It Was A Very Good Year

Yesterday I woke up in the middle of the night and couldn't fall back asleep. For some reason, my mind wandered back to the job I had before I entered art school, and I remembered how utterly miserable I was there.

I worked in a cubicle under fluorescent lights, doing incredibly repetitive, mind-numbing work. Most of the job consisted of pushing one of two buttons: "approve" and "reject." I had a good boss and kind co-workers, but the work itself taught me the true meaning of the phrase "bored to tears." When I took my legally required 15-minute breaks, I would often walk outside the building and cry because I was so bored. It sounds silly, like a first-world problem, but that's how it was. I had headaches every day. Using a post-it note, I covered up the clock on my computer screen, because otherwise I would look at it too often and the minutes would creak by.

That's why, once I decided to go to art school, I threw myself into it 100%. I was so incredibly grateful to get away from that job, and to have purpose in life, that I was determined NOT TO SCREW THIS UP. I was going to learn everything. I was going to excel in all my classes. I was going to ask all the questions and enter every contest. Anything to make sure I never again had to work a cubicle job.

That was about two and a half years ago. Even with all my hard work at school, I didn't expect to be doing as well at illustration as I am today. I am so grateful to be doing work that is creative and challenging, that makes me feel like I have something unique to offer. I even hope that I am doing some good in the world by creating art that encourages children to read.

I am also grateful to all you blog readers. Thank you for reading and for commenting, for sharing my posts and offering words of encouragement. Hearing from you guys brightens my day.

I hope you all have a good New Year!