Besides the weather being a bit schizophrenic here in San Diego (and not being able to make up it's mind whether it's sunny or rainy or temperate or cold), I've had a bit of a challenge making up my own mind on what to do next!!
Life has been a bit busy lately. I've got several projects on my plate. First, I've been working as an overhire costume technician for La Jolla Playhouse on their newly developing production of Little Miss Sunshine, a musical adaptation of the movie. It's been a hoot in the costume shop as we've made outrageous swimsuits and evening wear gowns for little girls in a beauty pageant... I feel like I've been working backstage for Toddlers and Tiaras for a while, but the dresses we've made are appropriately "Sparkle Sunshine Rainbow Unicorn Bright Power"! Those little girls couldn't look cuter. Really. They can't. As soon as I get some photos, I'll share them with you.
Secondly, I've been trying to plow forward on my Fairytales art project, but that's come to a screeching halt as I received an order for 8 satin swallowtail vests through my Etsy site. I've switched directions as a result, and my life has been about manufacturing these 8 matching white satin vests with black satin swallowtail lining in the back.
On top of that, a local costume designer, Shirley Pierson, has contracted me to make a 1930's coat for a production of Cabaret that she's designing for Cygnet Theatre here in San Diego's Old Town district. For those familiar with the show, it's the coat Sally Bowles carries in eggs and wine with, so the pockets are vinyl. I draped up a mockup for the coat, it was tried on, and now I need to alter the pattern so I can cut it out of real fabric and start assembling it.
Busy busy busy!! I'm working a lot now, knowing that the work will dry up come mid-March, and I will have time to focus my attention back to my Fairytale art project. I'm encouraged by what I've been reading in various art career books that this is what life is like as an artist--you get work where you can, and try not to become too distracted from your goals in order to put food on the table. It's exciting!
It's taken me a long time to finally come to the conclusion that being this busy with multi-various projects is okay. It's hard to maintain a clear sense of direction and focus on what you feel is important, but life for an artist is rarely ever completely centered on just doing art. Some careers are like that--more mainstream jobs. These allow a person to check in and check out after the workday. But art is non-traditional, and it's okay to call yourself an artist and still have a part-time job somewhere, or do overhire work somewhere, or contract out your skills to others. That's part of being an artist. And I'm inspired by reading materials that say, "That's what life is like for you. It's okay. It's like that for everyone else, too."
It's a roller coaster, but it's what has to happen to make art. Is this indeed what it's like for everyone else, too?
Until next time, Life Life with Relish!
Photo by Jeremy Atkinson via Flickr. Creative Commons License.
Life has been a bit busy lately. I've got several projects on my plate. First, I've been working as an overhire costume technician for La Jolla Playhouse on their newly developing production of Little Miss Sunshine, a musical adaptation of the movie. It's been a hoot in the costume shop as we've made outrageous swimsuits and evening wear gowns for little girls in a beauty pageant... I feel like I've been working backstage for Toddlers and Tiaras for a while, but the dresses we've made are appropriately "Sparkle Sunshine Rainbow Unicorn Bright Power"! Those little girls couldn't look cuter. Really. They can't. As soon as I get some photos, I'll share them with you.
On top of that, a local costume designer, Shirley Pierson, has contracted me to make a 1930's coat for a production of Cabaret that she's designing for Cygnet Theatre here in San Diego's Old Town district. For those familiar with the show, it's the coat Sally Bowles carries in eggs and wine with, so the pockets are vinyl. I draped up a mockup for the coat, it was tried on, and now I need to alter the pattern so I can cut it out of real fabric and start assembling it.
Busy busy busy!! I'm working a lot now, knowing that the work will dry up come mid-March, and I will have time to focus my attention back to my Fairytale art project. I'm encouraged by what I've been reading in various art career books that this is what life is like as an artist--you get work where you can, and try not to become too distracted from your goals in order to put food on the table. It's exciting!
It's taken me a long time to finally come to the conclusion that being this busy with multi-various projects is okay. It's hard to maintain a clear sense of direction and focus on what you feel is important, but life for an artist is rarely ever completely centered on just doing art. Some careers are like that--more mainstream jobs. These allow a person to check in and check out after the workday. But art is non-traditional, and it's okay to call yourself an artist and still have a part-time job somewhere, or do overhire work somewhere, or contract out your skills to others. That's part of being an artist. And I'm inspired by reading materials that say, "That's what life is like for you. It's okay. It's like that for everyone else, too."
It's a roller coaster, but it's what has to happen to make art. Is this indeed what it's like for everyone else, too?
Until next time, Life Life with Relish!
Photo by Jeremy Atkinson via Flickr. Creative Commons License.
Hey Corey, it sounds like you are having a blast with all the many fun things you have going on! Can't wait to see photos ... enjoy it all.
ReplyDeleteSusan
Thanks, Susan! I've actually been in my studio all day pluggin' away at the 8 vests... I'm looking forward to being able to focus on one project, but the speed and momentum I use to approach these multiple tasks seems to dwindle when I'm only working on my own projects... I'm going to try to figure out how to keep it going this time when my contract expires on Little Miss Sunshine. Simply keeping the sleep/work schedule I've had to develop as an overhire could go a long way to keeping me productive! We'll see.
ReplyDeleteI hope things are going well for you, too! You're 3D flower project you just finished is GORGEOUS!!!
Corey, there always seems to be too little time for my own art because I am always working on pieces to sell, so I know what you mean. At least you get to make a living doing something you lOve! Have a great week catching up on orders!
ReplyDeleteDiane
Yes, you're right, Diane--I am very happy doing what I'm doing that's for sure. It is indeed what I love! Thank you for reminding me that there are indeed many many more out there that don't get to do that--I am very lucky.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to be exploring some "mosaic-tiled attire" soon, so I'm hoping I can double dip in both my pools of art and sale items, coming up with something that fits both. We'll see. Your stuff on your Etsy shop inspires me to keep moving in that direction, because it appears so artistic! Thank you for creating it!! : )