Diary of a Freelancer

I've struggled with writing this post. How can I even begin to explain why I haven't been blogging, what I've been doing these last few months, and this wild range of feelings I've been going through. And I think the answer is make it as simple as possible. So here goes, the vague, I've signed to many non-disclosure agreements to tell you many specifics, explanation for my lack of blogging. I am currently working on two huge jobs for major companies (it's killing me not to be able to spill specifics since I'm so terrible at secrets!) and they could quite literally make my career. I am also working on my usual amount of commissions for other jobs so my workload is a lot larger then I truthfully know how to handle.

I think this phase my company is going through is known as "growing pains"... which in my humble and naive opinion is a phase of many mixed emotions. I call it growing pains because I have these amazing opportunities that I'm ecstatic about but I'm struggling to balance it all. I am still thinking "pinch me" but I'm also thinking "help! I'm sucking and gonna fail!" all at the same time. And I do know that if I can succeed and somehow figure out how to really make it all work and each and every job "sing" it will all be worth it

I can't wait to tell you more. And I can't wait to get back to blogging on a regular basis and sharing my work with you. But for now, I just want to say, thank you for the patience, the support, and the continued interest. I appreciate it more then you know.

Man Crates: Stranded on a Deserted Island

Have you heard about Man Crates Gifts for Men? I've pinned a bunch of their crates.... like this one and this one and this one... on my Pinterest Boards; Gifts for my Geeky Brother and Gifts for Him and I just think they make really awesome, and unique, man friendly gifts. This amazing company's mission is to end the difficulties that have long been associated with buying gifts for men. And I have to say with so many great options for guys with any interest and taste, they are definitely accomplishing that mission... just check it out... trust me ;-)

So this brings me to what I would include in my own "essential crate" or survival kit if I'm stranded on a deserted island. Since my priorities might be skewed at the moment with how much I've been working I have to say this crate they already have would be awesome. Their Coffee Ammo Can is right up my alley... but I think that might be the lack of sleep talking.

So in addition to that Coffee Ammo Can I think I'd like to make the most of being stranded, and I'm making the assumption I'm stranded on a tropical island and not one in the Arctic, and have these things with me as well:

1. A wide brim hat - I love the sun but don't want wrinkles
2. A beach towel - would serve for laying out during the day as well as a blanket at night, so VERY practical I think ;-)
3. My (fully charged) iPad mini - I have the cellular service one so in theory I would still have Internet which means all the iBooks I want... Plus I could have someone use the find my iPad app and come rescue me... So yeah that's a plus
4. A sketchbook and pencil case filled with pens and pencils - being an illustrator I always have a these on me so, for me, this is definitely a necessity.
5. An unlimited supply of cold drinks - maybe water... maybe margaritas... either will do

What would you include in your essential survival kit?!

Fall Wishlist

1. Leather mini (Another great, and cheaper, option here!) 2. Leather midi 3. A sophisticated shift dress (another favorite here!) 4. A great black blazer 5. Leopard print heels 6. D'orsay flats 7. Cool strappy heels (others I love here and here)
8. Backdrop earrings 9. Edgy cuff 10. Geometric necklaces one and two (another great and cheaper option here!)

I don't know about you but when I'm working to much nothing makes me feel better then a little retail therapy. So in the spirit of that here are some of my fall "needs!" I think number one on that list might be a chic leather skirt.

What's on your fall wish list?

A Picture A Day

Where have I been and how is it even possible that I haven't blogged in over a month!? Can I just tell you though it's been a whirlwind of a month and I have some really really exciting news. Like news that makes me think "pinch me" am I dreaming!?... BUT I can't tell you about it just yet ;-) I'll keep you updated and let you know more as soon as I am able to but for now here is a little peek at a sketch I did for this exciting new job that I can't tell you anything about. Hope you enjoy.

A Picture A Day

via: 1 / 2 / 3

Looking back and realizing how long it's been since I put up a new post on my blog it's a little appalling. I think this has literally been the longest stretch I have gone without posting since I started.

It's been a whirlwind of a summer. And I've kind of let work, and the potential for great big new work, take over everything else. But for now, I needed a break from my commission schedule and I needed to blog! I woke up this morning and realized I hadn't drawn anything for myself in awhile and I needed a little refresh. So above is my Fashionista Ballerina inspired by a few images I found on Pinterest.

What do you think!? Do you like her?

Hope things have been going well and that you have been having a nice summer and enjoy the weekend!!