There really is something wrong with my brain and how it works. Just when I get in my head that it's time to slow down, tie up loose ends on projects, etc., my mind will take me in another totally different direction. While I feel that it's great to have big dreams, shoot for the stars, have initiative and all that stuff... having that "get up and go" mentality as my dad called it, can be a very bad "quality" to have. There just isn't enough time in the day to do everything AND give it all your 100%. I know I balance the stuff going on in my life "well" and nothing in my life truly "suffers", BUT I know that the time has come where I just need to zero in on a couple of things and truly give it my attention.
I have loved digital scrapbooking and have really loved the past 3 years learning and creating. It has opened up a lot of doors for me and I have met a lot of wonderful people as a result of the site and designing. But, at this point I just feel drained from feeling like I have to design products for the store, keeping up with release days, managing a creative team, being active in the community, etc. I guess I'm lucky in that I co-own the store, really only do payouts and customer service, back end stuff so I don't feel as guilty because I'm still working "on" the store, but each week that passes and I don't have product, I do feel very guilty. Hopefully it doesn't irk my designers too much lol! But at this point, I do need to make a concious effort to get over the feelings of guilt and launch the new ideas I have crowding my brain. I won't say that I won't EVER leave FPD, its Traci's and my baby, we have grown it from nothing, and it really has become more successful than I ever thought it would, but for now... I need to focus on the photography things I want to do. The great part of owning the digital store is I can always go back whenever I want lol! When I feel like making a kit, I can and throw it in the store when I want, so I'm not really losing anything!
As for photography, I have unofficially launched my portrait site!!!
I originally had a whole different look, but I kept feeling like it looked more or less like every other photography site out there, especially since I used a template for the design. So, to spice it up, I decided to add my own designs in and I really love how it's turning out! Now I just have to get my ass in gear for editing sessions so I can add all of my galleries and do more site layouts. You can actually view my main splash page for corinanielsen.com here :)
I have lots more to talk about, but for now I will leave it sweet and simple... its been awhile since my last post, but I HAD to show my new nephew and all his adorable-ness! Meet Ty DeMarti...
Oh, he's just nummy with his hairy body and chinese eyes (im convinced my sister must have a chinese mailman or cable guy lol)! I wish I lived closer :(
Lots more pictures to share from the sessions I have had over the past month, hopefully I can make my way back here soon to share. Take a lookie at the first bloggy header/sidebar images I have done. Not sure if I will make more of them, I have so much other work to get done before I "play", I swear life NEVER slows down as an adult!
xoxo corina
He's so precious Corina!!! I would love that pretty bloggy, it's gorgeous!! My e-mail is below but I can put it again here: sportay24@aol.com :) Thanks!
Posted by: Jenni | April 24, 2009 at 02:47 PM
Ooh, I would love that blog header, lovely! Good luck with your photography business...I actually just closed mine last year because I had my third child and couldn't handle the time spent anymore. Photography will always be a passion of mine, but I have three kids under the age of four, so I'm sure you understand, lol!
Posted by: Jennifer Bush | April 24, 2009 at 03:07 PM
Oh, and you do beautiful work! I'm really glad to see you're not giving it away either, as so many photographers make the mistake of pricing themselves dirt cheap in the beginning and don't take into account all the time that's invested in the entire process of being a business owner. One little tip though, make your 5x7 and smaller the same price. That means 5x7, 5x5, 4x6 and a set of wallets are all priced the same. Trust me, it works!
Posted by: Jennifer Bush | April 24, 2009 at 03:12 PM
G'Day Corina! Geez life does sound super busy for you at the moment. It was actually a relief to read that there are designers out there that struggle with the same things I use to, giving up digi designing was one of the best things I did. Your photos are simply divine & your photo sites look tops! Im positive you will do famously with what ever path you follow ;) Oh and Im another fan of the blog header, who wouldnt, its super cute! Take care.
Posted by: Kellie | April 24, 2009 at 04:45 PM
I always wondered how you did it all! You are an amazing designer, Corina, and I just know that the next time you are truly inspired you will create something astonishing! I hope that your passion is ignited by your photography business and that it spill out onto the rest of your creative endeavors!
Posted by: Kelleigh | April 24, 2009 at 08:33 PM
Corina...this is so totally cool of you. I love that gorgeous blog header! Much success to you at your portrait site! And, your nephew sure is one cutie!!
Have a great day!
Karen
email:scrapineenie@socal.rr.com
Posted by: Karen M | April 25, 2009 at 08:53 AM
Oops...you can email the header to me at thescrappysideofmylife@gmail.com Thanks!
Posted by: Jennifer Bush | April 25, 2009 at 12:38 PM
I would love to have your blog header Corina...and your photography rocks!! You go Girl!!
nana@smithville.net
Posted by: nanasdinky | April 25, 2009 at 02:41 PM
You have such an eye for photography...I am so jealous! I do love all your kits and such at FPD! If you have a chance...I would love to sport your blog header! Thanks for the chance!!
Posted by: Toby Skaggs | April 25, 2009 at 03:30 PM
AWWW...your new nephew is gorgeous! GREAT photos! Too precious! Your sister's lucky to have you take such great shots of his first early days....they grow so fast.
Love your new photo site...the song on their is awesome! FYI..not sure if it's just on my end..but the yellow font on your investment section was a bit difficult to read? HTH...off to check more of your amazing photos!
Posted by: Diane E | April 28, 2009 at 10:48 AM
LOVE the blog header!!!
Posted by: Mary Ann | April 30, 2009 at 07:52 PM
Your photog site is AWESOME! It looks so great. One of these days, I am gonna have to hook up with you at the beach - maybe Pismo and do a family shoot.
Posted by: Dianne | June 27, 2009 at 02:27 PM