Finding that perfect fit

It's hard to believe that a whole year has already passed by since I graduated from the IDEA (Illustration and Design: Elements & Applications) program at Capilano University. At first glance, it may seem that I didn't accomplish much in the last 12 months; but looking back at past posts, I can see that I have done a lot of growing. I managed to squeeze in nearly 3 months of "working vacation" in the Mediterranean after my grad show. I then endeavored to take on as many freelance projects as I could find, including web design, business card designs, fine art paintings, children's book illustrations, and (recently) corporate illustration work. I also tried an experimental internship as a graphic designer – which reaffirmed my conviction that I am built for a more hands–on approach to art and illustration.  

So here I sit, a year later, about to embark on another adventure. I was recently hired for an art instructor position. I'll be trained on all aspects of the studio curriculum, studio set up, art history training, and eventually leading up to curator training. 

So how has all of my schooling prepared me for this job? In some ways, I feel like this job is a culmination of all of my past experiences: my BA of Arts, my semester in the PDP program, and 3 years at IDEA. Not to mention the 7 years of working in the hospitality industry as a seasonal youth counselor for the cruise line company.  Now I feel I am finally ready to be out in the real world and not simply settling for sitting behind a desk... because let's face it,  I never thought I was the 9-5 office type anyways. I'd rather be out there, living and breathing art and getting my hands dirty! I can't wait to have splatter parties and teach kids about Jackson Pollock!

Some of the other perks? 

• I get to wear jeans and sneakers to work every day! 
• I don't have to worry about getting paint splattered all over me – cause that's actually part of the look!
• I will be able to perfect my canvas stretching skills, refresh my pottery abilities, and teach kids 2-100 about art, artists, and artist grade materials.
• I don't have to turn my back on all of my learning, and I can still do freelance work on the side!

I think I am in for one exciting ride!

They warned you about the big bad wolf, but...

This past week I've had the unfortunate pleasure of coming up–close–and–personal with the reality that there are smucks out there looking to exploit our creative talents. Sure, it's something we were warned about in fairy tale books... you know, the one with the big bad wolf — coming to huff and puff and blow our house down... only this time he's coming to blow away our dreams and our source of income. No one warned us that these wolves would be so sneaky and go incognito. Sadly this is a theme I see all too often... and actually have fallen prey to. So I'm here to share my tale with you (take from it what you will).

Take a look at craigslist and you'll find a lot of opportunities to display your artwork. Pretty amazing stuff! But don't be fooled, if it looks too good to be true make sure you read the fine print. Many establishments will gladly provide you with the wall space and in exchange they can "rent" your work for free. Wait a minute... that doesn't sound right... but okay, in the name of getting your name out there (ha!) and reaching a larger audience, you'll take what you can get right? Sure, nothing wrong there. This is where red flags should go up (even if your friend/classmate/fellow artist recommends it): they want to charge you for a one time hanging fee of $$$, and yet when you go to pick up the artwork at the end of the show, there are mysterious extra fees that also pop up. Now this is just a huge red flag waving just inches... INCHES from your face. So, if like me, you've managed to find yourself in this sort of predicament, hold your ground. You can't let people walk all over you just because you are the talent. But after a few weeks of slow business, you may be tempted to walk back into this realm where artists seem to get short changed. Just don't forget to pack your ruby red slippers (you never know when you'll need to drop a house on someone... metaphorically of course!). So happy hunting out there :)

Now for something a little different....
When I feel I'm in a bit of a freelance slump, it's always good to get my brain working just for the sake of working — and to get those creative juices flowing on a more consistent basis. So here is a fun little ink illustration I did today for a Winsor & Newton Ink Competition. If it doesn't amount to much more than this post, at least I had fun! And hey—sometimes that's what it's all about!

"Inked" by Vivian Gerber. 2012. Pen&Ink with digital colour.