Why You Can’t Please Everyone: Lessons from a Photoshoot

Hey there, fellow creatives! Adam Scott here, and today I wanted to share with you a recent experience I had during a photoshoot for a t-shirt company. I was hired to photograph their t-shirts and we went over all the details, talked about models, and reviewed all the requirements. Everything was set, and I was ready to go.

The day of the photoshoot was fabulous. The models were great, the lighting was perfect, and honestly, the photos came out amazing. I was confident that the client would be thrilled with the results.

But, as they say, sometimes things don’t go as planned. The client didn’t like the photos and gave me a 1-star review on my delivery. At first, I have to admit, it really bugged me. I put so much effort into the shoot and felt like I had done everything right. So why didn’t they like the photos?

But after some thought, I realized that you can’t please everyone. Just because someone doesn’t like your work doesn’t mean your work is bad. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and as creatives, we have to accept that not everyone will love our work.

What’s important is that we do our best and at the end of the day, we are proud of our own work. We shouldn’t let negative feedback bring us down or make us doubt ourselves. Instead, we should use it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Of course, that doesn’t mean we should ignore feedback altogether. It’s important to listen to constructive criticism and use it to improve our skills and work. But at the same time, we shouldn’t let it affect our confidence or stop us from creating.

So, my fellow creatives, let’s remember to always do our best and be proud of our own work. Let’s embrace feedback, both positive and negative, and use it as an opportunity to learn and grow. And let’s keep creating, because at the end of the day, that’s what we love to do.

Cordelia

Yesterday, without warning or any signs, my beautiful dog Cordelia suffered a seizure. It happened sometime after 10am, and I noticed it when I got up to let her outside for the second time that morning. She had lost all balance, couldn’t really walk, and when I did get her outside she started having convulsions and threw up. I didn’t know what to do, which is weird because I have been trained in emergency management in past jobs and positions. Usually, I am the one calm during a crisis, but not on this day.

Cordelia came into my life almost 10 years ago. By every fact I had no right owning a dog at the time. I was an absolute wreck of a human being. I was going through a terrible divorce, I had almost no money to my name, and I was emotionally all over the place. But I was living in a house that was 1800 square feet all by myself and I was very lonely.

One morning I saw a Craigslist ad with a few pictures of Cordelia. The ad read that she was free to the 1st male she liked. Given that, at the time I couldn’t afford adoption fees a free dog sounded great. So I got in my car and started to drive, but with each passing mile this little voice in my head started telling me what a terrible idea this was. At one point I even pulled over to the side of the road, and debated turning around, but I didn’t.

When I got there her current owners opened the door of their home and out trotted Cordelia. She ran down the steps and I still remember her running down the dirt driveway to meet me. Her current owners told me how two other males had come before myself, and Cordelia wanted nothing to do with them, but she clearly liked me so she was mine. They never really explained why they were getting rid of her, other then to say that they didn’t have the time to care for her because of their children.

So I coaxed Cordelia into my car and we drove home. That was the day she became mine.

I didn’t know it at the time, but I had no idea the impact Cordelia would have on my life. Before Cordelia I was in a pretty dark place. I wasn’t eating, and pretty much slept all day. Over the course of a few weeks I had lost 20lbs just due to not eating anything. But now I had this little fur ball to take care of. In the mornings she would jump on me to wake me up and tell me it was time to go outside. She accompanied me to Geek and Gamer Fitness, my gym, and would lay comfortably in one corner or another while I taught group classes. She was mine and she was rarely far away from me.

Eventually my time in WA came to a close and Cordelia and I packed up all our things and moved to sunny southern CA, but when we got there things did not feel right, so when the opportunity to go on a month long road trip popped up she and I packed a bag, jumped into the car and headed out to explore. We hit up Mammoth, Bear Mountain, The Grand Tetons, Yosemite, Moab, and even Vegas. We hiked up mountains, splashed through rivers, and slept out under the stars with a fire going. It was absolutely perfect.

Eventually, however, we had to return back to the real world. I was out of money, again, and so I needed to get back and earn some money so the two of us could eat. I took some weird jobs here and there, but no matter what I did, every night when I came home from work she would be there to greet me with her big tail wagging.

After awhile one of those jobs asked me to move to FL, and I took the opportunity. Cordelia and I packed up what I had, which wasn’t much at the time. 9 boxes of books, 2 trash bags of clothes, a mattress, and a couple nick knacks and assorted keep sakes. It wasn’t anything anyone would be impressed with, but we hit the road and drove cross country till we reached Jacksonville FL.

The job I had taken in Jacksonville turned out to be kind of a scam, and the apartment we were living in was not in the greatest neighborhood, but some of my favorite memories are in that tiny little bedroom, with Cordelia on the bed laying next to me while I read one of my many books. It was just me and her…until it wasn’t.

I don’t think either one of us expected what happened next, but suddenly there was Leslie. She didn’t care that I was a messed up, emotionally fragile, broke, man. She saw a cute guy that she liked, and a beautiful puppy that she immediately loved. She didn’t ask anything of either one of us. She loved us as we were, even when we were homeless, penniless, and damaged she loved us. Leslie brought us into her life, and introduced us to her parents, Edna & Ruban, and they too didn’t care about any of our flaws. They saw two souls who had each other, and just wanted to be a part of their lives.

One Christmas we were visiting Edna & Ruban and Edna had decorated for the holidays. This meant that she had several nativity sets spread out all over the house, including the living room table. Now Cordelia loved Edna and Ruban and this meant that her tail was wagging. He big giant fluffy tail that had a mind of it’s own, and before anyone could stop it her tail hit one of Ednas nativity sets and it crashed to the floor and broke. I was mortified, as was Leslie, Cordelia had no idea what happened, and was just confused why no one was petting her. Edna being the woman she is told us not to worry. She swept up the broken pieces, hugged both myself and Cordelia and told us that we were more important then any decoration.

We had found our family. People who loved us and cared for us regardless of our past, our mistakes, and our flaws.

Over the years Edna and Ruban have taken in and cared for Cordelia when Leslie and I were out of town. They loved her as her own, and were always willing and excited to take care of her and see her. They will never know how much their love has meant over the years.

In 2019 Leslie and I decided to get married in a small ceremony here in Orlando. We invited only our immediate family and a few close personal friends. As was right and fitting Cordelia was our Flower Girl, and we had even made a small flower ring for her to wear. During the ceremony we asked our friends Chad and Carrie to hold Cordelia while we got married, but Cordelia was not happy about this. She made it very clear that she was going to stand up there, together with her people, and no one was going to stop her. So there we were…What started out as just me, and then Cordelia, suddenly became three. We were a family. We were whole.

Leslie and I have so many memories of Cordelia. Most of the photos on our phones are of her, and we have enjoyed every single moment we got to spend with her. She was loved by so many people and she happily accepted pets from anyone who was willing to offer them to her. She has been one of the best things that has ever come into my life, and I can honestly say that she saved me. She loved me when I was absolutely unlovable, and she didn’t care. I was hers, and she protected me.

When the time came it was swift, sudden, and unexpected. Leslie and I held her close and told her how much we loved her as the drugs took effect and she crossed over.

Now me, personally, I am not sure if I believe in any kind of afterlife, but I remember a story of a man who lost his dog to death. After his dogs death there was a hole left in his heart that was never really ever filled, and he carried that hole with him for the rest of his life. When the man finally died and crossed over to the other side he was greeted by an angel who smiled and said that he was glad the man was finally there, because someone had been waiting for him, and with that the man looked up and saw his dog running towards him. After so long apart they were finally together again and the hole in his heart was filled.

If there is an afterlife, I really hope that Cordelia will be there waiting for me on the other side. She has left a hole in the hearts of me and Leslie that I don’t think will ever be able to be filled, but maybe, just maybe someday, Leslie and I can see her running towards us after a long time waiting.

I miss you girl, and I hope you know how much I loved you. Thank you for saving me.

3 Book Series EVERY Man Should Read

Growing up, we are often bombarded with societal expectations of what it means to be a “real” man. We are told to be strong, stoic, and always have it together. I myself grew up being told over and over again “When I was a child I thought as a child, but when I became a man I put away childish things.” The first time I can remember my Father telling me that was shortly after I turned 8 years old. But let’s face it, life is messy, and sometimes we need to let loose and have some fun.

When I was younger, I had this idea that being a man meant I had to be serious all the time. I thought I had to let go of my childhood hobbies and interests and focus on “mature” activities. But the truth is, being a man is not about conforming to outdated stereotypes or what society thinks we should be. It’s about being true to ourselves and embracing the things that make us happy.

For me, that meant embracing my inner geek and diving back into my love for Dungeons and Dragons. It also meant allowing myself to indulge in my favorite movies and books, no matter how silly or childish they may seem to others. And you know what? It felt good. It reminded me that being an adult doesn’t mean we have to give up the things we love.

So, to all the men out there who feel like they have to conform to society’s expectations, I urge you to let go of those notions and embrace the things that make you happy. Whether it’s playing video games, reading comic books, or watching cheesy rom-coms, do what makes you happy. Life is too short to live it according to someone else’s standards.

And on that note, here are a few book recommendations that I believe every man (or anyone, really) should read:

  1. Old Man’s War by John Scalzi – This science fiction novel explores a future where humanity has colonized the stars and follows protagonist John Perry as he joins the military at the age of 75 to fight for the future of the human race.
  2. The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher – As you mentioned, this urban fantasy series follows Harry Dresden, a professional wizard and private investigator in Chicago. The series is action-packed, full of humor, and will keep you on the edge of your seat.
  3. The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne – This fantasy series follows the adventures of Atticus O’Sullivan, the last of the Druids, as he navigates through supernatural dangers and encounters gods, goddesses, and other mythical beings.

Remember, reading is a personal and subjective experience. Don’t let anyone tell you what books you should or should not read. Instead, focus on finding books that you enjoy and that make you happy.

Ultimately, I learned that being a man is not about adhering to rigid stereotypes or societal expectations. It’s about being true to yourself and embracing the things that make you happy, even if they involve wizards, dragons, or spaceships. And let’s be real, who wouldn’t want to ride a dragon into battle or blast off into the galaxy with a motley crew of misfits? So go ahead, embrace your inner geek, and revel in the wonder of fiction and fantasy. After all, life is too short to take ourselves too seriously!

Why I Keep Seeking Approval from People Who Don’t Give Me the Time of Day: A Personal Journey

Why do I do this to myself? Why do I put myself through the emotional wringer of seeking the approval of someone who clearly couldn’t care less about me? I mean, seriously, why do we as human beings feel the need to seek validation from people who don’t give us even the smallest bit of effort? It’s a mystery that has plagued me for far too long.

So, I was recently hired to take photos of a product that I’ve been using since I was 15. I was thrilled about the opportunity, thinking that this would be the moment that this person would finally take notice of me and be proud of me. Yeah, I know, I should have known better. But did I listen to that little voice in my head? Of course not. I went ahead and sent this person a sample of my photos, hoping for a response, a reaction, anything. And what did I get? Absolutely nothing. Zilch. Nada. It was like I was sending my photos into the void.

But, you know what they say, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. So, here I am, once again, feeling like a complete moron for seeking the approval of someone who has shown me time and time again that they don’t care. It’s like I can’t help myself.

Why do we as human beings put so much importance on the opinions of people who don’t make an effort in our lives? It’s time to take a step back and ask ourselves what’s really going on here. Our worth and value as individuals come from within, not from the validation of others. So, let’s stop setting ourselves up for disappointment and start focusing on our own self-esteem.

Seeking approval from others is a natural part of being human, but it’s important to understand that our worth doesn’t depend on the validation of others. We must focus on our own self-esteem and recognize that we are valuable and deserving of love and respect, regardless of the opinions of others. And if all else fails, we can always fall back on sarcasm to help us get through the tough times. Because, let’s be real, sometimes sarcasm is the only thing that gets us through life.

A self-portrait – This painting was hanging in The Orlando Museum of Art and I was drawn to it.

2023: A New Year Full of Hope and Possibility

It’s been a while since I felt this hopeful about a new year. Over the years, life has thrown its fair share of challenges my way, from financial stress to divorce and moving. But this year, something felt different. As I entered 2023, I felt a renewed sense of optimism and hope for what was to come.

I don’t want to jinx it, but January was a pretty good month for me. Although there were certainly some tough moments, overall, it was a positive start to the new year. One of the biggest highlights was having two big clients pay their invoices in full and on time. This was a big win for me, as it provided a financial boost and a sense of stability that I haven’t felt in a while.

In addition to the financial stability, my work queue is also filled with exciting new opportunities. I’ve been asked to do product photography for some fantastic companies, and before the day had even finished, I had already booked another client for double my standard rate. It’s clear that 2023 is off to a good start, and I’m feeling confident about the year ahead.

For many years, my word for the year has been “peace.” This is the first year in a long time that I feel like I’m finally closing in on that goal. The financial stability and new work opportunities have provided a sense of peace and calm that I haven’t felt in a while. I’m no longer worrying about how I’m going to pay the bills or where my next job is coming from. Instead, I’m focusing on the present moment and all the exciting things that the future holds.

Of course, I’m realistic enough to know that 2023 won’t be all sunshine and rainbows. There will certainly be tough moments, and there will be times when I feel overwhelmed and stressed. But I’m approaching the year with a sense of hope and positivity that I haven’t felt in a while. I’m ready to tackle the challenges that come my way and embrace the opportunities that the year presents.

So, here’s to a new year filled with hope, adventure, and peace. Let’s see what 2023 has in store! I’m excited to see what the future holds, and I’m confident that this will be a year to remember.

Unleashing the Beauty with a Camera: Capturing Gabrielle’s Journey to the 2024 Hooters Calendar Shoot

Photography is an art that requires both technical skills and creativity. Despite the convenience of having a camera on our phones, not everyone understands the complexities of photography. That’s why it’s always a joy for me when a friend reaches out to me for help with their photography project. And recently, my friend Gabrielle asked for my assistance in capturing her journey to the 2024 Hooters calendar model shoot. I was more than happy to help.

Gabrielle has always been confident and comfortable in her own skin, and she wanted to showcase that confidence through the lens of a camera. Our goal was to capture her unique personality and beauty in a series of photos that would make her stand out in the highly competitive world of modeling.

We decided to shoot at a local park with a lush beach background, which would provide a natural and organic backdrop for the photos. I started by taking some test shots to get the lighting and settings just right. Then, I gave Gabrielle some simple poses to start with and encouraged her to relax and have fun. She quickly got into the groove and started to showcase her stunning figure and gorgeous smile.

As we continued to shoot, I tried to capture her different expressions and poses, showcasing her versatility and range as a model. We also played around with different lighting and angles to create a range of photos with different moods and feels.

In the end, we came away with a series of stunning photos that truly showcased Gabrielle’s beauty and personality. The images captured her confidence, her stunning figure, and her infectious smile. I was thrilled to have played a part in helping her achieve her goal of becoming a Hooters calendar model.

Photography is a powerful tool that can help capture and showcase our unique beauty and personality. Whether you’re an aspiring model or just looking to capture special moments in your life, a great photographer can help bring your vision to life. And if you’re lucky enough to have a friend who is passionate about photography, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for their help. They just might be able to help you unleash the beauty within.

Capturing the Post-Apocalyptic Beauty: A Photoshoot Adventure at Playalinda Beach

Being a friend of mine has its perks, one of which is access to a photographer. My friends often take advantage of this bonus and one of them, Misfit, asked me to do a photoshoot with her. Misfit is a huge fan of the Wastelands and Burning Man, which are events that are heavily influenced by the Mad Max post-apocalyptic motif and style.

Even though I have never been to a Burning Man or Wastelands event, I have always been fascinated by the idea of spending a week in the desert, free from normal societal responsibilities. I’ve heard stories of people who have gone on a pilgrimage to Burning Man and have said that it changed their lives in profound ways. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to experience something like that. So, when Misfit asked me to do a photoshoot, I was more than happy to participate.

Misfit wanted to bring her own costumes, which she had designed and made by hand, and position the photos in such a way that it looked like she was walking straight out of an epic post-apocalyptic video game. She wanted to capture the essence of the Wastelands and Burning Man events in her photos.

So, we headed to Playalinda Beach on the East side of Florida. Playalinda Beach is a beautiful and secluded spot, perfect for our photoshoot. As soon as we arrived, Misfit got into her costumes and I began to set up my camera and lighting.

The process of taking the photos was a lot of fun. Misfit was a natural in front of the camera, and her costumes were truly impressive. She had put a lot of thought and effort into creating them, and it showed. We spent hours taking photos, moving around the beach and trying different poses.

The end result was truly spectacular. The photos turned out even better than I had hoped. In fact, I would go as far as to say that they are epic. The colors, the lighting, and the costumes all came together perfectly to create an otherworldly feel. Misfit looked like she was truly walking out of an epic post-apocalyptic video game.

But the real question is, what do you think? Are you a fan of the post-apocalyptic style and motif? Have you ever been to a Burning Man or Wastelands event? I am curious to know your thoughts. I believe that the post-apocalyptic style has a certain appeal to it, a sense of freedom and adventure that is hard to find in our daily lives. It’s a style that can be both gritty and beautiful at the same time. I think that’s what makes it so fascinating.

Overall, it was a great experience working with Misfit and creating these epic photos. I’m looking forward to more opportunities like this in the future, and I can’t wait to see where my photography takes me next.

A Lifetime of Star Gazing: My Journey from Childhood Curiosity to Adult Passion in Space Photography

As a child, I was captivated by the beauty of the night sky. My father, who was a Scout Master, would take me on camping trips and hikes, and I spent many nights gazing up at the stars. I remember memorizing constellations, learning about the phases of the moon, and even convincing my parents to buy me a telescope in the shape of a space shuttle. It was a small telescope, but it opened up a whole new world for me. I could see craters on the moon, and even the rings of Saturn. I was in awe of the vastness of space and the endless possibilities that it held.

As I grew older, my passion for the night sky and space never wavered. I spent my teenage years reading books about space and astronomy, and even joined the local astronomy club. I was fascinated by the different galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters that I saw through the club’s telescopes. The more I learned, the more I wanted to know.

Fast forward to adulthood, and my passion for the night sky has only grown stronger. I now own a camera with powerful zoom lenses, and I spend hours taking photos of the moon. I have learned how to capture the beauty of the night sky through long-exposure photography, and it has become my hobby.

Space photography, night sky, rocket launch, constellations, Milky Way galaxy, Northern Lights, meteor shower, satellites, space debris, long-exposure photography, tips for capturing the perfect space shot

So, when my family invited me to join them for the SpaceX Heavy Rocket launch, I jumped at the opportunity. I was excited but also nervous, as I had never photographed a rocket launch before. I knew that the rocket would be moving at incredible speeds and that I would have less than a minute to get the perfect shot. I searched for tips online on how to photograph a rocket launch, but most of the advice was generic and not very useful.

So, I decided to rely on my own experience and figured out the settings that worked best for me. And, when the rocket took off, I was ready, taking pictures as if my life depended on it. I had to be quick to capture the rocket at different stages of the launch, from the initial lift-off to the separation of the boosters. And, to my surprise, I think I did a pretty good job.

I can’t help but think of the little kid I used to be, lying in a clearing and staring up at the stars. I wish he could see the cool space shots I get to take today. It would have made him so happy.

My love for the night sky and space has been a constant in my life, and I am grateful for the opportunities that I have had to capture the beauty of the cosmos through my camera. I hope that my photos will inspire others to look up at the night sky and marvel at its wonder. Photography has allowed me to combine my love for space and my passion for photography, and I can’t wait for the next opportunity to capture the beauty of the night sky. If you have a passion for space and photography, I encourage you to give it a try, you won’t regret it. The night sky is a never-ending source of inspiration, and the possibilities are endless.

Space photography, night sky, rocket launch, constellations, Milky Way galaxy, Northern Lights, meteor shower, satellites, space debris, long-exposure photography, tips for capturing the perfect space shot

5 Pieces of Advice for Photographers

I am going, to be honest…Usually, lists like these make my eyes roll. Generally speaking, these kinds of lists are beyond generic, and usually not very helpful to anyone reading them. So hopefully, I will be able to make this list better than most of the lists you will find out on the internet today.

Learning how to be a photographer is hard, and for so many, myself included, we had to learn on our own without any kind of teacher or mentor. The process can be super painful as you try to create, all the while comparing your level 1 photo to a level 50 photographer. I get it, I was there once.

So here are a couple of tips and ideas that might make the process easier.

  1. Experiment with different angles, lighting, and composition to capture unique and interesting photos.
    • OK, I know…I am starting out this list with a “DUH” sort of tip, but hear me out. When I started learning the art of photography I took all my photos the same way…Standing up, camera to my eyes. It took me a while to figure out that most of my subjects were shorter than I was, me being 6′, and so many of my photos had this sort of looking down angle to them. The day I put two and two together was sort of a facepalm kind of day.
    • The lesson of it all was to learn to take photos from different angles. With different angles came learning how to light photos differently, learning that lead to new creative ideas, etc.
    • Every time you try to shoot differently you learn something new.
  2. Keep a photography journal to track your progress and make notes on techniques you want to try.
    • If you take only one thing from this article take this one. KEEP TRACK OF EVERYTHING! I have been shooting for 12 years and I still keep a journal, writing down the details from every single shoot. What did I learn, what did I try new, what worked, what didn’t work, what do I want to try next time, etc. WRITE IT ALL DOWN!
  3. The best equipment you can buy is the one you can afford.
    • This one is going to be really hard for some of you to understand. You do NOT need the latest and greatest camera gear in order to be a great photographer. I know great photographers who shoot on cameras 20 years old and use light fixtures they bought at Home Depot. You do NOT need to go broke buying the latest camera, lights, gear bags, ND filters, Macbooks, and more.
    • The best camera is the one you can afford and know how to use. I often encourage new photographers looking to purchase a camera to start out taking photos on their phones. Learn the art of composition and lighting 1st then upgrade to something inexpensive like the Canon M50. I shot for years on an old Canon Rebel before I upgraded to a Canon M50, and it was only in 2020 that I purchased my Sony A7iii.
    • Better gear does NOT make you a better photographer, but learning the art of photography through trial, hard work, and practice does!
  4. If you are taking photos you are a photographer.
    • Please do not listen to anyone telling you that “You are only a real photographer if you do __________” There is so much of this on the internet. Some people claim that you are only a photographer if you shoot manually, or only shoot film, or never do this, or only do that. It’s all elitist noise and should be ignored.
    • When I 1st started learning how to photograph shooting in full manual scared me. I didn’t know what I was doing and so I shot on Aperture Priority Mode for like a year. I kept track of my shoots, learned settings, and wrote it all down in my journal. Eventually, I felt comfortable shooting in full manual. Did the fact that I wasn’t shooting manually make me less of a photographer…NO! It meant that I was a photographer who was currently learning, and anyone who says otherwise is a snob!
  5. Fail! Fail some more! Fail often!
    • OK, this last one is going to be really hard for some of you, but listen closely. You HAVE to fail in order to become a great photographer. You won’t be perfect at it right out of the gate. You won’t be perfect after a year of practice. You won’t be perfect at it even after 10,000 hours of practice.
    • Photography is a journey that will NEVER end. There is no finish line, there is no end goal. There will ALWAYS be things and ways you can improve at and on.
    • So take this journey slowly. There is no rush. There is no right way to learn, and no hurry to get anywhere. Just shoot, fail, shoot again, and learn. Every time you pick up your camera try something new, learn something new. If you do that you will be well on your way to becoming a great photographer!
Recently Taken outside the SpaceX Launch site in Florida.

2023 Goals

Each year I, like thousands, if not millions of people from around the world, sit down and try to write out some goals for the upcoming year. These goals usually act as a sort of flexible guide or hope for the upcoming year, at least for me that is. In years past my goals were lengthy, complicated, and usually multistep outlines, and I almost NEVER completed them as planned. Sometimes this would really upset me because I was so focused on the goal and end results that I forgot to enjoy the journey along the way.

So now, as I put pen to paper to write out my 2023 goals I do so with the knowledge that I may not accomplish these goals as planned. I may not accomplish them at all. Some might be replaced for other objectives and worthy pursuits, and some might evolve into something spectacular as the year progresses. Regardless of how the year plays out my plan is to work on these ideas, be flexible as the year goes by, and be open to the idea of pivoting when needed.

2023 Goals for Adam Scott

  1. Build up my photography business so that I am making $X,000 per month.
    • Since losing my job in June I have accepted the fact that working for someone else is not really in the cards for me. The times I am happiest are when I make enough money to pay bills and have the freedom to live my life my way. So this year I am working each and every day to build up my business in healthy and challenging ways.
      • I plan to add a pricing page to my website so individuals and companies know what they can expect to pay when working with me.
      • I plan to continue seeking out local businesses to help them grow through sales, marketing, and photography.
      • Continue growing my Freelance work on Fiverr.
      • I will be working on a very cool Kickstarter campaign this year that will involve models from all over the world in an effort to create a custom Tarot Card Deck.
      • I will be adding new products to my store for print.
      • I will be creating a vintage and very classy spicey card deck with 12 models and releasing 6 cards from each model once per month, with collectors set to be offered this time next year.
  2. Lose 52lbs
    • It is no secret that I have put on more weight than I would like. However this year I am going to focus on my movement and health by doing the following…
      • Complete 36,000 kettlebell swings this year
      • Run 365 miles this year
      • Complete 10,000 pushups, pullups, and squats
      • Train safely and work toward a 400lbs deadlift and squat
  3. Produce 24 YouTube Videos
    • It is my hope to get monetized on YouTube this year.
  4. Write 52 Blog Posts
    • This blog needs content – What can I say? But I would also like to pair up with other creatives and find authors that would like to contribute to this blog, as well as write on other blogs too.
  5. Go on a vacation somewhere far away with my wife.
    • Due to money, Leslie and I were not able to go on vacation this year. The first year without of our relationship, and I intend to fix that problem.

So there you have it. My 2023 goals. What do you all think?