I love New Years Resolutions. I make them every year, and even though I usually don't keep them, I like the "anything is possible" feeling that they bring.
I looked back to my resolutions post from last year and was pleased to find that I actually did really well! Funny enough, the post was when I first expressed my interest in pursuing printmaking. If you've read the blog for a while, you know my interests started with batik, then moved to block printing and has finally come to a rest with screen printing. My interest in working with pattern and color has always been consistent, and I've now found screen printing to be the right medium to put my creative ideas on paper and fabric, but the journey here has not been quick, direct, or easy (or cheap!).
My resolutions from last year, and how I did:
* Take time to cover the legal side of things: registering my business name, getting a tax id if necessary, etc.
I waited close to the end of the year to do this but in the month of October I registered rifferaff as an official business. 2008 brings my first year of paying taxes on my business.
* Take my time to test and perfect my products. Give people a reason
to continue to buy handmade products by giving them my best work.
Handmade does not equal poorly made.
This is a work in progress and as I become more comfortable with screenprinting and my production process I learn the strengths and weaknesses of the technique and of my skillset. I do my best and put products out there with the hope of every customer becoming a repeat customer.
* Sell to local brick and mortar stores.
I haven't pursued this very much so I don't feel disappointment at not acheiving this goal. I got a few wholesale inquiries and sent out one wholesale order. I'm planning to put alot of effort into wholesale relationships in '08 and have my work in stores locally and abroad.
Goals for 2008
Get mentions in local and national printed press.
I'm beyond thrilled with the reception I got from craft and design blogs when I sent out my first email earlier this year. I hope to continue to work with bloggers to get the word out about my work, and also reach a new audience who may not be as 'net savvy by getting some mentions in good old fashioned newspapers and magazines. I love marketing and brainstorming new ways to get the word out, so this is one of my favorite tasks.
Formalize my visual identity.
I'm such a sucker for packaging and I know how much it can influence my decision to purchase a product. I want to be thoughtful about the design of my packaging and website in a way that communicates my brand and entices customers to take a closer look.
Bring in a regular revenue stream from rifferaff.
I don't know if 2008 will be the year for me to start working for myself full-time, but I want to get closer to that goal by bringing in a regular monthly income of some size from my work as a designer. Whether it's $200 or $2,000, it's a step in the right direction. I have so many ideas for prints on paper, fabric and custom work. A major factor is being able to shoot my own screens, so that's another important goal.
Do a better job of promoting myself in person.
I am by nature a very quiet and shy person. I am terrible at promoting my work in person or even talking about my business. One major step to take is to get some business cards! Then get comfortable handing them out and talking about what I do.
Participate in a craft show!
What are your business resolutions for the new year? Let's check back in 2009.
