Looking Back on 2008 and Ahead to 2009!

The start of a new year is often a time of reflection on the past year. Yesterday I reflected on some facts and figures from Inspired By Hand, and today I thought I would take some time to share my personal thoughts from the past year and some goals for the upcoming year. I figure what better way to do this than to interview myself!

What have been a few of your favorite sources of design inspiration, online or off, throughout the past year?
There are so many!
This year I was lucky enough to participate in an online class hosted by Elsie Flannigan. That was a big source of inspiration, and one of the coolest things about it was that I met so many other people like myself, living their everyday life, trying to find and/or nurture their creative spirit.

Going offline, I was also lucky enough to attend a workshop hosted by one of my absolute favourite photographers, Brooks Reynolds. I learned so much at this workshop, and felt so inspired after leaving. It really helped me focus with my photography and figure out where I want to go with it, and the next few steps on how to get there!

Going back online, there are a number of websites that I visit daily for inspiration including:
Modish
Creature Comforts
Indie Fixx
Princess Lasertron
How 2 Draw a Cup of Coffee

What milestones do you recall from 2008?
January- Was working as a Graphic Designer on a leading scrapbooking website where I was introduced to the work of tonnes of inspiring and creative women!
February- Was introduced to Etsy by a colleague
March- Exhibited Photos at my first Art Show
April- Spent a lot of time preparing for the opening of my Etsy Shop
May- Grand Opening of Tanybug, my Etsy shop
June- started this blog, Inspired By Hand
July- Upgraded my sewing machine!
August- Made a lot of advances in skills in my professional career as a Web Designer
September- Wrote guest blog on Indie Fixx, was also featured on GeekSugar
October- One of my photos was chosen to be featured on the CBC website
November- Started online class with Elsie Flannigan
December- Exceeded my sales goals for 2008 in my Etsy Shop

What design trends or popular styles from 2008 that you like more than others?
This year has been the year of 3 things for me. Damask, Naive line drawing styled art, and chunky knits.

Basically anything with damask appeals to me, and I think to others as well. My black and white damask camera strap has been my most popular seller!

Naive line drawings and paintings have really taken off this year as well. The works of artists such as ashleyg and prettylittletheives remind me of the innocence of children's drawings, but with a much more sophisticated and modern twist.

by prettylittletheives

by ashleyg

And the final trend I was in love with this year was big chunky knits. Particularly cowls and fingerless gloves. This cowl was one of my favourite purchases of the year, and I love everything in this shop!

by houseofhemp

Have you followed the work of any particular designers during the past year?
If you follow my blog, you probably already know the answer to this but here they are anyways:
Elsie Flannigan
Michele Maule
Princess Lasertron

Can you tell us a business lesson you learned from starting your Etsy Shop in 2008?
To take most business advice I get with a grain of salt. It seems for every 5 people that say to do things one way, there's 5 more who say to do it the other. I have learned to just do what is right for myself, while trying my best to deliver a very high standard of customer service!

Do you have any new year’s resolutions for your business in 2009?
Honestly, to spend far less time in the Etsy forums.

Do you have any upcoming projects planned for 2009 that you’re excited about?
I am really excited about the New Shop I am opening on Etsy. I have been debating for months about splitting my efforts into two shops and finally decided it would be for the best. I will continue to provide Camera Straps and Photography Accessories in My Etsy Shop, Tanybug, but will also be opening a second shop, Lynse & Fancy, in the first week of January. Lynse & Fancy will allow me to focus on my art and other handmade fancies, without being overshadowed by my camera straps! I am thrilled about this because I love painting, and am very excited for my paintings to have a home of their own! Watch for sneak peeks this week!!



It's been fun looking back on 2008 and am I getting very excited about what 2009 will hold for me. Thank you to everyone who has supported me by through reading, commenting, emailing, shopping, sponsorship, or just saying hi! Happy New Year to everyone, and all the best in 2009!

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