Art1st4786

2016 was one hell of a year for me - sometimes Hell in a literal sense.  I dealt with a lot of rejection and frustrations this year between work, family emergencies, and graduate school.

Let me begin by saying this: I was rejected from two different graduate programs - a Ph.D. in art history and even an MFA program.  2016 was the year I re-evaluated where my life was going.  I realized that while I do want to pursue my creative endeavors professionally as an artist and as a writer, I need a job that will allow me to do this without being beholden to anyone's demands.  Because of this, I decided to try to get into one more graduate program at the end of the year - this time in library sciences focusing on digital asset management.  I have library experience through my museum job and it's something that I truly enjoy doing.

I'm excited to say that I got into an online MLIS program and begin classes in a few days!  As a DAM (digital asset manager), I'll be able to get a decent-paying job that will allow me to pay my bills, put a roof over my head, help support my future family, and allow me to pursue my art and writing on my own time and on my own terms.  I don't want to be stuck in a cubicle all day drawing someone else's creations - I want to create my own worlds, my own stories, and my own characters!

Another reflection: my teaching career.  This upcoming semester will be the third one in a row where I have not been assigned any classes.  Am I upset?  Financially, yes.  Health-wise, no.  I've been a lot less stressed-out by not teaching.  It's made me realize that I really don't want to pursue this full-time.  I have fewer gray hairs now and I'm sleeping better at night.

I'm trying my hardest to get out of customer service.  While I'm good at it, I've gotten to the point where I don't care if I piss someone off for doing my job (Sorry, people should not be touching the art).  My IQ is dropping too much between what visitors say/do and what happens at work.  I need a job where I can come home and not feel exhausted at the end of the day for dealing with too much stupid.

On a more positive note: I have written my first novel and am beginning to illustrate it and work on the second one during my spare time!  I'm actively looking for a literary agent so I can get the darn thing published!  Wish me luck!

I'm feeling very positive about 2017.  While I know there will more than likely be some losses in my family due to poor health, I see this year as one full of new opportunities and experiences!  I'm actively looking for a new job, I'm excited about the classes I'll be taking, AND my creative mojo is back!  I'm drawing again!  I haven't drawn like this in God knows how long!

I'm in my 30's now, and I can't tell you how happy I am about that.  Still getting carded for alcohol aside, this is the decade where major events will happen.  I'll have a new (and not useless) masters degree, a new career, a husband and kids, and new personal and professional opportunities presented to me.  My 20's were for gaining experience and discovering who I am and what I want.  My 30's and beyond will be an application of what I learned in my 20's and so much more.

I raise my glass of wine to 2017 and to all of you.  May you all also have new and exciting experiences, and may this year be much better than the last one!