Feast or famine

Hello lovely souls,

Some months, my inbox is empty - insert tumbleweed gif here.

Other months, it’s overflowing with enquiries.

But in either scenario, my brain always thinks the same thing: quiet spells bring anxiety, so I say yes to anything that presents itself. Busy blocks? I say yes again - because at some point, it’ll be quiet.

My grandma has always said - whether it’s food, work, or socialising -“Everything in moderation.”

Over time, I got better at saying no to certain illustration jobs that didn’t align with my style, vision, or audience. But recently, new opportunities in a different creative form began to pull me out of alignment: content creation. Not an avenue I ever imagined myself entering, if I’m being completely honest - but alas, here we are.

Opportunity after opportunity. Sponsorship after sponsorship landed in my inbox. Excited but also a bit bewildered, I rushed to respond to everyone.

My nervous system started to feel off. I was spending my days filming for four different brands, while my paintbrushes sat staring at me from the corner of my studio. Between client calls, emails, and contracts, I was in a weird haze - until ding, an Instagram notification from a loyal customer (and now online friend):

“Hey Chiara, I just thought you should know — I was having a really tough week. Life’s been overwhelming and a bit sad lately. I’m watching your videos as I type this, and waking up to your artwork on my wall makes me feel warm and calm. Thank you for your art, it makes the world feel a little less lonely and a little more hopeful.”

I literally broke down sobbing. There’s nothing like a heartfelt, beautiful message to pull you back into reality…and your priorities.

The feast will come. The famine will come. But somewhere in between - in the steady spoonfuls of honest work and kind words…that’s where the real nourishment lives.

That’s where I want to stay.

On that note, I’ve just shared my first sponsored YouTube video. It feels a little surreal to be stepping into this new chapter, but I hope my audience discovers something genuinely useful and inspiring in the sponsors I’ve chosen.

Until next time,