Refuse to simply settle

I don't know if it's simply stubbornness or willpower, but I'd like to think that I was meant for more than just a mundane kind of life. Perhaps that's the artist in me talking. I'd love to travel the globe and follow inspiration wherever it leads me. Someone once told me that it was easier to find work within the commonwealth than it was to find work in the states. Although I have set my sights on local jobs for now, I still haven't given up on my dream of finding work in Australia or New Zealand sometime in the future.

What's trending in the creative world

Finding creative outlets anywhere and everywhere

Hey guys! Welcome back! It's been a while since my last post... since then I've interned at Max Advertising Inc, took on a couple more freelance jobs, and seriously started on my children's book illustrations. So a lot of new and exciting creative changes... unfortunately the bank account doesn't reflect this just quite yet, but I'm hoping that following my dream will pay off... I'm fairly confident it will, I'm just in the "struggling artist phase." Nearly everyone goes through this stage. Take a look at actors, musicians and the like... they always have such great stories about how they lived off of canned soup for a year in a crappy little apartment (so I'm well on my way *wink*). A great example of this?
Facebook's graffiti artist, David Choe.
He went from homeless to a millionaire.


I'm constantly looking for new opportunities to showcase my creative talent (or as some relatives have referred to it, my artistic curse). I came across DENYdesigns — quite by accident. My sister and I were searching for a well–designed duvet cover to transform our mother's bedroom, and we came upon this site. What I love about DENYdesigns is that local artists are showcased, and finally bedding, shower curtains etc. have caught up to our contemporary tastes! Worth the click, check it out.

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!