Welcome to the first monthly newsletter.

If you are reading this you are a certified cutie pie and I feel so honoured you are taking the time to check in. I hope this newsletter can keep us connected, provide a little insight into my creative practice and be an opportunity to hear from you too.

The only constant is change and this month has brought on a lot of it. While reflecting on the past month in my practice I noticed the symmetry in the world around me. Just as winter has made the trees bare, my life feels like it's been stripped back, and as the turn of spring is calling in new growth, I feel the excitement of new possibilities emerging. Is there anything much more exhilarating than the changing of the seasons?

Key Updates:

1. I got a job

This year has been rough, I probably don’t need to tell you that. I took some big risks that didn’t really pay off as my online sales took a major hit at the same time. My attempt to scale just didn’t work and ultimately it all comes down to cash flow. All that to say, I basically ran out of money. After 3 years working full time on Clingy (a huge, major privilege and honour) I needed a job to pay my rent.

Now that I’ve found something part-time that can cover my living expenses, I’ve realised how much I had been neglecting the basics in my life. It turned out to be a major relief to take a step back from Clingy and I’m slowly building back a sense of momentum after taking some rest. Not having to rely on sales to pay my bills has also allowed me to explore other creative ideas. I am loving it!

2. I’m taking time away from instagram and I have a feeling you might be too…

I got one of those ‘Bricks’ that I keep at my studio so I only access instagram when I’m at work i.e. when I need to make content etc. I’ve had it since June and wracked up 63 days or 1160 hours without instagram or TikTok on my phone! Honestly I feel like I have finally broken the addiction. It only makes me want to get rid of it altogether. Would definitely recommend it. I tried to get a dumb phone before that, but it was just too dumb.

Unfortunately, this means that I’m less active at replying and sharing behind the scenes at Clingy. In an effort to stay connected and build a community, this newsletter will be my way of keeping you up to date and to seek your input.

3. I’m sick of building a “brand”

After this year has felt like one fail after another, I’ve slowly begun to let go of the expectations of where my career and life will go. My grief of letting go of my plans has slowly turned into excitement for the unknown. The known has made way for the infinite possibilities that I couldn’t allow myself to consider while my focus was so firmly set on what I thought was meant to happen. I guess sometimes everything has to burn down for something new to grow from the ashes. 

Throughout this period of change and transformation I’ve come to rely on my daily practices that centre and support my growth and have actually inspired new kinds of creativity. Specifically, my daily journalling practice. I’ve come to realise that the process of creating is much more important than what you create. I am dedicating myself to reflection, deepening the creation process and allowing myself to evolve. I don’t think my brand as it is, is able to reflect my continuous growth as a human and as a creative. 

Tbh I’m not so sure what this will mean for “Clingy” but I trust that the right people will be able to come along for the journey. Perhaps a name change or a shift to a personal creative portfolio? Would actually love your thoughts and feelings on this!!!???

4. Current Strategy: Throwing Spaghetti at the wall and seeing what sticks

Without knowing where it will take me I've been trying new things! I'm saying yes to opportunities that I might have turned down in the past, and reaching out to new people and pitching ideas. I’ve been playing around with new mediums including soft sculpture (stuffing things with fabric scraps), writing and sketching as well as developing a new product for Clingy...

(can you guess what it is?)

I’m slowly working towards something BIG in November that has been a goal since pretty much the beginning of Clingy. Although so much has changed I want to give it my best go  and see what happens. I’ll share more info soon xx

Album I'm lovin': Going Nowhere by Quiet Light

Book Recommendation: The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

Something to think about: How is the changing season reflected in your life?

Please feel free to get in touch with any thoughts, feelings, feedback or book recommendations either in the comments or by emailing through info@clingy.com.au!

A huge amount of love,

Izzy