Hello, this is Showkaku Sano. I’m currently preparing for a small event that I’ll be hosting and participating in this weekend. This event has been running for seven years now, and it’s become a valuable opportunity for me to connect with others. We’ll be streaming the event as well, so if you’re interested, please join us!

Here’s the update for November. Unfortunately, there are no new features this time, so if you updated your theme last month, there’s no need to do anything this month. However, if it’s been a while since your last update, now is a good time. For details on how to update, please check out the ”Update the Theme” in the Help page.

Official Release Announcement

Illustfolio Lumina has now transitioned to its official release (Version 1.0).

In preparation for the free trial version mentioned below, I have updated internal libraries, which do not impact the current functionality.

Since the start of early access in August, I have implemented numerous improvements, both large and small, including the slideshow feature, quick preview, and four different page layout options. By making this an official release, I hope users will feel even more confident in utilizing it.

Free Trial Version Released

I have created a free trial version of Illustfolio Lumina. For those who have been unsure about purchasing, you can now try out the theme using your own illustrations.

While the trial version displays a “Demo Version” watermark on the page, it allows full access to all the features of the full version. Design settings can be seamlessly transferred to the full version, making it easy to continue using the theme after purchase.

Please note that the trial version may be subject to change or discontinuation in the future based on usage conditions. This is because, at its core, it still involves distributing theme files that can be used for free. Some savvy users might even find ways to modify the code and remove the watermark.

That said, current data from purchase trends shows that the trial version has had a very positive impact on buyers. For now, I will continue to offer the trial version while monitoring its effects.

Website Update

The Illustfolio Lumina website has been updated.

I’ve refined the overall page layout, highlighted new features added through previous updates, and included tables and information to make it easier to evaluate before purchasing.

Coming Up Next

In the next update, I’m planning to add a feature that allows you to replace the blog title (site name) with an image. This feature was available in Illustfolio 4, and I’ve often seen sites that have swapped it for custom logos. With this addition, you’ll be able to make your site feel even more personal. Creating a handwritten logo could be really cute too!

With the conclusion of the early access phase, I first want to express my gratitude to everyone who has supported me up until now.

To those who provided feedback during the early access period, you helped expand the ways this theme can be used. Thank you so much.

Even if you don’t recall sending feedback but showed your support through purchasing the theme, that in itself was invaluable feedback. Thank you. It allowed me to gauge interest in the product and, above all, gave me confidence (after all, if I were already confident enough, I wouldn’t need to do early access).

While I handle both the development and promotion of Illustfolio Lumina on my own, I never felt alone during development. This is thanks to the many people who have contributed along the way. As I’ve mentioned before, I conducted interviews with dozens of illustrators to learn about their work and how they use portfolios. Each interview brought new insights and undoubtedly contributed to the product’s development.

I will continue striving to support you in building your portfolio sites, so I hope you’ll keep following and supporting me in the future.

Please share your feedback and any product suggestions you might have. You can reply directly to this email or send your comments to the contact information provided in the help section. I’m also always open to other feedback and questions.

That’s all for this month’s newsletter. If you haven’t purchased the theme yet, you can do so from here!

See you next time!