I wasn't sure if I would get a chance to get all of this down. It has certainly been a busy year for me; even on New Years Eve :) I have had one on the best years though in terms of art biz, family and finances (this one could be better though). I have watched my small "hobby" turn into a business and along with that came so many responsibilities and duties that my head spins every once in a while. But I wouldn't change it for the world.
Here are some of my achievements of the year and goals for the New Year.
Artworks Painted
-I painted 12 Personal Faerie Artworks. 11 of those belonging to my "Faeries of Color" tm series (I also legally trademarked the "Faeries of Color" name…I still get a personal kick out of that one)
-I did 5 individual commission pieces that are considered in the "fantasy" genre. This taught me a lot about how to approach the painting of the commissions that I chose to do and when and why NOT to take commissions.
-I also painted 34 (yes, 34) children's book illustrations for a book by author Jennifer Lazinsk. This was a tremendous undertaking by me and taught me a lot. It was the most difficult project I have ever done for many different reasons, but it fills me with great pride to have accomplished it.
So in total I completed 51 paintings this year!
My achievements
- Began illustrating my own children's book and am working with a wonderfully patient publisher :) (February 15th deadline is coming up real soon)
-Began work on collaboration with Lisa. She is a breath of fresh air and just an all around great gal! Can't wait to show our project to the world.
-My website traffic increased (almost doubled from last year)
-I began doing the show circuit and had some success
-Made some wonderful friends and contacts
-I also had some technical art goals from last year. Some that I accomplished and some I still have to work on. Hands and feet improved greatly and clothing folds (this one showed on my last piece of the year..better late than never).
-Had artwork accepted at Epilogue. A small achievement but it felt good to be acknowledged in that way.
My goals for the New Year
- Continue to improve my art skills. I would like to work much more on nature scenes. I had convinced myself that I just love painting faeries in the sky, abandoned castles, etc. But, I am beginning to think that is just an excuse to not paint trees, flowers and other nature scenes that I am afraid to attempt.
-I have a few more products I would like see happen and projects that I would like to complete in 2009 (shhhh-secret stuff)
-I am also just dying to do a REALLY BIG, detailed painting too.
-Complete all the illustrations to my children's book and begin writing the next.
-I would also like to continue to organize my business better and be a bit more consistent with my newsletters and announcements. My husband is going o help out a bit more with this and a few other things. I am going to greatly appreciate his help.
Well, that it. One last thought though; just a big thank you to all my RL, Online friends and art fans. I hope each and every one of you has an awesome 2009!!