My Year of Hand-Lettering in Review
Hi, friends!
It’s the last day of the year. Wow! A lot happened in my little lettering business over the past 12 months. It was a whirlwind for sure!
Below is a recap of everything Jennie’s Letters was able to bring about this year. I do not write this to “toot my own horn” but to help you! If you are interested in starting a hand-lettering business (no matter what it looks like) then this is for you! Maybe you’ll get some ideas for what you’d like to do as well!
Enjoy the recap!
Looking back:
My 2019 Year in Review
At the end of 2018, I just finished a lettering masterclass taught by the wonderful Amanda Arneill. I was highly motivated to do this … my second daughter was born during this intense 8-week class! To be honest, this changed my lettering completely. It gave me confidence and helped me find a purpose. If you are ready to take your lettering to the next level, look into an online lettering class!
January-March 2019:
- I started working behind the scenes on my website. I knew I wanted an outlet to share my life and lettering.
- My sweet husband surprised me with an iPad Pro and an Apple Pencil for Valentine’s Day! (To say that I am spoiled is an understatement). The most amazing part is that I was able to eventually pay for the purchase from My Etsy sales this year! What!?
- I took a few classes on Skillshare about photography and procreate. To be honest, I knew very little about both! I instantly fell in love with iPad lettering. I also purchased a pack of photo presets and learned how to use natural light to take amazing pictures.
April-June 2019:
- My website officially launched and I received so much positive feedback. I wanted to help beginners with their lettering. Below are some of my first posts where you can read more of my lettering journey:
Benefits of Choosing Lettering as a Hobby
- I started an email list as well where I sent updates and freebies to all my subscribers!
- I became an Amazon Affiliate. Shop my storefront here!
- I co-hosted a lettering challenge on Instagram in the month of May in honor of Mother’s Day! It was so much fun to connect with you all and cheer each other on.
- I also launched MY ETSY SHOP. I started with just hand-lettering practice pages. These guys are actually my number one bestsellers!! They have helped me generate over half of all my sales this year.
July-August:
- I slowed down during these two months. To be honest, after launching a website, opening an Etsy shop, hosting a challenge on Instagram, selling online, emailing subscribers, learning the iPad, simple photography, creating videos and posting blog posts consistently … I was exhausted! I went on vacation and took much-needed rest. I wrote a blog post about it here.
- I spent time working on some lettering pieces for friends and family. I decided not to charge for this work. Instead, I took the time to enjoy creating without pressure. I was able to share my skills with those I care most about. I created a coloring sheet, a custom gift mug, a baby shower invitation, bathroom and living room prints, and a logo.
September-December
- I started up again with co-hosting another lettering challenge called brewtiful lettering. Again, it was great for me to interact with more of you who are also lettering, learning, and striving to improve your skills!
- I began selling physical products in my shop. I partnered with this print company to help print and ship everything for me. It has been wonderful!
- I began to be approached by many brands on Instagram. I collaborated with a few and started learning when to say no, and when to say yes. (More on this soon!)
- I launched some Christmas Mugs in my shop.
It’s amazing to look back and think about everything I was able to accomplish. Before you sit there and think, “I could never do all that”, let me share a few more things. I had help from others to achieve every single thing listed above. For example, I hired a professional to help build my website. My husband worked on the business side of everything, and my family and friends constantly cheered me on. I also had help with babysitting so I could have some time alone to work.
Of course, hard work and dedication played a big part in my growth this year. I truly enjoy what I do, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
If you have any questions, I want to answer them. I want to share my knowledge and help you accomplish your goals. Comment below or send me a message on Instagram.
Cheers to you in the new year lettering friends! Yay!
