Thankfully, this isn't one of those 'best of' lists, but more so a reflection on the year that was 2011 for Napkin Art Studios.
It was an exciting and magnificent year on the whole. Despite the scary moments of a depressed economy and crappy job market, there were still many things that brought bright spots here and there, not to mention many 'firsts' that made the year special.
For starters, my "We Are Modern" exhibit was such a thrill to plan, produce and exhibit this year. I feel the paintings from the series were (and remain) my best to date, and it showed through the attendance of the exhibit, sales of the original work, as well as the opportunity to publish my first book collecting images from the series. It's always been a dream to self-publish a book of any kind, and I'm extremely thankful for the opportunity to do so. (In fact, I now have the 'self-publishing books bug', which means I have at least two more books planned for a 2012 release.)
Another first I had the pleasure to experience was my first official 'gig poster' job, courtesy of The Old 97's. I was able to design and screen print three posters for their Spring and Summer tours, as well as a one-off gig with the band Those Darlins that helped me survive a dreadful Dallas Summer. Since then, I've been fortunate enough to have done some other awesome gig poster work for the likes of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, Ray Manzarek (of The Doors), Austin-based blues artist Ian Moore, and Swedish pop/new wave band The Sounds, as well as The Polyphonic Spree, just to name a few. The new year will bring about a few other gig poster opportunities, to which I'm really looking forward to! (Will share those projects soon enough.)
One of the most enjoyable 'firsts' this year was being a part of Etsy Dallas' "4th Annual Jingle Bash" handmade craft show in November. I've never participated in an art/craft show before, so initially I felt a little unprepared. Thankfully though, since it was truly a DIY kind of event, I managed to wing it, and made a pretty good day out of selling original prints, gig posters and a few of my own t-shirt designs. Most of my monetary success was attributed to the sales of my scratched, dented and/or misprinted art prints and posters. It was a valuable lesson in 'another man's trash is another man's treasure.' I'm really looking forward to the 'Spring Bash' in May 2012, to which I hope to be a part ofand have as much success as my experience with 'Jingle Bash.'
Of course, that mentioned above isn't the only highlights of the year, but they are pretty substantial. Over all, I think the biggest thrill was being tapped to be Artistic Director for Arts+Culture Magazine Houston, a new arts magazine in Houston, Texas that was launched in September 2011. My job is to essentially create the layout design for each monthly issue. The job has had its challenges, as any job would, but it's been an exciting and educational experience, so far. As Houston's art market and audience continues to grow so will the magazine, and I'm excited to see how 2012 will unfold.
On a personal note, 2011 also saw the end of my 20s, something I don't look upon as terrifying or catastrophic in any sense. No, I've actually been looking forward to the start of my 30s, since most of my good friends are now in theirs. I've been told they only get better as you go along. So far so good, it seems. I feel as though I've entered into a new phase of adulthood, and surprisingly have a new and sharpened focus on my career and personal life. Though I will always feel like an 18 year old at heart, I like walking around in my own skin and feeling like a successful adult. If the last couple of weeks are any indication of what the next 10 years holds I'm going to be in for a thrilling ride.
I hope everyone out there is looking forward to the new year as I am. I can't quite put my finger on it, but there seems to be something refreshing in the air, lately. Perhaps, there is a new sense of optimism brewing for those who have it tough right now. Maybe more people are counting the blessings they have, and not worrying about what they don't. Whatever it is, I hope this sense continues. Might help bring a great start to 2012 for those who really need and want it.
Thanks, 2011. See you in the history books...
