Lettering Works Business Journal - April in Review
Another month of weirdness down. April typically brings the annual Lettering Works startup nostalgia (I won $10,000 to start the business back in April 2016). While this year was no exception (thanks Timehop and Facebook memories), everything feels different. The excitement of look-how-far-I’ve-come-in-four-years paired with what-will-the-future-of-small-business-look-like is an odd combo. But what I shared last month remains true - I’m determined to make it through and become a stronger business owner as a result of these challenging times.
I’m still committed to reflecting and celebrating the small wins - and I’m happy to report that April was filled with them. I launched new passion projects, knocked out some client projects, attended virtual networking events and online workshops, and celebrated my business anniversary with some special happy mail.
This fourth edition of the monthly business journal blog post is an intentional celebration of the wins and a space of reflection on this business journey with all of you. And I couldn’t be happier after FOUR. WHOLE. YEARS. of business that you are here, showing up to learn about what my past month has looked like.
#20DaysofColoring: “Be Kind.” Download free coloring sheets here.
Candid COVID Cards - Print Postcards. Purchase a pack to send your loved ones here.
“Be Gentle with Yourself” Anniversary Postcard
The Big Wins
I launched TWO passion projects - #20DaysofColoring and Candid COVID Cards. #20DaysofColoring has allowed me to share some of my most popular designs as free coloring pages to give both kids and adults a fun, at-home activity. And Candid COVID Cards, a collaboration with my copywriter friend Blase, is a tongue-in-cheek take on “thinking of you” cards made to remind everyone to keep social distancing.
I celebrated four years in business in social distancing style! As I flipped through photos from last year’s 3rd Anniversary Ribbon Cutting in Peoria, I realized how much I miss seeing my friends, family, and clients. I decided to honor Lettering Works’ fourth business anniversary by sending 100 specially-designed “Be gentle with yourself” postcards to a handful of those who have made a difference in my business over the years.
Thanks for all the support of Candid COVID cards and online orders in general. I’ve had my hands full this month.
New website for Ava Preston Music. Take a look at it here.
General Updates:
I launched a free 20-minute call to help small businesses in need. These brand/marketing strategy calls are for any small business owners who need some extra support and creativity at this time. Contact me or send your business owner friends my way to get one on the calendar.
I attended several networking events and online workshops. These included CanceledCon (a two-day virtual design conference), Sunnyside Chats, a Bossy Chicago Collective Meetup, and an online workshop about teaching your first online workshop. Also, I’m beginning to plan an online workshop or two of my own.
I lettered a new series of chronic illness inspired designs. These are still in the works and I am planning on launching this new collection in the next month or two. Spoiler alert: the “Be Gentle with Yourself” design is part of the series, but it felt too perfect not to use immediately.
I designed a logo in two days. This turnaround time might be a record for me and generally not recommended, but I’d do it again in a heartbeat because it was for a great cause. One of my long-time clients, the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, shifted their focus to online education after having to cancel their annual conference and needed a logo for their new “Reimagining Law” series.
I was featured on Happy Mileurs, Indie Maker Show, and Mastercraft+. I’ll always raise my hand to volunteer for any opportunities to share my work and craft, even if it scares me and forces me into the uncomfortable world of Instagram Live.
I wrapped up a couple branding projects for Peoria-based artists and makers. One was a full brand development for an artist and the other was a logo refinement project for a handmade bath and body company. These projects reminded me of the specific passion I have for helping artists who are great at their particular craft, but could use professional visuals to get them the attention they deserve.
I designed and launched a new website. I don’t typically design websites, but made an exception for my cousin - Ava Preston - who is a 15-year-old singer-songwriter. Ava recently won awards from Downbeat’s Student Music Awards and wanted a refreshed website to align with her talent and showcase her success as a young musician. You can take a look at the new website and listen to Ava’s music here.
We sold out the initial print run of Candid COVID Cards in half a day. My collaborator, Chicago-based copywriter Blase Mnich, and I launched the project on Monday, April 20th and quickly had to organize a second print run to meet demand. We’ve sold over 60 sets of postcards and still have a small handful left. Get your postcard set here before it’s too late.
We celebrated Steph’s Stickers first anniversary! If you aren’t familiar with Steph Perry’s story, do yourself a favor and read about it here. Steph is seriously the sweetest and wanted to celebrate one year of her micro-business by throwing a party (like Lettering Works had last year), which will happen as soon as it is safe. We also are working on a new sticker, and launched a coloring page for all to enjoy.
After such an intense month filled with lots of personal projects, client work, fulfilling online orders, and learning, I’m excited for a much needed break in May. I had a trip to Barcelona and Granada, Spain planned for May 5-19, which is going to be replaced by a staycation, to ensure I get the creative-refueling break that I know I need.
Even though I’ll be limiting my workload for part of May, I’m always looking for new and exciting opportunities in the Chicago and Peoria areas and beyond. If you or someone you know would like to work on a project with me, send me a message via the website contact form.
