You'll Never Meet a Hater Doing Better Than You.

Hi Friends,

It’s been a wild, exciting blur over here—between prepping for the launch of One Red Arrow, Part I, hand-packing art prints, and finding creative inspiration in everything from Florence Welch to weird Bigfoot horror films, I wanted to share a little life update, some things I’ve been loving, and of course, a reminder that the $500 art giveaway is still open for anyone who pre-orders the book. Let’s dive in. 🎯

Let’s get into it!

♡ Caitlyn

🎨 Title: The Visitors

I’m not always sure how a piece will turn out, but I was really happy with this one. Some of my favorite pieces are the ones that feel like stills from a movie that doesn’t exist. I think that’s what I love most about creating these surreal scenes: I get to invent my own films, frame by frame.

For this one, it started with the photo of the broken-down car that I definitely had to use. Then I came across the image of a person smoking and instantly thought, they should be staring at an alien. 

One of my followers suggested an alternate title: “Gen X.” Hahaha—I love that.

This was such a hidden gem. Found Footage (2025) is exactly what it sounds like—but also not at all. It’s a smart, self-aware horror film that parodies the found footage genre while fully committing to it. The plot: a crew of award-winning documentarians follows a young filmmaker on his mission to create the world’s greatest found footage horror movie… centered around the Patterson-Gimlin Bigfoot footage.

It somehow manages to be hilarious, unsettling, paranormal, and include Bigfoot. Win-win-win.

It gave me major Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (2006) vibes, so if you’re into meta-horror with heart and teeth, this one’s worth tracking down.

Okay, I know I’m way behind on this show—Outer Range came out in 2022—but we just finished Season 1 and honestly it might be one of my favorite shows ever.

I won’t say too much (because spoilers), but if you’re into sci-fi with a whole lot of what the hell is happening?, this one’s for you.

Sci-fi lovers, add it to your list.
(Disclaimer: I haven’t started Season 2 yet, so no promises there.)

I have to include this one—Reality+ is a short film by Coralie Fargeat, the mind behind The Substance (2024), which is almost one of my favorite films of all time (minus the ending…).

Reality+ feels like a warm-up to The Substance—it’s sharp, unsettling, and packed with themes that Fargeat clearly expands on later. It’s only 22 minutes long and totally worth the watch if you’re into speculative sci-fi.

I’ve linked it below—let me know what you think if you give it a watch.

Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of Florence Welch. There’s something so haunting, painful, and real about her music.

Her song “Free” has been especially moving for me, and this particular live performance just gutted me. I can’t quite explain why it hits so hard, but maybe it’ll hit you too.

My favorite lyrics:

Creative Lesson: You’ll never meet a hater doing better than you.

“You’ll never meet a hater doing better than you.” — David Goggins

I’ve mentioned David Goggins before—he’s one of my biggest inspirations. And this quote has been bouncing around in my head a lot lately.

This week, I shared an Instagram reel (linked below) about some of the bullying and hate I’ve experienced as an artist. The truth is, when you put yourself out there—when you really go for something—you become a target. Not because you're doing something wrong, but because you're doing something bold.

And here’s the thing: I’ve never been insulted or torn down by someone I admire. Not once. The hate never comes from people living fully, doing meaningful work, or chasing their own goals. It usually comes from the sidelines—or, more painfully, from people close to you who don’t want to see you change.

I remind myself of this all the time: it takes guts to create. To write, to share, to stand behind your own work. That theme runs throughout my novel, One Red Arrow, Part I. Writing it was cathartic—like channeling all the noise, the hurt, and the doubt into something apart from me.

So if you're making something, if you’re trying, keep going.

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This past week has been all about two things: publishing my novel and printing art—and we are full steam ahead.

One Red Arrow, Part I officially releases August 21st, which is right around the corner. I just received the hardcover copies for my Kickstarter backers (they look amazing), and the audiobook is nearly finished—I can’t wait to share it with you all.

On the art side, I’ve been printing and shipping nonstop. To everyone who’s ordered prints: thank you for your support and patience. I custom order all the specialty paper and packing supplies, and then Nick and I hand-pack each print at our kitchen table while Brooks plays nearby. It’s a true family operation, and it means the world to us that you’re part of it.

Oh, and everyone on the farm is doing great! 🐔

In case you missed it - Win $500 in Cult Class Prints 🎨

Pre-order One Red Arrow, Part I and you’re entered to win $500 worth of art prints—your pick from my entire collection.

How to enter:

1. Pre-order from Amazon, B&N, Walmart, or anywhere online

2. Tag @cult.class in your IG story (or DM me proof if your account’s private)

That’s it.
Open internationally. Winner announced after launch (August 21st)! 🏹

cult.class

661K followers

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