New Stuff

Just messin around with a more animated look.

My Journey

I’ve decided to write more about the journey I have been on. Almost a year ago, I decided that it was time to kick my butt into gear and start doing what I know I was born to do. Draw. At the time I was working at a credit union. Yeah, I know, of all places. However, I made some of the best friends that I have ever had, and part of me was happy. The other part I was trying to bury away, not wanting to admit that a deeper part of me wanted more out of life. Then the birth of my second son came. And I knew it was time to pick up the pencil again and get back to the drawing board, literally.

Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to be a part of animation. I wanted to see my name on the big screen, of part of some great animated adventure. I wanted to be part of something HUGE. However, going to art college I learned the reality of the animation world, and those were long hours in a hustling city. I backed away from my major in animation and decided to begin my journey toward freelance illustration. But after my son was board, it occurred to me that storyboarding could be the best of both worlds. So I read all the books I could on it, tried to solicit advise from successful boarders, and even went to a private school to learn from the best.

Unfortunately, my maternity leave was running out and I was frantic to do whatever I could to not go back to keeping track of other people’s money. I threw a couple portfolios together and sent them to a few major studios, in hopes of being saved. Weeks went by and no word. I went back to work. Finally, one portfolio was sent back, with a letter explaining that I wasn’t what they were looking for…. Or something to that extent. A couple weeks later, a phone call came. They actually wanted me to drive three hours to pick up my portfolio. Deep in my heart I hoped it was some kind of a test, a way for them to meet me and see if I was the real deal. Thankfully, my senses came back and I realized that they were just too lazy to drop it in the mail.

I was devastated. Not only was a working at a bank. But I felt unsuccessful at the only thing I thought I was good at. My world turned upside down and post partum depression became a very real reality for me. Two months later, my grandma went to heaven, and I went into the darkest time of my life.

Thankfully, with the help of my friends and family I was able to come out of my depression. I moved to a beautiful state, in a quiet town. I got a job as a graphic artist. Not entirely my dream job, but at least I felt my creative juices could be put to use. After three months, I was done. It was time to work for myself. It was time to make my dreams a reality once more.

This is the story of my journey. Written to help keep myself accountable. Written to track my progress. Written to hopefully inspire others. I believe in my dreams, but more importantly I believe in myself.

September 2007
September 7th was the last day of my job. I had my website up and running, although it is constantly being updated. I had 500 postcards printed and even some business cards made, so I could get myself known in the local community. I felt ready to begin my adventure. My postcards arrived before Labor Day weekend so I spent most of the weekend getting labels printed and having them ready to go, so they would be out and circulating before I left my job, in hopes that I would have work waiting for me on my first day off. Well, needless to say Monday, Sept. 10th came and no phone calls. But I wasn’t too discouraged. I already had lined up a gig from a family member that was going to pay quite well, so I worked on that for the rest of the month. It added nice portfolio pieces and I know it will bring work to come. I also have been trying to network with other artists. I read in another blog, that success comes from 50% of talent and 50% of networking. So I’ve been trying to meet other artists and look at as much art as possible. Creating a style all my own, has also been a huge focus for me. I want something that will set me apart from other artists, but still be versatile enough to be marketable for many different things. I feel that this month has been quite successful, in terms, of how much I have accomplished.