I thought I would blog about something a little different from my usual. I think it is nice to talk about the subjects people always wonder when they skim through your stuff. I know when I find someone new to follow, I want to know all about them as a person, who they are, what they like, why they do what they do. Here is a little bit about me.

I grew up loving to paint, write stories and sing. My plan for life was to either be a singer or an artist. As I got to high school I realized becoming an artist was not a very logical career path. I went to college studying science to prepare to be a dental hygienist while taking drawing classes on the side. I secretly knew it was my passion, I loved where it took my mind and how amazing I felt when I created something beautiful.

Finally after what seemed like another life, I realized that I needed to do what made me happy. If art was it, then I was doing it. My mom told me to consider this thing called “graphic design”, art on the computer. I was terrrrrrible at the computer and had never even turned on a Mac before. Nevertheless I did it. At first I hated it, I was so far behind and I couldn’t figure out how to put my ideas into design. I knew I needed a game changer in order to make it work. From Gods grace, I received an internship in NYC at an amazing studio (link in bio). I went literally knowing nothing, and after five months I returned ahead of my class. Suddenly my teaches used my designs as good examples instead of bad. I gained the confidence I needed to become good at what I do.

I graduated in 2012 with my BFA of Graphic Design and this year in March, I went off on my own( one of the scariest things I have ever done). It has now been seven months and business is growing (thank goooodness). What I have learned throughout this process is:

1. Believe in Yourself: Trust me if you truly have the desire to do something, there will be a way. It’s easy to have self-doubt and fear what people may think, or how much money you might not make. I still don’t know what I am doing but I know I can figure it out.
2. Work Hard: It’s definitely not a piece of cake going out on your own and figuring out how to pay your taxes and write things off and of course find clients. You need to put in the time with your portfolio and social media so your image looks appealing to potential followers and clients.
3. Collaborate: Reach out to people who are in your area or have similar interests and work together. This by far has made the biggest difference for me. It really is all about who you know. If there are networking parties, make sure you go and be open to meet new people. You could end up meeting your next big client.
4. Give stuff away: Everyone loves free stuff. It’s important to give freebies on your blog like printables or giveaways through social media. This will not only show how cool you are but it will also attract followers and help spread the word of your business.
5. It takes time: It really does. Don’t expect your business to blow up in three months, it happens but it is very rare. This was a fallacy I believed in until it didn’t happen (haha). I thought, if my posts are good I will have tons of followers but it is hard to spread the word. Be consistent in your posts and make sure to Pin all of your content so you get as much exposure as possible. I get about 50% of my clients from Pinterest. Don’t forget to just be patient.

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What I have learned in my first year of marriage… well quite a lot actually. I was thinking how fast it went by and how much of a good thing that was to feel that way. In every marriage there will always be ups and downs and the things I have learned are what have helped me turn every down into an up.

1. Let it go. In the case of Frozen and the way too often quoted movie, the main lyrics “let it go” stand true. Letting the little things go like leaving doors and drawers open, and poking at food with his hands are such small things, just let it go. There are way more important things to nag your spouse about so let the little things go.

2. Have fun. Tyler and I work way too much and it really wares on our relationship as far as patience and quality time. We have learned that giving up some work time helps us enjoy each other and our life together. We went out and bought bikes so we would make time to have fun and ride around town. Not only has it helped us have happy time together, we have been able to get to know the neighbors and be more social in our community.

3. Balance. Along with the working too much, we have realized that our physical health as far as sleeping, eating and working out is hard to do. Making that a priority helps with our patience and attraction to each other as well as feeling good about ourselves. When I am happy he is happy. wink.

4. Give in a little. When it comes to style, we are usually on the same page but sometime we are polar opposites. At first I had a huge problem with this and our first fight was over home decor haha (which was so stupid). As I realized none of these things really mattered because we didn’t have a house that we were building nor did we have the money to build Versailles (which is what I wanted), I just agreed to disagree. No need to fight over the future when it hasn’t happened yet. Being willing to give in no matter who is right, will help your marriage be more open. Over the last year our style has almost perfectly aligned and I am more open to his suggestions. whew.

5. Be aware. I am oblivious, utterly oblivious to some things. Tyler is very sensitive to other peoples needs and sometimes when he needs me most I am living in Candy Land (if you know what I mean). He is always the first to notice if someone needs help or if I am down or upset. I am learning that the more I focus on his feelings the happier I am. The more I understand him and the better wife I feel like I am.

6. Be Clean. The biggest thing that can affect our day is if the house is clean. If I come home from a hard day of work and see crap everywhere, I am instantly impatient with whatever is going on. We have tried our best to stay clean so we can cook dinner and enjoy the rest of our night together.

7. Have faith. It will all work out in the end. It really will, no matter what the circumstance is with your marriage or your trial, it will always work out for the best in the end. Have faith in the future and in each other and their potential. Know that they can do it and be supportive of success.

8. It’s both of our responsibility. Yes gender roles are still in play in 2014 but for the most part things are very equal and that means we both cook dinner, do laundry and go grocery shopping. Since we both work full-time we share the home responsibilities. I am so grateful this has never been an issue because Tyler’s parents taught him well! I didn’t expect it and boy am I grateful he just does it.

9. Let them make the decision. Letting my husband make the decision whether it is big or small is a great thing in our marriage. Sometimes we tend to try and control our spouses decisions and sometimes we don’t even notice it. Although they ask your opinion, it is important that they know the final decision is theirs.

10. Say “I love you”. There was a time in my life where I never said those words to anyone, not even my family. Once I realized that any day could be the last, I wanted people to know how much I love them. I now say it a lot but never too much of course, wink. Saying “I love you” to your spouse is special and lets them know that no matter what, you are with them till the end. I love my husband so much and I am eternally grateful for him and the marriage he has given us. I hope this helps a little. Good luck newlyweds!

photography by Alixann Loosle

MUSIC INSPIRATION: Fairytale ~ Milky Chance

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