Today was for experimenting! On yesterday’s call, someone mentioned having trouble using their Sharpie Creative Markers on the gel plate. So i said, I’d bring it out today and play around a little bit to show how I use them on the gel plate.
I’ve been spending a bunch of time lately, thinking about not being on capital S Social Media for the past year or so. Am I making less money? debatable. Am I much happier? Do I feel like I know what I’m doing again? Yes. Absolutely. It’s not all about what’s going to work on the corporate platforms this week.
Substack has been great, but I’m not naïve enough to think that this is a forever place. At some point it’ll be go public or be bought out by private equity, and we’ll all have to move to another place. But, that’s not today, or probably even this year. But going into writing, making videos, and creating art that I share online knowing that it doesn’t have to be platform specific, and that I can port my work when I need to, and you can come with me.
As I’m closing down my app this week (nothing about the website or community is changing), coming to the realization that I did not want to be an “app developer” was a huge deal. The hoops that I was having to jump through for both Apple and Google, just to have my app in the app store was no longer worth it. The company that helps develop the app haven’t been able to deliver on a few key promises, and I’m just ready to go back to having a regular website and be a creative person.
Because the truth is—time is zero sum. If I have to spend 8 hours working on admin forms for Google to get my app re-certified each year. That’s 8 hours that I can’t spend in the community, or making art, or just making dinner with my family.
So, I’m really happy to have some of this new found freedom from the grasp of social media companies—and I’m also really happy that we can stay connected through email. Email isn’t going anywhere.
It’s also why sometimes you’ll see a little bit of a longer update here in the daily—that’s just where I’m showing up right now. And I really do appreciate you for being here on the ride with me. <3
Technique of the Day
These markers are so much fun on the gel plate. If you scroll down for the full video, there’s lots of great tips on using these markers on the gel plate. Basically, you want to make big thick paint marks so that there’s less room for the beading to happen. Also, drying quickly is really helpful. I use a ranger heat gun and I get it dry in a few seconds, so it doesn’t have time to move around and disappear.
If you’re struggling, and your gel plate is still pretty new—give it a good clean with a little bit of soapy water. Mine is nice and primed because I’ve used it hundreds of times now, but if you’ve still got too much of that new oily residue on there, you’re going to have a lot more beading up.
Supply List
Paint — Liquitex, Martha Stewart
Markers — Sharpie Creative Markers
Stencil — Ali Edwards
This post may have affiliate links.
Tips & Creative Wisdom
Your Tools Might Just Need a Tune-Up
If your markers are beading up or not behaving on the gel plate, it might not be the markers—it might be your plate. A quick clean with soapy water can make a big difference, especially if your plate is still new and a little slick.
Pro Tip: A “well-loved” gel plate often works better with markers because that slight wear gives it a little grip. Don’t be afraid to break it in.
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