In 2013 I put my business goals and personal goals up on my blog, you can see them here. Below is a re-cap of those goals, and some new things for 2014:
The goals were to Improve by taking a workshop, which I did. I attended Unleashed in Virginia, and it was a wonderful learning experience. You can read more about the trip here. I also took advantage of the great resources and online workshops at Creative Live. I learned so much this year by watching, and re-watching workshops on Creative Live. I’m so happy I found that site! Although I have had my eye on a couple of workshops, including the Paw Print Divas, and a One-on-One Mentoring program with Scruffy Dog Photography, nothing has been firmed up for 2014 as yet.
My second goal was to continue to help out where I could. I didn’t get to the animal shelter nearly as often as I would have liked, but I did make it when I had the opportunity and I loved meeting the animals and photographing them. This year I also teamed up with some great local businesses and began Project Underdog! We were able to help a few dogs find their forever homes, and we hope to continue Project Underdog into 2014. For 2014, I want to establish a set time to go to the Branford Animal Shelter once a week, or once every two weeks so I can have the chance to photograph each animal there. A great photo can make a huge difference in getting more people in to meet the animals, and shorten the amount of time the animals spend in a shelter environment. In 2014 I will continue to help the Branford Animal Shelter, Labs4Rescue, and 2MillionDogs. With those three organizations I will be busy in my volunteer activities!
Blog More! I did do that! I could still use a little more work in this department, but my 52 week Project did help prompt me to blog at least once a week. Admittedly I missed a few weeks, but next year I will do better! The posts will continue to be on Friday morning, so keep an eye out!
One of my stretch goals for 2013 was to be published. I am happy to say I accomplished this in the Paws for Charity book! My work was part of a great project which featured artists of different mediums from all around the world compiled in one book! You can read more about this awesome project here. I was also a featured artist on Labradors.com, Lele Pets, The Hair of the Dog, and The Daily Dog Tag for Scout & Finn, and Mr Mellow. This year I want to continue to pursue more opportunities to showcase my work, and also participate in more competitions. I will be submitting some of my work in PPA competition for critique this year and hopefully my work will merit, or go into the loan collection.
I think in addition to all of the above, my main goal for this year is to continue to grow my business! I had some fabulous clients in 2013, and I’m hoping to see some of those return in 2014 – and I hope they bring their friends! I hope to double, if not triple, the number of Custom sessions for 2014!
Lastly I want to say Thank You for the support and a great 2013! I hope 2014 is even better!