

I wanted something dreamy, involving the excitement of light reflections, the softness of sheer fabric and the intimacy that a mirror can provide.

During this meeting, Terris and I talked a lot about creativity, what it involves and how it's always been in her blood. She mentioned that her family wanted her to keep walking on their path and was hoping for her to be a successful basketball player and mostly focus on this activity. But she never forgot or lost her thrive for creativity...

It quickly became an evidence that this photoshoot should mention this big part of her life and that's why you can see her holding my dear disco ball like a basketball. You can even perceive a little piece of basketball picking through on the main picture.

MODEL(S)

@terrisjenay is such a sunshine. She immediately filled up the space with joy and love and her facial expressions were all really thoughtful and beautiful.

I immediately offered her to be on one of my next big photoshoots (probably the biggest I've ever done so far) that I can't wait to do!! Stay tuned ;)

PROPS/OUTFITS

Terris was obviously topless, with a discoball I add on all my photoshoots, as you probably can tell (I know, it gets boring.. I am trying to stay away from this babe, but  the way she catches light makes me out of control), with a big bathroom mirror I found on an abandoned little house a long time ago and that I never used, and sheer I got from here and there.

I was also using some crystals around my lens to create some flare, and a smoke machine to make the atmosphere softer.

LIGHTING

This photoshoot was all under natural light coming from the left of the pictures. These were taken in the middle of the afternoon and the sun wasn't directly hitting.

ANECDOTES

Terris came with her girlfriend and I am so thankful for it since she was so helpful moving stuff around and playing with Merle.

Terris immediately offered me to hangout with them soon and even if I had to cancel for personal reasons, I really appreciated the gesture. 

CONCLUSION

I was honestly not fully comfortable during this photoshoot, but that was completely my fault. I didn't give myself enough time to chill and connect with the people involved -Terris and her super girlfriend- and that was a mistake. I also realized that it's about time to give a break to the discoball, to let my art expend. I really miss doing photography more often and even if I can't wait for my next projects, I really would like to squeeze more in my calendar before I leave.

Thank you lots for supporting my art and reading this long ass article. You guys are the best!

Also, big big up to Patreon for finally letting me upload all my pictures at once. This is going to help me SO MUCH to be more productive in here! 

A Dream comes true -2019

This illustration was inspired by Celine (who will see this, I hope!) and the new chapter of her journey.

I will respect her privacy and won’t tell anything about it, but I just wanted to say that it I spited me a lot to remember and believe in my ability to shape my life the way I wanted.

Thank you Celine for being such a great supporter and ever greater inspiration ♥️

Like a Painting, 2019

Hello you!

How are you doing? What are your plans for the weekend? I hope that, no matter what you're going to do with your free time, it's going to bring you joy.

I am currently working on my "positivity update" article but my mind is a bit all over the place lately. I don't think I announced it here yet but I am getting ready for a new exciting chapter of my life: going back home. 

I will probably write an entire article (or multiple, let's be honest) about my experience  in America so I don't think it is necessary for me to explain everything now, but I think it is about time for me to get my life back. My goal is to get independent as soon as possible and even if I still have no idea how to make it happen I refuse to change my plans, which, to be completely honest, terrifies me. But I know deep down inside me that it is the best decision I took in a while.

The other day I finally took pictures I planned a while ago with Dariela (@darielaflowers) who I already photographed a few months ago. 

CONCEPT

I was fed up with only seeing white skinny women wearing these shiny festival accessories and I wanted to use my art to remind people that they don't have to fit in society's stupid standards to embrace their own style and look fabulous with it. 

THE MODEL(S)

Dariela isn't a model or a client of mine. We just have common friends and I really appreciate taking pictures of her. She is so pretty, but on a way people can easily connect with her and feel represented by her, which is really important for me.
My art isn't to make anyone feel bad about themselves or left aside.

PROPS/OUTFITS
We used the shiny accessories, of course, but I also wanted to give a special painting vibe to these pictures. I am personally fascinated by renaissance paintings and I tried my best to show the inspiration through my editing and set up. So I took all the mesh flowy fabrics I got, begged my neighbor for one of his chairs, grabbed my dear disco ball and here it was. 

LIGHTING
You already know it, but I'll say it again, because it is always a special joy when it happens: Dan Leonard was the lighting director on this shoot and I am so thankful for his help.

ANECDOTES
Of course, I forgot to block the smoke alarm while filling my apartment with smoke, so it obviously went off, followed by a little woman's curses. (yes, I am talking about me) It stopped easily after I fixed my mistake and we went back at our occupations. (wow this sentence isn't proper english, I can already tell)

CONCLUSION
I personally really love the way some of these pictures came out, and I can't wait to put together another project in the same vibe!

Undeserved Love Part I

Hello you!

I hope your week is starting great! I already started writing this article a little while ago, but Patreon unfortunately doesn't save my drafts as drafts lately, so I have to rewrite it and sometimes it makes me lose motivation, a little bit and delays my posts! But here I am!! Today I am going to talk about my dear photoshoot: Undeserved Love!

THE CONCEPT
Once upon a time, at the beginning of a new relationship, I was convinced that my partner wasn't real. Indeed, since they were nice to me, it was an obvious conclusion for me: they were a pure creation of my little head. After years of trauma and self hate, I couldn't conceive that someone could just love me on a nice way. So many times, when we were in public spaces, I would try my best to not show that I was having interactions with them. I would hide my mouth when talking to him, or make really settle movements towards them.

In this photoshoot, I wanted to portray how Self Hate ave Trauma can shape the way we receive love.

THE MODEL(S)
For this photoshoot, I immediately thought Audrey (@audgpus) and Anastasia (@anastasiaxmiller) would be perfect! I feel really comfortable experiencing art with them, and they both fitted the aesthetic I was looking for. Anastasia has long dark hair and has a really sensual vibe, like I used to at the time. Audrey has such an androgynous loving vibe. I didn't really wanted to focus on this character's gender so she was ideal!

PROPS/OUTFITS
I spent way too much time and money trying to find how I would cover Audrey in glitter. Originally, I was picturing full body shots, which would have made the glitter process way more complicated. But based on the little space we had, it naturally became more close ups, more intimate. Which I actually like! For Anastasia's dress, I asked her to bring something light and flowy and I think she nailed it!

LIGHTING
Of course, Dan Leonard (@danleonard__) was part of this project! You know how much I love working with him! I wanted a really soft and dreamy vibe, but it had to fit perfectly with the result I wanted: Anastasia being the focus and Audrey being blurry and shiny around her!

ANECDOTES
Anastasia and Audrey barely knew each other at the time. They briefly saw each other at a party before the photoshoot. That's why I am so impressed by how well they played it! Their intimacy looked real and intense and that's exactly what I was looking for! After the photoshoot, Audrey left, covered with glitter and with only a tuxedo jacket and went straight to the boogie grocery store across the street from my place! I bet she bright up everybody's day! I cried (a lot) when I edited these pictures. As a way to let go this part of my life and feel lighter, ready to move on.

CONCLUSION This photoshoot was such a pleasure to put together. It helped me realize my potential and want to create more meaningful art.

I'll be back with Undeserved Love II very soon!

This week, I fight Negativity!

Alright, my previous post was one of the several examples I can find to prove my point: I am negative. Like super negative. The type who looks for subjects to complain about instead of stuff to be happy for and after complains about complaining. Yep. No wonder I have hard time finding friends ;)

And thanks weed, I finally realized it! (it was about time after 28years)

So before anyone decided to call me Grandma Emo, I proudly decided that I was going to only initiate or get involved in positive interactions for a week, and see where it goes from there! And why not documenting this here, to motivate myself to actually do it! 

For now, a couple hours into it, I only did a few things:

* rolled my eyes really hard at my tweets, erased many of them and threw away the app (finally!),
* informed close people that was what was going on,
* made 3 lists:
_ Stuff I like to talk about on a positive way,
_ Activities I want to do,
_ Positive stuff about me. 

So now, I am ready for this unexpected happy week! I have no idea if it'll work, but who doesn't try doesn't know so I'm here to find out!

Have a pretty day!

In my head - happy recommendations for sad times.

Today, I want to talk about this ideal place I dream about so often.

These past years, for many personal reasons, my whole world shattered. Outside, but also inside. I don't recognize myself and I don't recognize what I see, or the way I look at it. I feel like this time when I went back to Disneyland, I was a little bit too old and the magic was gone. All I was seeing was the paint falling apart, the loose cables, the fake smiles... I used to be obsessed with Disney. It was my little paradise where everything was possible. But at this exact moment all of that didn't exist anymore. Impossible became a thing.

It's the same with life. I used to love it. Everything about it. Even the bad. I embraced every emotion and was ready for the next one. But now this constant energy is completely discharged. I don't get excited anymore. I avoid everything. I am disenchanted completely. I don't find interest in anything. Everywhere I look, I only see grey. I don't care about waking up, I don't care about meeting new people, I don't care about trying to be happy. I fought too much and I lost every piece of me in the battle.

But when I close my little eyes, I dream about a place where joy would be daily.

I've never been to this place. It's only in my head. It's a complete fiction based on other fictions. Real ones.

It's a cute place where all the neighbors are friends. They hangout together late at night on their porch and cry in each other's arms. They all feel comfortable being themselves and care about every single one of them. They have dreams and a future. They don't have to be defensive because they are safe. It's all about kindness, compassion and growth. They are enthusiastic and curious. And super Queer. They talk about the world and eat together all the time. I can hear their laughs. There is no borders, no patriarchy and no capitalism.

In this ideal world, I am not scared anymore. I laugh with them, like I used to. I believe in myself, like I should. I build for the future, like I wish I could. I can picture myself removing every brick of the gigantic wall I built around me and finally let go. I can finally trust people and stop testing them constantly. And stop testing myself.

This world in my little head has evolved because of a few good examples I would love to highlight today. Seeing  safe spaces, even fictional, inspired me to create mine, hidden in a couple of brain cells.

* Love & Luck Podcast
I tried so many times to listen to podcasts but I can't focus on only one thing at a time, so I gave up. Until I tried Love & Luck. I remember myself holding into every episode at my darkest times, like a lighthouse in the storm. It feels so good to hear the story of people who give and receive such a wonderful love. I cried at every single positive moment, 'cause I was so happy and relieved for these fictional characters to be preserved from the real world. 

* Shameless (US)
Alright, Shameless is kind of the black swan of this selection, but it still deserves its place. It's one of the rare times I see representation of love and care in a toxic familial environment. They go through shit, but they do it together. Seeing emotionally privileged people giving/receiving love is one thing, but I don't necessarily connect with it. In Shameless, I see them becoming stronger and closer everytime they get hurt and this is so inspiring. They love each other fully for who they are and know that they are only at the beginning of their growth. They fuck up, they make mistakes, but they constantly learn from it.

* Sense8
This show will always feel like family to me. It portrays exactly what I was talking about. These people caring about each other on a deep level. They see each other. I remember my first Christmas in Austin, I was terribly alone and completely broken in a city I didn't know. I decided to host a vegan Christmas at the apartment, with people I barely knew. For me, Christmas is a family holiday and spending it like that made no sense but whatever. The special Christmas episode was out at the time, so I decided to watch it while cooking. For the first time in a very long time, while watching this episode, I felt like I spent Christmas with people who actually cared about each other and it was magical.

* Merle
She clearly deserves a shoutout! When I got her, she had no idea what love was. I remember the first time I saw her playing, it was obvious she never did it before and panicked because she didn't recognize herself. Three years later, she is a playful funny loving baby and every new progress she makes amazes me. She loves me like I've always secretly dreamt of being loved: unconditionally. And I do too. Everyday our love for each other intensifies and I really feel like she is my best friend. She knows me better than anyone and can feel in a heartbeat what's going on with me. She forces me to take a break to enjoy the moment when I need it, and I miss her so much as soon as we are apart for too long (meaning: a couple of hours). She is a part of every single decision I make. Always. Her happiness matters as much as mine and I am truly grateful that she allows me to be vulnerable like I would never have been before.

* Tales of The City
I'm only at Episode 3 for now, but I need to talk about it. Watching it actually inspired me to write this article. The set up is exactly what I've been wanting for so long: people have their own privacy but share a lot with each other, they are excited and exciting, they are alive.
And they have Christmas lights. 

I want to see more representation where people like me are safe, loved and happy. But I also want to find real people who make me feel that way. That help me deconstructing the great wall around me. People who see me and who I see. I want to live in a place where decisions are easy to make and surprises aren't scary. I want to stop feeling alone, and while I watch, listen or pet these wonderful things I listed above, for a brief instant, the world in my head and the one under my feet get mixed and it feels good.

I didn't have much filters while writing this article so I hope I didn't trigger anything bad for you. If I did, I am extremely sorry.

Don't worry about me, I am coming back from a really dark moment and unfortunately it takes way longer than I was expecting. Recovery can be slow and tiring. I know I am going towards a better mindset and colors will be back. :)

Have an amazing week!!

Self Love 2019

I finally took my pencil again!!

As an obsessional person, I kind of abandoned illustration suddenly to focus on photography, but Céline (yes, you!) said she wanted butt stickers aaaand I came up with butts. Many butts. With people attached to them. With heart heads?? And of course, in the universe.

Self love can be weird, seductive, unique, complicated, intimidating, soothing... And that’s what I wanted to portray.

For once, I only wanted to portray fat bodies, because we shouldn’t only be a visibility token. We are allowed to be the center of attention too.

I hope you are having a beautiful weekend!

Shine Like A Diamond - 2019

Hey Hey Hey!

I hope you had a great weekend!

I am back to show you a project I really care about. Indeed, I imagined this concept about 2 years 1/2 ago, and it's one of the first portraits I ever drew.

I've always been fascinated by vitiligo and the constant evolution it brings on someone's skin. I don't know if you know this already, but here are some interesting facts about vitiligo:

* Vitiligo, also called leucodermia, is a condition in which your skin loses melanin (the pigment that determines the color of your skin, hair and eyes). If the cells that produce melanin die or no longer form it, slowly growing white patches of irregular shapes appear on your skin.

* It occurs in 0.5-2% of the population and can touch anyone, regardless of the ethnicity, gender or environment.

* Most people who have vitiligo will develop the condition prior to age 40 but about half develop it before age 20.

* Vitiligo is not painful and does not have significant health consequences.

* Some people have reported more white patches after physical or emotional stress.

* There is no way to tell if vitiligo will spread. For some people, the white patches do not spread. But often the white patches will spread to other areas of the body. For some people, vitiligo spreads slowly, over many years. I've personally noticed on some people that sometimes light spots turn into the original skin color again but I didn't ask any questions about it

THE CONCEPT

As you probably noticed it, lately I try to create images about Social Justice, with a little touch of magic. Personally, I think that Social Justice is a really vague term, that includes every initiative that has for goal to help society and balance oppressions. Offering visibility is extremely important for minorities to feel and be more accepted.

I wanted to show that vitiligo is beautiful and is actually a strength due to its uniqueness. My goal for this photoshoot was to make vitiligo shine as a way to show its power.

PROPS/OUTFITS

I used this disco ball found for 25c at my favorite second hand craft store (Austin Creative Reuse) and told the model what kind of outfit to bring. It is interesting cause it kind of look like a Nike ad mock and I kind of love it!

TEAM

Make Up Artist:http://instagram.com/kitschyxwitch

I already worked with her on my photoshoot "CELESTIAL" and it is apparently pretty hard to find a creative make up artist in ATX.

Model:http://instagram.com/amy.deanna

I've been following Amy for a while and was waiting for the perfect project to create with her. I was so glad she accepted to be a part of this one!

Lighting:http://instagram.com/danleonard__

I love working with him, it actually helps me to be more creative and his talent is soooo good!

ANECDOTES

The make up artist originally wanted to go for gold glitter, but as much as I obsessed with gold, I was scared it would have a result way too far from my vision, but I am so glad we found this glitter mix that gives Amy such a "Robert-Pattison-in-Twilight-Vibe" to the final product.

CONCLUSION

I am really glad I got the opportunity to bring to life one of my old projects. I am only more obsessed with my new favorite type of art: "Social Justice with a touch of magic".

I hope you liked this project and I am coming back very soon with other ones :O

Have a beautiful rest of your day!!

WAYS TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENT ARTISTS (ALL BUDGETS)

*I had to rewrite this article because an electricity issue so I really hope it’ll be as good as my first one ♥️*

Hello everybody! I hope you are doing great and that you don’t forget to cover yourself with kind words.

As I previously mentioned it on Twitter, I decided to close all my blogs, since it was giving access to personal informations to people from my past and that was making me really uncomfortable. So from now on, all my articles will be published on this Patreon account. Some will be on public access but most will only be exclusive for my patrons (all pledges).

I am here today to talk to you about ways to support your favorite independent artists, no matter your budget! As you already know, we live in a capitalist society, where your comfort directly depends on the amount of money you have access to. Unfortunately, the creative career rarely gives access to a lot of it. Our “success” mostly depends on our supporter’s support.

There is many ways to help out your artists, don’t feel bad if your situation doesn’t allow you to give financial support. We completely understand and you can be amazing support without spending a cent! If you want and can, don’t hesitate to cumulate supporting gestures! It is NOT an obligation at all, but it is extremely appreciated, trust me.

FREE WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR FAVORITE INDEPENDENT ARTISTS

* Share their work

Don’t hesitate to tell why you like this artist, it’ll bring interested from your audience :)

* Interact with their content

Like, comment, tag your friends etc. Don’t be shy, do it on multiple platforms and/or from your multiple accounts. Honestly, social media algorithms aren’t on independent artists’ side but we need to outshine from the virtual crowd to make money out of our art. We see these little efforts and it is appreciated so much!

* Send them a message

Since we have constant access to free content, we forget to connect with each other. As artists, we can easily feel lonely and insecure so receiving kind messages from people who care about our art is absolutely amazing

* Refer them around you

You know someone who is looking for an ice sculptor? Send them the informations of the one you follow on Instagram with a nice word about them! You might have found them a gig in less than a minute and they might be able to pay their rent because of you!

* Share your experience

You’ve already hired them or bought something from them? Tell your experience! Give reviews on Yelp, Facebook, social media etc... Potential clients are more likely to confirm a transaction if they know how it is to work with them!

WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR INDEPENDENT ARTISTS - LOW BUDGET

* Subscribe to their Patreon

It can be a couple of dollars per month, it is cheaper than a drink and if everybody who can does that, it becomes to be a pretty good amount. Financial stability is a luxury and Patreon is a really good way to get close to it as a freelancer.

* Offer them an item from their wishlist if they have one

Being an artist is quite often really expensive. We have so many things to buy and this money obviously come from our pockets. It is so motivating to receive as a little gift one of these items we need to create.

* Buy something from their store

Do they sell low budget item? If yes and your financial situation allows it, treat yourself! You can even talk about it around you (in real life and virtually)!

WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL (OR LESS LOCAL) ARTISTS - BIG BUDGET

* Hire them

Commission them, book a photoshoot with them, make them create work for you and pay them a decent price. If you think their quote is too low, feel free to tip them if you can. They are probably under huge pressure, independent artist’s life is hard, so please, be kind to them. They might fuck up, but they are trying their best. Don’t forget that their work is a huge part of their life when this is only a commission for you. Of course, feel free to give feedback, but never forget to be kind.

* Buy their original artwork

Not all artists have original artworks but if they do and you like one, why not offering it to yourself?

I don’t know if I listed all the ways you can help out an artist so if I forgot any, please feel free to add them in the comments!

I wanted to thank my amazing patrons. Even if I barely talk about it, my situation is really complicated and I appreciate so much your kindness. You are extremely helpful and your support is extremely motivating. I see all your little (and less little) attentions and many of y’all inspired me this article. I know you will recognize yourself in some lines and it was my way to show you how appreciative I am. You are so great, thank you.

I am sorry if I am not really constant, but I swear that I try my best!

This article is public so feel free to share it if you think it could be helpful! ♥️

T Shirt Design Reveal 😱

I’ve been wanting to sell my own shirts for a long time, but I needed to find the perfect way. Indeed, even if (unfortunately) a part of the success game as an indépendant artist is to push people to buy things they don’t really need (let’s be honest), I didn’t want to do it on a terrible way,

As you might know I am very opinionated and I absolutely had to make sure my products were Environment Friendly x Plus Size Friendly x Affordable and finding the right way took time. BUT I DID IT! 🎉

I decided to print my designs in a local print store (I am still looking for the perfect one) on second hand shirts I will pick myself in local independent thrift stores. That will allow me to offer unique pieces at a reasonable price with creating the least pollution possible. And of course, I will be looking for Plus Size Shirts too! I refuse to only serve Straight Sizes and will happily shop cool shirts on all sizes 🔥

Alright, it’s about time to talk about the first design!

I wanted to create a design that celebrate women like I portray them: unique, strong, sassy and fresh. It was important for me to adapt this illustration for its use: being worn. I had no interest in just apposing a random pretty drawing to a shirt and call it good. I wanted something different, that women would wear as a statement like a settle armor to show the world who they truly are. Alright, I’ve talked enough... I’m just trying to gain time because I’m stressed out. I’ve only showed this final design to 2 people so I really hope that you are going to like it too!

🎉🎉🎉🎉

Don’t hesitate to tell me what you think about it here or on Twitter ( @lavieeibel), it’ll mean so much to me!

I am currently seeing what local print shops are my best options and after that, I’ll start shopping the first shirts 😱

Have a beautiful week ♥️♥️♥️

NSFW!! Period are Genderless - May 2019

Hello Hello!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend! How are you doing? What's your plans for this upcoming week?

Saturday, I finally did a photoshoot I really cared about: Period are Genderless and today, I'm here to talk about it with you!

THE CONCEPT

I've read more and more transgender/non binary people expressing their frustrations about how period are gendered by our society, which is, when we think about it, pretty transphobic. Indeed, some men experience period, some women don't, and many people with menstruations also don't identify as either of these genders. It doesn't take long to see that the rare times people mention period, it's unfortunately most likely to be associated to "women/girls/sisterhood".

The idea of portraying different genders in underwear for a photoshoot about Periods came really naturally to me.

I wanted to use my art to open the discussion about this subject and help non binary/trans people feel represented and listened to. 

THE MODELS:

I spent countless hours trying to find the ideal models. I knew that I wanted to portray diverse body types and races. I also wanted to portray a group more than a duo.

As you can see, I failed.

BUT at the end, I am still really happy with my models and look how good of a job they did!!

I knew early on that I wanted Nora to be a part of this project. I wanted a cis woman who was comfortable with her body but especially who had good values and morals. I wanted to make sure the trans/non binary model(s) would be safe. If you follow her, you might already know how progressive and interesting she is.

At first, I had another model interested in the project, but he unfortunately had to back out for personal reasons. 

I found Sydney on Instagram after looking all the local queer hashtags and I got SO lucky that he accepted to be a part of it! It was his second photoshoot ever and look how he rocked it! If you are interested, he talks about fashion for Assigned Female At Birth trans/non binary people on @fashionftm!

I also want to use this article to talk about his top surgery. When I contacted him, he was about to have his top surgery, so I preferred to wait until he recovered to set a date for this photoshoot. He just received his anesthesia bill and still have hundreds of dollars to pay. So if you can donate a bit and want a cool badge, check out ihelpedatransman !

I posted ads everywhere on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, contacted my friends etc to try to find more models and it just didn't happen.

PROPS/OUTFIT:

For this photoshoot, I of course wanted something that pops so I bought 2 packs of underwear (1 for Nora, 1 for Sydney) and started a "mini collection" of period themed underwear, armed with glitter, glue, paint and needles.

My favorite still the ones with big glitter, of course.

LIGHTING:

Dan Leonard of course did an amazing job, again. I am SO lucky to have such a talented partner!

ANECDOTES:

We actually had to do this photoshoot a few weeks back, but unfortunately, the weather decided to be absolutely awful and Dan wasn't available with his magic light skills, so I had to reschedule.

My mental health has been absolutely awful the week before this shoot, so I didn't have time to plan anything and like if it wasn't enough, Dan had to work overnight until 10AM (the photoshoot was at 1PM) and I didn't sleep either.

But we obviously made it work and I am really proud of this result.

I decided to keep Sydney's bracelets for the photoshoot since he said that he never remove them. I'm not sure it was the best choice aesthetically, but I am glad I welcomed Sydney as a whole on this project. If these bracelets are a part of his identity, I think they should be part of these frames.

CONCLUSION:

I would have loved to add more diversity in my models selection, but as we say "Better Done Than Perfect".

I am really proud of the fact I received lots of messages of trans/non binary people who loved the project and felt represented. That's all I wanted, really.

I don't think anyone care, but I sweat A LOT when I take pictures and I am completely in my own mind, so I am so hard to understand if you don't know me well. That's two issues that make me really uncomfortable when I work and I would like to either work on accepting them or fix them in some way.

I hope you liked these pictures!! I have many other projects coming, I just have to put them together! Stay tuned!

Have a beautiful week!!

Butterfly - April 2019

Hello dear Patreons and thank you for sticking with me for this upcoming month! :)

Today, I'm here to show you the full set with @thefatposipunk and explain it a bit to you!

I originally bought these butterflies for another upcoming photoshoot (stay tuned!) but I found them way too big for what I wanted to do with them (display them on my model's face). But suddenly, I got the idea of using them with Lilly and the full idea came to life to me!

It's been a while I wanted to use my art and skills to portray fat women and non binary people as glamourous, delicate and powerful humans. I love the fact representation is better and better, and I am proud to participate to it. It's all naturally that I pictured this photoshoot as a dreamy fairytalish scenery and Lilly was absolutely ideal for it.

I also have another project in the making with Lilly that can be pretty cool, but I have to contact the director of the place where I want to shoot it at, so I'm a bit scared. But I have to do it, because who doesn't try doesn't know! 

I am honestly pretty proud of the result and I hope you like it too! If you want to share this photoshoot, you can do it with this instagram post or this twitter post 

TDOV 2019 - Conclusion

Hey!

I was sure I published this article about Trans Day Of Visibility a while ago, but I think Patreon ate it alive, so I'm happy to rewrite it :)

If you didn't see the previous articles (don't hesitate to check them out!), for Trans Day of Visibility I offered my services as a photographer to trans/non binary people. I've heard and read a lot that image is something trans and non binary people often struggle with, mostly because of transphobic, sexist and capitalist social pressure. 

Also, transgender people often face economical issues. To learn more about it, you can download "Paying an Unfair Price: The Financial Penalty for Being Transgender in America" that paints a stark portrait of the economic insecurities that leave transgender people with high rates of unemployment and poverty. Transgender Americans face clear financial penalties simply because they are transgender and are left economically vulnerable because of two primary failures of law:

• Pervasive discrimination and a lack of legal protections mean that transgender people struggle to find work and safe housing, face challenges updating critical identity documents, make less on the job, and have higher medical costs than their non-transgender peers.
• Failure to adequately protect transgender students means that transgender people and their families often face a hostile, unsafe, or unwelcoming school environments. Harassment, bullying, and violence can make it difficult, if not impossible, for transgender students to obtain the skills and education they need to succeed.So I thought that TDOV was the perfect occasion to share my skills and hopefully help a bit with this issue many people face.

Download here 

About the photoshoot, as I already said it, I think I prepared it a little bit late ans I wasn't perfectly organized, but I still managed to find 1 person every hour for 6 hours.

It was my first time doing that many photoshoots in one day and I have to say: I loved it!

The photoshoots were obviously not styled, we had to deal with natural light and most of my models never posed before. But that equation is actually a big reason of why this day was so special.

I loved seeing them opening up to me, but especially to themselves. It was their moment, and I think it was well deserved. I got the chance to hear little pieces of their stories, their point of view, their experiences and that makes me a super lucky woman.

I got to meet amazing people that I still in contact with for some of them, help them out a little, and it gave me the opportunity to make sure non binary/trans people are even more represented in my portfolio now, since I think representation is something extremely important, and especially in art.

I cannot wait to put together some secret (and less secret) photoshoots about gender and especially trans identity.

Have an excellent week and I get back to you asap!

Illustrate Like A Girl

Hey you!

I hope you are having a pretty day and you didn't forget to be nice to yourself!

Today, I'm here to talk about my sweet baby: Illustrate Like A Girl.

What is Illustrate Like A Girl?

I created this supportive online community for self identified women and non binary people who draw, paint, illustrate. I was fed up with the fact the art community, as every other community, isn't shared fairly and is mostly taken over by cis men. Women artists are rarely given the opportunity to grow their self confidence, surround themselves with other women artists or share their art in a safe and kind environment. Illustrate Like A Girl now provides an online space for all of this. 

Illustrate Like A Girl is and will always be for women, by women.

Online communities are really important for accessibility. Not everybody lives in an art friendly city, and even then, many things can get in the way of someone wanting to connect with other artists IRL. Personally, Internet is my safe place when my mental health is giving me a hard time, and I know we are many in this situation. I like to think Illustrate Like A Girl is a nice little bubble where we experience and learn as an artist to get ready for the real world and the opportunities we deserve.

How does Illustrate Like A Girl work?

* We have a Facebook group, where the magic happens. There, we only accept people who fit the criteria (see explanations below). That's where our members share with each other about art and everything it involves (business, creativity, doubts, ressources, technics, marketing, etc).

* We also have an Instagram for everybody who wants to discover and support women artists. We gladly appreciate everyone who follows our account and share our content!

It is really important for me that this community grows with and for its members. I am always seeking for new point of views, ideas, challenges, and it feels so good when our badass artists feel comfortable enough to be active community members.

What are the criteria to be a part of Illustrate Like A Girl?

All our members are self identified women or non binary people. Trans men are more than welcome too! At Illustrate Like A Girl, the only person our members are in competition with is themselves. Your level, art style or the frequency of your work are completely up to you and shouldn't block you from joining our community and benefiting of our ressources!

If you happen to be a cis man but is interested by this project and discovering women and non binary artists, please follow us on Instagram

Our Community Manager

I recently had to admit to myself that I couldn't do everything alone (especially volunteer work like Illustrate Like A Girl) so I gladly accepted Gemma as our new Community Manager. She now takes amazing care of our Instagram and make everybody feels more connected to the community! It makes me feel so much better and definitely motivates me to keep growing Illustrate Like A Girl.

To check out her work, please go see her Instagram. 

Some of our members

x @Neo_Sitdow has been with us since the beginning and I am really thankful for that!

x @maudemiel is always so kind and helpful with our other members, it's a blessing!

x @nade_illustrations has such a fresh art style!

x @noeep will always be one of my biggest art crushes.

x @rubisfirenos is one of our several tattoo artists and we are so happy about it!

I hope you liked these explanations about this amazing art community. I made sure this post is public, so don't hesitate to share it with anyone who could be interested by this concept: We are always happy to welcome new members!

Have a beautiful day and see you soon!

Reality Perception - April 2019

Hey you!

I hope your week is going well! It's a bit complicated for me these past days but I'll just blame my periods on that. Today, I'm going to share with you the whole batch of pictures from this session and also tell you a bit about the process!

How did I connect with the model?

A little while ago, I saw a picture from a local photographer (@stellina.stampouli) portraying a beautiful person with a shaved head and freckles. I immediately clicked on the account, subscribed and after their confirmation (@audgpus account is currently private), I realized they were as beautiful as expected.

I got absolutely enchanted by Audrey's voice. She is an amazing singer and to be totally honest with you, one day her song was the only thing which could calm my anxiety.

I could easily picture her being the perfect model for this photoshoot idea and I am glad she got excited about it.

What is this photoshoot about?

I really wanted to portray the idea that Reality is only an infinite amount of perceptions all together, and I also wanted to use my collection of crystals (I would be happy to make a post with all of them later). I imagined playing with them all, on her eyes, but also on the lens and it just made sense.

Props, outfit, make up?

I asked Audrey to come with a white outfit, nice earrings and natural make up. Luckily for me, she also did bring this amazing see through top and wow, it was just perfect! The crystals are all mine and I use them often on my pictures. Non of the effects you see on these pictures are a product of Photoshop. (I also want to thank Guillaume for a couple of these he kindly offered me for my 27th birthday)

How did the session go?

Audrey is an angel. She is kind, honest, communicative, inspired and inspiring. We stayed together for hours, talking a lot and creating a special link that helped us a lot for the pictures. It is really rare for me to feel comfortable with people and especially to trust them, so it was a blessing to have this opportunity with her. It helped me to get out of my comfort zone and try new stuff as a photographer. I am really trying to explore and experiment my art and for that, I need to work with people I like and respect. And I am happy to say that I think Audrey is one of these special humans.

I hope you liked this session! Let me know if you have any questions!!

Have a beautiful day!!

Jennifer - TDOV 2019

Last but not least, let me introduce you to the adorable Jennifer.

Working with her was amazing and I love how vulnerable she is. I think it needs a strong person to dare being vulnerable in this dark and vicious world.

I can't stop looking at her beautiful eyes!

See you tomorrow for a post with my favorite pictures from this day and what I've learned from it :)

Have a beautiful day!!

Henry - TDOV 2019

Hey you! 

How are you doing??

Here is Henry from TDOV 2019. They are deaf and I am really thankful for this photoshoot with them. I usually constantly talk with my models but I loved how Henry understood me with barely any directions. 

Look how cool they look! And we got these pictures in 10minutes! 

I won't post pictures of the 4th person, since they decided they chose to not be outed and it would be pretty obvious that they are Transgender if I was posting their pictures on this series. 

See you tomorrow!!

Spencer - TDOV 2019

Hey! I hope you're having a beautiful day!

Here is the second person of my Trans Day of Visibility 2019. Spencer is such a great soul and you immediately feel comfortable around them. And look at this smile!!

I hope you liked Spencer as much as I did!

See you tomorrow!

Mari - TDOV 2019

Last sunday, I decided to offer free portraits to trans and non binary people for Trans Day of Visibility.

I was a bit nervous (like I am before every photoshoot, let's be honest) and Mari was the first one.

They were so nice and having a discussion with them immediately calmed me and gave me the right amount of motivation for the day!

I'll post one person per day and a conclusion about my experience after all. :) 

Split time - April 2019

Honestly, since I didn’t know why I was doing this series, I didn’t plan on taking these mirror pictures. But when Anastasia grabbed the mirror to check her face, I knew I needed to do something with it.

It’s only when I realized what was the meaning behind this project that I understood how much these few pictures were necessary. Indeed, they represent the “split” moment, when my brain start switching completely its point of view on the person and transforms everything they’ve done into something bad. When before I would have seen a nice smile, I now see a manipulative face.

It is extremely hard to live with this. I love people, I need human contact, but I can’t be close to anyone (besides romantic partners, surprisingly. But even in these circumstances, it’s still hard to manage). I want close friends, I want work partners, people I could trust, but my brain is way to scarred after everything I’ve lived.

I have to heal. I can’t do it alone, and it’ll take time. Isolation is too painful for me and I really hope this hard symptom will only get better.

I start having ideas for the final part of this series and I’m waiting for Anastasia approval (fingers crossed).

Also, I am already thinking about another photoshoot about another aspect of my mental health issues and another photoshoot I really care about is happening very soon.

Have a beautiful day!

Model: Anastasia Miller ( http://instagram.com/anastasiaxmiller )

Light Wizard: my beloved Dan Leonard ( http://instagram.com/danleonard__ )

Angel - April 2019

It's impossible to see the angel, unless you first have a notion of it.

Here is the full set of Tuesday's session and some explanations :)

I really wanted to do a photoshoot portraying a dreamy angel using these wings I found for $0.25 each and my super talented boyfriend's skills and vision (he is a Light Wizard).

For the occasion, we used a fog machine, the wings (I already had before but I had to cut and create the attach system), oil for a shiny effect and Dan's lights.

I liked the idea of making the wings look fake in showing the strings to hold them, especially with the location (my living room), like a angel costume and not an actual biblical angel.

I didn't know why I wanted to put together this photoshoot. Sometimes, I just let my creativity guide me and bring some feelings from deep inside me, and that's what happened with this photoshoot.

For years now, my brain "splits" often, and make me idealize people and suddenly if they happen to do anything triggering to me, I suddenly see them as monsters. I'm really ashamed of it and I isolate myself a lot to not have to make people have to deal with this part of me. I don't think I've ever explained this to anyone ever before a couple of months ago. I've discovered lately that it was because of my mental health and that it is a "common thing" with people who have my disorders. 

This photoshoot definitely portrays the first stage of my relationships: When I immediately see the person as an absolutely perfect angel, like a missing piece in my life. I am seduced by everything they do or say and justify anything "wrong" they could do.

I already photographed the "split" moment and will post it very soon. I am still trying to find inspiration for the other part, when everything gets darker.

Model: Anastasia Miller (http://instagram.com/anastasiaxmiller

Light Wizard: Dan Leonard (http://instagram.com/danleonard__ )

Have a pretty day!

Hey there - update

I swear, this is not a April fool post, just a little update.

More I think about it, and more I have to admit that I have no idea what to do with Patreon.

I definitely need it as a source of income (thank you all so much for your contribution, you have no idea how helpful it is for me), but I am not consistent in my way to use it, which is frustrating for all of us, i assume.

I used to be super “active” but disorganized and so not really effective. But since my big long deep depression from last year I have such a hard time committing to stuff. I take most of the day trying to motivate myself to do something and it is consuming so much of my time.

I have so much stuff I would like to share with you: art, tutorials, thoughts, etc... maybe like a blog exclusively for my contributors with bonus depending on the pledge?

I think it would help me to know what you would like me to do. I have hard time motivating myself if it’s not directly helping or pleasing someone else (I know, I have to work on this unhealthy thing). And I always assume that nobody cares about me and my stuff and people support me only by pity (I know, that’s unhealthy too).

This week, I am going to share with you my last photoshoots (I offered free photoshoots for trans/non binary people this Sunday for a Trans Day Of Visibility and 5 people showed up. I can’t wait to show you the results and talk more about it!) and my last illustrations with some explanations.

I am also working on envelopes for some of you and a give away to win some prints and stickers!

All I want to say is that I care about every single one of you and I am working on being more committed. Feel free to reach out to me to tell me what you would like to see more :)

Thank you so much for your patience ♥️

Celestial 2019 - Part II

Hello!

I hope you guys are doing well! :)

Here is the second part of Celestial!

For this outdoor part of the session, I really wanted to play with sunset but the sun got sassy and decided that he was taking a day off, which frustrated me a bit (a freaking lot, let's be honest).

But I am happy with the way these turned out so everything is good!

Have a beautiful day!!

Celestial 2019 - Part I

I got this photoshoot idea and started planning it a year ago. I bought the dress when I basically had no money and got the accessories from a thrift store (the stars used as make up, the big hanging star and the halo).

But depression didn't want to leave my side and I couldn't find the ideal make up artist.

So a month ago, I decided to refocus on it and I started doing huge researches on instagram to find the one. 

She is at the beginning of her career and she is already so talented! I really wanted to leave room for her own creativity and I don't regret it at all! Look how she decided to add glitter on the forehead, the hands and the neck! It reflects light on a really settle way and makes such a huge difference in my opinion.

My super talented boyfriend was also a big part of this and his lighting skills definitely stepped up the game. I'm so lucky to have him by my side.

I really wanted to make the christmas lights turn out into stars because of my super lens filter, but they were unfortunately not bright enough. 

I wanted to give it a "urban night" and using artificial lights in the background as stars was a big part of it so I used one of my (several) crystals to reflect and multiply them.

I hope you liked this series! :)

Part II is coming tomorrow!

Meerkats

My amazing godson asked me to draw meerkats for him so I spent the day working on these.

I tried to create a family vibe, without gendering any of them.

I hope he’ll like them! ♥️