Dear Friends,
Things have changed a bit, and I want to get everyone up to speed on how Authentic by Frani is adjusting. There have only been a couple of shifts in the past few months, but they’ve been MAJOR, so here’s the backstory and my intentions for the future.
I’ve closed my Etsy shop!
If you’ve been with me since the beginning, you’d know I started Authentic by Frani back in 2015 as a way to share my spiritual growth through art and poetry. At the time, I thought an Etsy shop would be the best way to receive financial support for my hand-lettering and botanical illustrations. As the years went on, Etsy became something that gave me more exhaustion than excitement. Unfortunately, I was so obsessed with turning my shop into something profitable in order to prove my worth as an artist that I ended up feeling limited, uninspired, and ceased creating anything.
As a child, I was always encouraged to sell my cards and “make a cool mill", but that sweet, young version of me refused. She hated the idea, as there was something grimy about it for her. Back then, my cards were created because I loved to draw and give my art away, not to make massive profits. I guess I still feel this way.
When it came time for me to re-evaluate my work and what I’m choosing to give attention to, I came to the conclusion that it was time to let Etsy go. I’m grateful for the ways it supported me and allowed me to meet so many new people. My work has traveled all over the US and even into Canada and Europe. What an honor to get to say that!
What’s beautiful about closing the shop is now I spend more time drawing, and I’ve even started hand lettering the way I used to. The other day I had the urge to sit down and paint again! I haven’t felt excited about creating anything for a long time. Closing the shop gave me space and mental clarity, gifts I didn’t realize I needed.
That said, I still have a few sets of cards and prints remaining, and I would love to give them away. If you’re reading this, finish reading everything, but then send me an email through my contact form and I’d love to chat with you about getting some of my pieces in your hands. Just pay shipping.