Friday, January 2, 2015

Sweet Willow Designs 2014 Year in Review


It's time to reflect on 2014 and look forward to 2015.

In the last half of 2014 I spent more time in my studio than I had in the last three years due to work commitment and travel.  It was good to be home and able to spend time on creative projects.  I was also able to reconnect with my local guild, the Mile High Polymer Clay Guild, which was rewarding and nourishing creatively.

Creating tutorials and filming them for YouTube videos was one of my primary creative outlets.  Sharing techniques and interesting projects with a larger community was one of my top goals for the year.  I had published one video in 2011 which was to have been the first in a series.  I wasn’t able to create the next installments of the series until October of 2014 – over three years later.  Wow.  All in all I published 10 polymer clay videos on a variety of projects including silk screening, making a pendant, three types of earrings, a bracelet and a jewelry making tool during the year.  These videos were well received and I grew my channel subscriptions from 66 to over 300 by the end of 2014.  Not huge numbers by any means but a nice trend.  The comments and words of encouragement have kept me going.  I appreciate every one.

Social media has never been a focus for me although I recognize the opportunities offered by using Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and others.  In 2014 I made a concerted effort to improve my use of social media by posting more regularly.  I have seen how social media drives engagement and community so I’ll work on improving in this area.
My goals for 2015 include developing more tutorials, publishing an article or two in a polymer clay or mixed media magazine and better use of social media.  To push myself I’ve signed up for a couple of art related challenges that keep me creating on a daily basis.  These challenges feel like a lot of pressure right now but I’m hoping that they motivate me to spend more time in the studio.

Wishing all a creative and prosperous new year.  Happy New Year!

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