We’re collecting entries for the next issue of the Good to Know zine and right now the topic is about HELP.
Have you received support of any kind from your family, partner, your government, your school — in short, anything that has helped you further your goal? What would you like to advise others who would benefit from help and support? What would you say to them?
Email your thoughts to amy{AT}pikaland.com or use the form here to be a part of next issue!
**Stay tuned — we have a book review to end the week! 🙂
In 2005, I received a life-changing grant through the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council. Money from the grant allowed me to travel to Japan for 3 weeks and study shibori, Japanese fabric dyeing and manipulation, from master dyers. It was absolutely the best thing that has ever happened to me. The trip continues to inform my work whether it is a practical fingerless glove with three dimensional texture to an elaborate textile art piece with wild colors. I am very grateful for that opportunity and will always appreciate it. Thanks to the funders and grant-makers and taxpayers and non-profit admin and all of those who offered other kinds of support, too! I try to live up to and give back support in honor of you all and the passion that is now within me.
I have never received any help, I aim to one day become a full-time “real” artist (as opposed to a part-time graphic designer) so I look forward to hearing other folk’s stories/advice/suggestions.
Thanks so much for sharing your story Xmittens! I love that there are plenty others out there who are supporting artists the best they can. 🙂
I have been working from home as a full-time salaried designer/illustrator for the last 7 years. Although this job is seriously a dream come true! #1 because I’m a single mother (my son is now 16) and #2 all of the wonderful freedom that comes from working at home. But also because of the job I’ve become really alienated from other creatives and my work has slowly become mundane since in the last year I’ve taken a more management role, which means I do less creating – pretty much no creating. So this year, 2010, has been my year to kick off my new goal of becoming my own illustrator and work for myself within the next 5 years. I have not gotten support from anyone…yet, but recently I have started my own Meetup group titled “Bring Creative Back” – the group has not met yet but I’m hoping to not only get some creative support but to give it to other creatives in similar situations as myself. The dream is brand new for me and I would love to travel this road with any artists who are in the same place. I know that the support of other artists will be enough to motivate me to keep at it. Thanks!