RECAP.
2018 was insane. It was the first year I cut a profit, I did some of my best work, traveled plenty, discovered new cities, learned some good lessons and new skills, and realized that I can do this. I also got obsessed with an airline, and checked off a bucket list item.
THINGS I FEEL GOOD ABOUT.
Because I can’t yet disclose my best design work, I’m sticking with photos, of which I did a lot of work that I’m proud of, and made some great memories in the process. From getting to know other photographers by second shooting for them, and meeting a few of my own wonderful clients, to exploring Phoenix, I feel like 2018 was a really well rounded year for me in terms of what I was able to produce. Here are my favorite 5 images from the past year.
I LEARNED THINGS.
The biggest lesson I learned was how to validate myself as a self-employed person and a business owner. There have been a handful of people in my life who struggle to understand the legitimacy of what I do. It’s not that they intentionally antagonize me, but they refuse to take my word when I correct them. I had a situation this year where a person assumed I had plenty of free time because I work for myself, while expecting me to drop everything on my schedule to serve them. I learned to set boundaries and say no. If I worked a traditional job, that kind of assumption would not be acceptable, so why should it be for me now? By setting boundaries with people who don’t understand my work or choose not to understand my work, I assert myself with the truth that what I do is valid, and a legitimate form of employment. It probably sounds silly, but it was something new that I didn’t fully know how to navigate. I have never seen any reason for someone to not take me seriously, so when someone mocked my line of work, it caught me off guard.
Also on the list of things I learned is animation and pattern making! I took a workshop on seamless patterns at Design Camp and quickly realized that it would be an asset to my business to create custom patterns to use in my client work, adding an extra layer of originality and uniqueness to the final products. I also began learning Adobe After Affects and how to animate. It seems like it’s a pretty involved process, but its just one more skill that adds value for clients.
American sign at the entrance of Des Moines International Airport.
TAKING AIM. TAKING OFF.
In addition to goals with my business, I have also discovered a new fascination with aviation. I love flying. I love the whole experience of it. For most of the flights I’ve taken, I’ve flown American Airlines, and this year I fell in love with their brand, and if I may be a little over the top, I have to say I’m so obsessed with American Airlines that I saved a cocktail napkin from my flight home from Phoenix in September. Not only did I save it, but I keep it at my desk to remind me that I’m going places. Their brand is dope and their jets are sexy. As a creative professional, working for American Airlines in Phoenix is now on my bucket list. I swear, if I wasn’t a creative, I’d be an epidemiologist. But if I weren’t an epidemiologist, I’d be a pilot. Hopefully for American.
THINGS I NAILED.
Aside from racking up like 5000 frequent flyer points (guess what airlilne?) while being financially pinched, and getting in the security line at Sky Harbor International 10 minutes before my flight boarded and still making my flight, I’m probably going to be cutting a cozy profit this year. For the first time in my business, I’m making money. For any business owner, that’s a really good feeling. I’ve never looked forward to paying taxes like I am now, but if you’re not paying taxes you’re either breaking the law, or you’re not profitable. Probably. I don’t actually know. But I’m profitable. In other news, after I got through security 10 minutes before my flight boarded, I got to check off a bucket list item by running through the airport like an important person in the movies and still made my flight.
ONWARD.
More travel awaits in 2019. I will be visiting family in Florida, so flying somewhere. I will be visiting Phoenix and Lexington again, because you can’t stay away from home forever. For a brand new experience, I will also likely be visiting San Francisco to visit a client who is interested in a lifestyle shoot.
New offerings await you. I will be opening up an online store where you will be able to purchase all sorts of fun little things. I really like tiny notebooks and small prints, and I can never seem to find the right greeting cards so I think I’ll be trying my hand at that. Anything I sell will be coming from a more personal place and reflect the things I’m passionate about: art, travel, adventure, and real life.
Looking forward to serving you and connecting with you in 2019.
Onward.