Time to Reflect: The Year that Was and What to Expect from Whim in 2015

Image: Alba Soler on Flickr

You've probably heard this a million times by now, but you've got to admit - Time flies when you're having fun!

The year that was:

It is hard to believe that just less than 12 months ago, in January, Whim Onine Magazine had launched it's first Special Edition Zine. Although I look back on the zine with fond memories (it's filled with amazing talent and some very pretty images!), I can't help but be amazed by just how far Whim has come since then.

In February, our Facebook page reached 500 likes, an achievement that was so special to me at the time because it meant I was half-way to my ultimate goal of 1,000 likes, Fast-forward 10 months and our Facebook following stands at 1,950, leaving it just shy of what was the next huge milstone - 2,000 Facebook followers!

Speaking of followers, Whim's fans on other platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest are now quickly approaching the 3,000 mark, something I am so incredibly grateful for everyday (Especially as 90% of that growth occurred in 2014 alone)!

2014 has also been the year that Whim switched from seasonal digital issues to releasing an issue every 2 months, a change which has been both challenging and rewarding. The number and quality of submissions for our digital issues and website has grown dramatically this year, and it isn't too uncommon for me to have to pinch myself from the sheer beauty of them!

Image: Shay Cochrane

Over the past 12 months I've also felt ridiculously happy to collaborate in-person with a number of talented photographers, watching them behind-the-scenes as they shoot something exclusively for Whim. These are moments I will never forget and I feel as though I learn a little tip or trick from each and every shoot.

Whim has also been lucky enough to work with a number of incredible brands and businesses in 2014 and I can't wait for this to continue in 2015. We've also been blessed to be invited to some pretty special events where you can't help but feel so inspired by the talented creatives you meet!

One really big part of 2014 for me personally was taking the time to research, create and release my first eBook with Whim which is targeted towards photographers wishing to learn all there is to know about dreamy and whimsical photography. I was so stoked when the eBook made its first sale, but to see it go on to help many photographers over and over again has been very special for me. When I receive lovely emails or comments, and even people sharing their work with me which was inspired by the eBook...it's another one of those 'pinch me' moments :)

2014 has also seen another major change. In late 2013 Lucinda was hired as Whim's Contributing Blogger (now Editorial Assistant). In the past few months this team has expanded to welcome some more lovely and talented girls: Emma Lane, Melanie Guil, Stefanie Kir and Hilda Strojil - As I'm sure you already know, they do a wonderful job always with their articles and content. I couldn't be more grateful for the assistance and support girls!

Image: Shay Cochrane

All in all, 2014 has been a big year for Whim and each month it seemed to have grown significantly. Although this year was only Whim's second year (sort of, it officially turns 2 years old in late February of 2015), I'm blown away by how much it has been changing month-to-month.

But without further ado...

What you can expect from Whim in 2015:

• eBook #2 - You heard it here first! For the past month I've been working on releasing a second eBook, this time one that is catered towards 'creative souls'. I won't give away too much yet, but you can expect pre-orders to be announced in late January hopefully - So exciting! This eBook will also come with a bunch of helpful and pretty freebies.
• A second edition of 'The Ultimate Guide to Whimsical and Dreamy Photography' - This will just be an updated version of the eBook which is already available; same information, just a slightly different layout, newly designed cover and some additional photoshoot planning worksheets to assist readers.
• Whim's setting up shop! We have an Etsy store now but it is rarely used or updated. After experimenting with design and creating printables for the upcoming eBook releases, I'm looking forward to adding more helpful digital downloads to Whim's Etsy store - Plenty of worksheets, planners and inspirational quotes.
• New topics and more varied website content. You may have noticed over the past few weeks we've been publishing additional content such as recipes and the rare DIY. Starting from 2015 you can expect more of these, plus extra art, style and inspirational / helpful content along with our usual whimsical photography!
• More 'Whim exclusive' photoshoots: I recently purchased a DSLR camera and am slowly getting the hang of it. Once I have enough confidence with it I can't wait to begin planning some photoshoots to feature on the website - Baby steps though!

Image: Miss Poppy Design

Most importantly, what I've learnt from 2014 is that you never know what's around the corner - these are just some of the things I've planned, but more fun and unplanned opportunities are sure to come in 2015 again when I least expect them :)

Thank you so much for coming along on this ride with Whim, and don't forget, your comments are always welcome in the section below!

Kindest wishes,Melanie (Editor / Founder)