Do you remember being in middle school and writing down your list of the top 5 best looking studs in your class? This post is kinda like that, but not really.
I’m breaking down my first full year of business… top 5 style.
TOP 5 … FAVORITES
This is going to sound super cliché, but I've loved every project I've done in their own unique ways, so I can’t really choose 5 individual projects as my favorite. BUT I CAN break down my favorites in a more detail specific way…
1. Loved the “KN” diamond design I did for Kate & Nate’s Chincoteague Island, Virginia wedding. I’d secretly love to blow it up, foil it, and hang it on their wall if they’d let me. They own a taco truck on Chincoteague Island, follow them on Instagram NOW @picotaqueria
2. Loved the colors of Jackie Fawcett’s invites. I love bright, vibrant colors so I was all about it.
3. LOVED the Buccos/Pirates designs I did for @lovetherack. It’s kinda surreal to see your work blown up on a shirt, especially when you see random strangers wearing it.
4. Still love my Hallowedding design for my own wedding. Just because it’s a wedding doesn’t mean everything needs to be so damn serious. Have a drink, CHILL OUT.
5. Made a design for a guy’s shirt. Can’t even contain my excitement about it… stay tuned!
TOP 5 … PIECES OF ADVICE FOR BRIDES
1. Right now I’m currently working on 5 projects for 5 different weddings. Brides: If you’re looking for custom work, email me the MOMENT you get engaged. Not 8 weeks before your big day. Y’all are going to give me ulcers.
2. Do the wax seal stamp, too freaking cool… small details, folks!
3. Take advantage of the thank you card option. Trust me.
4. You’re wedding invitations will be beautiful, scouts honor. The first thing your guests will see is the exterior envelope. Therefore, be mindful of your postage selection. You don’t need to pay an arm and a leg to have personalized postage stamps, but please, for the love of god, don’t slap an American flag stamp on your envelope UNLESS of course, your theme is 4th of July. (NOTE: this has never happened, but the thought alone crushes my soul).
5. REVIEW, EDIT, CHECK, DOUBLE CHECK, and TRIPLE CHECK any proof I send you. I’m not perfect nor will I ever claim to be. Look everything over before you give me the green light to print.
TOP 5 … LESSONS LEARNED
1. TRUST NOONE. Keep all of your ideas to yourself, no matter your excitement to share… y’all wouldn’t even believe me if I told you.
2. When you think you have a break in action, don’t relax, ALWAYS work ahead.
3. There is no “time off.” I work a full-time job from 8-5 and then I go home and work on IMPRIMO from 6-10. But when you want something bad enough, you’ll do what it takes.
4. I might not agree with an edit that I client makes, and that frustration may keep me awake at night. But the client always wins, go to sleep.
5. Teaching soldiers was a true love of mine, and I never thought I’d be able to replace that experience. IMPRIMO has been a close second.
TOP 5 … PROJECTS I’D LIKE TO WORK ON
1. Do I have any pregnant friends?! I’d love to do a TOP SECRET baby announcement!
2. Desert wedding, FO SHO!
3. I’d love to do a real retro anniversary invitation!
4. I like bold selections. I’d love to do a sangria or emerald colored suite.
5. Tropical wedding, FO SHO AGAIN!
TOP 5 … GOALS FOR THE NEXT YEAR
1. GO FULL-TIME!
2. Buy a fancy Mac Desktop
3. Buy a MASSIVE desk so my dining room table no longer collects my droppings.
4. Buy another printer.
5. Always improve and progress. Keep moving forward, ya never know who might take notice!
LOTS of really cool projects to wrap up this week, stay tuned friends!