illustrator doing illustration things ☼ studio vlog 

The moustache waxing footage and then the cut to the sofa with the music in the background felt like a movie scene! 👌👌I can relate so much to the emotions you're going through right now Fran. We've to keep in mind that THIS is the place where the growth we want to experience in our life is possible. 💛

Due to the increase in shipping and packaging prices, I decided to introduce printables in my small online art store and that has helped me increase sales outside of Europe, to USA especially! Lovely vlog! ❤️😊

I was telling my 11-year-old daughter today that when I was her age, my friends used to tell me to take off my glasses to make me look better, but I ended up not seeing anything. Today I love wearing glasses and I hope my daughter is comfortable with hers.❤

The other day I was listening to the This Changes Everything Podcast (two therapists are the hosts) and they were saying how when something makes you sad, it can bring past things that have also made you sad (without it being obvious to you), which can explain why we sometimes feel more sad that we think a situation might make us feel.

Watching this video eating ice cream in silence was such a vibe, thank you Fran 🌾

I run a small online art business too and I've definitely been having a hard time this year, not just due to inflation but because of algorithm changes crushing my reach. I'm also a single woman so i really feel you on struggling to do everything alone, especially financially. Over the next few months I'm going to have to look into changing the way I run my business to help me stay afloat, though I'm not sure how yet, and it's really daunting. Your vlogs definitely help me feel like I'm not alone! Hopefully everything works out for us

FRAN! you work so hard and i’m glad that i can support you on patreon 💕 i always look forward to your audio newsletters and lens, it helps me with my anxiety and reminds me to take things slow as an artist. As for running an online shop, I feel like there are a lot of familiar folks who return to my shop whenever I have new products (so grateful for returning customers) and I see that my sales do well whenever I share the behind the scenes of designing something from start to finish in my vlogs (i guess because people can see how much time and effort it takes?) I also find that I need to post and announce my shop updates very often across social media since the algorithm doesn’t push a lot of posts. I also launched a newsletter for people who don’t have social media but want to stay informed/not miss out! I feel like my sales are still the same and I’m so grateful that people are considering buying art and supporting a living artist in this economy (especially thanks to the support of my own patrons) Something new I did this year was do wholesale with small business across NYC (mainly owned by other bipoc) and that helped other people who are not familiar with my work find me! I would love to see your greeting cards or stationery around the shops here 💕best of luck on finding an agent! also totally hate the ugly ducking trope of women looking unflattering with glasses (i think you might be thinking of that show, ugly betty) bc personally I would like to be able to SEE 😭

also, thank you for sharing your creative struggles/business struggles because it's important for everyone to know how challenging it can be to support yourself as an artist, especially without a partner. there are many artists out there who make it look so easy but they don't disclose the additional financial support they have. i also vacillate between wanting a shop but/and all the things that come with that. i think most creators mainly love creating, and so all the admin/shipping/marketing that comes with that is a whole other job, not to mention doing youtube - filming, editing etc. Anyway, this was really interesting...i could watch your channel for hours

It has been almost a year and a half since I lost my little dog who was like my spark of joy and even though it is better now, I still get occasional waves of sadness wash over me. Don't beat yourself up. You are allowed to feel pain over losing a loved part of your life.

I hated that about makeovers! It made me feel bad as a young girl with glasses at that time 😔

I lost my pet 20 years ago and I still get choked up when I think of him.

omg when i lost my cat henri (19 years old) i was devastated...like, for ages. go easy on yourself, they are our family, those little buddies

Hey, I'm a small business owner and since corona started I've been struggling financially and mentally. I've decided to take a little pause and found another job which I actually like a lot, and it's helped me so much in improving my state of mind to not have to be unconsciously working 24/7 for the past 6 years. I'm also an immigrant from Chile living in Berlin and I understand completely your fears, it's more difficult for us, and being alone is also different when you're not in your country. Anyways I'm not an illustrator at all but I've been watching your videos for a while, they relax me while I'm working, so thank you! Hope everything goes well for you, un abrazo

I feel you, as a small business owner with online store... The changes affect so drastically. Physical: stuff getting more and more expensive, people buy less or more, it changes kind of periodically. Emotional: It's sometimes exhausting to be creative due to all the admin things you mentioned. I totally resonate with your words. Somehow I also want to transition more from online shop to more illustration "jobs" etc.... And I have the same point I stand on regarding the situation of income.... Pretty scary, true. And, yeah, when you don't have a partner it can be more scary! Cause even as an independent person, partners somehow are like a back-assurance for each other, which is something good in my opinion. I am proud of you finding your way. You got this!

Fran I really love hearing the background sounds!(as opposed to music), it creates a more integrated experience and its a nice break :)

Yes! I was a hardcore glasses defender as a kid, glasses are for everyone and nerds shouldn't be bullied 🤓

how incredibly lucky are we to be able to see your videos, your process and your art. I want to genuinely thankyou for sharing all this with us Fran. Lots of love and support from all of us!

Hey Fran, have you considered self-publishing your graphic novels? A lot of comics professionals use Kickstarter and other platforms to crowd-fund projects now - you have such a large audience for your work already you'd be in a great position to secure funding. You get to keep ownership of your stories and characters without the stress of dealing with agents or publishers - which also gives you more control over sales and profits. The ComicLab podcast is full of advice on the subject!

Such a lovely vlog Fran! I'm sorry to hear September was weird/fire-ridden. You got this! Past Fran and Present Fran and Future Fran. 💕

Tiny desk vacuum?! No way. And it's cuuute.

The scene on the sofa with the yellow apron is everything, iconic

Fran, watching and listening to your videos (even as background company) while working is sooooo soooo relaxing and soothing.

Que lindo es verte Fran! Gracias por compartimos parte de tu vida y por inspirarnos siempre💜💜

It HAS been harder running an online shop for me, it gets even harder when you're under going a transition. I'm always very grateful for those who can support my work but business definitely tanked last year but has slooowly been recovering. I think we're all going through it in some way so the least we can do is offer each other a little grace lol Here's to a peaceful October for everyone

Hi Fran, your glasses are fine, love the reflected lights...then I know you have light around you, I love light around me. I am writing as I watch your vid. can't wait to see your finished blanket. feeling sad for a pet's passing is totally human, even if its hurts deeply. you have loved well. You do so much, you are amazing! Even despite the difficulties in the climate of increasing costs and challenges. You have got it! Bless you, by yourself!

heyu, feeling the tender hearty feels yo. I think we as artists go through a lot, especially navigating a world such as this, financially and mentally. thanks for bringing up the difficulties with being self employed, I think it's a job that the majority of people romanticize, and don't get me wrong, there's so much to be grateful for, but holy smokes does it ever take a lot of emotional labour, behind the scene's work, & bravery!!!! I find the act of believing in myself, such a challenge, because it takes a lot o' guts and there's a lot of healing + letting go of old parts of myself to become truly who I wanna be / envision myself to be. I feel like my heart cracks open on the daily. I'm intimidated by my dreams, but it's people like you, showing up and putting in the work to make vlogs/ share yourself online, that helps guide me, and get me through these really thick and shadowy feelings. thanks for being Fran. I see yer kit kit all sparkly eyed with wings, chill'n on yer shoulder.

I had my eyes lasered almost 9 years ago and while I have no regrets (because man is my life easier with fully functional eyes), I still miss wearing glasses so much. Seeing you in yours was making me miss them especially, so it’s great to hear that you love wearing them. ❤ Glasses rule!!

your blogs are soul healing, thank you for everything you do Fran, you're amazing ❤

Randomly waxing facial hair, scrubbing tub, chilling on the couch and doing dishes. I've never related so much to a video before.

The moment when you look at the camera as you're distracted...I was smiling back...also distracted from my task at hand. LOL LOVE the cute bob haircut btw. Awww...I'm so sorry for your loss. They are never "just a cat" or just a pet. They are our babies and forever furry friends.

Hello! my september has been awful fran. but i just wanted to say that, trust in yourself Fran! look how far you've come! I keep watchig your videos because you're super honest about all, I've been coming to your videos since you lived in chile always to hear some advice or just to chill, or learn something, thank you always for being so kind and nerd haha

te amamos Fran

Qué bello verte en cada vídeo fran, transmites tanta inspiración 🫶 y estoy segura que lo que sea que hagas con tu tienda, lo resolverás de la mejor manera para ti 💖

Your drawing just gets better and better!

the frowning while drawing is a mood omg

I think in the past..running an online store was a source of freedom for creatives/makers. Now If anything it’s the opposite…every day they introduce new costs, rules and restrictions.. It feels impossible to keep up. Also personally I felt like I couldn’t do anything spontaneous while having the store! I started a new full time job (non creative) over a month ago and it’s bizarre just getting a normal wage and not feeling the constant financial anxiety. I have mixed emotions like I’ve failed..but also…I feel more creative now than ever. Love your videos Fran, always appreciate your honesty. xox Mandy xox

Gracias por estos vídeos Fran. El trabajo y el esfuerzo que inviertes en compartir tu tiempo con nosotros es impresionante. Como dibujante y tatuadora me motivas a seguir trabajando y a sentirme acompañada en tiempos complicados. Gracias por tanto 🖤

I'm still sad and cry sometimes over my dog passing and it was in 2019 so.. totally valid, Fran!!!

Siempre espero tus videos con ansia!

You have this Fran. You are a warrior.

Me too! I love wearing glasses and love people wearing them, I think they make everyone more attractive. Also, what a cute video! It's very relaxing. Hope you're doing well

Fran, tienes nuestro apoyo ¡Compraremos tus libros! ♥️

If you didn’t already love Fran the rant about glasses was just ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🥹✨

omg ya it's been a struggling having an online shop through all this. Shipping prices have risen soooo much and it's just become a huge chore to pack and ship everything. Printable's seem to be the future for us creatives!

Watching yours videos just helps me a lot, mainly to keep going with my stressful things and being an freela illustrator. You are amazing and make my day in every video and I thank you for this. I hope you are ok, cuz we worry about u a lot ❤ thank u for being this incredible person!!! We love u Fran ❤

Hello Fran, so sorry to hear of your kitty's passing, never easy to lose a loved pet. Good luck with your art shift, I'm sure you will discover many opportunities along the way.

You got this Fran! ❤

so EXCITED for every new vlog, you dont know how much these clips of joy calms me down 🥰

Ver los videos de la Fran es como ver Almorzando con el bello Patrick para mi (de hecho, siempre me traigo snacks o los veo mientras almuerzo)

Loved this video Fran, the editing was so beautiful and the bit with the music in the middle made me feel like I was watching one of my favourite films! 🥰 I have an online shop too and also find the admin so challenging at the moment. I feel like replenishing something I’m low on should be a good thing, but every time I go to re-order something I’m finding prices have gone up, sometimes dramatically so I’m having to shop around for alternative suppliers. Even more so with packaging supplies. It takes so much time 😭 my income from stockists helps massively. I do have an assistant who helps pack stock once a week and at some point I might be able to ask them to do the supplier searching for me, but it’s not always straight forward to hand just anything over and I’m pretty new to it. Thankyou for a lovely video 😄 and totally agree about the glasses! 💕

Hi Fran. I joined your Patreon. It's the second tier and I wish it could be more. More importantly though, as an aspiring artist, I feel compelled to support you as a fellow artist. Your honesty and genuine content in every single video has been courageous and inspiring to me. I'm so glad I found your channel and have loved seeing you grow. I struggle with so many mental health challenges as a neurodiverse woman raising a neurodiverse family with a neurodiverse husband. We are doing fine but it's hard work and I often feel overwhelmed and isolated because I'm an introvert by nature. I'm not sharing to bring you down or to get sympathy but in a genuine effort to say that I feel connected with what you share on your channel. Even though our lives are different, I believe mental and emotional challenges are a common human experience. I feel it's so important for people to have these important conversations. I hope my little contribution helps you to keep shining your own light in your part of the world. You are a positive influencer. In terms of direction with your work and life, I think it's important that you continue to do things that you love and enjoy. I'm happy to watch you crochet, look out the window in silence, just talk or whatever. You may lose the odd person here and there but I think you've built a faithful following who love YOU and all that you represent. Follow your heart Fran. It's beautiful and I feel privileged that you share it with me and all the other normal ordinary people who are just grinding in their daily lives and looking for someone genuine they can relate too. If the shop and posting physical items isn't working for you, maybe you could create digitals that we can print out wherever we are around the world. I'd love that! The postal service is pretty unreliable anyway. We can even print our own stickers on sticker paper and cut them out ourselves. Anyway, those are just my thoughts. Keep doing whatever makes you happy and resonates for you. Much love and blessings dear one from me to you. Rachelle T, Australia 🌺

We got it, Fran!!!!!

Omg ginger chews……I love those…

I'm sorry about losing your cat. It took me two years to mourn my cat. I just adopted another one and so here we go again. I love glasses. I always have been attracted to those who wear glasses. It is nice that they make stylish affordable glasses now. I only need readers but love the oversized look.

im a new subscriber and im usually a quiet one, but i gotta say: im in love with your vlogs. They feel so relaxing and intimate. ❤ thanks!

We're here for you Fran 💛

i love your vlogs ☺️☕️

Thank you so much for this video, it was so calming and I really needed that in the rush of the week ❤ take care of you 🌼

Definitely tough running an online shop! I opened mine last year after working on it for four years. But since my audience is so small and Etsy is increasing prices all the time, I've decided to close it at the end of the year. It's a bummer but I'm glad I tried to follow my dreams! ♡

Omg I want. Desk vacuum too

Your vlogs bring me a cozy feeling of comfort. Thank you for sharing with me your beautiful creative routine!

Fran you are so courageous ❤

Thank for the video, I loved seeing you go about your days. The haircut is so sweet! You look lovely Fran, and we are holding your hand xx

110% relatable about shipping and running an online store - I've noticed the changes in shipping and finding supplies And while difficult and sometimes I want to pull my hair when it comes to dealing with them I feel oddly grateful, that despite the pandemic and a range of other factors that people continued to buy during that time period and my sales increased despite these changes. I think one of my biggest frustrations - were not being able to ship to certain places, or new laws coming into fruition and making it much more difficult to ship places. my other frustration during this time period - was my printer dying during the pandemic and despite having a some form of insurance on the item.I had the worst trouble trying to buy a replacement printer. It took me roughly a year or more to replace bc of supply chains and my printer not being available -- and competing with people purchasing similar printers to convert to sublimation bc people were out of work and creating online shops. I think the funniest/not funniest thing that happened over the course of 7 to 8 months was me buying a total of 6 printers on 6 separate occassions online only to either get an email the next/same day that it was no longer available and getting refunded 6 times. Like you have the financial means to buy the item and the universe is like NOPE you don't need a printer lmao. I remember it got to a point where finally they had printers in stock and I went to purchase it online - I refused to tell anyone until I got a confirmation to pick it up - and even then my family was like are you sure you bought a printer? lmao - to where when they put the printer in my car for picking up - I had to pull over, pop my trunk open and make sure that they actually stuck the printer in my car despite seeing them. lmao But it also gave me time to reflect while I ended up using a local printing place to print my orders that year - it also helped me streamline some of my processes to free up time but of course, that always gets eaten up somewhere else. My only other frustration of running a small business alone is where do I find the time to create more items? it's hard when you're shipping, your customer serivce, your also the social media content person and may be working multiple jobs. I started writing down ideas in a notebook so I could tackle them later and not forget which suprisingly I've been able to slowly get to that list of ideas and present me is thanking past me for thinking to do this - but I wish I could seriously clone myself. lol -- And AHHH! I love crocheting -- instead of participating in Inktober this year bc I'm booked with a few commissions and animations as a fun outlet I decided to crochet eyeballs after seeing these spooky eyeball coasters pattern and decided I wanted a granny square sweater covered in eyeballs --🤣 Always appreciate watching your videos and you sharing your insights. Stay awesome Fran!

Loved this "silent" type of vlog. Feel so relaxed now with this first part of the video :)

No he visto tu último video así que no tenía idea lo de Cereal. Hace un tiempo también falleció una de mis mascotas, obvio no faltaron los comentarios poco empáticos que absolutamente nadie pidió de "ay cómo vas a llorar por un perro", pero lamentablemente mucha gente no entiende que los animales no son un adorno que tenemos en la casa, son compañeros y parte de la familia, y su pérdida duele tanto como la cualquier otro ser querido, por lo que es importante validar ese dolor y vivir un duelo. Lamento mucho la muerte de tu gatita, pero qué bueno que al menos que te estés permitiendo sentir pena.

Hello! Freelance illustrator with online shop here, based in Germany. Mainly I do LGTBQ stuff and having a niche has always worked in my favor, but I can confirm what you said, it's been challenging. The prices of the heavy art paper alone on which I do my prints has been raised 30% because of the Ukrainian war, my rent got more expensive because of the gas prices, shipping is more expensive and packaging, too. Also Instagram was my main advertising platform and it got less and less traffic from there... it's been a tough year. I also published a comic and a children's novel and I would love to focus on that work, but the truth is, that it does not make enough money at all. Anyway, enough of the complaining! Thank you so much Fran for your existence, you're always an inspiration for me and I love watching your videos while drawing! So exited for your next graphic novel. Take care xx

I love you so much Fran!!! saludos desde Argentina

un vídeo de Fran un día que acaba excelente 💕💕💕💕💕💕

Best wishes for your graphic novel's success. I think because you love it so much, you can't help but be successful. ❤️

素敵な暮らしです。 自由もゆるやかな空気感が好きです。

I know this is gonna weird because I don’t know you personally. I have followed you for many years… waaay back to the Germany days and you are just now beginning to look like your true self. Like you are starting to look like what you are on the inside. It’s really lovely. ❤

I also have an online store and right now it's on Etsy. It's all so brutal. 6 sales over 6 months. I moved to a new country 6 months ago and starting from scratch again has been so hard. Plus not seeing almost any progress with my graphic design/illustration business is so depressing. I'm feeling like it's time to give up. (haha, also your morning coffee inspired me to get my second cup and make it properly with the machine, so it's all nice and cozy) Sending a lot of love from Switzerland! You are very loved! 🥰💛

Mi Fran, te abrazo a la distancia, yo empecé a emprender este año debido a la situación económica en la que nos dejó la pandemia en mi país y créeme que por no ser la única emprendiendo me ha costado demasiado sacar adelante mi tiendita, por lo tanto puedo entenderte y no me queda más que decirte que todo irá bien, que tú siendo tan genial en lo que haces encontrarás la manera de salir adelante. Te quiero mucho y espero todo lo que deseas realizar puedas cumplirlo 🤍.

Love video and great drawing and inspiring

Gracias por platicarnos esta parte tan atemorizante de transitar a un Nuevo lado de tu carrera. Ya no me siento tan solita.

dear Fran I wanna say that you are not alone, I felt pain for maybe 3-4 YEARS after loosing my cat. You know that feeling when you are coming home and looking on the floor where ur pet should be, greeting you? and there's no one there. I felt that several years. Don't be hard with yourself, she was the part of your family and your heart. Thx for the video, see you again soon

Fran, todo se quedara bien. Tu eres extraordinária. Saludos desde Brasil. ❤

Hi Fran, I discovered your channel yesterday and I love it. I'm so sorry for the loss of your cat. Been through this, it's pretty rough. I'm watching this video and it's a few days before Xmas. I wish you the best.

Your vlog was so entertaining I didn't even notice you never spoke a word till nearly halfway in. Great video as usual!

Thank you Fran for this beautiful video, I missed you! As a small business owner in Poland (economy of this country is a joke) my shop is almost dead even if I offer new stuff every now and then but pretty constantly. Like one of the viewers mentioned, I'm also thinking of printables, I had some signals from my viewers that they would like it.

AY!! me hiciste emocionar porque te juro que siento lo mismo, a diferencia de que acutalmente si tengo una pareja que me ayuda, y de que estoy en ARGENTINA... que la inflación en este país es DESESPERANTE... Pero te sigo desde hace décadas y ver hasta dónde has llegado me inspira mucho, ser freelancer no es fácil y creo que parte de serlo es ese gustito por el abismo económico que nadie sabe cómo quilibrarlo y un día tenés y al otro no, pero sabés que puede venir y hay que CONFIAR, SEGUIR Y SEGUIR Y SEGUIR, que todo va a estar bien. Confiar en el proceso y en que nuestro arte hace feliz a otros y eso es lo que a final de cuentas vale cada segundo de esa incertidumbre económica. AMO LO COTIDIANO, sincero y puro de cada vlog. SOS UNA GURÚ inspiracional a una escala que no te das IDEA!!! Gracias por tanto.

te re quiero

I launched my store after all the changes with international shipping, the pandemic, Brexit...!!! - I feel like I keep doing everything in life in the worst moment possible hahaha - It's been tough & keeps being tough, but for good or bad I also have a full time job. I keep hoping at some point it will get better, and I'll be working through it. I feel you!!! I'm sure you are gonna be alright, once again.

Gracias por compartir el video.

Todas las plantitas vienen a alimentarse a la mesa :3 awww

Te quiero Fran.🤍

I'd looooove to see your animated movie. Or series! 😍

i wish i could be a patreon of yours, instead i will just let your videos on replay whenever i'm cooking/cleaning/painting. Maybe a nice brand can sponsor your future videos and i don't skip any adds if there are any playing. Wishing you the best for this new chapter, you are so brave fran❤️ de una fan argentina viviendo en alemania :)

loving the Sabrina vibes your giving, Fran!

I'm in the same boat as you when it comes to my shop! Always so lucky when a sale happens, but the behind the scenes uncertainty (with increasing cost of materials, production, etc.) can be very intimidating. Trying to ride this one out and hoping to come out of it on the other side with my shop still running! Sending you lots of good vibes. Know you're not alone!

me encanta tu cabello! ...y todo lo que haces ¬¬

Yes, someone bought a calendar from me last weekend, and I was shocked that the price to ship a lightweight calendar in an envelope within my own country (canada) cost almost $30!!! 😨I remember being surprised that people would pay shipping for a light item as far away as Australia for $22, and I can't believe domestic has exceeded international shipping prices, wow.

Hi!! Oh my gosh, all around loved this vlog! I chuckled a lot, and found so much of it super relatable. I wanted to comment, though, on your discussion about freelancing: My husband and I are only just this year *both* going freelance, and it has been SO intense to wrap my mind around the money side of it! I worry all the time about the instability of any contracts we get, or any projects we snag, because it’s technically temporary! So I just wanted you to know that the fear/vulnerability is SUPER understandable and tricky to manage. Sending you so much love and support - you’ve got this! Also, as a final note: I’m so sorry for your loss - kittens are family, and the loss is a real one. My kittens send you lots of cuddles ❤

Feeling all the same feelings Fran! I'm launching a Shopify store to sell my designs on mugs, glasses and tees and I'm super surprised at shipping because its been 5 years since I sold online 🤗 I'm hoping people want my work but I know this timing is tough and I'm really scared I'll fail. On the flip side I'm finishing last semester at college and there are no jobs hiring me so that's why I felt the leap to try my small business made sense. All around its just scary and weird...

I loved this video. Fran I know exactly what you're felling right now because I lost my cat in August too and it's very difficult. My cat was as my child and the sadness I feel right now is insane. Ans I wanted also to say that glasses are great on you ! I love your work. So thank You.

me encanta todo casi muero con la aspiradora de escritorio

Guapa!

Love your videos Fran! My stores and fanbase are still tiny,(very grateful for them) so I don't get that many online sales at all during the year. I'm still learning how to business owner and I do better at in-person events which are fun for me. It's been hard to grow with everything social media and postage increase but I'm still trying to make it work! Also a glasses kid/adult, the makeover trope is so stupid.

Here to say i'm also a fan of the moustache part, soooo fun and relatable! if you ever come to lisbon let us know 🌼 have a nice day