Design Resolutions: Progress

This year is sure flying by fast: it seems like I just made these resolutions, and here it is May already! With a third of the year behind us, I thought I would share how I’m keeping up with them this year.

1. Be More Disciplined in How I Use My Free-Time
   This one is rather hard to measure, but I’d like to think that I have cut back on week-night procrastination. Good thing, too, because with a longer commute due to summer traffic, I have even less time in the evenings than before.
2. Launch the Portfolio Site
   With some help from Jason, I’m stepping it up a notch from Version 2 (which is really Version 4). So it’s still in the design stage, and I hope to start work on development soon.
3. Post More Frequently
   With the return of Wednesday’s Weekly Reader, things are getting back on track. I’ve got some great ideas coming up, plus some interviews on the way.
4. Personal Project of the Week
   You’ll see in the next Resolution why, but this has been derailed since all of my supplies/materials were in boxes for the past 2+ months and my computer was sitting on a tv tray. This week marks the return as I venture into the world of html emails and test out Mail Chimp.
5. Find Studio Space
   The biggest news of the past couple of months is that I moved in a nice new (big) apartment complete with studio space. I’m working on the finishing touches to the studio this weekend as I continue to unpack. Even better? I’ve got a nice, big flat file on the way from my boss, who is getting rid of one. As the announcement said, “New Place + New Studio = New Work.” For the first time since college, I’ll actually have room to work on projects such as screen-printing, illustrations, etc.
6. Be More Inventive With Typography
   I’m starting to play around with this more at work and also in personal projects. Case in point: the moving announcement. I also want to carry this over into my embroidery work.

As for my two personal resolutions…

1. Take Classes
   I was discouraged that my work schedule wasn’t really allowing me to sign up for anything in the evenings until I rediscovered iTunes U. I’ve been listening to podcasts and lectures on the drive home, and highly recommend you check into it if you have a long travel time ahead of you. I have enough recommendations that I think I’ll save them for next week’s Weekly Reader.
2. Read Two Books a Month
   I have utterly failed this. Shortly after I finished the first set from my reading list back in February or March, I started packing up my books to prep for the move…and they’ve been in boxes ever since. I might get a library card, though, and start listening to books on tape in-between lecture series during the commute.

So there you have it: a decent start to the year and more to kick off soon. Now if only I could just be done unpacking…

Tags | designer, embroidery, Resolutions, web design