Happy 2009! 2008 was a year of highs and lows for me personally: I got to take trips to France and Italy for work, but I also lost my best friend and my grandfather to cancer. 2008 was a fantastic year all around for me as Re:Paper, I sold 40 books on Etsy and at least as many more in a couple of fantastic local shows. I taught a class at APS, bound books for a show by an amazing Atlanta artist and contributed to an upcoming book on Green Bookmaking! I made some resolutions for Re:Paper this time last year, let’s see how I did. . .
1. Learn and master at least 2 new bindings
I have my sites set on mastering the secret Belgian binding, brought to my attention by a lovely book made by Rhonda of MyHandboundBooks . I found a tutorial online that I’m hoping to try this week!
How’d I do:
I got the secret Belgian down pretty well, I also picked up the 4-needle Coptic (I had learned before, but it’s been years since I did it). I do wish I’d worked on a few others, I’ll renew this resolution for 2009!
2. Take better pictures for the Etsy page (and in general)
This means another fun project, constructing a light tent.
How’d I do: Got better at the Etsy pictures by constructing a system (rather than a light tent) of using our large east facing window and some props. I still want to make that light tent though.
3. Incorporate my photography into my books
I have tons of photos that I’ve taken that I love and have been waiting for the right project to use. Exactly how I’ll be using them in my books leads me to resolution #4. . .
How’d I do: I’ve taken tons of photos of my books, but not so much used photography in my books- I call a do over on this one.
4. Experiment more with alternative process photography
I’m back using my Holga thanks in part to some new toys that I got as Christmas presents from the in-laws: a set of color filters and a 35mm adapter kit. I’d also like to finally play with gum bichromate processing, especially the tri-color process - which would mean I’d need to start making negatives off of the computer, which leads me to #5. . .
How’d I do: Gah, this one’s a total fail. I played with the Holga a lot, but still have to scan in the negatives to see if I got anything good. Gum Bichromate is still a goal for me, another do-over.
5. Learn to use Photoshop more effectively
The boy tells me all the time how Photoshop could both make the work I do easier AND open up new possibilities. I’ve been slow to learn, but I’m vowing to try in 2008.
How’d I do: I’m getting better, in part because I’ve been using Photoshop more at work this year. I also took the plunge and learned some basics on InDesign for laying out a couple of books.
And what are my goals for 2009? They break down into two main categories- play more and promote more. For playing more, I want to learn to use the Gocco my Mom sent me and incorporate the prints into my books. I’d also like to work harder on resolution #4 above. From promotion, I need to start using my Flickr, Facebook and Tumblr pages more effectively (as well as bringing more content to this blog and contribute more to the Etsy Bookbinding Team). I also want to start on Twitter- hopefully these tools will help me to promote my work as well as network and just keep in better touch with friends across the country. I’d also like to reach out to some more local arts center and see if I can do some more teaching, maybe doing a weekend long intensive class or even a bookbinding class for kids!
And since they’re not adding any extra days onto 2009 (sorry, I tried- they said they just couldn’t do it) I need to get into gear now (or I’ll never get this all done). A sneak peak ahead: I’m already part way in to teaching another class at APS, I’m mentoring a fantastic artist, and I’ve sold 10 books on Etsy already! And we’re just getting started, so wish me luck, and have a fantastic 2009!
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