Back in the Saddle

Well, not yet. I closed my brick and mortar almost two years ago. Design was still my daily life during those six wonderful years, but I wasn’t working as a freelance designer much because the shop was busy. Yay for small business gift shop! So wearing all of the hats, I didn’t have a lot of extra time or really thought about keeping up with the constant new applications in the design world. I mean to some degree, but only on a need-to-know basis for marketing my shop. So now, after taking some time for myself – painting again, which has been lovely – I am looking for work in the design world or something where I can contribute all that I have experience with in past jobs, freelancing and running a small business.

Funny thing, it’s not fun. Rejection is not fun. Feeling overwhelmed is not fun. Trying to learn all that is required these days, sometimes fun. But the reality is I am a GenX’er – which I am quite proud to say. I loved growing up in that era, but now I am in that middle area. The area of your life where you still have so much to give, but maybe some don’t look at you like you have enough to give. I admit as I am learning the AI world (love and hate it), I have used it to my advantage with the resumes, cover letters, editing, advisement, which has helped me learn more about how to use AI ethically and smartly. It has been fun to explore what other types of jobs, aside from my years of designing, that would be fitting for me. It is in fact the same scenario back when I made the jump to start my own business and leave the fast-paced corporate world. And I was filled with joy. I have been learning so much more, yet again, with a career change opportunity. I still love to design, but I am figuring out how those talents and skills can be used other than the corporate world (where I keep getting rejected). I am creating my own job description. I am volunteering. I am still running my gift business (online) and now have the time to use these new applications to market it. I am searching in my lovely community for somewhere that I can contribute and collaborate and make a difference again in a new wonderful way. Not sure where that will be, but I am having fun exploring and being creative and learning.

And I am relearning WordPress, since I haven’t touched this personal website in a long time. Another thing you have to have (an up-to-date online portfolio) for applying to design jobs. So good things come out of every situation. It’s fun to keep learning and making things better. Oh and I thought about having AI look this over for editing suggestions, but nah. Not this time. This is from my heart.

So if you are around my age or any age, and having trouble finding a job and getting back in the saddle, create your own job description. Find who you are at this given time of your life. What brings you joy? Where can you share all of your wisdom and experience to help a business or organization in your community or start your own business? We all have gifts. And we need you, your creativity, your heart, your smarts to keep making a difference.

Old School Design

Oh the memories of old school design techniques.

In the old school days of design, we used toxic chemicals and sharp knives. It was a common practice to sketch your ideas out before heading into the camera room and typesetting the copy. After these steps, plus do-overs, you had what you needed to put together your presentation. You had to have some incredible raw talent since there was no computer software to do it for you. Maybe you hired a professional photographer or illustrator and added in your art direction. Growing through those old school methods and being a part of the transition from hand-creating to computer-generating is like no other experience. Using an incredible machine, the Apple (now MacPro), to play and explore and be able to make more mistakes and have more time on my side and to learn.
Thankfully the chemicals are gone (not the sketching). As a result of years of sitting and staring at a computer for long periods of time, I now have chronic neck issues and fuzzy eyes. Lesson learned – take more breaks. It’s amazing to see today how the social media platforms have blown up and how fun it is to take photos, and create quickly in an ever-changing, fast-paced world. And then sometimes… I stop and sit and draw or paint and getaway from it all. 
Read more from this article.

Positive Wellness

wigwam_paddleboardyoga
Getting ready for SUP restorative yoga class

This past weekend I attended a wellness retreat in Atlanta called the Wigwam Festival. You could attend one day or both days and choose your classes from yoga, paddleboarding, inspirational talks, healthy eating, and more.

The first day I was there, I was actually there as a vendor for thehugbox. The second day I chose to play and be a participant. I met some amazing ladies (vendors and participants) and even a couple of very nice fellas, one of which was a circus performer and taught me how to hula hoop and another who was giving away free organic Runa tea. The day surrounded me with talent, positivity, bravery, individualism, vulnerability, strength and simple fun!

Attending this event was great timing for me. It’s funny how the people I meet and the conversations that pop up happen when I need reminding of how to live life to the fullest. By fullest, I mean taking care of yourself, which lends to being able to take care of others even more. One of the talks I attended was about Mind Chatter and the negative thoughts that run through our heads. I’ve heard it before and they will keep saying it again and again… positive thoughts and actions keep life happy. It’s the daily reminder part and habits you form, the quick stop and think before you speak or do moments that are the hardest–to grasp the positive energy and rid of the negative. We all have bad days, but to be able to snap out of that bad mood as soon as possible and not let it reflect on ourselves and then others is the challenge. The speaker gave us a carabiner with velcro strips (with a place to write that negative area in our life we wanted to work on getting rid of) that would hook onto our keychains or everyday bags so that we could quickly ‘rip’ the negative away when it popped in our heads. Then as I was watching the Today Show this morning, they had a segment on the same thing! Wellness week and how everyone is too busy for an elaborate plan to be well. So they came up with practicing One Small Thing a day. Ironically, Mindful Monday was positive affirmations. They suggested setting timers on your phone that said: Today, I choose to be: [grateful, calm, motivated, etc.] and to wear a rubberband on your wrist (with the positive affirmation) and whenever a negative thought popped in your head to snap the rubberband. Well… I am doing all of the above. And I shared it with a friend of mine, who has been going through some tough days lately. She was just talking to me yesterday about all of the negative thoughts running through her head and not taking time to take care of herself.

It is a busy, unexpecting world, which of course can bring on bad things. Stop and smell the roses is for real, for your health and happiness and those around you. My thought and action… a hug a day keeps the blues away, even if you are hugging yourself.