EI Year Two
Some thoughts two years in as a full-time business owner.
The creative economy for us indie makers / entrepreneurs looks… uncertain. Kinda like it always has!!! Everything’s new and yet nothing’s new. There will always be people who run companies who would like to own, exploit, and bully the creative class. In many cases for their own selfish gain.
Still, we’ve been here before. Ages before our existence on the creative scene, artists were experiencing rough times and uncertainties. Disruption from industrialists, religious figures, vengeful rulers, etc. Even physical persecution at times.
It’s all stuff I try to keep in mind. The business of creativity demands a sense of informed optimism mixed with intellectual honesty as we navigate societal and economic challenges. Yes, business is about income. But business is also about people.
Going into 2026, I’m going to continue investing time in relationship building, network curation, collaborations, and fostering dialogue through community.
2025 Accomplishments
1 - Successfully completed a crowd-funding project
Escape Station – Vector Transmission was my first crowd-funded Kickstarter project. This release features an art zine with rules for an accompanying card game – Vector Interplay. In this game, images from across all of the personal projects I’ve created over the years converge to form a two-player experience. There’s lots of myths, moods, and mysteries to explore.
With this first crowd-funding project I set a $500 goal. Very modest admittedly, but achievable. Over the years I’ve helped fund a lot of projects on the Kickstarter platform. So I’ve had a chance to learn firsthand how the best indie campaigns succeed. It’s all about growing an audience over time, listening to their inputs, and rewarding backers for their support.
I see crowd-funding as an important strategy for me when it comes to building a sustainable small business. The next project I’ll be releasing via Kickstarter is called Bugruckus – Sprout + Charm. You can learn more about it here!
2 - Learned the DTF printing process for apparel
My friend Nicole introduced me to the Direct-to-Film (DTF) process and I was pretty blown away by it. I used to dabble in screen-printing, and while I really enjoy that process, it’s quite intense. Screen-printing requires lots of trial and error, as well as supplies, cleaners, space to operate, and storage space for printed items. It’s also the kind of thing that takes a lot time, with setup and teardown considerations at every turn.
DTF printing is waaaay less intense for a home studio setup. And the results are so good even well-known brands are starting to use DTF printing for apparel. Because I produce everything in small batches, I can create 10-20 items at a time.
I’ve really enjoyed the DTF process so far and I’ll be exploring more with it for sure.
3 - Presented and exhibited at events
CritHit 2025 – Exhibited at this tabletop gaming convention.
Escape Station Livestream – Presented the making of Vector Interplay, a game I released in 2025.
Making the Game (AIGA) – Presented on the topic of game design at dialog in downtown Phoenix as part of an AIGA sponsored event.
Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025 – Exhibited at Arizona’s largest pop-culture event.
Making the Game (University of Tennessee) – Virtual presentation for the University of Tennessee design students.
Phoenix Design Week Conference – Exhibited at this annual conference hosted by AIGA Arizona and multiple sponsors. The event is geared towards the creative professions and features both local and national speakers.
How to Become an Illustrator: Turning Passion Projects into a Creative Career (Sessions College) – Recorded livestream presentation for Sessions College students and interested professionals. (Watch here if you want!)
Type Thursday – Presented on the topic of typography design at this monthly event held throughout Arizona at different locations.
4 - Began learning 2D animation
Adobe Fresco is the main tool I’m using right now for digital drawing. It’s become something I rely on to deliver client-ready work as well. A natural progression of illustration is animation. I’ve never had to know animation for my in-house / agency roles, but I’m learning it now. I’ll be sharing some animation experiments in the coming days and look forward to becoming more proficient in this area.
5 - Launched Daring Doodle Crew
In September 2025 I launched a doodling meetup for local creatives called Daring Doodle Crew. Each month I host a meetup at a coffee shop, cafe, or other spaces where we get together to doodle casually and chat. It all started because I someone asked if I would want to get together to just draw some time. I figured I’m drawing everyday, it would be great to connect with others at the same time!
In addition to the in-person meetup, there’s a virtual option for those who would like to connect that way. I get some folks are tired of virtual connections, but I do think much depends on the mood / purpose of online meetups. I really enjoy online meetups for creative reasons. It’s a great way to learn from others and keep things casual.
More info here. Email ericsdesk@gmail.com if you have questions!
Free of charge, free of ads, free of algorithms :J
2026 Outlook
Commissions
Most of the client work I receive is through word-of-mouth recommendations, which I really appreciate. In 2026, I’ll be more specific about the kinds of commissions I accept:
I’m looking to work with clients who want to stand out as different – using illustration and design to communicate a sense of freedom, wonder, and imagination.
Examples include personal branding, custom apparel, tabletop / digital games, publications, and educational content. If you have a project in the new year that fits this general description, I’d like to chat with you! People hire me when they want to stand apart as different while sharing their unique stories.
Event Collabs
I have two creative workshops in the works for 2026, which I’ll be announcing later. Both involve the business side of ideas and getting them done. I will be looking for venues and possibly sponsors, but again – more to come.
Sometimes when we want to reach new goals, we need to team up with others. If you have a pop-up shop opportunity or would like to team up with me on an event, please let me know. Examples could be having a drawing day at your coffee shop, running tabletop games at your cafe, and / or offering a workshop to your audience.
Let’s help each other shine!
The chart below has general timelines and stages of progress for upcoming studio releases I’m working on. Thanks to all for the support! Let’s keep going. Let’s keep growing.
–E
