Happy New Year! As most blogs right now are speculating what will become of 2009, I’d like to take a moment to be grateful for 2008. Unlike the news reports that have been playing all day long, I don’t have any complaints about 2008 in the world of Dunlap Studios. This is the first year for Dunlap Studios, and I just wanted to reflect on what a great year it’s been.

My first and major achievement in 2008 was starting Dunlap Studios. I knew nothing when I started other than how to design…. I soon learned there is much more to being a freelance designer than just design. I had to start my website, build a client base, handle bookkeeping and the hardest part… juggle family, my full-time and Dunlap Studios while making each one feel like the main priority.

I learned a lot and built a lot of incredible relationships. I’ve enjoyed every aspect of Dunlap Studios so far and I’m excited for 2009 and the years to come. Here’s a look at my biggest achievements this year, most of them have been posted before but hopefully they’re new to some of you.

Featured At iStockphoto

When I first started Dunlap Studios I created some unique promotional material. I was unsure about the kind of clients I wanted to attract and I hadn’t really put too much thought into personal branding.

My first promotional flyer was kind of a glamorous modeling style… kind of weird. I was happy with how it looked but I instantly knew it was a bad representation of me, therefore it was never printed. Though, I didn’t want it to go to waste, so I submitted it to iStockphoto into their design section.

Later that week I was notified that it was considered a spotlight design, and I was featured as the spotlight designer. It only lasted a few days, but a great start for a Dunlap Studios.

Runner Up At Don’t Panic

When I first started Dunlap Studios I began to compete in a lot of competitions for several reasons. (1) To get noticed (2) To build my portfolio and (3) Of course… money isn’t a bad insentive.

One of the first competitions I participated in was at Don’t Panic for the European company 3 Mobile. I didn’t win, but I was extremely happy to place. There were a lot of great pieces created for this competition, so I was really honored that mine was one of the few considered.

Winner of the InkFruit Rock On! Competition

I was excited to win this because it was cool to see my shirt for sale on InkFruit’s site. I not only won some cash but I was also sent 5 shirts. I gave some to my family, but I still have a few if any of you are interested.

Featured at Power To The Poster

This was a cool project to be apart of. I had found Power To The Poster while surfing the web one day. I read through what the organization was about and checked out the artwork… immediately I wanted to participate. Luckily I had a project over the American healthcare system due for my illustration class so I was able to kill 2 birds with 1 stone.

Not only was my poster accepted and featured on the site, but it was also featured in a month long exhibit in Lincoln, Nebraska. If you want a copy of the poster just go to the site, download and print it out.

Featured at Freelance Pulse

This October I was the first artist to have my portfolio showcased at Freelance Pulse. Freelance Pulse is a great website to help freelance workers find jobs in their fields.

Designer In The Spotlight at Just Creative Design

This is my most recent achievment, and the one I’m most happy about. I am subscribed to Just Creative Design and I read Jacob’s every post, so I was extremely happy to be featured on the site. Not to mention, my site hits went up like 600% for a week after the he posted it. If any of you haven’t read the interview yet, please feel free to do it.

Thank you all for an incredible year! I’ve really got to work on some awesome projects this year and I’ve gotten to work with some awesome clients. I hope to work with you all again in 2009!