🌟 Side Quest Directory 🌟
Welcome! This is a constantly evolving directory of all of the projects I’m building in public as part of Side Quest Summer. I’ll be updating it in real time as each quest unfolds.
What is Side Quest Summer?
I’ll be launching seven indie projects over the next three months, with a new launch every 10 to 14 days. You can read the full backstory about why I’m doing this in Issue #51 of Extracurricular Pursuits.
How does this directory work?
Each project is listed below with a link to its dedicated progress log, which I am using to share daily progress updates. Further down is a brain dump of potential projects that I’m mulling over. I’m mostly winging this as I go, so thanks for following along!
Last Updated: July 25, 2025
Project #1: Totebrag
An e-commerce shop with a playful vibe that sells tote bags with witty, tongue-in-cheek phrases on them. All orders are fulfilled via Printify, a print-on-demand production partner and feature my own original artwork.
Start Date: June 25
Grand Opening Date: July 8Website: www.totebrag.com
Status: Complete ✅
✨ View Project Recap →
Project #2: Cinematic Storytelling
I learned how to use CapCut and created my first Extracurricular Pursuits reel in under a week. This will be an ongoing project as I continue to create reels to storytell the behind-the-scenes of Side Quest Summer going forwards.
Start Date: July 14
Target Launch Date: July 20Status: Complete ✅
✨ View Project Backstory →
🎬 View Final Reel →
Project #3: Font Camp
Start Date: July 25
Target Launch Date: Aug 3Status: In progress 🟡
✨ View Project Backstory →
💡 Possible Quest Ideas
A digital-only product…
If you didn’t already know this, I’m about to let you in on a major secret: Digital products are THE BEST — Zero inventory, create once/sell a billion times, insane profit margins. The tricky part is that original ideas that people are willing to pay for are tough to come up with, so I would definitely document the brainstorming process, too.
A physical, printed zine…
I miss tangible, paper publications. I recently went to a second-hand bookshop and ended up spending a few hours flipping through old magazines and antique books. The texture, the weight, the smell, MY GOD the smell. It me realize that not only do I miss print publications, but I could totally make something of my own. A small, scrappy, personal zine, something I can fold, staple, hold. Just for the love of the game.
A physical, handmade product…
If you couldn’t tell from the above project, I have an itch to get out from behind my laptop screen and use my hands again. Perhaps this is inspired by the absolute GEM (no pun intended) of a craft store I stumbled upon in Valencia last week — it’s literally called Casa De Piedras Y Cristales (House of Stones and Crystals), and the walls are lined with beads, charms, clasps, and pendants galore — which reminds me, I really should share the funny story of my first ever Etsy shop…