This Idea Might Get Me Shadowbanned
What's new, what's next, and what I shouldn't be saying on Instagram
I just dropped something new in the shop. It’s called Chroma, and it will take your regular, boring images and inject them with just the right amount of chaotic rainbow static. Includes an instructional video on how to use it to get the weirdest results.
I had an epiphany about what my next zine will be about. It’s a little controversial, a bit risqué perhaps, but if you’re like me, there are ideas that you wish you could share with the world, but social media apps tend to have a low tolerance for such things.
I’ll get into that idea in a bit, but first, I want to talk about this post I shared on Substack Notes the other day.
The thing is, I haven’t done a lot of talking about my recent projects. I make a thing, share a thing, and then I’m onto the next thing to make. To illustrate what I mean, since January, I’ve…
Updated and relaunched my online shop
Published three zines
Added nine digital asset and tool collections
Made no fewer than forty different mixed media and digital collages
How many of those things do you remember me talking about?
I’m a firm believer in doubling down on the work you already have, promoting it until it’s sold out, but I also have this pull inside me to chase down the next great idea. Like I mentioned last time, I’m desperately in love with the process of making, and significantly less concerned with the results.
It sounds romantic, but it could also be that my attention span is in direct conflict with my need to sell my goods. What I said in that Note above is still true, even if I haven’t held to it. A lot of people needed that Note as a reminder, and perhaps I wrote it so that I could remind myself.
Stage 1 [Complete]
For the moment, I’m happy with how my online shop is looking. Though I will continue to add products over time, I feel like I have enough going on there to keep people’s attention without distracting them with too many doo-dads and whiz-bangs. (Please don’t ask what that means—I’m not sure I even know.)
The newsletter has a new name, and the direction seems locked in. Everything feels new(ish) and good. It’s time to shift into second gear.
No, I will not always use driving metaphors because of the name change, but then again, maybe I will. (Fahrvergnügen.)
I’ll also be updating all the digital assets in the shop to make sure they have the latest information, upgraded files, and tutorial videos where necessary. Along with that, I will produce more video, photos, and short-form content that highlights how to use the elements in the digital work (or analog, as it goes).
Stage 2 [Engaged]
The first phase of Stage 2 is a new zine called Unpublishable, but unlike my past few zines, this one is meant to be more informative and purpose-driven. The concept is that some of the things we know, believe, or come to understand about ourselves are not always great topics to share on social media.
Have a contrarian point of view on the socio-political environment that will be met with blank stares and disdain? Do you want to explore a new side of your creativity or craft that doesn’t fit your regular updates? Or maybe you want to dip your toe into stories of passion?
A zine is the perfect vehicle for those things because the people who want your zines may also have an interest in the subjects you’re worried will alienate your social media audiences. This is where Unpublishable comes in—to help navigate the treacherous world of outsider opinions.
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Stage 3 [Pie in the Sky]
I could reorganize my entire life from head to toe, but two things will always remain true when it comes to my long-term productivity. First, a man can plan his life down to the minute, but not to get too metaphysical—the Universe might have different plans for me.
Second, like you, I contain multitudes, and those multitudes will manifest themselves in random creative ideas. I’ll walk into the studio with the intent to focus on a particular project, but something will catch my eye, and suddenly I’m elbows deep in glitter like a raccoon rummaging through a dumpster behind the Hobby Lobby.
That said, I have two ideas that have rubber-balled around in my head for weeks now. The first is bringing back a podcast where I talk with others about the things they’re making with their hands. That idea is easier to execute—I just need to work out the time to do it.
The other idea is a much bigger commitment, and I don’t want to say too much now because I have no idea when it might come to fruition—but it involves you, or at least your zines.
External Signals
New in the Shop! Chroma is my first Affinity Photo add-on that allows you to create chromatic aberration in images, adding colorful distortion. See more HERE.
Ali Gallop’s video love letter to his fiancé will have you feeling things.
I really appreciate
’s honest review of her past year as a Substacker.Doechii is undeniably my favorite new artist in the past decade. I haven’t felt this good about a music artist since The Alabama Shakes (If Brittany Howard and Doechii ever do a music collab, my universe might explode into stardust). This is why
’s breakdown of Doechii’s creative process and success is the most important thing I’ve read all week.
Manual Transmission runs on attention, intention, and the contribution of others. Become a paid member and get access to free digital assets, how-tos, live process videos, and other surprises. Your contribution will help keep this ride running smoothly.
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Super excited for the zine!!! Eyes are peeled
I’m intrigued by the Pie in the Skies! Let me know if you want a co-conspirator to brainstorm with. I love boosting other people’s ideas since I don’t actually have to do any of the hard work myself. 😅