fishsteak

⋆ I am a responsible swapper; I rate and send promptly. Please message me if there are any problems (postage due, damaged mail, possibly lost mail, etc.).

January 2021: I’m usually open to private swaps of almost any kind and can usually offer postcards or handmade ATCs/digital art. (My art Instagram linked above has some digital art samples.) I would also love to exchange recipes, mail art/letters, and possibly even makeup/skincare. Recently, I took a very introductory sewing class and would love to hear from others about their sewing experience/tips and tricks.

I collect art of my original character Tlaloc and may be up for an art trade.

A little about me:
I’m a 20-something-year-old Californian who loves cats, food, reading, and traveling. I like learning about other cultures and regions so if you don't know what to write in a swap, tell me something about your local area! It'll probably be added to my long-list of things to do someday. :)

My goal is to visit 30 countries before I’m 30 and all the U.S. national parks at least once in my lifetime.

I love talking about books so feel free to add me on Goodreads. I also read a lot of manga, but keep that list separate.

You can see some of my old ATCs and other art here.

Likes:

(Honestly, you can skip this section. I like more than what’s listed below as well, am easily pleased, and appreciate any kind of mail I receive.)

⋆ my favorite themes include: cats, outer space, Japan, Studio Ghibli, Moomin, fairytale, pin-up, illustrations, mythology, science, travel
⋆ assorted things I like: ABBA, the Golden Gate Bridge, cats, fountain pens, Flow magazine, unique/handmade papers, stickers, hot air balloons, graphic novels/comic books, national parks, cherry blossoms, patterned bandages, aerogrammes/postalettes, typewriters, trains, mountains, Japanese/Taiwanese washi tape, wax seals, calligraphy, mail art, watercolors, long staircases, architecture and design, blackout poetry, sharks, shiba inu, FriXion pens, Gelly Roll pens
⋆ Food/snacks/drinks: aerated chocolate, cookies and cream flavored stuff, tea, salty snacks
⋆ I like puns, sarcasm, satire, parody, and sometimes offensive/dirty humor.

Postcard Info:

⋆ If I'm in a swap for naked postcards, I'd love a tourist postcard from your area with a nice message! I prefer tourist view cards written and stamped from place of origin (postcards sent while on vacation are my favorite).
⋆ Likes for unwritten/blank postcards: Inge Look, gotochi, neat postmarks and stamps (on the outside of the envelope), illustrated cards, vintage travel poster, maxi cards
⋆ Specific postcard wishlists/favorites: one and two

Things I Can Always Use:

⋆ unused postage
⋆ envelopes bigger than 4" x 6"

Dislikes:

⋆ anything religious (inspirational and non-denominational quotes are fine)
⋆ random junk/loose bits and scraps of paper
⋆ dystopian novels with romance in them
⋆ friendship books/label bags/etc.
⋆ strong scents (cigarette smoke and floral perfumes can trigger my headaches)
⋆ cocoa tea, chrysanthemum tea, cookies with nuts

Favorite Books, Comics, or Manga:

Calvin and Hobbes, Chew (comic book series), Discworld series by Terry Pratchett, Yotsuba&!, books about food (science) or textiles/fashion

Favorite Crafts:

I love altered/upcycled art and would love to receive any well-made craft including ATCs, tags, mail art, crochet, zines, mixed media art of all kinds, or even your personally created recipe (written down), etc. I am a huge fan of watercolor art, letterpress, and silkscreening as I used to do those myself.

Favorite Videogames:

Rune Factory, Professor Layton, Touch Detective, Genshin Impact

Favorite TV Shows and Anime:

Taskmaster (UK version), Impractical Jokers, Shirokuma Cafe, Dennou Coil, Moribito, Aria/Aqua

Favorite Stationery Brands:

Sakura of Japan, mt Japan, Pilot, Cavallini & Co., Papaya, Rifle Paper Co., Paperchase, Chronicle Books, Q-Lia, Mind Wave, Green-Inspired, Paper Source, Punch Studios, Moleskine

Favorite Characters:

Snoopy, Danbo, Nameko, Gudetama, Totoro, Catbus, Jiji, Paddington Bear, Peter Rabbit, classic Winnie the Pooh, Soos from Gravity Falls

Favorite Artists and Musicians:

Roy Tabora, Thomas Kinkade, James Coleman, Alphonse Mucha, Leonid Afremov, Sarah Gibb

MIKA, Vance Joy, Jeremy Loops

Here's some art I've done: