Rebranding is Hard

I’ve spent the past two years considering how to rebrand and starting the process. Now that I’m finally doing it, it’s quite the endeavor.

It’s always frustrating to go to my Bento Studio pages that I know I haven’t maintained well because of where I was at for the past many, many years and to see such low engagement as a result of me needing to take some time off to heal. It’s even more disheartening to go to the new pages where there aren’t even any banners or images on them. It feels so empty. It’s challenging to overcome those hurdles, but I’ve really been focusing it down for the past two weeks.

I’ve updated my logo and I’m actually happy with it. I’m working on the banners today. I’ve updated my streaming schedule. I’ve written the YouTube intro scripts as well as ones for Twitch and my new Patreon. I’ve developed content. I’ve developed countless new products. No, really. I cannot tell you how many products I’ve designed in the past two months. And I’m pushing through with commissions.

Posting the “apology” that I posted on social media was challenging for me. And I’m just so touched and overwhelmed by all the support people have shown me, despite my absence and what I perceive as failings. I’m so appreciative and so grateful to everyone who’s been there for me, near and far. It was important for me to post that and feel good about what was in it before I moved forward, before I actually returned. I felt it was important to communicate what had been going on, what I’d overcome, and where I wanted to be. I’m so glad so many people were receptive. It’s a huge relief.

But there’s still much work to be done. So much work.

I’m booking conventions, arts markets, small shows, consignment opportunities, and so on. I’m looking to diversify as much as possible. To do that, I’ve really followed through on my commitment to “touching all the things”. I have a habit tracker that I use to keep me on target, too. It’s invaluable. If I weren’t touching all the things, I wouldn’t have made so much progress on commissions, I wouldn’t have a new logo, I wouldn’t be at the Riverside Arts Market or exhibiting anywhere. And I wouldn’t have anything new to sell.

The last part of that has been the most challenging piece. What to sell.

I decided to go with 99.9% original art. In doing so, I’ve found that there’s so much more love in my finished work. I’m much happier with it. I hope you will be too.

Thank you again for continuing to support me through this challenging time. I’m looking forward to sharing with you even more in the coming years.