As I venture into full-time artist mode, I want to get into the habit of sending little newsletters that aren’t behind a paywall. So let’s say today is the beginning of that new habit.
For years now, I’ve formed friendships with creative people over coffee/tea meet ups. At some point, I or the other person reaches out and we meet to talk about whatever it is that’s top of mind, usually resulting in some conversation of the creative life. This time spent talking to other people who make things and have that itch has proven to help me think through my identity as an artist.
During my time living in a city with regular art events and receptions, I always wanted to make an appearance, but those settings are loud and I felt insecure being there. I’ve not really been a gallery artist, and despite having studied art, I have often fumbled in my ability to talk about anything.
But the one-on-one time to talk with someone else who has felt as I have in some way, at some time, is my preferred way to connect the dots in creative practice and community. And also, the wonderful friendship forming. Can’t leave that out!
Over the last year and a half, my partner and I moved (again) and I started working 100% from home. No more in-person touch points from my cute art supply store job or high-stress project management job. And during this time I really focused on how I can live my life the way I want to — as a goddamn artist.
And so, last summer I organized my own cartoonist retreat up in the north Georgia mountains, inviting cartoonists from the southern regions of the states so hang out in a cabin for a long weekend. As always, my desire to bring artists together has primarily been a selfish one. I want to keep the company of creatives. But, outside of my self-centered desire for connection, the result and impact of bringing cool creatives together is long-lasting.
After leaving this retreat, my once long internet friend and now real life friend Cheyenne Smith introduced me to Julia Cameron’s the Artist’s Way. Jump cut to 12+ weeks later and I completed the journey with the help of Cheyenne and Robert Zant. And now I am beginning to live out the things I wrote on paper. The manifestations, the woo-woo, the literal emotional panic of “is it totally insane to quit my full-time job?”, and sound budgeting, have helped me arrive where I am today. A part-time day job worker and a full-time artist. It is week 2.
Looking back just a year ago, I already achieved five of these wishes. A few more are in progress, and some of them are things I can literally do but I hadn’t believed in myself at the time. Whatever your personal spiritual alignments may or may not be, I am not here to tell you wish magic is real. But ideas can be actualized.
It’s only gently terrifying to be following your dreams. I have no idea what will happen, but I have an idea of what I would like to have happen and I feel open to whatever opportunities may come. I take great comfort in a supportive partner who can help me do my taxes and make a spreadsheet. And I feel more confident in my drive to be a better artist, a lot of which has stemmed from me and with the help of my creative friends and peers.
Make time to meet up with a creative friend of yours. You don’t have to talk about art, but maybe it will come up. I remember when I asked my friend Julia Lipovsky about her journey into full-time art, and feeling like an absolute dingus telling her that I wasn’t sure I could do it. Thankfully, the people outside of me can see what I don’t, and she had confidence in me.
The conclusion of my musing for today is that the company you keep as a creative is important. People outside of you have something very important to offer you, which is perspective. But being kind to the company you will spend the most time with, yourself, is crucial to self-actualizing. To get shit done. To write it down and draw it out. You’re the only one who is with you from the womb to the tomb, so you have to get used to that critical voice inside your head and learn how to talk yourself up from the insecurity and the muck.
Lastly, give back to those who give to you. I am a big believer of what goes, around comes around. I feel that the time I have spent with friends, talking with them at the various high and low moments in life, has fed me when I needed that company. When I find a cool opportunity, I share it with the right person. And when I am seeking an opportunity, it finds its way to me.
If you would like to support my creative endeavors, consider subscribing as a Pain Seeker on Patreon or Substack for $5/month. Ya get a neat monthly zine in the mail and more behind the scene updates.
Or consider hitting my line for a commission inquiry! I got a healthy portfolio of work on my website and social media. I love working with musicians, I also enjoy cartoon portraits, pet portraits, and other weird ideas that you may have. I have a few projects on deck right now with Fall deadlines, but am gearing up to take select slots for the holiday season so now is a great time inquire.
a mild pain is annoying but interferes little
with activities of daily living
