Open Call for Online Shops + more!
Shop Small Guide, new work, and how to donate to Texas flood relief
Well howdy!
How goes it? Tbh, I’ve been trying to keep myself from crying as more details about the nearby floods emerge here in Central Texas. I’m very lucky to say that my family and I are safe. However, if you or anyone you know is in need of aid, the Texas Tribune wrote an article about where you can receive it. That same article includes a list of places where you can donate - I’ve linked to a couple at the end of this newsletter.
On a lighter note, I have been thinking quite a lot about divestment—particularly from big ol’ corporations. Their power and ubiquity make them hard to avoid, so no shade to folks who keep their Prime accounts. And, hey… I too enjoy a trip to Taco Bell. But my money makes a much bigger impact when shopping at small businesses, and I’ve been musing about how to get more eyes on small shops that deserve love (and money)! Thus, I am presently creating a Shop Small Guide.
If you have a small shop that operates mostly or partly online, I would love to hear from you - even if you only sell a few items or services. I’d like to collect shop links in one newsletter so it’s easy to share and reference. If you have an online shop (website or Etsy/Spoonflower/etc) that you’d like me to consider promoting, please fill out the Shop Small Guide Submission form.
Ok, onto some work updates!
New Work: Fiesta San Antonio Medals
Fiesta is basically a two-week party in April where parades and cultural events are held across San Antonio. Traditionally, businesses produce collectible medals and sell them during Fiesta season to raise money for local non-profits. I designed one for Raising Cane’s to sell across their San Antonio restaurants, and they were featured on the local news (?!)
Journalist Christen Urban called my medal design “gorgeous” and “adorable”— and yes, this segment was sponsored by Raising Cane’s… but I think she meant it?! Maybe it’s my millennial brain not understanding the modern world, but this somehow feels like more of an accomplishment than getting 10,000 likes. Probably because I know my boomer parents would be more impressed with a 2 minute long local news segment about something I designed than they would be about anything on Instagram. Am I stuck in 2009? Anyway, you can watch the segment here!
I really wanted to get one of these medals, but you have to be in-restaurant to purchase them and I wasn’t making the 2 hour drive to SA. But… I’ve been keeping my eyes on that second-hand market lol. You can check out more about this project on my brand spanking new Cane’s Fiesta Medal portfolio page.
Well, I don’t have much else to share this week - thank you for being here!
Please consider donating to the flood relief efforts here in Central Texas. I really can’t overstate how devastating these floods have been, and the government response at all levels has been wanting. Every time I see photos, I’m reminded of what it was like living through the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina (I’m originally from the New Orleans area). It’s going to take a long time for people to rebuild.
Hands Off Central TX Mutual Aid is collecting donations—focusing on aid not already being met by churches, the National Guard, and local government. GoFundMe has set up a page featuring several fundraisers for local families and individuals. The Texas Tribune has a list of other local organizations bringing relief to areas affected by the floods.
Thanks again for being here, and quadruple thanks for donating.
Catch ya next time :)
-Liz