I’ve been working on building a passion project that started around 2019, but it always got stuck in the planning phase.
To gain momentum and direction, I’d watch a few videos on how I should execute the idea and print templates to physically feel how the final product would work.
I have a BFA in Computer Graphics and Graphic Design, so making physical things was always part of my design process.
In the case of this passion project, the experiments didn’t matter. I’d get stuck again, and eventually it faded into the background, but not too far and never for very long.
The First Attempt
Fast forward to 2021, I started the easiest way I could at the time. I created a Substack account and published my first musings from this project.
The Substack account was completely separate from what I was doing, and I couldn’t figure out how to incorporate it into my workflow, so regrettably I paused the project again. But this time, I had a clearer idea of what I wanted it to be.
It wasn’t digital.
The Revival
Earlier this week, February 2026, I watched a video on Youtube that revived the project with so much force I couldn’t fully focus on anything else until I had the logistics figured out. The video reaffirmed my initial plans and showed me that I was on the right path all along, despite the minor setbacks and delays.
I couldn’t wait to finally share this with you.
Over the years, I’ve learned that moving forward with ideas as soon as possible keeps the momentum alive and gives the idea a better chance of fully coming to life.
I tend to overthink the little things, so in order not to do that, I have to push start within minutes of the idea coming to me.
Yes, I’m fully aware of the contradiction here because, after all, this idea is a few years old. But the momentum has been renewed.
Why It Had to Be Physical
One of my favorite things to do as an artist is create small booklets with illustrations, photography, inspirational messages, and personal musings.
The urge to make physical things never left me, even though most of what I’ve created over the years has been digital.
So when the idea to create a mini magazine, called a zine for short, popped up back in 2019, I was all in. What I didn’t anticipate was how long it would take me to figure out the perfect format, execution, and distribution to match the original idea.
The years passed, and all I did was dream.
I dreamt about everything, from the first mark the pencil makes in my sketchbook to the final color added digitally. I kept the project alive by collecting all the ideas that flooded to me over the years in a dedicated notes folder on my phone.
I knew one day the project would become something tangible.
It’s Finally Time
The time has finally arrived, and it truly feels like a dream being fulfilled.
Dry Sponge Mail Club is now officially open!
Why is it called Dry Sponge?
Well, I’m happy you asked.
I enjoy watching a dried-out sponge come back to life when water is added to it. The slow unfolding but fast expansion always makes me zone out and brings my thinking to a deeper level. One day, I realized why I was so mesmerized by it all.
I realized that I was the dried sponge, and life was the water filling me up with knowledge and experiences that would expand and fulfill my curiosities.
From that moment on, the name Dry Sponge was the one and only option.
If you’re like me and crave something tangible in this digital world, then this mail club is perfect for you.
Dry Sponge Mail Club is a snail mail club, which means I’ll be sending out physical letters once per month to anyone who joins.
I’ll be sharing my art, personal writings, and the things that inspire me.
This is my way of bringing something slower and more intentional back into our hands.
2019 me would be very proud.
The letters will include:
- 1 art print with original art or photography
- The latest issue of Dry Sponge, a zine (mini magazine) about monthly musings and things that inspire
- Journal prompts for every day of that month
- A personal letter
- And a surprise element (stickers, bookmarks, or something else I dream up)
I think it’s time you start looking forward to receiving something other than bills, and Amazon packages in your mailbox, don’t you?
Sign up before the 12th of the month to get the next letter. (Ex. Sign up before March 12th to get April’s letter.)
Also, this is now the only way to get your hands on anything that I’ve created and will be creating.
Questions You May Have
What should I do if my address changes?
Please update your address before the 12th of the month to ensure your next letter arrives at the correct location. If you forget, email me as soon as possible and I’ll do my best to catch it before letters go out.
What is the deadline to subscribe each month?
The 12th of the month is the cut off date to get the letter for the following month, so sign up before or on the 12th day of the month to get the next letter.
When are letters shipped out?
Letters will be shipped the last week of each month. You’ll receive your Dry Sponge letter later that month, depending on your local postal service.
Are spots limited?
No, let’s grow this as big as we possibly can.
I never received my letter, what do I do?
If your letter hasn’t arrived after a reasonable mailing window, please email me. Remember that once it leaves my hands, delivery times depend on USPS, but I’ll always help however I can.
How do I cancel my membership?
You can manage or cancel your subscription anytime through your subscriber portal here: Customer Portal Link. Just make sure to cancel before the 12th of the month to avoid being charged for the next letter.
What day of the month will I be charged?
You’ll be charged monthly on the same date you signed up. For example, if you join on the 5th, you’ll be charged on the 5th each month.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, international shipping is available. Please note that delivery times may vary depending on your country’s postal system.
Who can I contact if I still have questions?
You can always reach me at my email here: hello@navigatingthisspace.com
