I have been dreading writing this blog post for quite a while but knew that the day would eventually come and can't avoid it any longer. As sad as it is to write this, I am leaving my positions at Studio Calico. I have been working with SC since December 2008, which definitely makes this a hard goodbye! In this post I am sharing a glimpse into my journey with the company and also why it is time to say goodbye.
When I was first asked by April to guest design for Studio Calico, I was excited at the opportunity to work with their kits and create a few layouts. Little did I know what that first collaboration would turn into! Soon after that, I was asked to become a permanent member of their design team and I also accepted the position as kit & product photographer. I began the very detailed and important role of setting up and photographing the kits each month for the website, in addition to photographing new products for the shop. Not only did it allow my love for the kits and Studio Calico brand to grow, but it also allowed me to get to know the owners and employees of the company on a much more personal level. We have become quite close over the years and have spent many fun times not only working together, but having fun at events and tradeshows as well!! To say that I have felt like an integral part of the SC family (even though I work from home) is an understatement. They have been super generous, kind and supportive all along the way and I will forever be grateful for the opportunity I have had to work with them for so many years.
This is what my studio space has looked like for many days out of each month the past 5 1/2 years. My husband, children and I have all become accustomed to seeing this type of a "pretty" mess as I set up and photograph each of the kits. My kids come in and out all throughout the process and know to step around the set up so they don't bump it all and move anything out of place!
And here is the final image that you can see me setting up in the shot above! Taking all of the products each month and turning them into pretty photos can definitely be challenging but also very fun and rewarding as a photographer as well!
In addition to photographing the kits each month, I have enjoyed working with the supplies as part of the design team. After I take all of the pictures, I get to gather up the kits and create with all of the pretty things. Some months it is definitely hard to wait, because I want to just dive right in before I take the photos! It's hard to choose favorite layouts because I have literally made hundreds in my time with Studio Calico, so instead I picked a few at random to share with you and SC is sharing a few different ones on their blog too!
With the addition of our 6th baby coming soon, I have had this nagging feeling that I needed to step away from some of my work responsibilities and free up more time to be a mom. I know how fleeting those first few days, months and even years of a child's life pass by and I want to be able to cherish every single moment! Don't ge me wrong, I feel like I have been super blessed to work from home all these years so that I could enjoy time with all of my children and get things done while they nap etc., but 6 kids is a lot and I know that I will be even more busy than ever with my duties and responsibilities as a mother. There are only so many hours in a day and with the momentum and growth that my own brand is experiencing, something had to give.
So it is with sadness that I make the announcement that I will not be designing or working as kit photographer for Studio Calico any longer. It will definitely be an emotional transition but I am also excited about the future and what lies ahead. I know that every time soemthing ends, something amazing begins and I can only move forward with a positive outlook on the future. I am beyond excited for lots of snuggling with this new baby come December and I am also thrilled about where the Maggie Holmes for Crate Paper brand is headed. In addition, it is likely that you will still see Studio Calico and I collaborating occasionally and continuing to cross-promote as we both want nothing but success for each other.
Over the years I have taught many online classes in the Studio Calico classroom (including 2 rounds of Happy Little Moments and 25 Days) and have enjoyed getting to know the students on a closer level through those workshops. Teaching is always a favorite of mine and I love the chance to inspire others while also pushing myself to grow and try new things as well! I have taught the December Daily class at SC the past two years and am sad that I won't be able to teach it this year. I will definitely be taking lots of photos and documenting the season, as always, but I will also be recovering and enjoying time with my family and new baby. My December Daily album will have to wait until January (or later) and I will look forward to seeing all of your creations for inspiration!!
I had fun looking back through all of the classes I have taught at SC and put together a collage of my favorite snippits from some of the workshops!
>> 30 Days of Me Class <<
As I announced earlier this week, I do have a class coming up next month at Studio Calico and I am super excited to be with you all for that.... so the goodbye isn't totally goodbye yet!!!! We will celebrate the future and new beginnings together as we share our time in the classroom and create our 30 Days of Me mini albums!
>> GIVEAWAY <<
And finally..... because I wanted this announcement to be one of celebration and happiness in looking forward to what lies ahead, we have prepared some amazing giveaways for you all! I am offering a giveaway for a spot in my online Photography 101 Workshop on the Studio Calico blog today! I'm also offering a 25% discount code for both of my photography workshops because I want all of you to win!!
Studio Calico is giving away a 3 Month Subscription to the kit of your choice here on my blog!To enter to win the Studio Calico giveaway, leave a comment here on this blog post and I will draw a winner at random! The giveaways are both open through Friday August 8th at 11:59pm EST.
To enter to win the Photography 101 Workshop giveaway, go to the Studio Calico blog and enter there. Also be sure to read the post over there to get the 25% discount code!
I want to publicly thank Studio Calico for many many wonderful years together and I also want to thank all of you for supporting me along the way as well. I can't tell you how much your gallery comments and message board comments have meant to me as you have shown me your love and encouragement all of this time! Please continue to say hello as I would love to keep in touch with all of you, whether on the SC boards, on instagram or here on my blog!
Happy Bittersweet Wednesday & Good Luck on the Giveaways!
xoxoxoxo
