Reflecting on 2024

Hello friends! Christmas is, quite literally, on our doorstep, as is the end of 2024! At this time of year, many of us reflect on the year we're soon to leave behind with anticipation of the new year ahead, perhaps more than usual. The course of a year can bring about a great deal of change; some good, some bad, unexpected change, long awaited change, and everything in between. Change can be a scary thing; as someone who runs to hit the panic button when faced with unknowns and disruptions to my routine,
I know this all too well.

If you haven't already guessed, this post isn't going to delve much into any art lessons, tips, or tricks, but instead I'd like to take this Tuesday (and Christmas Eve day no less!) to do a little reflecting of my own, if that's alright with you.

So here goes:
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January 1st 2024: I'm laid off from a job I absolutely love. For those that aren't aware, I've worked in the animation industry for the last 7 1/2 years, painting and designing backgrounds for animated TV shows across a number of studios, leading and supervising teams, and working my butt off for each and every production I was a part of. My career became a huge part of my identity, I poured my heart and soul into it. Sadly, the industry has been stuck in a downward spiral these last few of years following Covid (which actually saw a huge boom in the industry, believe it or not), and thousands of us are now out of work due to a lack of contracts. In short, it sucks. Big time. I wish I could say I've found work since then, but beyond a small contract at the beginning of the year, I have not. I've struggled greatly some days as
​I scan LinkedIn for any leads, hoping and praying I hear back from studios, and questioning why I ever pursued a career in the arts in the first place.

But like I said, it hasn't been all bad. That time off gave me the freedom to plan my August wedding without distraction, and I'm pleased to say it all came together without a hitch! Our wedding day was definitely the highlight of my year, and easily outshines any bad days along the way. *WARNING* I'm about to be super mushy for a  second: I cannot gloss over just how amazing my  husband has been through it all. He has been my rock throughout this entire year; the ups, the downs,  my worst moments, the self-doubt, and throughout  launching this new small business. Jake has been by my side through everything, encouraging me, building me up, comforting me, and pushing me in moments where I think I can't and he knows I can. I really do consider myself the luckiest woman.

Alright, that's enough of that.

This brings me to the launch of Charcoal & Teatime Portraiture! Starting my own business around my artwork has been a lifelong dream, but I've always been far too busy with my career to even really entertain the idea. I've taken on many commissions over the years, did a little teaching, and have done a handful of shows, but never saw much beyond that. So what better time to toss my hat in the small business ring and give it a go now that I'm blissfully unemployed at 31 (almost 32) years old? A couple of markets and a boatload of positive feedback and new connections has filled me with immense hope and excitement for the future of this little out-of-home business, and it's honestly been such a joy getting back to my roots in traditional artwork! I forgot just how much fun it is to create without a corporate deadline breathing down my neck, and all the late nights and stress with no promise of even having a job at the end of a contract. Now, this isn't to encourage dropping your 9-5 in a pursuit of liberation. Obviously having a steady income is the best case scenario, these days especially. It's a risk, and it may or may not ever pay off. But I'd kick myself for not at least trying to pave my own path, and maybe bring some folks a little happiness with what I do along the way, including myself!

It's been a year of learning, love, and growth. And a whole lotta change. But I'm thankful for every moment of it and all the amazing people I've gotten to share those moments with. So here's to a new year ahead, whatever it may bring for all of us. I wish you all nothing but the best for 2025, and the strength, wisdom, and determination to navigate whatever trials may come your way. And I sincerely hope you have your own "Jake" in your life, whether in a close friend, family member, partner, a beloved pet, or even in yourself!
​Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year everyone, see you in 2025!

-C

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