New Year, New Resolutions

Okay.

I know I haven’t blogged since the middle of July of LAST year (and I fully intend on finishing my Artist Alley series, if you’ve been waiting this entire time).

But, now that I have a fresh year ahead of me, I’ve resolved to be better about blogging, along with a handful of other things.

Before I get into my goals for Kimposed in 2018, I wanted to reflect on what made 2017 incredible.

2017 Reflections

I attended my not one, but TWO comic conventions as an artist. I’ve attended plenty of Cons as a regular attendee, but with the roles reversed, I’ve gained a new respect for the artists that travel nearly every weekend to participate in these events.

I made the scariest decision of my life by quitting my 9-to-5 desk job in June to put in more time and focus into my business. On the day that I quit my job, I was overcome by a sense of relief, despite the sheer horror of not knowing where my next paycheck was going to come from.

I taught 21 WORKSHOPS. Holy crapola. Thank you to everyone who has attended one and your continued support! I hope you will continue your watercolor or lettering journeys.

Three lovely brides asked me to help with their big day! Such a huge compliment to have my work featured at one of their biggest life moments.

I participated in my very first styled photoshoot with some pretty amazing San Diego-based  wedding vendors: Native Poppy, Adore Folklore, HATCHED Collective, and Michelle Lillywhite. Drinks were sponsored by Pomp & Whimsy.

 

I hired an incredible part time assistant, Janelle. She’s the one who puts together those lovely newsletter emails you get, as well as my helping hand in so many other things. On top of that, she’s also a wonderful seamstress. Check out her work here.

Most importantly, I proved to myself that I am capable of handling business 100% on my own, AND love it at the same time. Growing up, I’ve always been risk averse. Getting a stable job right out of college was everything I’ve ever wanted, and I’ve always admired the courage of entrepreneurs. Look at me now! My younger self would’ve never believed it. You can read more about how I got started here.

2018 Resolutions

Okay, I’m going to keep it real with these resolutions. I’ve never been the type to share intimate details of my life so openly, but this year is about trying new things.

In 2018, I resolve to:

Prioritize my health, both physically and mentally.
I am 100% guilty of being the type to over worry and overwork myself. This then leads me to neglect my personal health (not exercising enough and not eating well enough) and mental health (feeling exhausted and constantly anxious). This year, I want to make sure that I prioritize my health in whatever way I can: pencilling in workout times, taking a vacation, distressing through reading, and knowing when to say “no” to projects that I know will overbook myself.

Pay off my debts.
Whether or not you’ve started your own business, you know that starting anything takes a huge investment of time and capital. Oftentimes that means getting into debt, which I am also guilty of. This year I resolve to be better about my finances, to maintain the weekly bookkeeping tasks (Guys, I really hate it), and to not be afraid to ask for what I am worth, rather than feeling timid or guilty.

Create an online workshop.
I’ve been meaning to do this for quite some time now. I love you San Diego, but I want to connect with more people outside of my time zone! I think it’s more about the logistics of filming that has made me push this project, but I NEED TO DO THIS.

Create a badass stationery line that features my original work.
If you must know anything about me, know that I am an avid collector of art and paper supplies. So, why not create something that I can use and also is mine? *Dreamy heart eyes*

Collaborate with more artists that inspire me.
This resolution really comes down to connection. I want to connect with more people in my world! As you know, I got a late start as an artist, but better late than never.

 

Be authentic.
I hope to have the wisdom to recognize the projects that aren’t for me, and the courage pursue the ones that I know I’ll love but are scared of. I also want to share more of my weird quirks with you, without the afterthought of, “Omg, what if they think I’m annoying?” Haters gon’ hate, and that’s okay. 

If you have any input, feedback, or can help me reach one of my resolutions in any way, please feel free to comment, email, and reach out. Thank you to all who have supported my venture from the beginning as well as any people who’ve just tagged along recently! I appreciate each and every one of you.