The artist behind the magic
A little about who I am, why I draw, and how I hope to make this work.
Hi, and welcome to my little world. I'm the artist behind Kumiko Stickers, Ryver Neil, a one-person artist making alternative characters, adoptables and commissions. While also producing physical products which i sell at in person events.
I live with chronic illness and disability, which means a traditional job simply isn't possible for me. Energy comes in small, unpredictable amounts, and some days are spent resting rather than working. Art is the one thing I can do from home, on my own schedule, that brings me real joy, and I'm trying to turn it into a way to support myself while still having some enjoyment with what im doing.
That's what this little shop is really about. Every commission, every adopted character, every product sale, and every kind word helps me cover the costs it takes to run what i do, while striving for further improvements, and lets me keep creating at a pace my body can handle. I don't take on more than I can give proper care to, so slots stay limited to 5 max per service, and timelines stay honest with changes happening when needed.
How I hope to work is simple: small batches, clear sketch check-ins, and gentle, truthful communication. If a flare-up means I need a few extra days, you'll hear it from me directly, never silence. In return, you get a piece made with genuine love, and the knowledge that your support is changing one disabled artist's life for the better.
I am 20 years of age and live in Hartlepool, England, and currently ship all my products within the UK, and do digital work, worldwide, this lets me work with the laws inplace around the world, and lets me safely continue what i do without the risk of lawsuits.
Im currently working towards purchacing a new PC as my current one is extremely out of date, limiting my creative abilities and potential growth, alongside this, i am working towards purchasing an Apple Ipad and Apple Pencil to allow for me to work on a scale that i currently cant do on my mobile.
I am accepting donations towards these upgrades on my kofi shop which can be accessed from this site, all donations and a cut of all profits go towards the upgrades allowing me to work towards my goal, and dream, of doing this full time.
If i was to run my business successfully, i would need to earn approximately £320 per week, which is at minimum 16 £20 commissions a week, or at maximum just over 4 custom oc designs per week. However that is unreliable which is why i have physical products, adopts, and commissions as a way to hopefully make this permanent.
Im hoping to one day own my own little shop or permanent market stall, produce my work infront of people while selling items throughout the day, its such a silly goal to many, but its something ive always drempt of, you being here is one step closer to that goal.
Thank you for being here. It means more than I can say. Your love and support since i started nearly 2 years ago, to where i am now is like a dream to me still. 💜
— with love, Kumiko