Dream Plan Create – 2015 year in review

My 2016 challenge for you is simple: DREAM. PLAN. CREATE. 

Dream bigger than you ever have.

Plan better to accomplish those dreams.

Create a world that is better than you found it.

I started this company several years ago with the dream to travel the world and use my talents to help non-profits tell their stories. It’s people like you who have helped make that dream a reality by trusting me to accurately tell your stories. Some of you may know me as a graphic designer, web developer, photographer or videographer; however it is that we met, I am truly thankful for the work that we’ve been able to create together.

Part of my dream for 2016 is to focus more on video-related projects. I’ve seen firsthand how video content can play a vital role in helping non-profits tell their story and convey proper messaging. I have expanded my gear over this past year to now offer multi-camera recording, audio, editing and lighting setups ideal for interviews, documentaries, humanitarian trips and commercials. I look forward to now telling your story through video.

Below I’ve attempted to provide a snapshot of some of the amazing opportunities that I had in 2015, as well as a look ahead at what’s to come in 2016.

Some highlights from 2015:

• Became a father of a beautiful baby girl in August
• Released my first eBook “THE EXPERIENCE: How to create a SMALL BUSINESS EXPERIENCE that SELLS. ” which quickly climbed to the #1 Top Downloaded Business & Finance book on Noisetrade.com
• Worked with over 25 different clients in 3 countries
• Traveled to 12 different states on assignments
• My work traveled on multiple nationwide tours including The Bible Tour 2015 which was presented by NBC and K-LOVE.

2015 by the numbers: 

• 243 new Instagram followers
• 175 new Twitter followers
• 729 new Facebook friends
• Over 400 new email subscribers
• Over 81 countries visited justinwillet.com

2016 Goals:

PERSONAL:

Better father and husband: If you’ve ever run your own business, or pursued a passion of your own, you know that you wouldn’t make it very far without the help and support of those closest to you. My wife fulfills many behind the scene roles for my business and I’m sure I don’t thank her enough. She has served as an editor, accountant, office assistant, encourager and best friend throughout this entire freelance journey. I often ask for a second set of eyes, initial reaction or a female perspective on projects, and she’s always willing to help. I hope to put our family first this year and make more time for date nights and family getaways! Thank you for all that you do.

Office hours: As a husband and new father, I strive to put my family before my work. I’ve quickly learned how important it is to establish dedicated time for work and when it’s time to shut down the computer for the night, I need to mentally remove myself from the job as well. This becomes increasingly difficult while traveling for a shoot, but I’ll strive to take time off surrounding travel dates.

Exercise:  I know it’s cliche but as a traveling freelancer, I’ve learned that running is one of the cheapest most effective ways to stay in shape. When you hop from plane to plane and are constantly in and out of hotels and buses, it’s hard to rely on having a gym or consistent equipment to workout on.

PlayGuitar: Although not really business related, I’ve been playing guitar since I was 10 years old and hope to continue learning new techniques and expand my playing. This is a great way for me to relax and be involved in a different form of art.

Go Hiking: I simply love being outside. There’s not many things that are as inspiring as a nice hike through the woods to help get the creative juices flowing. Living only 30 minutes from the Appalachian Trail, and having hiked sections of it in the past, I hope to capitalize on getting outside more this year.

BUSINESS:

Video:  I’m excited to focus more on video-related projects and believe that video content can play a vital role in helping non-profits tell their story and convey proper messaging. I have slowly expanded my gear over this past year to be better equipped to film interviews, documentaries, humanitarian trips and commercials.

Nomad: One of the biggest perks of running my own business is being location-independent, I enjoy the freedom to be able to travel while working remotely and hope to continue to grow the business with this model.

Journal: Planning to revamp my website with an improved online journal section that will document life as a freelancer and focus on gear reviews, travel tips and business.

Pinterest: Pinterest is a powerful tool for finding new inspiration and I want to start sharing personal work as well as projects I think would be helpful for other creatives.

Travel: Looking forward to traveling overseas with non-profits to help tell their story through photos and/or videos.

People I enjoy following on social media:

Twitter: 

@dalepartridge 

@patfynn

@jeremycowart 

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/loki_the_wolfdog/

https://www.instagram.com/mycamerabag/

https://www.instagram.com/chrisburkard/

https://www.instagram.com/topodesigns/

https://www.instagram.com/bobbimac/

https://www.instagram.com/huckberry/

https://www.instagram.com/hereadstruth/

Thank you for making 2015 one of the best years ever! I was fortunate enough to work with some of my favorite people, businesses and non-profits, and after reviewing all of the amazing opportunities from this year, I can’t help but think of the following:

“But I can promise you this, one year from now… you’ll wish you started today.”

 – Dale Partridge (http://startupcamp.com)

I’m so glad I took the risk of starting my own business, and I hope you find time again this year to Dream, Plan and Create.

– Justin Willet