Let me tell y’all a story about my fancy cat era. 🐱💃 Back in undergrad, when I was studying illustration, I was obsessed with drawing cats and animals in the most extravagant outfits. Think corsets, suits, and ruffles—my creations were basically sassy little aristocrats. I loved it so much that when my school held a 24-hour illustration competition to design a poster for the Humane Society, I decided to enter. (Which was wild, because I’d never won anything before!)
For my design, I imagined a Mardi Gras-inspired “Pets on Parade,” led by—you guessed it—an upright cat in a fabulous suit, second-lining like a true New Orleans native. 🐾✨ Halfway through, exhaustion and self-doubt almost got the best of me, but one of my professors convinced me to push through, telling me my design was that good.
Well, guess what? I WON. 🎉 And not just any prize—first place! I was over the moon, and my classmates cheered as I walked back to class in disbelief. But then, two of my male peers—one a top grad student, the other a “friend”—decided to crash my little victory parade. They told me my work “wasn’t that good” and that I “shouldn’t have won.” Ouch.
Those comments hit me hard. They made me question everything, and eventually, I stopped drawing my little animals altogether. I shifted my focus to fashion illustration, and while I’ve built an incredible career, I always felt like I left a piece of myself behind.
The Winning Poster
fancy animals on parade
But here’s the twist—after years of letting those voices hold me back, I’ve picked up my fancy cats again. And guess what? They’re back, better than ever, and ready to shine in their very own coloring book. 💖
This new project is everything: cutesy, romantic, and dripping in Regency-era vibes. Think Bridgerton meets Jane Austen, but with animals navigating the social season in the most stylish outfits you’ve ever seen. 🐱💐✨
This coloring book isn’t just about art; it’s about reclaiming something I loved, shaking off doubt, and proving to myself—and anyone else who needs to hear it—that our creativity deserves to thrive, no matter what anyone says.
I can’t wait to share this part of my journey with you. If you’ve ever doubted yourself or put your dreams on hold, let this be your sign: it’s never too late to pick up where you left off. 💕
Stay tuned for preorder details—this one’s going to be magical. ✨ See below for sneak peaks at the new book!
Coloring pages in new book.
Sneak Peak
Youtube Live
I’m going LIVE on YouTube tonight at 8PM CST, and I’d love for you to join me. We’ll be diving into a chill live coloring session.
Grab your favorite beverage, bring your creativity, and let’s hang out—it’s going to be fun, interactive, and full of surprises! 🎨✨
The Red Onion Ohuhu marker strikes again. It’s no longer just a marker—it’s my sworn nemesis, a hot ass pink (that should be purple) demon with an agenda to ruin my life one blend at a time. Today, as I worked on a serene sunset, Red Onion reared its smug, overly pigmented head and bled chaos all over my masterpiece. It knew exactly what it was doing.
It sits there in the case, pretending to be useful, like some kind of innocent bystander. But I see through its lies. This is sabotage. Personal. It’s Drake to my Kendrick and I'm it's biggest hater.
Why do I keep trying? Am I a fool? A martyr? Or simply too stubborn to admit that this marker has bested me? No matter. The battle rages on, and I refuse to be defeated by a tube of ink.
Until next time, keep creating, stay dramatic, and remember—if a Red Onion marker tries to steal your joy, just blend it into submission (or toss it in the box of shame). Cheers to colorful chaos!
Xoxo, Jonquel Art 🎨 Fashion Illustrator | Art Coach | Marker Enthusiast
