To ward off the inevitable feeling of isolation that accompanies so many artists, I regularly try to read art blogs. One of my favorite lately has been Escape from Illustrator Island run by Thomas James out of Portland, OR.
I find that he puts together a great mix of tips and practical advice for all of us who create illustrations. For instance, he recently compiled a list of tips to improve self promotion through various sources including social networking sites, printed media and online website portfolios.
Working my way back to greater productivity as I have, I found his resources to be invaluable and in some case validating. It helps to know when you are on the right path and when to make changes to maximize productivity.
Showing posts with label freelance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label freelance. Show all posts
Friday, August 27, 2010
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Waking from a Long Winter's Sleep
I feel like I just woke up from a long bad dream.
I realized I have not posted anything here since November 24. So, just to catch things up, I got a flu shot on December 1. Promptly got flu-like symptoms, and when I got something for that from my regular doctor, I had an allergic reaction to the medication. (Red bumps and cold sensitivity.) A few days before Christmas I had had enough and went to an urgent care clinic.
For the first time in a month I had my questions answered and started to feel better in the following weeks. In the final analysis, the urgent care doctor believed I might have contracted H1N1 (due to the respiratory symptoms) but luckily, it did not get to the level that some people have experienced. I've still got a nagging cough but for the most part I am better. Bear in mind all this started on December 3 and it is now February 7, so two months have passed where I have not been at my full capacity.
The good thing is that I have had some considerable time to do some pondering about my artistic future. Now that my son is nearing elementary school age I am looking at having more time here at home to freelance. Despite my previous experiences, I still want to be my own boss again. More importantly, I want to do what I love. Before, creating maps was great and enjoyable, but the really interesting art was created toward the end of my tenure with my former biggest client. Those were the pieces that I had the most creative freedom with. I also felt the most trusted in my decisions.
Those are the best assignments!
What I really look forward to now is picturebooks and science art. And of course, science fiction.
Having had five years away from the industry, I feel a bit rusty and a little wobbly but a recent assignment has excited me again. It reminded me that whatever my perception of my skills, I can still do the work. I have even learned a few new tricks while I have been "away".
During that time, I was mindful that I needed to stay aware of my field but at the same time maintain my skills. While I couldn't do as much work as I wanted, I do feel that the work I did was quality.
Now I feel like I just can't wait to get back to work.
I realized I have not posted anything here since November 24. So, just to catch things up, I got a flu shot on December 1. Promptly got flu-like symptoms, and when I got something for that from my regular doctor, I had an allergic reaction to the medication. (Red bumps and cold sensitivity.) A few days before Christmas I had had enough and went to an urgent care clinic.
For the first time in a month I had my questions answered and started to feel better in the following weeks. In the final analysis, the urgent care doctor believed I might have contracted H1N1 (due to the respiratory symptoms) but luckily, it did not get to the level that some people have experienced. I've still got a nagging cough but for the most part I am better. Bear in mind all this started on December 3 and it is now February 7, so two months have passed where I have not been at my full capacity.
The good thing is that I have had some considerable time to do some pondering about my artistic future. Now that my son is nearing elementary school age I am looking at having more time here at home to freelance. Despite my previous experiences, I still want to be my own boss again. More importantly, I want to do what I love. Before, creating maps was great and enjoyable, but the really interesting art was created toward the end of my tenure with my former biggest client. Those were the pieces that I had the most creative freedom with. I also felt the most trusted in my decisions.
Those are the best assignments!
What I really look forward to now is picturebooks and science art. And of course, science fiction.
Having had five years away from the industry, I feel a bit rusty and a little wobbly but a recent assignment has excited me again. It reminded me that whatever my perception of my skills, I can still do the work. I have even learned a few new tricks while I have been "away".
During that time, I was mindful that I needed to stay aware of my field but at the same time maintain my skills. While I couldn't do as much work as I wanted, I do feel that the work I did was quality.
Now I feel like I just can't wait to get back to work.
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