More to life
A lot of shitty things have happened to me in 2010.
A lot.
2010′s latest gift to me (a concussion and a cracked cheekbone) caused a friend to suggest that this is the universe telling me I need to slow down.
That I’m working too much, and I need to look after myself.
I thought about this for a bit.
I actually don’t think, as far as illustrators go, I DO work that hard. Do I?
I mean, usually get up and am at my computer by 9. And I’m usually there at 6pm. 7pm. 8pm.
But I DO take breaks. I check the PO Box. I go for a walk. I go out for coffee.
I even spend some time every evening watching some DVDs or documentaries with Seth.
I mean, sure, there’s never a day I DON’T fire up the computer and at least check that no clients have sent me urgent messages. Or maybe just tweak a painting for 15 minutes or so.
And a few weeks ago, when I had a whole weekend away from my computer and work, I almost had a panic attack about it.
I know that’s not healthy, but hey, I’m an illustrator. I’m freelance.
It’s hard!!
It comes with the territory. Suck it up princess and get to work.
Still, it’s been on my mind. So today I asked Seth:
“Do you think I work too much?”
“Yes”
“I…oh. Yes? You don’t even need to think about it?”
“No. Yes. I told you that before. I keep saying you’re spending too much time at the computer.”
“But it’s where my work is!!!”
“I know.”
My initial response was to feel anger.
Don’t people understand what my job is? That I’m a freelance illustrator and designer? Don’t people know how hard that is? Don’t people know what odds I’m up against? Don’t they understand that there are more neurosurgeons about than full time illustrators? Do they know what that means, and how much time it takes to be able to reach that level?
Don’t they care?
And you know, I realise, the answer is no.
No, they don’t care about that.
They care about me.
They couldn’t give a rat’s if I make it into this competition, or that one. But they sure as hell do care when they see somebody they care about hell bent on obsessively working themselves to death.
And while it might not be a heavy workload by ‘industry’ (I despise that term) standards, it is by sane people standards.
I guess I would do well to remember that.
And I guess it might not actually hurt me to unplug my computer one day a week for some rest and recovery and…dare I say it…relaxation?
I’m going to give it a go.
April 14, 2010 3 Comments
Beware the SCOPE CREEP!!
Scope creep can be the bane of the freelancer’s (any freelancer’s) existance.
What is it?
[Read more →]
March 25, 2010 2 Comments
How a web design goes straight to hell
A link worth checking out.
How a web design goes straight to hell
I can related both as a web designer and as an illustrator.
March 24, 2010 Comments Off
And now – Painting In Real Time!
It seems I’m going nuts with the video software I downloaded.
This is my first go at uploading a video of me painting in real time, and talking as I go.
Don’t get to excited – the conversational content is pretty bad.
But!
It does give fantastic insight into how boring painting all day can be.
I had to upload it in two parts, as apparently time got away from me once I started.
Part 1
Part 2
If people actually find these interesting or useful, I’ll make sure to do more. The software I’ve gotten makes this ridiculously easy, and I’m never short on stupid tedious shit to say!
And hopefully the quality will improve as I go too. The audio quality leaves a LOT to be desired, but to be fair, I was using a roll of toilet paper as a mic stand…so….that.
March 17, 2010 2 Comments
Time Lapse!
I recorded my first time lapse painting video today, and thought I’d share.
Unfortunately it took me a few minutes to realise I could adjust the settings to better suit what I was doing, so the start is a bit skewed and poor quality.
Still! I’ll know what to fix for next time, and I figured I’d share it anyway, since I can hardly go back and repaint for a second take.
As usual, I’m working in photoshop. Actual painting for this segment took about 30-45 minutes. I estimate hours being left to do. Hmm.
More (and better quality) videos coming soon!
March 17, 2010 Comments Off
Get your mojo workin’ (or CPR for the muse)
A conversation today got me to thinking about just how effectively turning professional with art can kill your muse.
Previously, my art moods and inspiration would flit in and flit out, and I’d go with them, painting as I pleased. Now I sit down, coffee in hand, every single day, and somehow I just assumed my muse would do the same.
Not so.
Sometimes my inspiration – my art mojo, if you will – flips me the bird and goes off drinking with his buddies. Sometimes he hangs about, props his dirty feet up on the furniture and says “What if I refuse to work today, then? Huh? Whatcha going to do about it?” while I try to ignore him and hunch further into the computer, jam my fingers in my ears and try to type with my elbows.
Sometimes, there’s nothing you can do about this. Mr. Art Mojo is a real jerk sometimes, a poor house guest and a thoroughly awful business partner.
Nothing you can do but keep turning up and doing your part of the work – if he won’t help, that’s his fault. At least you’re turning up for the job.
Sometimes though, there are things that I find help me get back into it. Here’s a list of the random (and sometimes little odd) things I do to try to get the wheels turning again.
March 1, 2010 1 Comment
Should you quit your job?
Zoe Keating talks about quitting your tech job to become a musician.
So much of this also applies to being an artist. The decreased income and not seeing friends in particular.
March 1, 2010 Comments Off
