Hey Reader!
Today, I’m writing you with a box cutter in one hand (packing orders!) and a full heart in the other.
First — the good news:​
All your March preorders are being packed, prepped, and heading out the door! 📦
I’m proud (and relieved) to say that every single coloring book was hand-bound by me. I learned a whole new skill just to make this launch happen, and they turned out every bit as beautiful as I dreamed.
If you placed an order — you’ll be getting a shipping notification very soon!
But I’d be lying if I said that’s the whole story.
The truth is...finishing this project hit me harder than I expected.
Not just physically (although, wow, my hands are tired), but emotionally.
After the adrenaline wore off, I was left sitting with a feeling I know all too well:
​"I worked so hard. Why am I still so tired? Why am I still clocking in to survive?"
I’ve been at this for over half my life.
Since I was 15 years old, I’ve poured everything into this dream —
Degrees. Internships. Teaching. Galleries. Publications. Licensing. Freelance.
I’ve sacrificed things my peers wouldn’t even imagine.
I’ve kept showing up even when the world told me, directly and indirectly, to quit.
And sometimes, even after all that...
It still feels like I'm fighting just to stay afloat.
I know how lucky I am to have a part-time job that helps with the bills.
I know it's "easy" by most people's standards.
But it doesn’t change the fact that every time I clock in, I feel like I'm leaving a piece of myself behind.
It doesn’t change the grief of knowing I’ve already earned a life of freedom —
I just haven’t caught up to it yet.
Maybe you’ve felt that way about something in your own life, too.
That hollow ache of "I know I'm meant for more" while still doing what you have to do to survive.
If you have — please know this:
​You're not crazy. You're not selfish. You're not ungrateful.​
You're just awake.​
You still want.​
You’re still alive.
And wanting more for your life is not a weakness.
​It’s proof your dream is still burning.
I don’t have a neat ending to this letter.
No perfect motivational quote.
No bow to tie on the story (yet).
Just this:
Thank you.​
For being part of this messy, real, beautiful journey.
For supporting my work even when I’m still building the life I dream of.
For giving me one more reason to keep choosing hope over defeat.
✨ Orders are shipping this week! You’ll get tracking info as soon as your package is on the way.
✨ And while I’m resting and refilling my creative cup, know this: there’s so much more magic coming.
I’m not giving up.
Not today.
Not ever.
The new Vlog is live! 🎥
My latest vlog just dropped, where I get a little real—talking about AI in the art world, artist struggles, and staying true to your creative path.
​If you’re an artist, creative, or sensitive soul doing the inner work to reconnect with your voice… this one’s for you.
🎥 In Case You Missed It...
I went LIVE recently while hand-making some books! It was such a fun session, and you can
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Thank you again for preordering, believing in my art, and being part of this colorful journey. I can’t wait to get these beauties into your hands soon! 💕
Xoxo,
Jonquel Art
🎨 Fashion Illustrator | Art Coach | Marker Enthusiast
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