NVL's 2013 assessment

With a new year comes new goals. That's how I see it. 
That's how I see a lot of things, so there you go, I guess.


So I guess I should say that I was laid off from my job on Monday. I can't say I didn't see it coming. I've had a feeling for a while now. It was the kind of job that made feeling like you had job security very difficult. It wasn't anything I did and I know I went and worked and came home. The company had a knack for not making you care about it, at least it did for me anyway. I got a small severance and my vacation hours so I'll let that keep me for a bit as I get aggressive on where I want to be in life.

I'm coming to the realization that I'm going to have to devote more time to my own content. Like with NVL, I need to build an audience and attract freelance or an agent that way. I'm really looking for an agent, I'm bad at selling myself. But first and for most, content.

  • Flush out my animation reel. I've been making animation connections as best I can, and even though I have this illustration job, animation is my first love. 
This has been on my list since mid-last year. I really need to work on it now, and now I have the time and a bit of comfort to do so.
  • Put together a children's book portfolio. I've met quite a few people in the children's book illustration field over the last few weeks and I want to use that. I'm going to get back to my BFA and put together a new and more polished body of children's book work.
THIS is really why I need an agent. It's a very difficult business to get into, and I'm sick of being told my work is 'hard to market' and 'hard to sell'. I  think my style fits into game design (board and card games) and tween books and graphic novels. I'm going to focus on that.
  • Complete one of the novels I've been working on. Okay, I'm not a big writer really, but I do love a story. I've been working on and off of a fantasy story since I was sixteen. I want to finally finish it. If anyone would like to read it, I'll provide details later. I could use the feedback
I've got time and I've got a 600+ page book nearly complete. I'm thinking of e-publishing it and seeing how it goes. But first, I need an editor.


With all of that I'm still going to focus more on sewing. I'm going to work more on NVL, get the updated sites up, and see if I can make this working from home thing really viable. What else can I do. I just gotta keep going. Stopping means failure, and I got too much to do and offer before I do that, even if it's all an uphill battle.

9 comments:

  1. Good luck with connecting with the right agent to get your animation/graphics into the best place possible for you.

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  2. Sorry about the job--I know the feeling of insecurity while employed. It sucks. Good luck in all your endeavors. You have a lot of talent and I know you will succeed!

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  3. Sorry to hear about your job, but if it gets you something better in the long run, it's worth it! You are so talented, just stick to it and you'll get it done!

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  4. Wow, you have a big dog! We have one too, a mastiff mix, we think German Shepard, and he is huge. You've got some great goals and I hope you reach all of them! I enjoy your blog and all your great projects. Keep up the good work.

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  5. I would like to read your book and I have a 12 almost 13 yo daughter who devours books. If you are looking for input for love/not she would be willing to read also. We homeschool so she has the time to read to her hearts delight. Have you ever checked out Piers Anthony? Poke around his website but he likes to help new authors & has a dislike for the way publishing seems to work today. It might be worth a look.

    ReplyDelete
  6. paw/hand photo is super cute! ^_^

    Change is never easy, especially if it feels like it was thrust upon you by someone else, but remember you're not alone as you strike out on your next journey; all of us out here in internet-land are here pulling for you!

    ReplyDelete
  7. You've got some great goals there. Change is never easy and I wish you luck in achieving them. Love the hand paw photo.

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  8. I am very new to your blog. Just found it. Very sorry to hear about your job. It is never easy when something so unexpected happens. Although this is difficult to have to undergo you have a very positive and inspiring outlook and I am sure you will be a success in your chosen career move.
    By the way just wanted to say that I absolutely love your quilt. Love the subtle choice of colors and the pattern as well.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Sounds like you've got a plan! Good luck with moving forward - sounds like you are determined and that's a good thing :)

    ReplyDelete

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