It’s time to meet our next Muse of the Month (who is, coincidentally, also a teacher in Fodder School 5)!

Introducing Arlyna Blanchard, or @abshanghai on Insta; Be sure to give her a follow and show her some love!

What part of the world do you currently live in?

I currently live in Shanghai, China, where I've been based for the past 25 years—almost 26.

When did your art or crafting journey begin?

I've been drawn to art since I was about five years old. Creating in any form has always felt natural to me—I love working with my hands and exploring different mediums. However, it wasn't until around 2012 that I consciously returned to a more personal, self-expressive art practice to balance my full-time work as a graphic designer.

How long have you been in Fodder School and what keeps you coming back each year?

I officially joined Fodder School for FS4, though I've been following Fodder School since its early days and had long wanted to join. Other commitments held me back, but when FS4 launched, I finally jumped in—and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I've made. What keeps me coming back is the richness of the content, the flexibility to work at my own pace, and—most importantly—the incredibly supportive community, where ideas, inspiration, and encouragement flow so generously.

How has Fodder School influenced your creative journey or daily art practice?

(On most days—hopefully none of my clients are reading this! 😄) Fodder School is constantly on my mind. I often think about the lessons' ideas and how I might interpret them in my own way. I love that the lessons encourage me to work in small, manageable moments, making use of the pockets of time each day. At the same time, some lessons gently push me out of my comfort zone, prompting me to rethink my approach and open up to new possibilities.

What’s one project, technique, or lesson from FS that completely lit you up?

This is so hard to choose! Every teacher in FS4 shared something meaningful, and each brought a unique perspective. Rather than one single lesson, it was the collective generosity and diversity of approaches that truly lit me up and expanded how I think about making.

How would you describe the Fodder School community in three words?

Inspiring. Supportive. Uplifting.

One piece of encouragement for a brand-new student?

Let the lessons be a starting point, not a rulebook—use what you have, put your own spin on things, and don't hesitate to ask for support in the community when you feel stuck.