When it rains, it pours.... in a good way, like a summer storm :)

Some of the best (and scariest) advice I received in University was this: If possible, after graduating, move in with your parents (rent free) and pursue your dream. Don't get a back-up job because you'll come to rely on it. Become hungry for work.
At the time, I didn't want to believe that I would have to give up my perfect rental unit in North Vancouver. I didn't even want to think about getting work. So after a summer abroad (a well deserved break from the grueling 12 hour days spent in the studio), I tackled the classifieds, job listings, and worked on my promo mail outs... all with enough drive and thirst to dedicate two months to networking, making connections, contacting publishers etc. Now some people might say that all this time has been time wasted. But I disagree. Perhaps it's because I'm part of the generation that believes, period. I don't know exactly what it is that keeps us optimistic... even despite our debts (read- HUGE student loans), and the high cost of living, we're still out there following our dreams. So think of your "down time" as an investment, and then you might just get the phone call you're waiting for. Now it seems like every time my cell phone rings, it's about a prospective job!

Taking a step back... to smell the...err.... coffee!

To quote a country song "It gets hard out here, I know it don't look it. I used to have heart, but the highway took it. The game was right, but the deal was crooked. Lord, I'll make it perfectly clear, it gets hard out here..."

Such is the story for most of us artist types (ain't that the truth? – hey, did you notice that I've picked up a Southern drawl somewhere along the way? How'd that happen? lol!) So, to update you on what I've been up to the last few weeks... I've taken a moment to sit back and relax, and look at all that I've accomplished. I'm happy to announce that I now have close to 100 twitter followers, 185 facebook page followers, and I'm now selling my products on Society6. Not too shabby (if I don't say so myself). I've also had meetings with curators about potential art gallery opportunities, and I have a few illustration leads I'm following as well.

It's easy to get frustrated in the beginning when it seems like all you do all day is network, check emails, and mail out resumes.... not exactly my favorite pastime, but who knows, you might be different :)

Just a little tip I thought I'd pass on to you: Keep it simple. Look for opportunities to make your art (or music, or whatever) accessible to the public.
Good luck out there!

Adapting... shade by shade

Artists these days need to be chameleons! I swear I've been all shades of the rainbow this past week. Job hunting is frustrating enough to send any poor chameleon into a raging RED fit! Lol. I've been busy adapting my portfolio and resume depending on the job title: Illustrator, Graphic Designer, Art Director etc. And it's no wonder we are constantly changing our job pursuits. The world is constantly changing, and as a result so is the art it inspires. Despite the craziness of trying to expand my freelance client base, I've managed to put in some time in front of my easel. Now that's what I call therapy! but....now to look for art galleries....