Changing of the Seasons
First sketch in a new moleskine sketchbook
Those of you who follow me on social media may have already seen a story on Instagram or Twitter that I’m returning to a full-time job. I wanted to write a little post about that and what’s coming next for me.
In September of 2021, I left my job to pursue art full-time. I knew at the time it was the right decision for me. I had been feeling unfulfilled and creatively stifled for years, and I didn't want to look back on my life with regret. An amazing opportunity presented itself and I jumped on it. However, I learned the hard way that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. But, if I hadn’t taken the risk I would have always wondered.
Deciding to hang up my full-time art career was honestly the hardest decision of my life. Financial reasons played a small part in this decision but weren’t the main reason. If you took the money aspect completely away, I just wasn’t enjoying art anymore. My art became more and more about money and I hated that. I felt like I was creating solely for an audience and no longer for myself. Heck, I was even reluctant to experiment with new materials or styles because I didn’t want to “waste time.” I started to hate being an artist. Things had to change.
My art journey, especially my cubism work, had always been a way for me to protect my mental health. It allowed me to turn inwards and tune out the world while I created. Frankly that stopped happening. When my sales began to decline my art became solely about money. How was I going to pay my mortgage or car note? My family depended on me selling my art on a regular basis. Unfortunately, the art world doesn’t operate this way. There is no consistency when it comes to income. I would have really great months and then nothing for two or three months. Riding these waves became too stressful for me and my family to bear. It was most definitely reflected in my art and relationships.
About six months ago I started making excuses to not go into the studio to work or I would find menial admin tasks to do. This was the beginning of the end of my professional art career. After many discussions with my wife and a ton of prayer, I decided to return to a full-time job.
I feel extremely grateful to have found a good-paying job in this crap economy. I’m going back into manufacturing as a Chemical Operator. I’ve done this type of work for about fifteen years. Now that the financial aspect is off the table, I’ll be able to focus on what’s most important to me which is providing for my family and creating art.
I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to have created art full-time for over two years. I experienced so many wonderful things like traveling to Miami for Art Basel, participating in solo and group exhibitions, free coloring events for children, art festivals, and markets, along with making so many new friends. I also learned so much about the art world and myself. I do plan to share my experiences and thoughts on creating and selling art in future posts.
I’ve made some changes to my art business going forward. You may have already noticed that I don’t have original art or prints for sale on my site anymore. I’ve decided for the time being to stop selling my art and just focus on creating. I’m back to working in my sketchbooks, which has always brought me immense joy. I’m also working on my series of miniature cubist art. I do love my miniature art.
I’m not sure what the future has in store for me, but I’ll be sure to embrace it. It’s all about the journey not the destination after all. Thanks for taking the time to read this and for all of your support over the years. It truly means the world to me.
Here are a few highlights from the past couple of years.
Calming the Noise: An Adult Coloring Book
Calming the Noise is an adult coloring book featuring 30 beautiful hand-drawn designs.
Unlock your creativity and inner artist as you color these intricate drawings inspired by cubism. Prepare to be transported to a world of peace, relaxation, and imagination using colored pencils, crayons, pens, or markers.
