2013 Resolutions

posted by Amanda // Inspiration

Jan 08, 2013

 

I’m a list maker. I love writing down all the thoughts that swirl in my brain, and then checking them off. Resolutions are big for me. I even categorize them—goals for myself personally, professionally, for this blog, etc. Unfortunately 2013 has hit the ground running, and I haven’t had too much time to contemplate my resolutions, and create a plan for each like I usually do. So I was hoping if I put them up here maybe I’d get some accountability, and reference for the year ahead.

Here goes:

Save money for our wedding- I’ve put a weekly savings plan together, and need to stick with it. It’s kind of scary since I’m freelance and I have no idea where my income will come from in a couple months. But I’m a firm believe of, “If you build it, they will come”. It’s always worked out for me in the end, and I have to have confidence in myself that it will work out again.

Design and develop my own website from scratch- Last year one of my resolutions was to learn HTML and CSS. I’m not a wiz or anything, but I have learned plenty, and if I continue I think I should be able to code a website from scratch by the end of the year. I have to make myself practice!

Collaborate with more bloggers- I need to put this blog out there. Last year I was focused on what this blog will be, and committing to a regular schedule. Next year, I want to take things to the next level. That doesn’t mean sponsorships or ads just yet, but I do want to work on more projects with other bloggers. Look forward to more guest posts and my face on some other blogs.

Start marketing my design business- For now, all the work I get is through word of mouth. I still think this is the best kind of “advertising”, but I do need to reach out a bit more. I’ll be investing in some marketing materials, and pursuing some opportunities that will hopefully grow my little business.

Did you make resolutions this year? How do you go about setting goals for yourself?

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10 Days of Gratitude // Day 10: Health & Safety

posted by Amanda // Inspiration

Nov 22, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We’re about to head over to my parents house to start cooking, but I wanted to post Day 10 of the 10 Days of Gratitude series first.

Every Thanksgiving, my family goes around the table and everyone says what they are most thankful for. My maternal grandmother, who is no longer with us, always used to say, “Health” and it always struck me as profound. When you are healthy, you truly have everything you need. This year I want to remember that. I am so thankful to be fit, young and healthy. I should never take that for granted. I have friends, including a 3 year old boy, who are very, very sick. I know people who can’t run or ride a bike, who need to take medication and pain relievers on a daily basis.

So today I am thankful that I and my family are strong, healthy and safe. And wishing you and your family a safe and happy Thanksgiving, even if it’s not very healthy :]

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10 Days of Gratitude // Day 9: Matt

posted by Amanda // Inspiration

Nov 21, 2012

Yes, M’s name is actually Matt. We met in a motion graphics class in college. He was a film major, and I a graphic design major. He asked me some questions about Illustrator, and the rest is history. That was almost exactly 4 years ago. It’s amazing to look back on those years… We’ve both changed so much. Matt has moved 4 times, and I moved into my own apartment, and then in with him. We’ve gone from hustling at our jobs, to creating very stable freelance careers (although I’m just at the beginning of that journey).

Matt has a laid back, roll with the punches attitude that I really admire. He can always make me laugh, and he never makes me cry. I am so incredibly thankful for his patience, support, wisdom and love. It amazes me that 2 people who are so perfect for each other could just sit across from each other in a college class, and start a relationship. What if I dropped that class? What if he asked someone else those questions? I know it’s meant to be, and I am so grateful that we found each other.

I took this picture with my 90′s era film Canon rebel this past summer

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10 Days of Gratitude // Day 8: Bub

posted by Amanda // Inspiration

Nov 20, 2012

I adopted Dice about a year and a half ago but it seems like longer. He has just fit so perfectly into my life. He’s the sweetest, best cat anyone could ask for. M and I nicknamed him Bub because “Dice” just never felt like his name to us. He’s a big (hungry) cuddle monster. I am so thankful our paths crossed, and I got to take him home. He brings so much joy and comfort to our home.

I’m looking forward to many more happy years together.

(while changing the bed sheets one day, Dice found himself the warmest little pocket in the comforter and took a nap)

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10 Days of Gratitude // Day 7: Family

posted by Amanda // Inspiration

Nov 19, 2012

I am fortunate to have my family very close. My mom actually works 2 blocks from our apartment, and the house where I spent my teenage years is a mere 15 minute drive. I usually see my family every weekend, and talk to my mom daily on the phone. They are there for me with an encouraging word, a piece of advice, or just a funny story. Now that I’m on my own I really appreciate my parents, and all they did to raise me well.

Since M and I have been together for almost 4 years, I have become quite close to his family as well. I love spending time with his Nana & Pap-pap, and emailing back and forth with his Mom. Even though they aren’t as close physically as my family, I am really thankful for the good relationships we have.

a summer family meal at my parents house (I took this photo with my dad’s old Canon)

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Currently // In•spired

posted by Amanda // Inspiration

Nov 19, 2012

(bottom 4 photos by Suzy VanDyke, top 2 photos by me)

A couple months ago, my friends Emilee and Suzy had asked me to design the logo for a new workshop they were starting all about Inspiration. I worked with them on a logo (above) and then was invited to go to the workshop this past Saturday at Suzy’s photography studio downtown. Not sure what to expect, I arrived with an open mind, ready to be inspired.

Because this was the first workshop, they cut it from being a whole day, to just 4 hours. Emilee gave us some real, concrete steps to finding new ideas. She challenged us to step away from our Pinterests and computer screens, and get out a notebook. One word, brain mapped would lead to dozens of different, new ideas no one else could possibly come up with because the process is so individualized to yourself. My mind was blown.

I left the short little workshop with a new outlook on creativity, imagination, and inspiration itself. I no longer feel stagnated looking at everyone elses brilliant ideas on blogs, without the momentum to come up with my own. As bloggers, we know that “Content is Key”. Must. Have. Orignal. Content. I’ve gone to other workshops and talks about this, but I’ve never really understood HOW to do it. Until now.

I highly recommend this workshop for anyone who works in a creative industry, if you’re starting a brand, or if you just enjoy the creative process. For bloggers, this is a must. I left the workshop with so many new post ideas I never would have come up with browsing the internet or looking at other blogs.

Inspired Workshop website

(I also designed the notebook above with one of my favorite quotes about creativity.)

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10 Days of Gratitude // Day 6: Our New Apartment

posted by Amanda // Home, Inspiration

Nov 18, 2012

We had been talking about moving in together the whole summer, but just couldn’t find a middle ground. I had to be on the west side, and M wanted to be anywhere else. So we put it off. And then I got laid off, and I didn’t have to be on the westside. We applied for the first apartment we looked at, and signed a lease on August 31. It was perfect—hard wood floors, 2 bedrooms, old and charming, in a perfect, central location. Also, half the price I was paying in Mar Vista.

But the best part? Sharing a space with my man. He works 12 hour days and crazy shifts sometimes, so it was always a bummer being so far away. Now we share an office, a house, and everything in it. Going from not much to constant contact has taken some getting used to, but it’s wonderful. I have really enjoyed decorating our new space, cooking meals for us, and calling No Hollywood home. I hope we’re here for a long time.

I am so thankful for the perfect timing of it all and for M’s continued guidance and support as we start this new chapter together.

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10 Days of Gratitude // Day 5: Technology

posted by Amanda // Inspiration

Nov 17, 2012

Technology is a huge part of my life. I work on a fancy computer all day, I use the internet and devices to stay connected to my friends and clients, I use cameras and editing software regularly, and I even design websites and applications. I’ve always been an early adapter, trying out the latest apps, upgrading my facebook account to timeline way before it was mandatory. It brings so much joy, organization and plain old fun to my life. I am so thankful to live in a time and place where these technologies are available and encouraged.

Sure I might bemoan my cell phone when it’s acting up, or curse the skies over the cost of printer ink, but I can’t imagine having to use a paper map, or not knowing what’s going on with my friends across the country. Technology brings a lot of peace and sanity to my life, and I’m very grateful for that.

This was M, trying to organize the cables that had snuck into our life. Where do they come from!?

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10 Days of Gratitude // Day 4: Travel

posted by Amanda // Inspiration, Travel

Nov 16, 2012

Travel has always been important to my family. Growing up we would take a big trip every other summer. I’ve been all over the country, Mexico, Europe and Africa, and my passport is begging for more. M’s family is in the midwest and east coast, and I’ve loved our yearly trips out there. Even weekend drives get me excited.

Later this month M is working in the Bahamas, so I’m tagging along. Then it’s Hawaii for 9 days over Christmas, and Philadelphia for New Years. With laptop and cell phone in hand, I can work anywhere with a wifi signal. It’s amazing and I feel so blessed and thankful to have this flexibility in my career.

I’m also thankful for the opportunities I’ve had to see such beautiful and culturally significant places over the years. I know not everyone is so fortunate.

Remember last year I was in Paris for New Years! The trip of a lifetime…

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10 Days of Gratitude // Day 3: Supporting Myself With Work I Love

posted by Amanda // Inspiration

Nov 15, 2012

This is a big one. For the past 2 and a half months I’ve been living off money made while freelancing. This is huge because I’m not homeless and I have more than enough food. M is taking great care of me, but what I’m saying here is that I’m doing it. I’m living the dream. I’m my own boss, setting my own hours, choosing the projects I want to work on, and being creatively fulfilled.

I am so grateful for the opportunity that opened up when I got laid off in August. I would have never quit on my own, but when pushed to make the decision, I look back and can see how perfect the timing was. I have learned so much working for others, now I can confidently move forward on my own.

My most common work gadgets and tools.

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