As most of the few people who may read this blog know, my main business is running a small graphic design firm. I’ve followed the same career path since I graduated college in 1991, each job getting me closer to this one. When I went to school, I didn’t know anything about getting a graphic design degree, it just was so perfectly aligned with what I liked to do- a useful and practical form of art and communication. Making money doing what I loved was a natural fit and I have never wanted to do anything else. The types of projects, variety of work and types of clients we have now are exactly what I enjoy most.
Despite all this, I felt there was something missing. A greater meaning to what I am contributing to the world (beyond selling wine if you can imagine). I believe I now know what I am meant to be doing, and how I should be using my time and skills.
I needed WDS to kick my butt and push me to break out of my comfort zone and take some risks. I know that I want to use illustration and design to communicate the issues and challenges that our food choices create for the environment, animals and our health. Most importantly, the future our children will face. Instead of making excuses, I will start somewhere. I’m posting 3 resolutions here to keep me accountable.
1. I’m creating a new website for this venture, and will launch it by September 1st, 2013.
2. I will start on August 1st illustrating concepts each day from a book I found especially meaningful. There may be some illustrations that will take several days. The most important thing is that I work on it every single day.
At the conference, there was a lot of talk about fear and doubt, and how to overcome it. What am I afraid of? At first I didn’t know. But, I think it is rooted in the fact that I don’t like confrontation, I don’t want to go against the grain. I definitely don’t want to come across as a smug evangelist. However, this means so much to me, and is about so much more than me, that I am going to have to move ahead regardless.
I’m admitting it, I care about being unpopular, causing discomfort, making people defensive. Possibly losing clients. I’m not a rebel, I don’t even have a tattoo or a piercing. (-;
Rather than take an all or nothing stance as to how we can make this world better, it would be better for more people to be taking whatever steps they can and move towards a more sustainable future, than a small percentage of people who follow every rule.
That brings me to the 3rd resolution. I’m going to start hosting meatless dinners at my house on a regular basis. I need to really plan how that will happen, but possibly I will have Meatless Sundays as a way to try different recipes and make it more appealing and social.
I hope you’ll continue to follow along, and knowing that, help me keep my motivation. I have bought my ticket to the next WDS to challenge myself to have my new project in full swing before July 2014.
Have a wonderful summer and see you soon!
Amy