Weekly Studio Update: Crowded Studios, Market Decisions & Four New Frames I Definitely Needed

The studio is getting crowded again — and by “crowded,” I mean it’s starting to feel like a storage unit with artistic aspirations. I’ve got more inventory than my tiny space can reasonably hold, and naturally, I responded to this problem by ordering more markers, pens, and paints. Because nothing says “I’m overwhelmed” like adding more things to be overwhelmed by.

So, I’m reorganizing. Again. New bins, fewer clothes, better use of space, and a renewed attempt at making my studio feel less like a game of Jenga played by cats. It’s a slow process, but at least it looks intentional from certain angles.

On the market front, the second indoor market is approaching, and after some strategic thinking, we’ve decided to do this one and opt out of the last two. The loading and unloading situation for indoor markets is… not ideal. Outdoor markets feel breezy and manageable; indoor markets feel like I need a forklift license. So we’re choosing the one that makes sense and skipping the ones that don’t. A rare moment of practicality.

The cats have had a mellow week — no breakouts, no dramatic escapes, no “I swear that window was closed” incidents. Just cute photo ops and plenty of “helping” with my decluttering by sitting directly in the bins I’m trying to organize. They’ve been calm, sweet, and suspiciously well‑behaved. I’m sure this means they’re planning something.

In frame news, I found four new frames I absolutely couldn’t resist. The standout is a cat‑shaped frame that is destined to be a massive hit at CatCon. It’s kitschy, adorable, and aggressively on‑brand — the kind of frame that makes you say, “Yes, I need this,” even though you already have more frames than wall space.

This week’s Wikkikitty fact: Cats possess an evolutionary skill known as Spatial Denial™ — the belief that any space, no matter how small, crowded, or clearly occupied, is actually meant for them. Laundry baskets, art bins, your lap while you’re holding scissors — all fair game. Scientists call it confidence. I call it living with tiny furry landlords.

On the art side, I’ve been working on new canvas pouches, new wall art, and exploring some new illustration techniques that have been surprisingly fun. And in bigger news, I officially joined the Artists Council in Palm Desert — a nice professional step forward and a chance to connect with other artists who also understand the chaos of creative life.

Another week down, another pile of projects in motion, and somehow the cats are still in charge. The studio may be tiny, but the creativity (and clutter) keeps expanding. More updates soon — preferably after I find the floor again.

Until next time,

Meow for now

Jeffrey