Hi! It’s Showkaku Sano. It’s been too hot to go out lately, but I can finally feel the end of summer approaching (though it’s still hot…). I’m starting to think about planning some outings soon.

Now, let me introduce the September updates. There’s a lot to cover this time, so I highly recommend updating your theme! For details on how to update, please check out the “Update the Theme“ in the Help page.

Cover Image Slider

The slider feature I mentioned last time is finally here!

You can display a slider with up to three illustrations as your cover image. To set it up, simply upload your images to the newly added options, [Cover 2] and [Cover 3]. Once you upload two or more images, the slider will automatically start.

I’ve heard from some users that it’s hard to choose just one favorite image for the cover, so hopefully, this will take some of the pressure off. Give it a try!

Choose from over 1,000 Fonts

You can now easily apply over 1,000 fonts registered on the Fontsource website to your theme. This is a safe method that doesn’t require modifying the theme’s core code.

For those of you who couldn’t find a font you liked on Tumblr, font selection should no longer be an issue! Try it out from the page below.

New Option to Round Corners on Images and Buttons

I’ve added a new option, [Corner Style], to round the corners of images and buttons. While it might seem like a small change, it can significantly alter the overall look. Choose the style that best fits your illustration’s aesthetic!

SEO Guide

For those looking to improve their site’s ranking on search engines like Google, I’ve created an SEO guide. Use this guide to review and enhance your site’s settings.

Currently, Only the Japanese version is available

Tooltips for Social Icons

I’ve added tooltips that appear when you hover over social icons like X and Instagram.

To view all the update details, please check the Release Notes.

Coming Up Next

It can be tedious to switch between the homepage and article pages when you want to view illustrations in a larger size. Wouldn’t it be great if you could simply click on a thumbnail on the homepage and have the larger image open right there?

Well, I’m working on making that possible soon!

How Are Features for Illustfolio Lumina Chosen?

As mentioned, I’ve added several new features to the theme. But do I implement these features in the order they come to mind? No, there’s a better approach. Today, I’d like to explain the criteria used for selecting features for Illustfolio Lumina.

In short, the most important factor is the feedback from illustrators like you.

In the previous newsletter, I mentioned that many of you expressed a need to create portfolios that are clear for clients. The top page of Illustfolio Lumina was inspired by this feedback. The layout features your introduction and cover image side by side, allowing visitors to quickly grasp your name, style, and profile.

Additionally, feedback on what users liked about Illustfolio 3 and 4 has been very influential. By combining the best aspects of both versions, I’ve created a theme that takes the best of both worlds. For instance, the infinite scroll feature from Illustfolio 3 and the design elements from Illustfolio 4 have been integrated because they were well-received.

I also incorporate features I’ve wanted to try or had to leave out in previous themes, but always with the user’s needs in mind. The popup feature, mentioned in the “Coming Up Next” section, is a good example of meeting user needs while addressing my own challenges.

That’s why your feedback is so important. To create the best product for illustrators, listening to the voices of illustrators is the most reliable approach.

I’d Love to Hear Your Thoughts on This Update

Please share your feedback on this update 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!