Hey there, lovely readers! Today, I want to take you on a journey—a journey that spans two decades and countries, a journey that led me from the structured world of graphic design to the untamed realms of artistry.
But first, let me make one thing crystal clear: I had some truly lovely bosses in my graphic design career. This journey isn't a reflection on them, but rather a reflection of my desire to take ownership of my schedule and pursue a personal creative adventure.
Picture this: I found myself in the Netherlands, a land of new beginnings, a place teeming with change and super guttural and unpronounceable language for an Spanish woman with a tongue tied. A new house, leaving behind family and friends, and the whirlwind of settling my daughters into school while my husband embarked on a new job. It was a time of profound change, and amidst all this, there was one thing I knew for sure—I didn't want a boss anymore. I craved a wild ride, a creative adventure where I didn't have to report to anyone.
And that is how I took the plunge into the world of art, bossless lovely work.
My journey into art was more of a homecoming than a departure. I had a degree in Fine Arts, and those years of studying were pure bliss. It was during my master's degree that I opted for graphic design—a pragmatic choice in the '90s when job opportunities were abundant.
One of the most challenging aspects of the transition was shifting from client-driven design work to the uncharted territory of self-directed art. Gone were the days of concrete feedback and measurable outcomes. In the world of art, you create and you don’t know. Until you do.
Still, I had to answer the question: "What kind of artist do I want to be?" That took me a while too, for now I am a explorer, I try what I feel like and it feels great.
The creative process, surprisingly, isn't worlds apart from design. It's a continuous cycle of brainstorming, sketching, revising, and experimenting. While the computer still plays a role for me, there's nothing quite like the tactile satisfaction of working with brushes and paint, where mistakes and happy accidents lead to breakthroughs. I found solace in infusing elements of design into my art but so far they love each other so that is just fine.
Oh!. one thing: Creating art demands space! messy, liberating space. Finding a space where I could let my creativity flow freely was a game-changer. Yet, it came with the challenge of storage. As you can imagine, a house full of canvases and artwork requires an organized system, but one that still allows easy access.
Jumping from A to B without net was a now or never decision (now that I think about it took me 20 years), but it does not need to be that way. The income stream was unpredictable, unlike the steady monthly pay check from my design job. Commissioned artworks, freelance design projects, and part time teaching is a middle path that many artist practice.
Mentorship and constant contact with other artists, and curators, I realized, can be a compass during the transition, and in fact I personally think during the entire journey.
So, here I am, embracing my newfound freedom as an artist. I've faced uncertainties, but each challenge has been a stepping stone towards self-discovery. To those contemplating a similar leap into the world of art, remember, your journey may be uncertain, but it's uniquely yours. Embrace it, cherish it, and keep creating. The future is an open canvas, waiting for your artistic touch.
Thank you for joining me, and I can't wait to share more of my adventures with you as I continue to paint my way through life.
Take a look to my first paintings -already 10 years ago, I can't believe it. Time flies- after I turned my life upside down. These pieces have there unique story.
Now, I'd love to hear from you!
Share Your Story: Have you ever made a significant career transition or pursued your artistic passion? Write a note, I'd love to hear your experiences and how they've shaped your journey.