Oh my…it's February already and only now am I writing my first blog post of 2015. Despite two months passing, I've not got much in the way to show of arty stuff to date. Between calling it a day as a freelance artist,
starting a normal persons full-time job and making cakes with mum, I've not had much time or energy to sit and be creative.
The decision to finish freelancing as a career was both difficult and very emotional. I was becoming increasingly stressed out by tight and unrealistic deadlines and chasing up payments often months after delivering the work. When the workload relaxed, rather than being able to enjoy some free time, the worry of financial stability would weigh heavily on my shoulders and I'd sit at home trying not to spend money.
One of my greatest weaknesses is lacking the confidence to 'sell' myself and my work. I've always known that this (and talent), was a fundamental requirement for being a successful freelancer and I've only myself to blame for not getting to grips with it. I also became upset by an endless stream of friends and acquaintances demanding favours (aka free work). You might think that it is in fact flattering to be thought of, however, the implication always was that ' your work is not worth being paid for'. Ouch.
I've struggled greatly with the overwhelming feeling that I've failed in my choice of career, but I'm slowly realising that it's far from being the end of the world. Maybe one day, I'll give it another shot and I'll be all the stronger and better equipped for the freelance life.
Apologies for the brief outpouring, for anyone still interested….here's to happier things and the odd few things I have done lately…..
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