This is just a quick synopsis of what to expect from the TPK website this year! In addition to writing two blog posts per week (as per usual), you’ll notice a lot more video-based learning resources and a few creative eBook tutorials.
If you didn’t notice from this post, this post, and this post, I am a big believer in goals and planning. I’ve never really done a post like this one, but I thought it might be cool to share my goals for TPK for 2018! If you enjoy this website, then maybe you’ll like having an idea of what to expect to see this year. And, of course, I’m always open to feedback!
1. Continue to Publish Blog Posts Twice Per Week
For the past three years, I’ve been very consistent about publishing blog posts on Tuesdays and Fridays. Recently, I have leaned toward posting more information-based articles on Tuesdays (e.g. The Top 6 Reasons That People Decide to Learn Calligraphy). On Fridays, I generally post tutorials and project-related blog posts (e.g. Calligraphy Birthday Card Tutorial).
I blog for two reasons. First of all, I just like it. I mean, it’s amazing to get to write about topics that you enjoy! On top of that, writing about those topics connects me to you — a person who appreciates the same topics. I thrive on that amazing connection. Second, this blog is the lifeblood of the TPK website. The blog makes the site a cool, inspirational virtual place to be, and I want it to stay that way!
December 2018 Edit: Goal accomplished! I also send out a newsletter every Monday. You can subscribe here!
2. Create a Virtual Calligraphy Workshop
I am currently working on a project that I am really excited about: a virtual modern calligraphy workshop. Basically, the workshop acts as an excellent substitute for taking an in-person workshop. In a series of 14 videos based around a printable worksheet, I walk you through everything: which supplies you should buy, how to use both a straight and an oblique pen, how to write an address on an envelope, etc. The workshop will provide a solid calligraphy knowledge foundation for those who want to learn the art — and I make no assumptions about what you do or don’t already know.
I’ve been filming for the past two months, and now I’m in the video editing phase. Editing can go slow … sometimes I find out that a shot wasn’t quite right and it has to be re-done. Other times, I realize that what I said in the video may not make sense, and in that case, I also decide to re-shoot. But — I’m getting there, and I plan to have everything done by March 16th.
December 2018 Edit: Goal accomplished! You can find the Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course by clicking here.
3. Make New Kaitlin Style and Amy Style Worksheets
If you go to the TPK catalog, you may notice that there’s a difference in product photos. Some calligraphy worksheets feature pretty, styled pictures, while older worksheets have electronically-generated product photos. The Kaitlin Style and Amy Style worksheets have now become “older”, and I want to tweak them to match the more extensive learning/practice features of my updated calligraphy worksheets (like the Janet).
Do I think that the Amy and Kaitlin worksheets are inadequate in their current form? No. I know that many learners have really enjoyed using them, and if I thought they were faulty learning resources, I would pull them from the catalog. Still — I feel that they could be better, and I always want to make sure that I am providing you with the best. As per my usual policy, people who own current versions of either of these worksheets ($5.00) will be entitled to the new versions of the worksheets ($10.00) at no extra charge.
December 2018 Edit: Goal accomplished! You can find the new Amy Style worksheet here and the new Kaitlin Style worksheet here.
4. Make Video Courses for All Calligraphy Worksheets
If there’s one piece of feedback that I’ve received from learners, it’s that video courses are super helpful. So — first, I want to re-do the Amy and the Kaitlin video courses to match the new worksheets that I come up with. Then, I want to make video courses for the Janet, Flourish Formal, and Beth worksheets as well.
The TPK Virtual Calligraphy Workshop will teach all the basics, so those won’t be covered in the worksheet video courses anymore. (I go over the basics in my two current video courses … and I realized that hearing the basics in each video course is redundant.) Ideally, you’d take the Virtual Calligraphy Workshop first, then move onto a worksheet. Then, if you have trouble with elements of the worksheet like letter formations, writing words with double letters (“Massachusetts”, “coffee”), or want help with how to address envelopes using that specific calligraphy style, then you could use the video course. Basically, I want video courses to focus more on the calligraphy style itself versus calligraphy in general.
December 2018 Update: Goal partially accomplished! I re-did video courses for the Amy Style worksheet and the Kaitlin Style worksheet. You can find the Amy Style course by clicking here, and the Kaitlin Style course by clicking here. I’m planning to make Janet, Flourish Formal, and Beth video courses in 2019!
5. Make a Calligraphy Medallion Tutorial eBook
Calligraphy medallions are so-o-o cool, and there are a million ways to make one! In September or October, I’d like to come up with a collection of 5-10 medallion designs and printable instructions over how to make them.
December 2018 Update: Goal accomplished! You can find TPK’s first ever calligraphy medallions worksheet by clicking here. It’s got a “birds and botanicals” theme!
6. Make a 2018 Holiday Worksheet
In 2016 and 2017, I released holiday worksheets. The goal of a holiday worksheet is to give you holiday paper good inspiration, provide calligraphy practice, and to help you work through holiday stress with a creative endeavor!
You can look for the 2018 edition of the TPK Holiday Calligraphy Worksheet in early November!
December 2018 Update: This is the only goal that I didn’t accomplish … I blame it on becoming a first-time mother in September of 2018. 🙂 I plan on releasing a holiday worksheet next year, though!
So — those are my main goals for this year, and what you can expect to pop up on TPK! Beyond those goals, I’m planning on working with Jess of Greenleaf & Blueberry to make a virtual watercolor workshop! Jess is an old friend, and more knowledgeable about watercolor composition and techniques than anyone I know. Based on the positive response to posts like Painting with Watercolors for Beginners, I think that a virtual watercolor workshop could be very helpful and fun! (December 2018 update: Jess and I still want to do this! We both had babies in September, so this goal is on hold until summer of 2019!)
Thanks for humoring me as I keep you in the loop — I really appreciate your time and support! If you have any more suggestions for what you’d like to see pop up on the TPK website (though … maybe in 2019, as 2018 is a bit full), I’d love to hear them! I’m always open to new ideas. 🙂
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