CMC Fine Art & Illustration

11/07/2026

Growing older doesn't have to mean growing cynical. Here's your reminder to keep noticing the beauty, curiosity, and quiet magic that surrounds us every day.

01/07/2026

Not everyone wants to watch a 30-minute vlog—and that's okay!

If you're curious about what it's like to sell fantasy art at a reptile expo, what surprised me most, and the unexpected connections between reptiles, mythology, and wonder, I wrote it all down.

🌿 Read the full Midwest Reptile Expo recap here:

A fantasy artist shares convention lessons, booth stories, and finding wonder in small things.

23/06/2026

Hot take: Adults need more whimsy, not less.
I spent the weekend selling fantasy artwork at the Midwest Reptile Show.
See the full prep video here:
https://youtu.be/kQUsbDioq5o?is=5sWfJhC1uNjqwJUG

One thing stood out to me:
The happiest people I met all seemed to have something in common.
They were still curious.
They got excited about snakes and geckos.
They stopped to admire artwork.
They noticed tiny details.
They collected strange and beautiful things simply because they loved them.

What's something you refused to outgrow because it brings you joy?

14/06/2026

Had a blast at the Midwest Reptile Show. Thank you to everyone that stopped by and supported me -- you all made my day!
Fell in love with a chonky leachianus gecko whose singular focus was to leap without self-preservation.
Can't wait to see everyone again at the September Show!

07/06/2026

The Veilgarden is leaving the Archive and venturing into the wild!

Will be exhibiting at the Midwest Reptile Show on June 14, 2026, from 10 AM–4 PM with expressive fantasy art, lore card collectibles, stickers, prints, mugs, desk mats, tote bags, and a few curious specimens gathered from the far corners of the Veilgarden.

Whether you're searching for your next reptile companion, collecting strange and beautiful creatures, or simply wish to browse the archives, I'd love to meet you!

If you'd like to support me and can't make it out, you could help please the algorithm gods by interacting with this post and/or sharing it on your page.

Midwest Reptile Show
Indiana State Fairgrounds
June 14, 2026
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Come say hello and collect an artifact or two!

06/06/2026

The Veilgarden is leaving the Archive and venturing into the wild!

Will be exhibiting at the Midwest Reptile Show on June 14, 2026, from 10 AM–4 PM with expressive fantasy art, lore card collectibles, stickers, prints, mugs, desk mats, tote bags, and a few curious specimens gathered from the far corners of the Veilgarden.

Whether you're searching for your next reptile companion, collecting strange and beautiful creatures, or simply wish to browse the archives, I'd love to meet you!

If you'd like to support me and can't make it out, you could help please the algorithm gods by interacting with this post and/or sharing it on your page.

Midwest Reptile Show
Indiana State Fairgrounds
June 14, 2026
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Come say hello and collect an artifact or two!

10/05/2026

Big things are happening over here at CMCFineArt

I recently moved, I’m preparing for my first expo booth setup, and my dad has officially been recruited to help with the Field Expedition. We’re experimenting with booth ideas, possible self-serve/menu-style shopping options, and trying to bring a little immersive Veilgarden magic to the event experience.

And of course, a meet and greet for the real-life inspiration behind Bloomkeeper -- he has been supervising every step of the process.

There’s still a lot to finish, but I’ll be sharing more convention prep, behind-the-scenes setup, artwork, and creature lore very soon. Thank you all for following along while this strange little dream grows.

23/02/2026

Sprechen -- The name this little troll fashioned for himself after being banished from his clan for being too gentle. His songs soothed the aches of the Earth; flowers perked their petals. Rocks were moved to tears. Now he spends his days tending to a remote mountain-top monastery giving aid to wayward travelers.

23/02/2026

Noodle is the gentlest of souls. I aim to capture is sweet nature and my love for him.