Oh Yeah... Happy New Year!

So its, what... 2019 now or something?

Resolutions are a thing around now, as is grumbling about how they don't really work and how you should be ready to improve yourself at any time of the year, yadda yadda.

Also, having a Theme Word for the year is also a thing lately. Last year, my word was Baby Steps. Which isn't one word, but I was a bit of a rebel. It was an extremely fitting word for the year, considering that I had a baby in January... and he ended up learning to walk in December. And now nothing in our house is safe.

But I digress. Aside from things associated with my kids (who are darling, just by the way) I took a lot of baby steps in 2018. While I didn't sell art in any shows or fairs, I attended a few with the express intention to do research and think about what I would do in such a show. That was a good baby step.

I completed a few small illustration projects last year as well--no mean feat with a baby and toddler demanding most of my attention. (I mentioned that they make up for most of it through cuteness, though, right?)

Oh, and a couple of those illustrations got a bit of recognition, actually placing twice in the monthly SVS illustration competitons (including my Octopus Bath image, created the month after giving birth, since... I'm crazy?). Thats a good baby step.

My goal had been to get out three post cards last year... I only sent two. BUT. That is still good! I had a very positive response to the second one in particular, from an agent who wasn't even looking for new clients. So flattering!

I also planned and taught my first ever art class. That was a BIG baby step.

My word for 2019:

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MOMENTUM

I started a lot of good things in 2018. I just need to keep them going. I don't need to slam on the gas and accelerate as much as I can... I just need to keep the balls I have rolling.... rolling.

Like, with postcards. I would like to ACTUALLY send three post cards this year. And submitting to agents in particular. (Gotta get that dummy finished first... speaking of actually completing projects, thats another thing to keep rolling...)

And with art shows... I want to do more than just attend this year. I want to have a booth in one or two, mostly just to learn. I'm sure it will cost more to get my tent, tables, prints, card reader, etc. than I'll be able to make back, but the point for now would be the learning.

Also, with contests. I just turned in my entry for the House of Illustration's Book Illustration Competiton. Because, um.... HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE. Seriously.... how could I NOT? I want to keep the ball rolling by continuing to enter in competitons when I can. And hey.... if I enter competitons, I may even win a couple like I did last year. You miss all the shots you don't take, amirite?

Continuing the momentum on my drawing class, I will be teaching it again this semester (starting mid February). The plan is by next fall to teach a painting class, as a sequel to the drawing one. And ALSO teach the drawing class. (Maybe consecutively, rather than during the same weeks.... hmm. Obviously lots to be figured out here.)

Ok, y'all get it already, I know. I'll be done now.

FORWARD MOMENTUM!

Oh, one question: do you have a word for the year? What was it last year? What is it for this year?

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