A Sneak Peak
I’m finding these days that instead of just being able to upload recently finished artworks to show what I’ve been up to, I have to actually write about what I’ve been up to. It’s very different.
As some of you probably already know, my current project is a large one. I’m illustrating a complete oracle deck of about 50 cards, which means about 50 seperate illustrations.
It’s a BIG job.
And while I’ve worked my way through a fair chunk of the work, I’m not yet able to share what I’ve been doing – I can’t only release the images after publication. So it’s going to be a while still.
The good news with a project this size (aside from the obvious benefit of stable work) is that I can really immerse myself in it. I’m noticing I’m learning a lot rather quickly, and have REALLY learnt a lot about speed and efficiency while working.
And I CAN show you some sketches and half finished paintings that didn’t make it!
June 17, 2010 Comments Off
Comfort! Yes! Yes comfort!
My cat has no issues with comfort
This might seem ridiculous. This might seem blatantly obvious.
But!
I’ve come to the realization that I should never under estimate the importance of comfort on my ability to actually get work done.
I mean, aside from the obvious issues of good ergonomics, I found I tended to overlook simple comfort.
And, often, overlooked good ergonomics too. But shhh! That’s all in the past!
But here’s the thing – when I’m uncomfortable, I’m distracted. But when I’m not distracted, I work better.
June 14, 2010 2 Comments
Strength in numbers
We all know about the importance of being part of an art community for support as an artist, and the importance of customer/client support to keep us going.
That said, some of the best support I’ve gotten didn’t come from other artists or even my clients.
Some of the best support I’ve gotten came from small business owners who know what it’s like to do it tough, and generously offered me a helping hand.
[Read more →]
June 12, 2010 Comments Off
Resolving my issues with motivation
I’m a little OCD. Ok, a lot.
I analyse everything with the (possibly slightly unhealthy) belief I can apply a system to it, tidy it up, organize it, control it.
And then maybe blog about it a little…
The good news this time, dear reader?
I believe I have finally figured out what, for me at least, causes a major motivation crisis.
Aha!
And, maybe, just maybe, forewarned is forearmed. And I can avoid pounding the desk with my forehead.
It’s all about motivational equilibrium!
June 10, 2010 Comments Off
Stretching the freelancing dollar (or, being a stingy bastard to survive)
Image by jpre86
Money as a freelancer is often, shall we say…sporadic.
One day week working on a job, raking in $1000, the next you’re twiddling your thumbs and wondering if the electricity company would accept payment in stale breadsticks swiped from that Italian restaurant a month ago…and if so, what the hell are you going to eat?
We’re all trying to save money, but the freelance lifestyle makes it especially vital for freelancers to learn how to bargain shop.
So how do you do it?
June 7, 2010 1 Comment
Storage!
Before I donked by head, I redid some storage behind my desk, in my little work area thingy.
Previously, I had left over old desk bits on cinder blocks and speakers.
But now!
Now I have left over old desk bits on cinder blocks and speakers with random reject shop mini book cases!
And the effect isn’t too bad, surprisingly.
It’s hard to get a good photo, because my desk and the lounge is in the way (half the loungeroom is a loungeroom, the other half my desk area)
and
and me, clearly insane and enjoying the new storage space:
April 15, 2010 2 Comments
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
