Dreaming Big

When do we stop allowing ourselves to dream big? I think it’s when we start having self awareness and an awareness of being perceived. That was when I stopped dreaming of things like being an animator for Disney, or a fashion designer, or any number of other creative careers I tried on as a child. 

I have come to realize something else depression took from me for a long time, and that was my ability to dream. I was surviving from day to day for so long, I couldn’t have told you what I wanted to do next week, much less five years or ten years down the road. It’s something I’ve realized I have the capacity to do again, and that shows me how much growth and healing I’ve gone through, especially in the last year. I am finally dreaming again, and dreaming bigger than I have in a long time. 

If you took a look already at my updated “About Me” page, you may have noticed a new paragraph. I’ve been so bold as to name my dream career that I not only hope to make a reality, but can finally actually see a path towards fulfilling. If I could snap my fingers today and be whatever I wanted to be, it would be a freelance illustrator for children’s books, and a graphic designer for nonprofits and arts organizations. And the funny (and exciting) thing is, I think I can actually do it! It may be 5 years or 10 years or 25 years from now, but I believe I have the ability - and that is the most important thing. 

I’m also committing to myself this year to get more organized with my long term creative career goals, while also actively looking for full time employment to pay the bills, and working part time at the preschool. It’s a lot to juggle, but I feel optimistic in a way I’m not used to!

To that end this post is also a crowdsourcing request - I would love to talk with you offline if you: 

• Have any job leads in administrative/operations roles in nonprofits or churches in Atlanta, or remote work - ideally full time with benefits

• Have experience in freelancing, building a brand/business plan, selling a product or artwork

• Are willing to talk shop about how to pivot to graphic design and illustration, and market oneself

Please reach out if you think you can provide any advice or insight to someone starting out on a new creative career. 

I’m so grateful for my supportive community, and I’m excited to see where the coming months lead! 

<3