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| Copyright © 2011 M.Kelly |
So, with 2013 still shuffling along on its hands and knees, I've had time to mull things over and reflect.
The one thing that has been paramount has been the declining financial flow through my work as a Sports Massage Therapist. I've turned to being mobile, so 'have car & bench, will travel' still doesn't seem to be improving things, and to make matters worse, I now have to sell the car - reasons for which, I won't go into.
Moving on, I've applied for jobs over the last several months to no avail. Why I am unsuccessful? I just don't know? It's been, to be honest, downright miserable, trawling through the web on job site after job site, discovering that the jobs I do want to apply for are beyond my remit due to the lack of certain 'certification' or appropriate experience (can't even get a job on a building site as a labourer any more, seeing as you now have to have to be certified in CSCS - I did look it up, but can't be arsed to type it all out. So long gone are the days where I could walk into a building site yard and ask for work and get it. Hell, the foreman on one site asked me to drop my CV in - for a labourer job!). Plus the two tears I've suffered in my right knee that will require surgery haven't helped to improve things generally.
But then, whilst browsing the various groups on Google+, it hit me. Like a bolt out of the heavens, like the proverbial light bulb above the head - DING! Book cover design.
Why not? I have a BA (Hons) in graphic design and a diploma in Art & Design, and being creative is what makes me the happiest. Why did I not think of this before? So I've been looking up online about this curious aspect of design. And you know what? I'm going for it. I've already got four brave writers who are happy for me to design book covers for them in order to get into the flow of things and cut my designer's gnashers on the task. I've never been this excited about something I've wanted to do for such a very long time. It's like I've had new life breathed into my entire being. I now feel like I have a purpose in life once again.
Due to all the other shite going on previous to this, my writing has been suffering, mainly due to the fact I couldn't relax and let my imagination do its 'thing'. So my apologies on that score. I've neglected my blogofs for that very same reason, so again, I am sorry - very rude and remiss of me. But when struggling financially and constantly searching for work, then being turned down for the most ordinary of jobs, I found it impossible to sit and relax to write, let alone enjoy it.
And this is me now - looking forward to forging a new path designing book covers, though still doing the sports massage in order to keep things ticking over. But I'm going to go freelance once I've spoken to the Welsh Assembly Government about the possibility of a grant to help me get on my feet and started properly.
Hopefully 2013 will be the year for us all, after that shamble 2012 turned into being. For all my wonderfully creative blogofs out there, I sincerely wish you a fantastic year ahead and hope all your endeavours are rewarded to your hearts content. Sorry for the wall of text.
Peace, love, health and happiness to each and every one of you.
Mx
9 comments:
Good luck w/ your new endeavor! 2013 has gotten off to a pretty rocky start for A LOT of people. It's pretty messed up. :(
Best of luck with your new direction. I genuinely mean that, and any financial help you can get will be very beneficial I'm sure.
Having been a graphic designer for almost 20 years I'm finding things very difficult at the moment. I'm on a lower wage now than I was 15 years ago and the freelance thing dried up as everyone kept the work in-house to save costs.
I'm concluding that the trick these days is to find a niche (as you have) and that is where you will find the work!
All the best.
OH, Mark, so sorry to hear about your difficult job search and knee problem. But, if it serves of any consolation, I've been looking for a job for 3 long years!!! Yes, I have a part-time but I want a full-time. The economy is NOT doing well worlwide. I have friends in several countries and they ALL complain about the economy and job search. Like you, I lack certain certification for certain jobs. :(
It's sad that even to be a secretary nowadays you need to be certified. That's crazy!
On another note, over the holidays I twisted my foot. On January 1st I was at the ER getting X-rays done. The Dr. says I need to see a physiotherapist and he prescribed pain killers. This medication is also an anti-inflammatory. On Tuesday, I have an appt. to see the physio. :(
You see? You would have gotten this job if we were on the same continent, LOL!!! :))
This is only the beginning of 2013, let's hope for the best. It can only get better, right?
Keep me posted. Wishing you all the best on your new creative venture. I think it's a great idea!
Thank you so very much, Jojo. I've always appreciated your support, and enjoyed even more your wonderful photography. I hope this years turns around for you and everyone else who has suffered in one way or another.
Sir, thank you very much - it means a lot to me, coming from a fellow gd. Hey, you know there's room for both of us to be doing cover book designs ;) - nothing to stop you doing the very same thing?
I can empathize with you on the freelance side of gd - the one reason I gave it up completely was due to folks under-cutting me, or clients failing to pay. The gd industry is very dog-eat-dog.
Appreciate you stopping by - the very best of luck with your blog and the painting, you've a real talent there, my friend.
Claudia,
My situation is nothing compared to some folks, and I'm by no means the worst off as things go, but everything is relevant to the individual. I'm not trying to sound like a whiney b***h, just, i suppose, celebrating my 'awakening' :)
My heart goes out to those who are really having it bad and going through rough times still, but I hope they find the strength to get through it and have it better on the other side.
Thanks again, Claudia :)
I wondered why you were so awesome at designing badges and whatnot...huh! Book cover design is a great idea. I would certainly recommend you / use you if I decide to self-pub.
Flattery will get you everywhere. Thank you, Elizabeth, and it's so nice to see you here again :)
Sorry to be so late in catching up with you, pal. Wishing you best of luck with the book cover designing! (And with 2013, generally.)
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