It’s been a full three months since Lettering Works relocated from Peoria to Chicago. This summer in Chicago has completely flown by, but also been filled with some new opportunities, ideas, and projects.

Getting acclimated and fitting into a new community is undoubtedly a challenge. Being in a big city is also very overwhelming with so many opportunities and possibilities. I’ve done my best to take advantage of what is at my disposal and find my place in this new city I’m starting to call home.

Highlights of the first three months in Chicago (in no particular order):

• Launching new product lines: Chicago, Girl Power, and Milwaukee

• Showing my Chicago Style Postcard Series in the Prairie Center of the Arts Show in Peoria

• Traveling to England and Ireland (and having a short commute home from O’Hare Airport)

• Participating in a local market: Sauced Market at Sleeping Village in Avondale

• Starting a new passion project: 100 Days of Chicago (follow along on Instagram + Facebook)

• Attending some really fun networking events: Tuesdays Together, Sunnyside Chats, Thursday Therapy, Built in Brews, and more!

• Signing up for the AIGA Mentor Program

• Making some new designer and creative friends

• Keeping up with client projects in Peoria including custom brand graphics, logo designs, wholesale orders, and poster designs

• Getting my first couple Chicago freelance opportunities

• Supporting Steph’s Stickers at Ignite Peoria

• Joining a coworking space: Ampersand Cowork in Logan Square

• Planning new personal projects

Most days I feel like I’m getting the hang of things and that it will all work out. There are still some days that I feel I haven’t accomplished anything yet in Chicago and feel unsure of how to fit into this new community. I also survived one of the worst client relationships of my career. Ultimately, changing my surroundings and truly stepping outside of my comfort zone here has really challenged me and at times made me question what I enjoy about my work and what I really want to be doing.

Even though there have been some tough moments of transition, I’ve had more time to think about what I’d like to do most and how I can take the time and steps to accomplish my goals. I’m currently refocusing some of my energy on developing better processes for wholesale orders and expanding my city offerings so I can scale my products that I’ve poured so much of my heart and soul into.