Softawoo

I've now created a group called Assuming the Best. If you're interested in an open-minded community of swappers, feel free to join!

Hi, my name is Allison!

I'm 28 and I live in Minnesota.

Right now, I work as a freelance writer. I really like my job because I get to do something I'm good at and constantly be researching and learning new things.

I have a BS in applied math and an MA in English literature, so I have a pretty wide variety of interests. I'm considering going back to school for a doctorate in philosophy, but that's down the road.

I love all kinds of artsy things! So many of the swaps I join are centered around deco books, zines, ATCs, or the like. I'm also interested in writing, reading, philosophy, psychology, music, video games, etc.

I especially like modern twists on traditional things, so for instance, I like snarky and/or modern cross stitch, modern artistic quilts, and mostly contemporary music ('90s or newer).

I also have a math/science/technology interest, so when I can combine that with something artsy, I especially love it!

My favorite colors are the cool colors: blue, green, and purple. I also really like the combination of blue and yellow.

Always open to a private swap! PM me. :)

Last updated: 2/15/2023

Hello world! It's me, Allison. I'm trying to reorganize and rewrite my profile (in Jan '23) as I make my way back into Swap-bot-world. Hopefully it'll get less messy (and verbose!)

I'm taking out some of the hella detail, but I'm still going through a lot of medical stuff that started back in August of '22. The worst thing about chronic illness is that you become "flaky" almost by definition.

It's very difficult to predict how I'll be feeling even hours from now, much less days or weeks from now. So as much as I would love to commit to things or plan anything... that's not something I've been able to do since about six months ago.

This also means that I have some overdue swaps here, and it absolutely kills me to have let people down and kept y'all waiting for so long.

So I'm slowly but surely righting all these wrongs here on Swap-bot! It will probably take some time for me to catch up on all the overdue swaps, ratings, and messages, but I'll do my best.

I'm sorry to everyone I've kept waiting. I've never gone through something like this before. It was so far beyond what I was capable of handling that I underwent a painful transformation.

Please know that I take your trust and efforts seriously. Always.

Specific swap updates!

As of 2/15/23 my remaining late swaps are two WIYM ones; others are made up or finished but not yet mailed.

That said, if you're reading this wondering where your stuff is or why I haven't rated you, feel free to message me. I'll likely need to touch base to confirm addresses are still current at this point, so if you don't hear from me, I could have gotten my wires crossed somewhere.

Overall, my style is usually minimalistic, abstract/geometric, and/or infused with some kind of humor incorporated in my art, whether it's just a sense of irony, full-on sarcasm, or some silliness.

I like to make weird art in any and all forms! Usually I'm bored by traditional approaches or subjects. I'm less of a planner and more of a "hey, this random thing looks cool, let's figure out how to incorporate it!"

Some more specific techniques and things I like to make:

-Graphic design (Canva/Affinity Designer/Inkscape)
-Cross stitch pattern design (Winstitch)
-Digital photography and photo editing
-Pixel art (Aseprite)

-Collage art (on postcards, ATCs, decos, etc)
-ATCs
-Deco books
-Zines

-Drawing (usually pencil)
-Zentangle
-Painting (usually acrylic, but I dabble in watercolor)

-Cross stitch and blackwork embroidery (both making and designing patterns)
-friendship bracelets (both making and designing patterns)

You're more than welcome to suggest any hobbies or techniques of your own! And it probably goes without saying, but I'd love to swap art with just about anyone, if you put serious effort into it.

I think that making and sharing art is one of the best things about life. What better way to connect with people, right?

-Reading & writing
-Found/blackout poetry
-Blogging, SEO, e-commerce

-Philosophy of any kind
-Existentialism
-Philosophy of Mind
-Philosophy of Science, Philosophy of Math
-Philosophy of Medicine, Philosophy of Psychology

-Psychology and mental health in general
-DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)
-EMDR and trauma therapy concepts

-The Sims 4 and modding it
-House Flipper, SuchArt
-Other sims (PC Building Simulator, Powerwash Simulator, Civ V and VI, RimWorld, Tabletop Simulator, etc)

-DOGS
-Plants (esp succulents and indoor gardening)
-Music! (I play several instruments and am almost always listening to something)
-Podcasts, audiobooks
-Crossword puzzles and their design
-Jigsaw puzzles

What hurts me more than anything is when people assume I'm NOT doing the best that I can. I firmly believe that approaching anyone and everyone with curiosity rather than judgment is the best way to be a social person in the world.

So, on a related note, I'm generally only bothered by schools of thought that are judgmental or intolerant of difference. For me, that means:
-Conservative politics
-Toxic positivity (and relentless negativity)
-Racism, sexism, or any kind of hatefulness
-Organized religion (and proselytizing)

Please don't send me anything strong-smelling (especially if it's Patchouli, mold, or smoke) as my asthma symptoms are easy to set off these days.

-ATCs! and materials to make them (esp. thin cardboard for backing)
-playing cards (ideally regular-sized 2.5x3.5")
-book or magazine pages
-already clipped interesting words/pictures for collaging
-stickers
-envelopes
-postage stamps (real or fake, unused or canceled; my favorite ones tend to be bright and colorful)
-worsted weight yarn for crochet
-embroidery floss
-deco books
-zines
-brads (especially fun/pretty ones!)

I'm also not super hard to please because I like to collage with bits of anything! :)