A New Beginning

In the past month I have taken a huge life step and put in the past the last almost 20 years in the food service industry to pursue my passion - being a creative. As a kid I grew up around a family of creatives from opera singers to painters and interior designers. In the back of my mind I envied those who immerse themselves in their passion and make a lifelong career as producer in the art world.

I am currently enrolled in the Graphic Design program at Seattle Central College where I hope to learn the skills and create the connections I need to succeed in whatever creative field opens up for me in my journey through this program. My excitement stems from learning so many things at once - programming, video editing, design, listening to the stories of people who have succeeded, and pinpointing what exactly I am good at. In the next five years I'd like to let go of the mental blocks that hold me back from pushing the envelope of what I can create and how I can mold myself by taking account my inspirations, those that surround me, and those that teach me.

In the coming years I would like to pave an artistic pathway to unlock my dreams as being considered a professional creative. My general dream is to be a full time muralist that has art displayed on buildings all around the world. The more local dream is to nestle into a design firm or art director position in the video game world. If I can't make a dream come true and become a full time artist, who's to say I can't I include another passion?

The first step in achieving my goal is to push as hard as possible through the downs, let go of everything that brings me momentary or short term pleasure, and focus on the broad spectrum goal. I hope to supplement discipline with a good amount of networking with people who have succeeded in the fields I might be interested, ask the right questions, and get my foot in the door in any company that I believe will help me build a strong base for a solid future. The only way I'll consider myself successful is when I can match or exceed my current income as a food industry worker and I will not settle for less.

Something my mom has always said to me - a squeaky wheel gets greased. Meaning that to make the connections I need to be successful is to reach out, communicate my needs, and be persistent until I find the result I'm looking for. As it stands the only hope I have for a future in this industry is to rely on my peers, my instructors, and reach out to contacts I have through family and other friends.

... to be continued!!!