One of my goals for the rest of the year was to design and develop another premade template for Adobe Business Catalyst. It has been over a year since I released the Watercolor Studios eCommerce template, and over 9 months since I released the Simplicity blog template. I've thought a lot in the last couple of months about what template would come next.
I contemplated over doing an informational site, then was pretty determined to develop an eCourse site, but finally settled on a template that was more graphically rich (and therefore less customizable) but gave the client more of an out-of-the-box identity. This new template is just that, and can be purchased as either an eCommerce template or an Informational website template.
I love doing these templates for two very big reasons: I get to design whatever I want (which I LOVE), and I get to give creative entrepreneurs the ability of having a fun, functional, and well-designed website at a fraction of the price of having a custom site built. I get contacted so often by wonderful creatives who love my designs, and are ready to grow their biz, but just can't foot the cost associated with the build-out of a custom website.
These templates allow those business owners to get on a snazzy platform that they can grow with at a fraction of the startup costs, allowing them to more quickly position themselves to someday be able to afford that custom online presence. It's something that I really love doing.
So, here is my next way of doing that, with Flora Handmade. It's a premade template that I'm kinda freakin' in love with, and have completely enjoyed imagining it filled with stationery, jewelry, or bath goods. I mean, it would all fit, yes?
I'll be releasing this bad boy for preorder next week, along with a full list of features and pricing info. Preorders will be offered a discount on the final price, and newsletter subscribers will get an even better one, so if you haven't signed up yet, hop to it!
It's August. The year is more than half over. I roll my eyes when I think about it.
I've taken a lot of time over the past few weeks to really think about my goals and intentions (which was also the topic of today's Indie Tactics email), and have made a point to set my intentions, and make room for growth, for the remainder of the year.
Here are a couple of things that I'd like to accomplish before this year wraps up:
1. Design and develop another premade Adobe Business Catalyst template.
I have two premade templates already available: an eCommerce template and a blog template. My next template will be an informational website template, and I already have most of it sorted out in my head, just have to put it on "paper" and get it developed.
And I'll be honest, I'd really like to complete two new templates by the end of the year. I want to design and develop an eCourse template as well.
First action step: Open up Illustrator and start designing. ASAP.
2. Redevelop the content for the Indie Shopography eCourse.
It's been over a year since I ran my eCourse, and after the last round I cleaned out all the content with the hopes to soon after redevelop the content. Like I said, that was a year ago. Getting my content back together is a major goal for me in the next couple of months.
First action step: Sort out organization and lesson topics.
3. Get my paperwork in order.
When we lived in the mountains I was the queen of paperwork. Project sheets, bookkeeping, income tracking: I was a bit of a workhorse. I'm working on revamping my system and designing a new paperwork workflow to help me visualize what's going on in my business a bit better.
First action step: Outline workflow and delegated tasks.
If I can get these three big things in order in just under the 5 months that we have left in the year, I'll be one very happy camper. Very happy, indeed. And I can wrap my year up, and top it off with the prettiest of bows. Prettiest, indeed.
Today's Indie Tactics email outlined how I like to set and work towards my goals and dreams, and I even shared one of my favorite resources. Though you've missed this morning's email, you can sign up to receive it every week from here on out! Sign up here >>
Photo by David Austin
Setting goals is like breathing to me. I do it for everything. Whether it be timelines or budgets or meal plans, it's all goals. Things I hope to do. And I plan out these things all the time.
I'm also a huge fan of putting things out there. Into the universe. I meditate on my hopes and dreams nightly, with the hopes that playing them over in my head will cause some sort of cosmic bang. If anything, it makes me more in tune with what I want, and makes it easier for me to start with the actions required.
I chat all the time with other creatives about setting and achieving goals. This whole idea of talking, but then following it with some hardcore doing. And talking about them will create a force field of positive energy around you, and will make people want to help you succeed.
It's a little woo-woo, but it works. And so, I'm going to start sharing more of my goals, starting with monthly ones. You will be my positive energy for awesomeness.
Here's what I'd like to accomplish in November:
1. Tell you what my top-secret project is.
I've been doing some local volunteer work as the project lead on a currently-secret fundraising campaign. I've been planning and having meetings, and hopefully within two weeks I'll be able to officially announce this really cool project. I. can't. stand. not. telling. everyone.
2. Overhaul the Indie Shopography email newsletter.
Making my newsletter fabulous has been an item on my to-do list for 6 months, and though I've brainstormed a ton, November will be the month that I'll start implementing.
3. Get some studio space.
Since moving, my studio downsized to about one-sixth the size it was. I'm cramped, my files are in storage, and I miss my counter-height work table. While we're still not ready to upsize our living conditions and commit to living here for at least a year, I am committed to stretching my arms, both creatively and quite literally. I think a small studio space somewhere around downtown is a good idea. I think this will also include finally moving my bank accounts. Finally.
That's it! Simple, doable things. Let's go, November.
I have rocked out my to-do list this week. 2 websites developed, website design finalized, blog design finalized, some website maintenance complete, a consulting call, a meeting to jumpstart volunteering. And I've answered every single email that has come my way. My inbox is 100% empty.
I'm feeling good. Refreshed. Ready to tackle anything.
And so, this weekend I have one goal: perfect the croissant.
I have the ingredients, I'm just not sure that I have the patience.
But with an empty inbox comes a healthy dose of zen. And with zen comes patience to fold and roll, with only the coldest of butter.
By Monday I hope I can come back with a story of success. Here's to empty inbox-induced zen, butter, and homemade croissants.
There are almost 2.5 years of really great blog posts archived away in the depths of Indie Shopography.
The emmarie Designs archives is full of great recipes, business posts, fun travels (including a little trip to Paris), and so much more. If you're interested in digging in, then be my guest!
