This year has probably been one of the busiest and best birthdays I have ever had, and it would have been nothing without all the friends that spent god only knows how much time preparing stuff to make my birthday that little bit more special.

Each birthday I want to do a project a little more special than an average commission, and this year I decided to take my 5 year+ tradition of asking artists with artist block to draw "a frog in a cool hat" and turn it into something more meaningful.

I was aiming for 12 frogs, and ended up with a staggering TWENTY FOUR, with one frog pending.

Normally I would start this kind of project with a least a month to complete it, but somehow this all came together in just 3 weeks. I still cannot believe how many artists took time out of their day to add their idea of a "frog in a cool hat". I got to touch base with a bunch of my friends, artists I've commissioned in my time in the fandom, while getting to hear many little personal stories of why they chose a specific frog/hat combo. I think art should be more than just visually interesting, it should be something that shares a bit of the artist behind it. I got to share a bit about me, and every artist got to share a bit about them too.

Aspen -  Venusium

Without further ado, here's every artist and a little thanks from me to them:

 Benji (Main Aspen drawing and orange frog in her left paw with a balloon) - This project would be nothing if he didn't make this. I cannot thank him enough for giving the most amazing canvas for all the frogs.

 Ryukiri (The other in-paw frog) - If I didn't have so many artists to thank I could write a novel about how much Ryu has done for me in the last year, but to keep it brief and fair, thank you for all the doodles you've drawn. They make me smile both on the day you make them, and the sad days when I'm looking back. I can't wait to see that lovely sailor hat appear in your next project <3

 Moonski (Grey Moona-coloured frog rocking the Danie-coloured cowboy hat ascending Aspen's thigh) - We've become fast friends in the last year, but even in such little time you've done so much for me. From our late-night girl talk, to busting beatsaber notes, to drinking our skill issues away, I can always count on you to make my night fun.

 Miza (Orange (not red, fight me) Reino-coloured frog sitting on the thigh plates) - We haven't been friends for very long, but sometimes it feels like we've known each other for years. I know what it meant for you to pick up the pen and draw a frog, and I hope you know I will be thinking about that strength until the end of time itself. Thank you.

 FellFallow (Yellow and black frog hanging from the cheek) - One of the few people in the fandom I've met in purpose. You've been an amazing artist and friend, both online and offline. You've made me masterpieces, saved my ass with gifts, and horrified me with the human-like anatomy of frog legs, and yet I wouldn't have it any other way. Your frog is absolutely adorable and I appreciate you participating.

 endermoonfur (Suspiciously Ender-coloured frog in the middle of the tail) - Not only did you leave your mark, not only did you draw an e-card behind my back, but when I came to you yesterday asking to add a background with the promise of an open cheque, you not only blew my expectations out of the water, but chalked everything up to a birthday gift. Thank you so so much for putting your whole Endussy to make this project what it is.

 ZHURZH (Green Dio-coloured frog between Aspen's elbows) - It is genuinely remarkable how much you've done for me in the last year. You were one of the first artists I've ever worked with, and since you've made me an accidental head-shot, given me high-res versions of my 2-year-old commission when I lost them, guided me through VK when I hit a dead-end, and finally contributed such an adorable frog. I love your storytelling and I can't wait to see what you make next. Thank you for participating.

 Skye the Copper (Brown witchy frog on Aspen's left horn) - I also haven't known you all that long, meeting you through your collab with Danie, but there's something about your energy and shared love for cats that makes you one of my favourite people to poke when I snap cute pics of Gatito/Gatita. I hope to continue that in the future and I really appreciate you adding your froggy touch to the project :>

 viurrr (Frog with the coin laid across Aspen's bent knee) - I loved commissioning you years ago, and you're just as much a joy today as you were back then. I've always been a sentimental person so the fact you based your frog off a statue in your personal life makes me so happy! You really embodied what I love in art, so thanks for participating!

 whisperer (Potato frog ribbon-tied to the tail) - I am so glad I met you through Sal because you are an absolute sweetheart with some incredibly gorgeous artwork I hold near and dear to my heart. You helped me make one of my favourite gifts and you will forever hold a space on my list of favourite artists. Thank you for the art, thank you for the gifts, and thank you for a funky, funky frog

 Veoros (Realistic frog who dropped his hat whilst hanging from the tail) - While I know almost nothing about you, the random WIPs and frog gifs were all I needed to know I need ya to add one of your world renowned frogs to a project surrounding them. I appreciate you contributing to the project even in the face of burnout <3

 LesserL (Hairy frog hanging onto the ear) - Your style is as cute as ever. You nailed the commission Muffler got for me, you nailed the commission with the pearl necklace and you absolutely nailed the idea of a frog in a cool hat. I'm incredibly sorry the confetti that stuck to his foot didn't make it to the final version, but I will cherish him all the same

 Lilekko (Light blue frog on the shoulder with the Shrek hat) - I am still absolutely terrified of the Shrek cut-out you had in school, but I think I can overlook that with how sweet you are for drawing a frog so meaningful for you while also doing a free doodle with my commission??? I hope to work with you again in the future because you are unbelievably kind and your artwork rocks.

 Rechiigu (Lovely lad in the strawberry hat) - While almost all of the artists on this list I'm friends with or commissioned in the past, when you bumped me up a ranking on your tier list because 1. Woman 2. Ryu's wife, I knew I had to ask you to be on this project. I love your character, art, and energy, so thank you for adding a frog!!

 Aky (Blueish frog on the tail with 3 hats) - I don't know what else to say except thank you for making my art archive look so beautiful and making your frog in a cool hat a frog in a cool hat wearing a cool hat wearing a cool hat. Your creativity makes me giggle, your watercolour art made me smile, and the documents from your mail still sit in my bathtub disintegrating with every shower. I know your summer is filled with cows, but I'm so happy you found the time to not only contribute a frog, but make a gorgeous e-card <3

 Flamespitter (Froggy duo hanging onto the tail tip) - We started talking under quite peculiar circumstances, but I've admired your art for years and heard your praises sung. I appreciate everything you make, and the riveting conversations we've had. Thank you for adding not one, but two frogs with personal inspiration from your DND character, your roommate's hat collection, and the music you were listening to. Thank you, and here's a gold star ⭐ (don't tell anyone else, they might be jealous)

 DroneCadge (Light grey frog on the thigh plate) - By the time I got around to asking you, there was so little time left, and yet you still made time to draw a frog most wonderful. I love that you added a Runescape party hat because it was something you've always wanted. The witch hat headshot you made for me is still the perfect execution of bio-luminescent eyes, and I hope to see more art of yours in the future. Thank you!

 Zyria (Pink and purplish frogs playing tongue tag at the base of Aspen's tail) - I've always been a big fan (simp) of the personal arts you do of you and Zyks. They're always so cute and I hope the best for you and him in the future. I haven't been able to commission you (yet) so I really appreciate you letting me cold-message you to join this project :)

 Lin_FluffyDragon (Impostor Aspen on the nose) - I still think you are one of the most underrated artists ever. If I had an infinite pool of money I would love to commission you more because your kindness, your service, and your artwork are second-to-none. I don't know why the frog looks like Aspen, I don't know why the frog has a revolver, but maybe some questions are best left unanswered. Thank you for participating lol

 Taerynir (Smug froggie nestled in by the belly) - We don't cross paths all that often, but every time I have talked to you, you've been an absolute sugarplum with kindness and warmth in your heart. When you added your frog to this project, you were no different. I feel honoured to have my first Tae art, and I hope to get more in the future!

 Jackolen (Kermit the frog) - You helped define who Aspen is today by making her first ever ref sheet. It's always going to hold a special place in my heart for the nostalgia it brings, so I'm so happy that you were able to take part in this project being an artist so close to my heart. I'm still not over the shock of seeing Kermit but I think it perfectly encapsulates your energy, thank you <3

 Kinseviing (Black/purple frog hanging onto the bicep) - You were a last-minute addition to this project, filling in the 24th frog when I fell in love with your style for the gift art you drew for me today. I cannot believe how fast the turn-around was, but there's one thing for sure, with all the gorgeous art you've drawn of/for me, I will be keeping an eye open on your page for all your future endeavours.

 Deormynd - (He's on a trip, and will be adding a frog late. This is a placeholder so I can gush about how fun spamming him with deer pics is teehee)