Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Mag Lov'n...

I was asked recently to be in the spring issue of M/I/S/C, a gorgeous magazine featuring art and design and filled cover to cover with inspiration. Each issue has a theme - I am in the "Insight" edition. I spend most days feeling insane rather than insightful, but I was thrilled to be asked and more than happy to take part. It also happens to coincide perfectly with my decision to rehang my shingle and go back to work as an illustrator. 
This issue will hit stands the week of March 1st - go get one or three, not (just) because you really love me, but because you really really love art. xo







Wednesday, February 15, 2012

"Work'n Hard"?...

Or hardly work'n? 
As much as I would like to be laying on the couch right now, (taking full advantage of everyday all day kindergarden), eating chips and perhaps drinking a shandy...I'm not.
I have recently decided to go back to work. Technically I never stopped, twelve hours after my C-section I was working hard on a job for a well known chip company. I did however slow it down eventually. 
As the kids got older the odds of making deadlines lessened considerably, my desire to care about said deadlines dwindled also. I really just wanted to hang out with my little peeps and draw when I felt like it. So I left my reps and started my own line of affordable children's art. It was awesome. I loved it. I love being my own boss. I love taking time off when I want and drawing whenever. I am a kind and understanding sort of boss. "Of course take a mental health day...take three you look frigging awful. Here's twenty bucks, go get a mani and feel better soon". 
Yep, I am ideal, except... 
Except I pay myself like a third world sweat shop worker. Next to nothing. Nada. Happy and poor, thats how this lady has been rolling for the last three years. I knew this joyride would end at some point, and it seems that end is in sight. I am almost forty, my kids are in school and I have an endless amount of things I should be saving for in the future. Retirement, college (although I do plan on at least one being gifted in some sort of scholarshippy way), therapy for my kids, etc etc etc...
All of this sounds a bit more dramatic than I mean it to be. I am happy to be able to earn a living doing something I love. I will still get to go to work in my pyjama's with uncombed hair. I take lunch when I want and pee as many times as I see fit. I don't have to suffer through "team esteem building days" or mandatory staff parties with crappy cheese plates and forced awkward conversations. 
No, I just have to draw what someone else wants me to. No biggie, and I can still create for me. I will just have to take a backseat instead of the jumpseat. 





The past two weeks have been portfolio update time...dig around and find my WOW factor, see if I can't get this chick paid. I also squeaked out a few for me...like this new pirate girl. I think she represents me over the past few years. If she had a thought bubble it would read "So long suckers". 
Back to reality...for now.
xo