A Year in Review and a Year in Progress

My mind is almost always full of ideas and half-finished projects. Writing things down helps me untangle them. It turns the circling, swirling whirlwind of creativity into something a little more linear, and a little more achievable. For me, putting plans into words is one of the most important first steps toward making them real.

I’m feeling a little behind in sharing this, but I wanted to make a record of what I was able to accomplish in 2025 and what I’m hoping to work toward this year.

 

What I Accomplished in 2025

Last year was the first time I truly committed to working toward my dream of becoming a surface pattern designer and full-time artist. It required a lot of time, focus, and persistence—but looking back, I’m really proud of what I was able to do.

In 2025, I spent most of my free time creating and designing:

• Created 10 pattern collections
• Illustrated 12 standalone pieces and launched my calendar
• Completed a year-long daily sketchbook challenge
• Released art prints through my Sketchbook Series
• Joined two creative communities that have deeply shaped my growth
  
• Participated in nine art calls for both patterns and illustrations
  
• Pitched my work to several of my top fabric companies
  

It was a full year—creatively and emotionally—and one that laid a strong foundation.

 

What I Hope to Accomplish in 2026 (And What I’m Not Measuring)

You might expect my goals to sound something like “license x number of collections” or “make x amount of income.” And while I do hope to license multiple collections and begin earning more consistently from my art, those aren’t goals I can directly control.

Those outcomes depend on portfolio reviewers, art buyers, and timing—none of which are fully in my hands. I don’t want to anchor my sense of success to numbers that leave room for blame or discouragement if things don’t unfold exactly as planned.

Instead, I’m focusing on what is within my control.

I believe goals should be measurable and actionable, things I can show up for, regardless of the outcome. With that in mind, here’s what I’m committing to in 2026:

• Pitching regularly and consistently
• Setting aside dedicated time to research and connect with companies I’d love to work with
• Creating at least two calendars (it was so much fun!)
• Launching five new art print collections
• Creating five long-dreamed-of pattern collections
• Participating in as many art calls as feels aligned, while allowing myself the freedom to pass on those that don’t
• Developing and maintaining separate portfolios for the industries I’m most drawn to
• Maintaining regular content creation and scheduling (a harsh reality for someone like me, but I am finally accepting it)
• Intentionally building community, both around my art and in my everyday life

It’s a full list, but one that feels exciting to tackle and places me on the right trajectory.

 

What I Hope to Learn in 2026

At the beginning of each year, I like to decide where my learning energy will go. I have access to so many wonderful courses through Domestika and various memberships that it can quickly become overwhelming. Choosing a focus ahead of time helps me stay intentional.

This year, I’m centering my learning around a few key areas:

• Linocut and printmaking: a medium I deeply love and have been eager to explore more fully
• Watercolour courses focused on animals and birds, my favourite subjects
• Focusing on analog pattern creation through Liz Kohler Brown’s Studio Membership, learning how artists historically achieved repeat patterns by hand (if you want to check out her Studio, click here.)

• Completing The Laws Guide to Drawing Birds, which I’m already working through

Four focused learning tracks in a year feels like a meaningful (and manageable) amount.

 

Habits I Hope to Cultivate

Some of my hopes for this year are quieter, less about output and more about rhythm.

• Returning to daily drawing, just for the joy of it! I miss my daily sketchbook practice and I am really looking forward to spending more time painting just for me.
• Becoming more intentional about batching tasks so I don’t default to screens or get lost in distraction. Much of my work requires my iPad, laptop, or iPhone, so I want to use my screen time more efficiently so that I can spend less time with my tech!
• Creating clear boundaries around “screen work” versus analog work.
• Developing a deeper, more consistent scripture study practice, beyond yoga mat reading or occasional listening. (I've actually started habit stacking: I try to spend my mornings on low-stakes painting practice while listening to devotionals.)
• Making outdoor recreation non-negotiable—not as simply a break or a reward, but as a steady source of inspiration and grounding throughout the day.

 

How I Plan (Because I Need to Write Everything Down)

I’ve learned that I function best when I can see things clearly on paper (plus one screen).

As a result, I purposely surround myself with multiple notebooks and calendars. I have:

• A running digital list of ideas and goals, broken down month by month, and categorized into Art Calls, Create, Learn, and Business.
• Two monthly calendars:
  • One for art commitments and deadlines, and to keep track of offerings released by my creative memberships, like live drawing sessions or coaching calls;
  • One for content, community engagement, and communication
• Two cute picture frames on my desk for:
  • A high-level checklist of what the month requires;
  • The top priorities that need my attention
• A weekly overview paired with daily task lists
• Separate notebooks for breaking down large projects into small, doable steps
  

It may look like a lot (and it is) but this level of structure helps me feel calm rather than constrained.

 

Accountability Moving Forward

If I’m honest, accountability is something I’m still growing into; becoming a full time artist is a massive goal, and it is not achieved quickly or quietly. In the past, I’ve allowed myself to be a bit loosey-goosey, but this year I am feeling the urgency and pull a little louder.

Replacing my full-time income with art is a long-term goal I care deeply about, and that means treating this work with discipline and respect. Being more active in my memberships, posting progress, asking for feedback, and participating in peer groups has already made a difference.

I’ve recently joined a peer group through Melissa Johnson’s mentorship, and even after just a few meetings, I can feel the impact. There is something powerful about being known, about sharing both long-term dreams and short-term goals with women who understand the challenges of this path.

As I look ahead to 2026, I feel a mix of excitement, resolve, and a healthy awareness of how much work lies ahead. There are many moving pieces, and I won’t get everything right, but I’m showing up with intention, dedication, and a willingness to keep learning. Let's see how the year goes!