~ NOW BOOKING PROJECTS FOR APRIL ~ I’ve intentionally designed my schedule in a way that I can accommodate near-immediate start dates for projects that are just the right fit. If you are interested in working together, I’d be happy to start the conversation and share more about how I can help you with your branding, design, and custom merchandise needs.

BUSINESS JOURNAL: A PLACE TO CELEBRATE WINS & REFLECT - 51ST EDITION

March’s highlights included being a panelist and portfolio reviewer at Adobe’s Creative Retreat in Chicago, launching a new sticker collection to celebrate spring, delivering a wholesale order to Flyover Chicago, and co-hosting the first Makers United Meetup in Chicago.

Shop the full sticker collection here.

The Big Wins

1. Launched a new sticker collection to celebrate spring. 18 new therapy-inspired designs are available for purchase via my website shop and for wholesale via Faire.

2. Shared my insights on the “From Passion to Profession: Freelancing” panel at Adobe’s Creative Retreat in Chicago. I was honored to be invited to participate in the student-centric event as both a panelist and portfolio reviewer.

Photos of the Makers United Meetup taken by Ambercita

General Updates + Accomplishments:

• Co-hosted the first Makers United Chicago networking event at the Ukrainian Modern Institute of Art with my fellow MU Chicago Ambassadors Emilia and Lin. Additionally, I presented virtually to the Indian Trails Public Library on branding.

• Finalized two custom designs for Off The Grid Podcast. Since this project was part of my Artist Trade Program, my payment was ad space on the Off The Grid Podcast.

• Delivered my first wholesale order to Flyover Chicago, a new tourist attraction at Navy Pier. Daniel and I got to enjoy the immersive experience first hand after setting up my new sticker and postcard displays.

• Visited my kindergarten best friend and her husband in Portland, Oregon. Highlights of the trip included delicious food and drinks in the best company, trying an electric bike for the first time, an evening with takeout and a cozy fire, admiring all the art, and lots of laughs.

• Made an ask for introductions to podcast hosts in honor of International Women’s Day and recorded two podcast episodes - one with Brazen Business that you can listen to here and another that will be released at a later date. I also scheduled two more interviews for future podcast episode recordings.

• Updated the Self-Made Artist Academy course on Squarespace after receiving helpful feedback from UI/UX designer Angela who is a participant in both the course and the Artist Trade Program. You can enroll in any of my online courses here.

• Put semi-custom stickers into production for an education technology company. Did you know that I have over 200 designs you can customize to match your brand’s colors and even include your name or website? Minimum orders start at 200 stickers/design.

• Got a new Lettering Works wooden sign that I ordered from a small business on Etsy. After nearly eight years in business, it felt time to get my own custom logo sign.

• Continued to make progress on wedding planning including designing and stocking up on some fun custom merchandise that we will be able to share with guests of our Midwest Wedding Tour.

• Launched a new Chicago skyline necklace and earrings in collaboration with Katy of Narrative Material. These are currently available at The Shedd Aquarium, Chicago 360, and Chicago Botanical Garden.

• Celebrated Women’s History Month by attending the Women in Wine Dinner at Segnatore. I entered their ticket giveaway and while I did not officially win, my valiant efforts were rewarded!

March seemed to fly by pretty quickly. While I didn’t have as much paid work as usual, I made the most of the month by filling it with fun Artist Trades and finalizing my largest collection of new stickers.

In April, I am most looking forward to enjoying some time with family in Florida, celebrating a friend’s wedding in New Orleans, and doing some more creative work (reach out if you’d like to get something started).

Thank you for being here, for supporting me, and for following along with my entrepreneurial journey.

PS - Have a project you’d like to chat about? Send me the details now to ensure your project gets on my calendar in 2024. Bring on all the logos, branded merchandise, + brand identity projects… let’s make some beautiful + impactful things together.

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