~ A quote by Oscar Wilde, illustrated by the awesome Beverly Ealdema {taken from the Pikaland flickr group}
I love this quote.
I turn 29 today and this year, like every year, I take some time off to curl up with a book on the couch. I read every day, but for the past month or so, my time was scattered and so was I; but today was my day to just sit back and relax. It’s my birthday after all! (To give you an idea of how obsessed I am with reading: Someone once came up to me and asked why my head has not yet self combusted with information overload.)
Also, I get extremely nostalgic on my birthdays and this is no different. So apart from sharing my obsession with reading (which I guess you would already have gathered by now), I’d like to share with you what made 2010 such an exciting year — not just on a professional level, but on a personal level as well:
- Pikaland’s amazing growth (an incredible 80% growth in terms of visitor visits in our third year)
- Our amazing contributors: Racheal, Jamie, Melanie & Gemma
- Pikaland’s project participants: The PikaPackage Project, Good to Know zines, and the Pikaland Artist Bootcamp (a collaboration with the Dancing Cat’s Jamie Shelman)
- The launch of Pikabooks, where we give a book to a child with every book/zine that’s sold;
- I started to review books — not just illustration books, but business books too — so much of that knowledge applies to artists as well. (and was invited to participate in some book blog tours too!)
- I was invited to speak at Altitude Summit 2011 ;
- I relaunched my personal illustration portfolio ;
- I got a couple of illustration commissions from local magazines;
- Finally getting my kitchen done (after two years of moving in!);
- Plus we bought a fridge! 🙂
- Attended a couple of fun weddings; and missed out on a funeral;
- Made lots of good friends, online and off — who shared with me my ups and downs; and
- The addition of two furry and naughty Jack Russell terriers to our household (Jeff & Jojo)!
#
2010 was a year filled with laughter and tears, from failed projects to successful ones, with lots of lessons learned in between. To each and every reader who has so graciously supported us: your tweet, shout outs, comments and emails have fueled me in a way that I can never repay. Thank you so much being a part of our little community!
There’s exciting things looming on the horizon for Pikaland — and I can’t wait to share them all with you next year. 🙂
December rocks, and so do you!
——-
{Regular postings will resume tomorrow — thanks for reading my ramblings!}
Yaay, happy birthday Amy! This HAS been a super-awesome year, and here’s to an even better 2011!
Happy B-day Amy!!! I just love your Pikaland blog, I visit it almost everyday during my morning “surf” and tea before I get to work on my own illustrations. You’ve accomplished so much this year- very inspiring! Happy Holidays and cheers to an amazing 2011! 🙂
happy birthday! it has been a busy year for you and i’ve enjoyed seeing Pikaland grow. It is so full of surprises, and is the blog i visit most regularly for inspiration. 🙂
happy birthday amy! keep up the great work – pikaland rocks!!
Happy Birthday Amy! I read Pikaland everyday! I love everything that you post. It makes me feel very inspired.
Have a very happy birthday Amy! I hope that your next year brings you even greater joy, laughter and blessings. 🙂
Haha! I sent your email yesterday before reading that it was your birthday….and so I would like to add some belated birthday wishes!
I have to agree, its been a wonderful year for you and for Pikaland, and I’m looking forward to seeing that growth continue in 2011. Thanks for all you do for the community 🙂
x
happy B-day!
🙂
Happy Birthday Amy! What an amazing list of well deserved accomplishments. You should be so proud. Thank you for inspiring me everyday!
Thanks so much you ladies! Lots of cake and plenty of rest is a fantastic way to spend the day (which I did, heehee!) Here’s to 2011!
Happy Birthday!!! (two days late, but nonetheless…heartfelt!) I’m so glad that I found you this year… for being so young, you are a very wise woman! You make my life better by being who you are. I hope this year brings you even more (and better) good things!!!
a very belated, but nonetheless heartfelt, happy birthday!! congrats on the growth of an amazingly inspiring blog — and your personal accomplishments too 😀 here’s to a wonderful new year!