I'm thinking and planning and fretting right now exactly like I did a year ago. I remember last years worries so vividly; a new son and too much work.
Career wise the last 2 years have been rocky and full of ups and downs.This past year in particular; I had a son, the economy looked very grim and we had a big move halfway across the country.Being who I am its the failures Iremember clearest. The thing that tripped me up most was panic.I took on too much, worked really hard, missed out on valuable family time and it didn't feel worth it. So the lesson to me is don't take on too much and choose the things you really want to do, not what I feel I should do.
Next year looks incredibly promising.
I have some really exciting work lined up and a plan. I plan to keep the big projects to a minimum. Two, maybe three projects over the year and find an art rep to handle my commercial work. I'll figure out how to make a living at this yet. This year, I hope!
Best wishes to you as you line everything out. I hope that your workload is easily manageable and brings in the funds so you make a great living!
Oh! This is nice advice, ill remember it. Have a happy new year! And wish you the best success in your plans. :)
I'm also still trying to figure out if I can make a living of this... but I'm sure things will work out well eventually! :)
i wish you every success. my ex-husband was an illustrator and it's a tough way to make a living, but a wondrous way, too, and it's clear you've got some amazing talent and a myriad of ideas so i'm sure you will reap your just reward very soon! happy new year!
p.s. i had a son this year as well! ain't life grand?
Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!
Now I understand why, at times during 2009, you were overly defensive with your blog comment responses. I hope 2010 brings you peace.
Rock on, brother!
=s=
Happy 2010 to you Eric and your family! Looks like you have a great plan for the coming year. :)
Hi Eric- Happy New Year to ya! That IS the struggle isn't it? Balance...and for me it's being too optimistic about what I can take on and then not planning for all of those things you KNOW will pop up...those things you need a little buffer for. Family is so important...but family needs moola AND time etc. and you need to keep your balance and take care of yourself to have the energy for family and creative work...and creative work is so different from crunching numbers or other quantifiable sort of work because it needs to be fed in a certain way and it needs to have the space to develop ...I still haven't found the balance...It is always interesting and challenging... Anyhow- you do GREAT work and you are only just beginning- I can't wait to see what you come up with in the next years!