The End Is Only The Beginning!

What A Year....

As I get ready to finish my final 5 orders for the holiday season before going on a MUCH needed holiday/birthday vacation (12/24/13-1/5/14), I can't help but look back at where I started only 9 short months ago. In the last 9 months I have sold over 200 items, had well over 80 individual shipments spanning 6 countries, vended at Chicago's pinnacle comic convention (in my first month), gained consignment contracts with 2 comic shops (at the same comic con), have been featured in a magazine, got my art complimented on and signed by Alex Ross (also at sed comic con), got a piece into the hands of Hannah Aitchison, entered into my first art show, used my art to raise $250 for victims of Typhoon Haiyan, and *most importantly* got to personally witness the nostalgic joy my art brings on the faces (and in messages) of thousands of geeks worldwide. That's right. Geeks! Sports geeks, gaming geeks, comic geeks, Star Wars geeks, you name it. I was able to unite geeks across all spectrums through my art- and in the end, even if I were to stop all this tomorrow, I will be able to walk away with that magnificent feeling. 

Since starting in March I have battled health issues, lost my job, almost lost my sanity/home/car, became my own boss, and like a phoenix I've risen from the ashes as a new me. 2013 was an *incredibly* trying year, testing my physical, mental and emotional limits to the fullest extent. However, through it all I've had the unconditional love and support from YOU- my friends, family, and fans- to remind me *why* I chose to risk everything and stick to my guns about my art. In the coming year, I wish you *all* the same amount of grit. Because believe me, if I can do it- you can do it!

grit

grit/

noun

2.

courage and resolve; strength of character.
"he displayed the true grit of the navy pilot"
synonyms:

courage, bravery, backbone, spirit, strength of character, strength of will, moral fiber, steel, nerve, fortitude,toughness, hardiness, resolve, resolution, determination, tenacity,perseverance, endurance; 

Whether it's finishing school, starting school, starting a new career, or taking a leap of faith, grit is more than just staying the course when others think you're mad- it's about knowing how to see your weaknesses, work on them, and never forget the people who want to see you succeed JUST as much as the ones who want to see you fail. 

I have grown so much this year... I hope to use these last 9 months to grow even stronger as a business woman, artist, geek, entrepreneur, and human being. My pieces will undoubtedly be bigger, brighter, more intricate, and span an even larger geek spectrum! May we *all* never forget our humble beginnings, and continually strive for improvement (internally and externally) in our daily lives. Happy Holidays! See you next year ;)

~Abby

To be included in my waiting list for 2014 commissions, please feel free to email me at subatomicdeathkitten@gmail.com and include "Commission Request" in the subject line. NOTICE: Starting 12/24/13 I will *not* be accepting new commission requests until after the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) in April 2014. My Etsy Shop will reopen on January 5th, 2014.

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