Wow what a year right?! In my personal life, it’s been a whirlwind. In card making, it’s been a whirl wind lol.
In saying good bye to 2020, I wanted to share some top projects with you. My first picture is my Top 9 most liked posts from Instagram.
You’ll notice a lot of them are video clips. Everyone seems to really enjoy them and quite honestly so do I.
My next few collages, are ones I put together from popular card pictures on my Instagram account. Now keep in mind, Instagram is finicky. I don’t always hit its algorithm. This is totally out of my control unfortunately. Instagram shows you what it thinks you want to see. Either way, here are some top cards from the year.
I have had the privilege to work with some amazing companies this year. Some of them as a design team member, video team member, guest designer or because they graciously sent me product to play with.
One thing about these companies is they are so generous and truly amazing people. I have gotten to know them through the course of the year(s) and I love playing with their products and helping promote their products.
I have one other thing I want to touch on in this post. This part could get long just so you are warned lol.
There has been some talk about design teams lately on Youtube. Artists voicing their opinion and take on the subject. And that’s exactly what it is. Their experience. It’s not the same for everyone.
If you follow me, you know I’m always posting cards (hopefully you don’t get sick of me lol) …
Here’s some behind the scenes from me. I became a stay-at-home for my autistic son about 9 years ago. That meant I left the “real world”. I didn’t have an outside job anymore. I lost a lot of bonds with coworkers. My friendships outside of work were strained because of the need to be home to give my son the full time attention and care he needed. I became a hermit lol.
I started working from home with my own business making paper piecings for scrapbookers to still contribute to the family. I still do it but just not as much.
I re-entered card making about 4 years ago and loved playing with all the different products. It filled the artistic hole I had in my life.
I found community and friendships.
When I first wanted to try Youtube videos, I remember card maker telling me don’t do it. It’s too much work. I’m so glad I didn’t listen. Yes, videos are a lot of work but I still enjoyed the process.
Videos led me to new companies. It led me to paid design team work. Yes, you can get paid for being on video and/or design teams.
When I first realized you could get paid, my mind was blown. I loved creating cards and projects but to get paid for it was like a bonus!
Not all teams pay a monetary amount. Some will send you the products. For some people, that is fine. Others are looking for more. That is up to YOU to decide. Some companies are just trying to get by and support their family as well.
This year has been hard on everyone including the stamp companies. They are trying to please everyone by coming out with a variety of products they think you’ll enjoy, trying to ship with little to no staff due to social distancing and just honestly get through this year.
When a company emails me if they can send me products to play with, I graciously accept (time permitting) because I want to help THEM. I want them to still be here next year.
I have struggling lately with the bad light that’s been shining on design teams as of late. Design teams for me are a community. The work I do for some companies fills that void of not being able to have an outside-of-the-house job.
I feel useful again.
I am able to contribute more to the household. Buy school supplies, yearbooks, Christmas/Birthday presents, groceries ect. To feel like I truly earned my own money is a wonderful feeling.
Yes, I probably put in way more hours now then when I worked outside of the house but I’m HOME. I’m always here for my kids.
Designs teams are NOT a bad thing. The companies that I have the pleasure in working with are truly beautiful people inside and out and treat everyone fairly. They have been so patient when I had to try and do virtual school this year for my son which was a huge struggle for both of us.
Sorry, that got a little long but it’s been on my mind. There is a ton more I’d like to say but this was the bulk of it.
I’ve been contemplating a blog post series about how to get on a design team, how to film, edit and take pictures so if that is something you are interested in please let me know and I will share whatever I can with you.
I want to THANK YOU for sticking with this post so far.
I hope you find my projects inspiring.
I also want to THANK YOU for following along with me this year and using my affiliate links. You don’t know how much that means to me and the companies that you are purchasing from.
I wish you all a safe and healthy new year!