Do you ever feel like you are spreading yourself too thinly?A while ago I made THIS POST and told you that I was trying (hoping) to carve some kind of career, and living, from illustration. I still work towards that goal every day. I also work the day job. I'm one of the growing number of 5-9ers - people who work the day job then go home and put a few more hours (from 5 -9) into building their own small business. Although I never ever finish at 9. It's lucky I don't have a life.
And, when you have to do everything yourself it all seems to take up so much time. Whether that be answering emails or packaging and sending things out in the mail, it all takes time. Then there are all the other little projects I have taken on. Like my children's book blog. I'm so glad I've started it, I'd been wanting to for so long, but, for now, it'll just have to plod along at it's own pace.
This is not a complaint in any way, it's just an observation. I love what I do more than anything. It's that sometimes you get that feeling you are spreading yourself too thin. And, finding the time to sit and immerse myself in a drawing seems to be getting squeezed out of the picture.Hopefully one day all the hard work will pay off. Hopefully I'll find the balance and continue to make the drawing time. I need that time. To keep on drawing and posting here. Because this place, THIS blog, feels like home.
You can see the rest of the artwork from this book (just another little project) HERE.
15 comments:
Hang in there... things balance out. Your art work is wonderful!
I've been following your work for some time now, and I really hope feel less overwhelmed soon... Your work is really beautiful, and I really like to see it.
I've only one thing to say...
you have superb patience!!!
i think things go in spirals. one day i may stop drawing or writing or reading, all things that i feel edify me and help keep me sane, for weeks and months, and i worry about it never coming back. but it always comes back sooner or later.
I had no idea you worked a full time job as well - you produce an anstonishing amount of work with that considered! (all of which is beautiful I might add)
I could totally understand your situation Andrea. =) It's been my dream to do anything creative since I was 15-16 and I am still stuck with my engineering job, and even worse now that I am unemployed while waiting for paperwork. You're right that sometimes it does feels like home here. Unfortunately it will probably take forever to be noticed if we don't go out there and grab the opportunity to be noticed.
I am not sure what to tell you or which direction I am at, all I could say is that do what makes you happy, live how life is meaningful to you. =) All the very best.
Thank you all, folks.
You are kind.
Cheers.
Your work certainly does not show frustration. Each piece is a joy and a lesson to me of what can be done. Hopefully the "break" will come and you can do art from 9-5!
I can't believe illustration is not your main job. Your work really does look like it. Keep going! With your incredible talent you'll definitely get there!
I love every single one of your drawings. ♥ ♥ ♥
I TOTALLY understand what you are talking about!! Lately, I've had to take myself by the collar and say, "Jen, you MUST tend the garden of your art...be ruthless about having time to draw and paint! BE the artist you want to be and let the professional part of it come when it will. Without making art, the living will not be there." Cheers to you Andrea!
From a purely selfish perspective I sure hope you keep up the hectic life. I love your art. But I'd understand if you cut back, too. I'm considering a 5 to 9 type pursuit but sure don't want to give up that much free time, but I'm still tempted. Glad to see I'm not the only one pondering the pros and cons.
Thank you, guys.
I'm glad to know others are feeling the same thing. Actually, that sounds awful. I'm not glad to know there are others struggling, but well, you know what I mean!
All I can add is, just keep on truckin. It is the most rewarding thing. Even when it feels difficult. And, anyway, what else can we do?
Thanks for the kind words. It means a lot.
You'll make it. If anybody should make a good living out of illustration, it's you. It's all too good to not get noticed and make you rich and famous :)
Andrea, I sooo know what you mean about spreading yourself too thin. Whenever this happens to me I know something has to go, and annoyingly it's usually something i like. There are only so many hours in the day and my philosophy is 'you can only juggle so many balls at once' Hope things get better soon. Don't drop the balls!! Keep on with your amazing work, and thanks for sharing it with us all x
Andrea, I sooo know what you mean about spreading yourself too thin. Whenever this happens to me I know something has to go, and annoyingly it's usually something i like. There are only so many hours in the day and my philosophy is 'you can only juggle so many balls at once' Hope things get better soon. Don't drop the balls!! Keep on with your amazing work, and thanks for sharing it with us all x
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