HUGE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
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Original post:
Portrait Sale Fundraiser Until June 1 2025 11:59 PM
Dear friends and community,
This is not an easy note to write — and certainly not one I ever imagined sharing at this stage in life. At 63, I had hoped to be in a more stable place financially, with a retirement fund set aside and something to leave my children. But life as an artist has never followed a conventional path. It has been an extraordinary gift — deeply meaningful and fulfilling — but not without struggle, uncertainty, and sacrifice.
For many years, I poured my heart into both my art and community work, especially with youth. That work was profoundly rewarding, but not particularly financially secure. Last year, I lost my full-time community job, and since then, I’ve been navigating a difficult transition — trying to fully embrace a life as a working artist while grappling with the very real challenge of making ends meet.
Despite releasing my debut graphic novel — an incredible milestone — I’m now facing a gap between the dream and the financial reality. The illusion that “everything must be going great” can be powerful, especially from the outside. But the truth is, I’m living without a steady income, doing gig work, and managing the aches and fears that come with aging. I rent my home. I live month to month. And while life is rich in meaning, it’s also increasingly precarious.
So, I am reaching out with a humble and heartfelt request for support.
To help cover basic expenses and travel costs for upcoming comic festivals, I’m offering a limited-time sale price on custom portraits between May 18 to June 1 with a completion date target: July 15.
This sale is not only about raising funds — though that is urgent — but also about staying connected through the act of making something personal and beautiful for you.
This is hard to ask. It’s humbling and emotional to be here. But I also believe that being creative means finding new ways to survive and grow, even in hard times. I’m applying for grants, building workshops, and doing all I can to move forward — but right now, I need to lean on community.
I’m deeply grateful for each of you who has supported my work in silence or in spirit, even if we haven’t spoken in a long time. I tend to post more than I engage, but please know that I carry your support in my heart.
Art can be a solitary path, but it is never truly done alone. Thank you for walking with me.
With deep gratitude,
Katarina
UPDATE MAY 19, 2025: Huge thank you’s for all your kindness, understanding and support. ❤️ Love, Katarina