(Psst... scroll to the bottom and answer my super quick poll before you go, please!)

I’m starting this year focused on clearing and rebuilding, in a way.

When I decided to leave Facebook last year, I quickly started noticing how many things I had mentally outsourced to algorithms.

Big things—like my attention span and how I market myself as a freelance designer—to so many small things, like finding out when the next library book sale would be and knowing the birthdays of everyone I’ve ever met.

I didn't love it, so I started looking for alternatives.

I subscribed to local newsletters and messaged friends I wanted to stay in touch with. I bookmarked local news sites, set up spreadsheets to keep up with business contacts, and re-embraced SEO and relationship marketing.

It's a work in progress, I keep finding new threads to untangle. There's been a lot of creating systems and spreadsheets alongside the usual year-end financial bits of running a business. But it feels like taking some authority over my choices again, which feels very worth it.

To add a little creativity, I’ve also made a point of getting back into my sketchbook and drawing more recently. It’s been a few months since I’ve had a serious art habit, and it feels nice to get back into it. This week's theme is leaves, in case you're curious.

Oh, and I have some exciting client news this month:

🎉 My client Rachel Coffman released her first book!! 🎉

You might remember my cover design from an email earlier this year. It's a fantastic folk horror tale set in the hills of Appalachia on Norris Lake.

Reverberations is book one of the Norris Lake Witches series. It has witches, romance, and generational trauma; it is available now where you buy books.

On a personal note, I highly recommend it. I had the chance to read it last year before creating the cover, and I'm ready for book two. 😬

So that's what's happening in the studio right now. How is your January going so far?

Psst... one quick question before you go...

I’m thinking of hosting another workshop next month. This would be similar to my Canva workshop last year: a low-cost virtual class with a Q&A plus a replay, because I know schedules are tight.

I want to gauge interest before putting it together, though, so please let me know if it's something you might benefit from. If the topics below aren't what you need right now, hit reply and let me know what you'd like me to teach... I'm all ears!

P.S. In case you missed it, the first episode of my new podcast came out last week. We talked about what marketing is and isn't, and next week we'll go over some different types of marketing and who they work best for. I'd love for you to join me!

Want to work with me? Here's a few ways you can.

Micro business or small business owner? Make sure you grab my list of 25 Good Ideas for Marketing Your Micro Business. Almost none involve social media, and I’ll bet you find at least a few ways to get more eyes on your business. DIYing your brand and marketing? My Stress-Less Online Marketing Toolkit breaks down the simple systems I’ve spent years tweaking to help you create consistent on-brand graphics and effective marketing so you can build that sustainable business you’re dreaming of. In the first few years of business, or transitioning to full-time self-employment and want some practical guidance from someone farther down the path? I offer a limited number of Solopreneur Sessions every quarter. Looking for a quick done-for-you refresh of your branding, website, or marketing materials? Brand Boost is two days dedicated to your project. Knock out website edits, tweak existing branding, or create new collateral for one fixed price. Ready to invest in a custom logo or brand design package? Get more info on packages and request a quote here, or hit reply now and tell me more about your project.

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