A very belated happy new year!
I don't know about you, but it seems quite a few of us are still settling into this new year (despite it already being the end of Feb!!!! how!?). It simultaneously feels like January still, and already October lol. I don't know how, but it does. Do you agree??
It's been really strange settling back into life in Aus after 6 months away. I'm sorting through all of the feelings and experiences to figure out where I belong now, while also trying to remain present with being back “home” with all of my favourite people for this moment in time.
I'm not only navigating my overall life direction of where I physically want to be located, but also a quiet period in biz. January and February are always quiet months on a business front, but every year I seem to forget 🤣. At the moment it feels like literal tumble weeds are rolling past. It's a little jarring especially with the eC0nOmy 😵💫 right now, but it's also completely normal for creative industries and beyond.
I've got a couple of takeaways from this quiet period.
Firstly finances are something I've always just “winged”. We all know freelance life is either a feast or famine. But this year it's my intention to get better at managing my finances to take into account quieter periods so it's less stress and I have something to eat (ofc figuratively not literally 🤣).
And secondly, you know I like to take a “bad” situation and flip it - there's almost always a positive. During this quiet period I've been able to pour ALL of my time and energy into building a new offering for other designers. It's something that's been on my to-do list for at least 18 months, but I never had the time because I was too busy with client work (more on what the offering is soon 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼).
Now that I'm in a little dry spell, I'm viewing and using this time as a GIFT.
So, if you're also experiencing a quiet period right now, please remind yourself that it's not personal. How can you also reframe this time as a gift? Maybe you have also been given this time to work on other projects or areas of your business that usually fall by the wayside. Yes we all have bills to pay and quiet periods can be scary - we do have to be realistic sometimes - but if you've got a buffer or a little bit of wiggle room, how can you use this to your advantage? Remember, it's all in the mindset.
Ok!!! Let's get into it…
1// Incred sunny, sunshine merch design for Chutney by @by.brightside 🌞
2// If you're not already, go ahead and follow @dirty.copy for amazing copy tips ❤️🔥
I loved this post with tips on how to spice up your email subject line.
3// Beautiful, amazing blooms captured by my forever fave @the.runaway.hearts 🌸
4// Absolutely adore everything @deltavenus touches 😭
5// This post from @kristinalicare hit me. Since returning from Bali, one thing that my small self has been telling me is that I'm silly and irresponsible to have the dreams for my life that I do. But frankly, I think we have to tell our small selves to f*** off. I truly believe no dream is too big. You just have to move through your life as though you fully fully believe you can get there. Even if it's a bit delusional. I encourage the delulu energy. Manifestation isn't about some magic trick, but it's about desiring something for yourself, knowing it will be yours, and then taking small, intentional actions to get you there. It's all in the intention and the action. DREAM BIG BABES 💫💫💫💫💫💫💫
6// I always love finding inspiration from other creative mediums. Looking to fashion, especially @__mmaxinewylde's amazing, colourful outfits sparks a lot of buzz in me.
IG LIve with @madeby.chloe
Next week @madeby.chloe and I are meeting on IG live to unpack the nitty gritty of design intensives, how instant-culture has paved the path for intensives to thrive, creative burnout, quality over quantity, and keeping a holistic approach to branding at the core.
Join us on IG live on Tuesday 27 Feb, 7pm AEDT.
I've been pouring all of my time and energy into unravelling 3.5+ years of my design process to create this resource that I honestly created for my younger self because I WISH I had this when I started out.
The Process has been designed to support you in leading your projects with more confidence & foster amazing relationships with your clients to allow more space for your creativity. Even if you've been in biz for a lil while, I reckon you'll still benefit HEAPS from all the tips and tricks I've packed into this.
What's in the course?
✱ Why having a process is so important
✱ Setting up Your Biz & Staying Organised
✱ Designing your Packages, Pricing & Time Management
✱ Converting Leads Successfully
✱ Onboarding & Managing Client Expectations
✱ Using Strategy to Fuel Your Creative Thinking
✱ How to make the Process your own
PLUS:
✱ HEAPS of Document Templates including: Branding Contract, Client Notion Portal, Proposal Template, Brand Strategy Template, Brand Concept Presentation, The Feedback Guide
Thank you so much for being here and making it to the end of my newsletter. I know our inboxes can get flooded with ‘stuff’ so I feel honoured that I have a space in yours 💖
Lots of love from ya quirky, colourful creative, Lize xxx
Seeya next month!
I think it's easy as business owners and/or creatives to get caught up in wanting every little thing you put out to be absolute perfection.
It's a very good thing to care about your brand's image as well as having a desire to be consistent with your branding. But, the reality is, as business owners (usually doing things on our own or with a small team) we have limited time and resources. Time IS money!! Yes social media is an important part of marketing our businesses, but there are other areas that are going to require a lot of energy as well, and may need more attention to detail (and perfectionism 😉).
Using your brand guidelines, following your content pillars and speaking in your brand's voice to create content for your social media will take the pressure off! It will allow you to create content with more ease and peace of mind that it is consistent with other brand channels.
I respectfully acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nations as the traditional owners of the land upon which I live, create, and work. I respect elders past, present and future, and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded.
© Lize Designs 2024
