Happy Holidays 2015 - Looking Forward, Looking Back

2015 was a big year for Pixel Lava. In addition to being my tenth year in business I also jumped head first into a huge new endeavor - teaching. Here's a recap and a sneak peek at what's in store for 2016.

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A quick look back at 2015

Teaching
In January I kicked off my first classes on website maintenance and marketing.  The series is based on notes and observations collected over many years of working one-to-one with clients. It was really exciting to convert my private trainings into interactive group sessions. The first session was well reviewed so I offered an expanded second series too. Altogether, I taught 19 workshops to 56 students and was gratified to end with a bevy of requests for more.
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UI/UX Design
Through years of studying web development and design, I've learned a lot about how people interact with online systems. Welp, it turns out that there's a term for this - it's User Interface Design and User Experience Design and I've found that really, it IS at the heart of what I do. I'm now taking UI/UX classes and finding it fascinating. ​

Illustration and painting
On the creative side, I've revisited painting and illustration and been having a blast playing with apps making 360 panoramas, animated gifs and other magical delights.  Follow me on Instagram to see some of these little creatures. ​

Looking ahead:

• New Rates: It's been well over a year since my last rate increase so I'm starting the year off by changing my hourly rate to $70/hr. with a discounted nonprofit rate of $65/hr. 
• Website Workshops begin January 20th: I'm excited to resume my Wednesday Website Workshops starting January 20th and this time there is no hassle about parking or childcare because the workshops will be online! Learn more at my Website Workshops page. 
• New Products & Services: I'm also now selling my Workshop In A Box and freshly-updated Search Engine Optimization (SEO) packages. 
• In the works: I'm currently working on converting my Workshops into an online course, finishing my first collection of royalty-free illustrations, working on a small business video package and polishing details on a subscription-based guided learning program that will feature monthly hands-on projects. Watch for those launching throughout 2016. 

Holiday Treats

Printable DIY Star Wars Snow Flakes. Updated for 2015! 

Interactive Victorian Advent Calendar
Simply delightful  jacquielawson.com/advent

Free Paper Models
One of my favorite holiday traditions. Find hundreds at the Canon Creative Park or PaperToys.com has a fun model of Santa's House.

​​As we close out 2015 I'm filled with gratitude and energized with exciting plans. I believe that every year the web brings more ways to connect deeply with the world around us. It's never been easier to learn new skills, create amazing things and share your passion with the world.
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My adventures at Pixel Lava would not be possible without my clients and students. Thank you so much for your kindness, confidence and support. I sincerely hope that the holiday season brings you peaceful joy and that your 2016 is filled with good health and happiness. ~ Ame