Good afternoon!
Warning – About to talk career and future – my plan because I feel better when I plan things out and if I help or inspire others along they way then awesome!
Today (and the last week leading up to today) I have had the slow realisation that this is it; “swim or sink”, “now or never” as far as the career is in question.
I think No, I know that being in a creative career means you need a cash injection (which I don’t have) – or very generous parents or family (and the willingness to sponge)… Which I am not happy with even entertaining the thought of. This thought actually makes me feel uncomfortable.
Option one: if I stumble upon a graphics job or illustrations job I will no doubt go for it – but if I am lucky enough to actually get that job, I will carry on keeping my art and craft as a hobby, just for fun because I find it food for the soul. We all know the hours are not fun for us Graphic Designers, some companies expect you in at 8.00am and stay until the job is done which could be 5.00pm or it could be 11.00pm. I think you must have to really love your job and the company you work for to give up that much of your life, after all there is a whole world to see!
Option two: Get a job that still makes me happy, preferably around people so I don’t turn into more of a hermit that I currently am! Anything that pays the bills, but also keeps me happy. I think my perfect “calm” job is in a coffee shop. Maybe not a big chain, a small family business – or any friendly environment – four to five days a week, standard 8.30-5.00pm, home to cook a dinner, then relax creating typographic works of art, books, branding for friends and family or whoever wants it. A small and friendly home run business is my ultimate aim.
Equipment and Storage
So I have enough trouble organising my clothes, books, shoes and handbags let alone the art and crafts! I could easily fill another room! In fact that would be fantastic! A room to work in…
Ok so dream scenario and perfect outcome: Get a job, make do with the space for (up to) a year then somehow find a mortgage and move out. Preferably a minimum of 3 beds (you know, not to aim too high….)
1 bedroom for sleeping, clothes, relaxed environment, 1 bedroom as an art/craft (shared creative room for the other half) with a wall for a white-borad/cork-board to plan new arty ventures, space for an A3 printer, scanner, light box, paper storage and other deign essentials, and a minimum of one more for a spare room for friends or family to visit.
This is all before a medium sized kitchen – diner, sitting room and 2 bathrooms AND garden, garage AND driveway… I probably won’t get all of these but no one can stop me dreaming and aiming high!
So here is to loads of “Ifs’ Buts’ and Maybes'”! If you guys have any plans it would be good to hear what others are thinking after leaving their uni’s / colleges or just wanting a change in career.
Loads of hopeful wishes and big plans for the future!
Illustrate-Tor Signing Out xxx
Illustrate-Tor 