Read on to find out what 2022 looked like at TPK — and what you can expect to see in 2023!
As 2022 comes to a close, I’ve got a little year in review to discuss developments, creations, regrets, and what’s in store for next year!
In last year’s Year in Review article, I made a knock-on-wood comment. “2021 was the year I found a balance between being a mom and being an artist/entrepreneur, and that feels so refreshing!” Well. In February of this year, I gave birth to Pia, and the balance reset. Granted, transitioning from one child to two was easier than going from none to one. The feeling that there aren’t enough hours in the day is certainly stronger! Still, I’m proud of how the year went, and Pia’s sweet and calm nature meant that business went on more or less as usual at TPK.
Before Pia was born, I was counting on a non-innovative year for TPK. My first child, Remy, was a tough baby, and taking care of him diverted a lot of attention and creativity from this website. To my immense surprise, that hasn’t been the case with Pia, and TPK flourished! I churned out worksheets, made a couple of video courses, and developed quite a few new items for the Catalog.
Here’s what came on the scene in 2022:
Honestly, you all knocked it out of the park this year. I tried looking through the tagged photos on the TPK Instagram to find favorites, but they’re all so good! From illuminated letters to mail art and illustrated maps, people took tutorials on this website and made some really amazing things. Well done! Keep up the excellent work next year.
Without question, my proudest 2022 accomplishment was putting together The Ultimate Beginner’s Watercolor Online Course. I filmed everything in April, two months after having Pia, because she was the kind of newborn who slept all the time. While she nestled with her dad, I got to painting! With my body in a transition period, I didn’t love seeing myself on film — but the timing was so right. I was thrilled that Pia gave me the time to make a course I’ve wanted to put together for a long time!
Beyond that, I am pleased at the quality of the digital products that were released this year in general. I love the Elegant Cursive Handwriting Worksheet, and the Not Your Average Calligraphy Drills: Food Edition is fun and original! Honestly, perhaps my proudest accomplishment is the fact that there were any accomplishments at all with a new baby in the house.
Pia’s arrival did adversely affect one thing, and that’s my social media presence. I’ve found it really tough this year to post regularly to Instagram and Facebook. When I have a spare moment, I usually pour my energy into blogging or designing a new worksheet. In the whirlwind of taking care of a business and a baby (plus a four-year-old), I often simply forget to post.
I really want to focus on getting back on the social media horse in 2023. I think it will be easier since Pia is getting older!
This year, Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course saw the enrollment of its 10,000th student! That makes it, by far, the most popular course on the site. I’m so proud that TPK has been able to serve thousands of students and help people to discover the art of pointed pen calligraphy.
There are quite a few things that I’m excited about for 2023! First, my niece and I shot a video series over Christmas Break that teaches cursive for kids (and/or adults). It’s basically a free eCourse that I’ll be posting to YouTube once I’ve edited all the videos.
I’m also in talks with a publisher to finally write a book about pointed pen calligraphy. That’s something I started before the pandemic, but the project was canceled because we lost our childcare for Remy. I’m excited to pick that up again! I also hope to film more YouTube videos (you can find my channel here) and offer printed versions of worksheets.
As 2023 approaches, I want to extend a huge thank you for your support of this website, which is now 11 years old. You have kept it going strong in so many ways: encouraging words, purchases, and feedback! I’m so looking forward to another year of creativity and fun. Thanks again, and Happy New Year!
Warmly,
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