This year seems to involve lots of changes for me, both personally and creatively.
You might of noticed the change online if you follow me on Instagram, I’m really focusing my energies lately into my prints and somewhat, trying to level up everything a little bit. This is something that is really special to me, and it’s important that I take it seriously because I truly do believe in it.
I believe in my art, and I want to share it with the world.
What this blog post is actually about though, is my new newsletter!
I’ve always loved reading newsletters from my favourite creators, and I had the idea to create one probably about a year ago, but I couldn’t decide how or what I wanted to include into it.
After lots of brainstorming, researching and thinking, I’ve decided on a format that feels right to me.
It will go out every month, and heres what it will include;
a short personal letter from me
behind the images
before and after’s
monthly recommendations
pictures of my prints in customers homes
the first month will have an EXCLUSIVE Etsy discount code…
….and each month will have something secret in it too which I haven’t mentioned anywhere yet! (if you remember my vlogs on youtube years ago you might like it- hint hint)
If you’d like to sign up before the first one goes live, theres a little box at the bottom of this website where you can pop your email. See you there!
Now that Spring is here, the end of lockdown is nigh, I’m really starting to look ahead at things I can look forward to again. With everything hopefully opening back up, the possibilities suddenly seem bright again, and everything feels that much more hopeful. For today’s post, heres a bunch of things I’m excited to do…
Joining a gym. I really want to take some gym classes now the evenings are getting lighter, and mix up my workout routine. With that also comes..
Swimming! Me and my dad can. not. wait to be able to be back in the pool again, this water baby is so ready for it.
Keep crafting. I’m really into punch needling at the moment and I’ve got a few kits on the way to do as gifts for people too.
Canvas art. I’ve got a particular image in my head of something I want to create on canvas, and hopefully we can put it in our home afterwards.
Meeting new people. I’ve been chatting to a few lovely ladies on the Bumble BFF app, so I’m hoping that when lockdown is over we can meet up for a dog walk or a coffee.
Growing my Etsy store. I’m thinking of adding a few more prints to my store, and I really want to learn more about the marketing of Etsy as it’s so new to me.
Longer runs. I haven’t done more than a 5k run for months now, as I feel like I haven’t really had the stamina for longer distance at the moment, but I want to get back into it because I do love that type of running in particular.
Family time. Hopefully we can start celebrate birthdays again as a family and planning in some fun things to do together when lockdown is over.
New job opportunity. In my personal life, I’m in the middle of changing careers, with a new job change which could be happening in Autumn. It’s been nerve-wracking as it’s so new to me, but extremely fufilling.
As the title suggests, I’ve posted Every. Single. Day. on Instagram this year. A few months ago I probably wouldn’t of believed you, I used to post 3-4 times a week MAXIMUM. So, whats changed?
HOW AM I ABLE TO? The planning of my content is *key*. It’s a personal thing, but for me I like to make sure I’m 8-9 images ahead of myself. (Yep, that much!). If I posted everyday and only had 1 or 2 images ready in the background, I would get super stressed out and most likely, end up posting something I wasn’t happy with. This is just what works for me, but it means that I’m able to keep ahead of my schedule and take time to create images I’m really proud of.
DO YOU ALLOW YOURSELF A DAY OFF? For one of the days every week, I post a reel. So *technically* that isn’t a photo. Something I also do is re-post some of my older images that I still like. (Although I’m running out of those now!)
WHY POST EVERYDAY? After I posted everyday in December up until Christmas, I noticed immediately how much it helped my account grow, and more importantly, just how much I enjoyed it. I felt like I was truly a part of the app and it wasn’t just something I did on an evening whilst watching TV. I really started to grow my own little community on there, and I loved having something to focus on throughout the day that I can work on that’s for myself and my creativity. When December’s challenge was up, I created #100creative squares. 100 posts in a row. I’m currently (as I’m typing this) on day 69, so we’re coming into the home-stretch now.
WILL YOU DO IT FOREVER? I’m unsure what I’ll do after my 100 day project, but I would say I am erring on the side of continuing to post. It’s a great thing for me that I really benefit from. But I’m not definite on that just yet!
ISN’T IT EXHAUSTING? Instagram can be quite tiring, but I’m not on it all day everyday. I check it about 3-4 times a day for a longer period of time, rather than popping in and out every hour. The most exhausting part is making sure I keep on schedule and that means I usually have to create a post every other day at least, and sometimes when I don’t have any ideas that day it can be tricky.
WHAT IF YOU HAVE CREATIVE BLOCK? I have certain things that I know work for me when I’m not feeling creative. So I either go one or two ways, the first is having a little break. Usually for a day or two and I find that my creative juices soon come back and I get inspiration for new ideas. Other ways that help my creative block is finding other people online who inspire me, and lots of Pinterest scrolling. I also like going back to look at previous ideas and how I can make them better.
Okaaaay guys, that turned into quite a long post! Turns out I must have had a lot to say on the subject, which hopefully you enjoyed reading.
It feels pretty good to say we are in basically in Spring now, doesn’t it? I feel the days are so much easier when there are blue skies and the sunshine is out, it makes a massive impact on my mood, so I’m all for the spring vibes direction we are heading in! For todays post, I thought I’d collate a few things I want to do this season, and make it a to-do list post that might give you some inspiration too.
Have a picnic in a local park.
Do lots of walking.
Go on a bike ride.
Read outside.
Do yoga on the decking.
Buy some new scented candles.
Paint my nails fun colours.
Scrapbook.
Wear dresses again.
Sort out my wardrobe.
Have some smoothies.
Buy flowers.
Bake cupcakes.
Send a letter.
Go swimming (if permitting!)
Play tennis.
Try new meals.
This is just a short mini list, and hopefully going ahead with the current COVID-19 roadmap, they will be able to go forward!
