The life of a freelancer… part 2

Today I had the day off… or so I thought. I have been taking some days off from my full time assignment recently to catch up on the other things I’ve been working on. Today was one of those days I have “off”. And as the life of a freelancer goes – you must be flexible. So I got a call from an art director yesterday asking me to work last night and into today. Sure! I said. I thought I’d be able to do most of it last night, and still do the things that I had planned. Turns out it took longer than expected, and I worked most of the day. On top of that I had a funeral to go to, and I had to drop off some things to my friend’s house because she was having a party. A party that I was planning on going to… 

(sigh)

So there are some sacrifices that one must pay to be a freelancer. I must be flexible. Although this art director called me at the last minute, he pays well, so I try not to turn down work if I have the time. Along with being flexible I have to be resilient! I am now halfway refreshed and ready to do the work I thought I would get done today… (right after I write this) It helps that my friends are forgiving and understanding. I love my work, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I tried working full time and I wasn’t myself. I am me now. I like being me.

PS – I really wish I could show you what I was working on today, but because of confidentiality agreements and all that legal mumbo jumbo — I can’t. But I can tell you it was a digital illustration for an event marketing company. It’s kind of cool! You should see it! oh wait. you can’t.  :P

Ah the life of a freelancer!

I love the flexibility of a freelance career. I can choose my jobs. I can choose where and when I work, and if I don’t like the client, I can say “I’m too busy” or “It doesn’t fit into my schedule right now.” Currently, I actually am pretty busy, but I try to fit as much as I can into my schedule. I am on an assignment right now, working full time for a few months. I’m also juggling freelance jobs and commissions for greeting cards and portraits of pets, people, children and houses. Ever since my show has been up at the Arts of Tolland, I’ve had such a great response from the community! 

I met with a lovely couple today for a drawing I will be doing from a photograph when they were younger. I love being able to meet so many different people while doing this. Everyone that comes into see my artwork has a story as to why they are there. Some got lost and needed directions. Some were wandering around the green and decided to stop in, and then there’s others who actually came to see the art! Some art lovers, and other artists themselves. Either way, it’s great to talk to the people in the neighborhood and meet someone new at every turn. I need to make more time to meet people. Meet more people within the community, within the surrounding communities. 

That’s what this blog is for. I will be promoting my services and telling you more and more about what I do here. So stay tuned! I am, by no means, a one-trick-pony. How will everyone know what I have to offer if I don’t tell them…

Relay for Life Raffle!

Last year I did the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. It was such a great experience. Desiree and I raised over $4000 collectively over the course of the year and each walked 39 miles in two days. We camped out with the other Avon walkers, met lots of interesting people and had a great time! We had so much fun, but it was a LOT of work.

This year we have decided to walk in the Relay for Life at the University of Hartford. The walk is on October 3rd (less than a month away!) and my goal is to raise $400 by then. We decided our team name is Gotham’s Finest because of our love for the new Batman movie: The Dark Knight. 

These are four of my favorite pieces that I have created. The first two Can Music Save Your Mortal Soul and Serendipity are done in watercolor. The last two Sandman and The Frog Prince are created in colored pencils.

For every $10 you donate through my page to the American Cancer Society your name will be entered into a drawing for one of these prints. There will be one drawing on October 3rd, and the winner will be able to choose one of the prints I have listed above. There’s something for everyone! For anyone who has already donated money — your name has already been entered. Feel free to pass this info along to anyone you think might enjoy these prints! 

Click here to go to my page and donate to the American Cancer Society. If you don’t want to donate online, you can download the offline donation form and send it to the address indicated on my page.

So please click this link and help me reach my goal. Everyone knows someone who has been afflicted with this terrible disease. Please join me and many others in the fight to eradicate cancer.

Let me know if you have any questions you can email me directly or leave a comment!

Relay for Life

National Anatolian Shepherd Rescue Network

The National Anatolian Shepherd Rescue Network is an organization that helps rescue and place Anatolian Shepherds into good homes. They contacted me to do an image of this breed of dog, so they can use this image for T-shirts, or mugs. I have always loved dogs, so I jumped at the chance to try a new breed! And for such a great cause! You can read more about the Anatolian Shepherds and the rescue organization here. 

Artsake Gallery did the frame on this piece and the frame came in record time! Jen is so good at getting things done quick, (and high quality as well)! Here is a pic of the framed pastel drawing. I am having a silent auction at the Arts of Tolland. My show is open every Saturday in September from noon- 4pm. Feel free to stop by and write in a bid! The bidding starts at $100 and the bids are in increments of at least $25.  

Isn’t he adorable? Alex is drawn in pastel on brown paper. All the proceeds from this drawing will go to the National Anatolian Shepherd Rescue League. www.NASRN.com

Phew!

What a weekend! As you can read in the previous post, my show opened this past weekend. I was not expecting the wonderful turnout from family, friends and people from town! I mean, I expected people to show up, but I didn’t know they would buy anything!! I had a great time and met some wonderful people. Some of my friends even traveled from as far as New Jersey! 

Here is the sign out front!

The show continues every Saturday in September from noon – 4pm. I’ll be there in the gallery, come see me and say hi! It’s located at 22 Tolland Green.

It’s happening tonight!

After so much anticipation and preparation, my first SOLO show is opening tonight! I have worked really hard creating new artwork and framing them (with thanks to Jenny at Artsake!) I have also made prints of the pieces that are not for sale. I have created greeting cards for people to buy. I can also make custom greeting cards with a commissioned portrait or illustration. There are also a few pieces that didn’t make it into a frame for the show, but are still available for purchase — just search through the print rack to find some gems!

There will be wonderful music played by Zak Howard and David Chapman. We did a sound check last night, and they sound fantastic. Of course! The restored tin ceiling of the old town hall is great for acoustics!

Great food is being served and prepared by Brendan Chapman, the pastry chef at Cavey’s.  Who goes to Cavey’s and doesn’t get dessert? Someone who just missed out on the best thing they serve…

It is located at the Arts of Tolland, 22 Tolland Green (The old town hall). We are open from 7 – 9 pm tonight. I will also be open every Saturday in September from noon – 4 pm.

Thank you for all your support!!