It's been a long while since I updated which honestly has been really nice break. I think I finally have all of my ducks in row here on my new blog...I think. I keep tinkering with it, trying to get use to the new format. What I thought would be a simple transition ended up being more involved, mostly because I really wanted to import all of my old posts.
The shop will be live soon but will not house any new items. Just the older digital items will go up for now. Which leads me to the new path I've started, a path I've been on for a good month now. I was given an opportunity to design with Studio Calico on a more permanent basis and well...I've taken that opportunity. What does that mean for LLP? Good things I think. I'll break it down...
-No paper packs will be produced anytime soon. Screen printing several designs by myself and pushing them out on time wasn't working for me and the return wasn't there which is my fault. I didn't want to price them accordingly and ended up losing money on the project. Not a good thing when you're actually looking to make an income with your craft. No brainer, right?
-There will still be screen prints in the future but they will be produced in smaller batches and possibly be outsourced to another awesome printer. Why? Because my small space sucks for screen printing. I need room to work, good lighting and a comfortable, productive space. My garage isn't cutting the mustard.
-I will most likely release more prints and designs through my Society 6 shop.
-This "job" will allow me more freedom to work on my own personal projects like catching up on Project Life and really enjoying it. Or watercoloring and working on patterns for fun. Or trying some of the million crafts I've pinned in the past couple of years. I feel as though I haven't had much free time in the past since part of my time was working on designs for SC and the other part working on screen prints for LLP. It was too much and not an enjoyable process. I did all this to help support my family. It was a great learning experience, one I wouldn't change. I'm adapting and evolving, trying to nurture my own creative needs and wants. I think that's important in this industry.
-This will help balance my schedule. I spent a lot of time trying to earn an income rather than carving out time to just be. Self-care, being a mom who is there (not on the laptop and phone) and being a wife (not working while trying to enjoy a movie or forgoing dates because of deadlines).
-This will allow me to blog more and put up more tutorials and freebies. YAY!
I went back and forth when offered the position. I wondered most if I was compromising my own brand. But after writing a pros and cons list, looking at my weaknesses and stregnths and a long convo with a good friend, I decided this move is actually what LLP (I) needed.
I'm looking forward to designing more for Studio Calico and having time to slow down and really focus on LLP.
xot