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HELLO & WELCOME!
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I'm very excited and grateful to embark on this creative journey with you! Before we officially begin in 2023, I wanted to share a few things that I thought might be helpful: making sure you receive this newsletter, a short survey, the official schedule, and details about supplies. Please take a look when you have a chance!

DON'T MISS ANY EMAILS
If you're using Gmail and this email ended up under the “Promotions” tab/folder, drag it to your “Primary” inbox. Click “Yes" when asked “Do this for future messages?"
 
If this email was sent to your spam/junk folder, please mark this email address, hello@atiliay.com, as “not spam” and add to your contacts.
PROMPT LIBRARY
If you ever need to refer to a previous email or can't find something, all emails and prompts will be listed in the Prompt Library for easy access. Feel free to bookmark this page for future reference.
A LITTLE MORE ABOUT YOU
Please take a moment to fill out this short survey. It'll help me with a few ideas as well as when I'm gathering inspiration to share with you! All information is always confidential and will never be shared.
SCHEDULE
We'll be starting 2023 off with a 5 week Creative Kickstart Series! Here is the schedule for Jan and Feb. A PDF calendar of the full year will be available for you to download when the Before We Begin Prep Email is sent. (Greyed out days are off days where you can rest, spend time catching up, or continue creating if you'd like!)
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SUPPLIES
I wanted to send out supply info now in case you want to shop during the holiday sales or add some items to your wish list! Please note you aren't required to buy anything and don't feel pressure that you need to have a wide range/variety of supplies (I love the idea of making the most of what we have in new and different ways). In case you need a few things to get started or want to add some items to your toolbox, here are a few recommendations:
  • Sketchbook I suggest getting multi-media sketchbooks that support both dry and wet mediums in a smaller size so that it can travel with you. Here are 3 different brands I have tried and liked:
    • Arteza Mixed Media Sketchbook, 5.5x8.5 (pictured above) This was my very first sketchbook and I just got another! They were out of stock for awhile so I'm glad they're back! They feature a spiral binding that allows the pages to lay completely flat and they're perforated if you want to tear anything out to scan, frame, or share. The paper can take a LOT of acrylic paint and I've also used watercolors, inks, and Mod Podge on them.
    • Etchr Sketchbook A5 (5.9 x 8.9 in) 100% Cotton Hotpress (pictured below) I received one as a gift and recently finished filling up the pages. It's ideal for pen, ink, watercolor, and gouache. In addition to those mediums, I also used pencil and acrylic and they all worked well on the paper. Both sides of the pages can be used and the cotton fabric cover can be painted on too. They are sold in packs of 3. 
    • Stillman & Birn Zeta Series Softcover Sketchbook This paper has a very smooth finish and I originally used this as a sketchbook for lettering for that reason. I have tried a variety of inks and markers on the pages and you can also use watercolor and other dry/wet mediums on them.
  • Tools, Paints, & More 
    • Blue Painter's Washi Tape - This tape helps you create clean borders or can be used to create lines and other shapes within your piece. This brand is the only one I've tried that has not stuck on and ruined the pages (peel slowly just to be safe)! It comes in 3 sizes that cover a variety of projects. 
    • Liquitex Basics, Acrylic Paint Set, 24 Count - I like the thicker texture of this acrylic paint (they work with palette knives) and the colors that come in this set (it includes metallic gold and silver!)
    • Artist's Loft Gouache Paints, 12 Count - This set is such a steal ($5.99!) and is great for beginners to get familiar with before investing in pricier brands.
    • Koi Watercolor Sketchbox - I've had the 24 color set for YEARS and it's still going strong! I love that it's meant to be used outside on location and when paired with a water brush pen, you're good to go! 
    • Water Brush
    • Palette Knife Set
    • Artist's Loft Brush Sets - I'm not so good about taking care of my brushes 😅 but these affordable sets from Michael's have served me well and helped me decide which sizes I use more of and want to invest in.

The next email you'll receive will be in January and include information on prepping and what to expect in the weeks and months ahead. (If you have any questions at any time, feel free to email me!) Until then, enjoy your holiday season!
 
Thank you for being here and bringing your energy and creativity into this space!
 
 I'll talk to you in January 2023! I can't wait! :)
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