Newsletter comparison
Drawing Links vs The Habit of Art by Kelcey Ervick
Short answer: Choose Drawing Links for a close, regular practice of noticing. Choose The Habit of Art for reflection on sustaining a creative life through rejection and change. Read both when you need both the next subject and the nerve to keep going.[1][2][3][4][5][6]
An independent guide. Scottie isn't affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Drawing Links and The Habit of Art by Kelcey Ervick. Each publication owns its name, writing, and subscription terms.
A brief from both newsletters · July 31, 2026
See both newsletters in one brief
See what made the brief, what didn't, and the original links behind every included story.
In this brief: Scottie kept the selected stories separate because they added different value.
Reader priorities
An artist wants a sustainable illustrated practice rooted in observation, ordinary life, and an honest account of the setbacks that come with making work.
These are illustrative priorities, not a customer’s data.
What made the brief
- Drawing Links5 read · 1 included
- The Habit of Art by Kelcey Ervick1 read · 1 included
Scottie
Scottie example brief
July 31, 2026 · Executive brief
01 / The rundown
- Kelcey Ervick documents her artistic journey to Norway while sharing insights from publishing her illustrated graphic memoir.
- Illustrator Amber Rae Malott adjusts her paywall strategy after testing racy comics, offering lessons in monetizing online creative work.
02 / The briefing
01 / main
Kelcey Ervick shares travel reflections and creative publication updates
The takeaway: Creative writing professor and author Kelcey Ervick reflects on her recent trip to Norway in her Substack newsletter, The Habit of Art. She continues to share illustrated posts and insights from her journey with readers.
Concrete details
- Kelcey Ervick is the award-winning author of four books, including the graphic memoir The Keeper.
- Her newsletter, The Habit of Art, has been featured twice as a Substack publication.
Why it matters for this reader: As an illustrator building an observational practice, Ervick's honest notes on travel and publishing offer practical perspective on maintaining long-term creative routines.
Original sourcesThe Habit of Art by Kelcey Ervick
02 / main
Artist evaluates Substack paywall strategies after comic experiments
The takeaway: Illustrator Amber Rae Malott is reassessing her digital paywall strategy after publishing racy comics yielded limited financial success. She plans to experiment with placing alternative creative content behind paywalls moving forward.
Concrete details
- Malott consulted her Floridian Mythos Oracle Deck regarding the financial success of her paywalled comic releases.
- She plans to adjust her paywall content mix rather than abandoning the subscription model entirely.
Why it matters for this reader: Hearing an artist openly discuss financial setbacks and paywall testing provides realistic insight for structuring your own sustainable illustrated business model.
Original sourcesDrawing Links
Action items
- Experiment with diversifying your paywalled content offerings based on real audience feedback from your recent illustrated projects.
- Document your daily observational sketches and travel experiences to build an authentic library of material for future publications.
See every issue behind this brief
Travels in Norway and The Keeper Second Printing
- Travels in Norway: Side-quests are part of the storyThe Habit of Art by Kelcey Ervick · Included
Floridian Mythos Oracle Deck and Paywall Comic Strategies
- FloridoracleDrawing Links · Included
Bubbles drawing link
Vikingur Olafsson listening advice
- Vikingur OlafssonDrawing Links · Read, not included
Vintage Dresser archives
- Vintage DresserDrawing Links · Read, not included
The useful difference
The difference that matters
Drawing Links records family, objects, and small moments through compact observational drawings. The Habit of Art uses longer illustrated essays to examine rejection, travel, reading, and the emotional work of continuing.[1][2][3][4][5][6]
What each is best for
Drawing Links
Drawing Links contributes concise studies of family, objects, and daily scenes that show how an autobiographical drawing practice stays attentive.[1][2][3]
The Habit of Art by Kelcey Ervick
The Habit of Art contributes illustrated essays about rejection, acceptance, travel, books, and the habits that let creative work survive uncertainty.[4][5][6]
When it’s worth reading both
The pair joins the act of noticing with the work of persistence. Scottie can connect a practical observation to a relevant reflection without flattening either into generic creative advice.[1][2][3][4][5][6]