Changes are Coming!

A big change is on the horizon for Hannah Kate Makes. But fear not! The essence of my art will remain untouched; it’ll just be a little more… me. More about that later, once I’ve caught you up with what’s been happening here at Hannah Kate Makes HQ since I last wrote.

Remember that dinky little lifestyle photoshoot stage I set up to photograph my growing army of Familiars? I’m happy to report that as of yesterday evening I have finished editing the over 400 images and listing videos that I took that day. Huzzah! This means that I’m on track to have a fresh release of artworks in the shop for you next week. Keep an eye on your inboxes for an announcement email when they go live.

My next event is just over two weeks away with the Alternative Artisans Market taking place in Lincoln on Sunday 16 August. I’ve begun painting a new Portal Frame and hope to have at least two fresh otherworldly creatures ready to take with me that day. Here’s a sneaky work-in-progress peek at what I’ve been working on.

My social media break comes to an end tomorrow (sob!) You’ll notice that I’ll be back on Instagram and Facebook from Saturday 1^st August, with BlueSky and LinkedIn following next week. I’m trying to work on having a sustainable way of sharing regularly on socials without them taking up too much of my time and still managing to keep it fun – for you and me!

While I’ve been off those platforms, I’ve been enjoying my return to sharing with you here via more regular blog posts. It feels more personal, unpressured and… permanent. This website is my own and what I share here remains as a record of my story – available chronologically! – not hidden by an algorithm or censored because I dared to paint a figurative study that included a woman’s chest. Expect this sort of thing to continue, ready for you to dip in and out of at your leisure.

For a few weeks now I’ve been alluding to some big changes on the way for Hannah Kate Makes and here they are:

I’m rebranding, and from the beginning of January 2027 the business will have a new name and a fresh look to the website and my other online spaces.

The name “Hannah Kate Makes” has seen me well since this journey began in 2018, but it was chosen in haste, and it’s not felt a comfortable fit for me for a few years now.

The new name will still include part of my name but will feel more authentically me, while also affording me the space and scope to create more freely. I’ve already secured the new domain for the website which will go live at the start of next year. This site will remain active for a while longer and I’m aiming for a seamless transition from old to new – everyone please keep their fingers crossed!

With my fresh name I’ll be creating more from my heart, focusing on improving my practice and creating artworks that speak directly to you. I’ve experimented widely over the past seven years and spent a lot of time and effort creating to appease others, often at the expense of art I longed to make. I now want to simplify and concentrate on subjects and mediums that reflect my experiences, tell stories and share my world view with like-minded souls.

I’m currently reviewing all my existing designs and products, and some will gradually be removed from my range over the coming months. You’ll get plenty of notice about anything that will be phased out, and I will be adding a “Last Chance” style section to the Etsy shop, so you’ll be able to find everything that’s leaving in one place. There may even be a studio clearance sale (or two) as I make space for new work.

The overall vibe here will remain the same – I am still me! This is the next iteration of my business, so you’ll be getting more me with less dilution. You’ve been warned…

Why am I waiting until January to roll out these changes?

Great question!

Firstly, I’m trading at events up until Christmas as Hannah Kate Makes and to change my business name in the middle of silly season and those pre-existing commitments would be messy and confusing for all involved.

Secondly, I need a few months to get everything straight in the background. I’m grateful that my event calendar is forcing me to take my time and reduce the pressure I’m putting on myself.

That’s it for this journal instalment. If you’d like to keep up with all things Hannah Kate Makes and everything coming next, sign up to The Spooky List and I’ll send the latest art, shop and event updates straight to your inbox. You’ll find the form below.

Lammas blessings for this weekend,

HK x