New Years Review and Resolutions

[aimeekitty]

--- WHAT I DID THIS YEAR ---

This year was difficult simply due to being busy. I feel like I need a big break. I was thinking to myself before I went back and made a list that I hadn't really done THAT MUCH. but actually in review,... I've done a lot of things this year that were really big deals to me. I'm proud of what I've accomplished this year.


- Japan Ai: A Tall Girl's Adventures in Japan
my goal from last year was simply to selfpublish drawings from my trip to Japan. Instead I have a book professionally published, in color, with a sparkly cover and it's on amazon and major bookstores ALL OVER. O_O (still in shock) And it was really fun to do. I really want to do more stuff like this if at all possible. I even got to be a Guest of Honor at a convention and do book signings! ^_^

- I made a sketchbook of my drawings and sold it a Comic-con. I'd been meaning to do this for years!

- Character Animation for Disney's Three Caballeros, Epcot's Gran Fiesta Tour.
I'm so proud of this and happy about it. I'll have to try to get a copy of my scene and the one I did for a Monkey's Tale soon and post them online.

- Character Layout for Rough Draft Studios on Futurama Movies
It was nice to revisit these characters and I really like a couple scenes I did. Again, I'll try to get copies and post them after the movies come out.

-Character Concepts for Disney Interactive
I did some really cute fashion designs for Disney... but who knows if the project went anywhere. I can't show anyone... but it was cute and fun! :)

- I wrote articles for ShojoBeat, Tokyopop's Gothic and Lolita Bible and Haute Doll Magazine this year! I really want to do more stuff like this.

- I learned some basic Heirloom sewing techniques, the result being these two dresses (1) and (2)

- I met some people I really admire and have maintained relationships with them.

- For the first time in a long time I had my work in an art show (several actually!) one being the Wild Swans with http://girlsdrawingirls.com/ .

- I attempted making kanzashi. (not great, but not bad, either!)

- started taking kitsuke (kimono) and tea ceremony classes and actually did pretty well at learning! Me with my sensei ... comparing that to last year (from learning online) . I'm doing so much better now!

- I lost about 20 lbs this year and gained a lot of muscle. I even wore stripey socks.

- I made lots of costumes.

------------------------------
THIS YEAR'S RESOLUTION LIST ----

-- I WANT A PRETTY COAT --
I'd really like to find a local LA-area tailor to make some well-made clothes that are custom fit to me. Obviously with stuff like t-shirts that's not an issue, but there are a few things like a specially-styled item like this wool/angora Mary Magdalene coat that would be really worth it to me.

-- HOUSEWIFE DRESSES --
Along the same lines, I'd love some 1950's house-wife dresses made out of fabrics I've been stockpiling but I never seem to have enough time.

but where would I even start looking for a really good tailor who could do this kind of stuff??

--- SHOES ---
similarly, I want to keep attempting to get better shoes. No more $30 pairs of shoes for me. They just end up fitting badly and leaving me in pain and not able to walk freely. I don't need a lot of shoes, just a few classy staples.

--- I want to continue getting in better shape

--- I want to make a better sketchbook this year to sell at comiccon. I'll do only maybe 225 copies... but the book would be made 80% drawings that would be new, just for the book.

--- I want to make another book-book. (have started)

--- Learn more Japanese.

--- remodel the kitchen.

--- wear skirts and dresses more often - I'm really starting to do this more and I'm enjoying it.

--- take a dance class? :)

--- MORE ANIMATION --- the only thing from my resolution list that I didn't do last year (other than getting better at Japanese) is doing more test animation on my own. this always seems to fall through the cracks. I really want to do a short swing-dancing animation. So that's going to be one of my goals for this year. (obviously it would be really sad if that is the only thing I could do!)

--- overall and perhaps more importantly, I really want to continue to find ways to express myself and create things that bring in income for our household. Eventually I want to be a stay at home mom, but I still want to make things.

Comments

[padawansguide.livejournal.com]

Wow, you've had a busy year! You should be proud of your accomplishments! My mom loved your book, btw! :-)

[restless-wings.livejournal.com]

I honestly believe you are the most accomplished person of 2007 that I know! CONGRATS ON ALL YOUR SUCCESS!!!

I cannot pimp out this website enough ... FanPlusFriend. I ordered a tailor-made mid-calf length coat, and it arrived PERFECT!!! It fits like a dream, and when I spin around, it TWIRLS! Love the uber soft faux fur and detachable parts, too. This is the coat I got: http://www.fanplusfriend.com/servlet/the-151/Classic-Gothic-Lolita-cln--Heavy/Detail

The pics really do no justice because there are some very fine lace trim details along the sides and around the cuffs of the sleeves.

They are a VERY good company. There was a couple of days delay on my coat because they found out that the capelet was made too short and they SENT IT BACK to make sure it was the PERFECT size! Now THAT is service! They are also practically *always* on gmail chat, and I have chatted with them over it before and they are very responsive, sweet, and informative.

If you don't find a coat there that you like, you can just send them a pic or drawing of a coat that you'd like along with your measurements, and they will custom make it for you!

As far as shoes go ... all of my shoes now are Sketchers. They have a lot of Japanese-style designs, along with lace designs and Harajuku-inspired designs. They also have an arch in the middle for support, and fit perfect whether you have wide or slender feet (I have really slender feet, and it's very hard to find shoes that I don't twist my ankle in!) I can also slip my custom inserts in them comfortably, which is a bonus.

I can go on and on about fashion and such, but I'll stop now, lol. If you want any more suggestions, feel free to leave me a comment or email!

~ Laura (Jibrille)

[genjitsu.livejournal.com]

I was actually at Borders the other day, and I saw a pink book, and when I saw the author I shouted in surprise, "Hey wait, I know her!" The person next to me didn't seem as interested when I vocalized it :D

[phavorianne.livejournal.com]

Congrats, you had some major accomplishments this year. I think the book is so cool! ^_^

[minuberry.livejournal.com]

Hi!!
Happy New Year!!!

If you can send me some photos, I might be able to make the coat and the dress!
I do commissioning for costumes (but have also done some EGL stuff as well)

Too bad I'm not LA-based...T_T