I’m doing it, Mom.
new studio - who dis?
The past few years have been wild. You were there. You get it. Remember the pandemic? Ooof.
This is where the record scratch comes in and I say, “So you’re probably wondering how I got here.” Now sit right down gather around the screen and I’ll tell yah.
I graduated in the spring of 2019 with my degree in graphic design, ready to take on the world full force but as everyone knows, life sometimes has other plans that don’t quite align with what our intentions may be.
Post graduation, after months and months of looking for entry level positions in an oversaturated market, I landed a production design job at a local print shop. In the back of my mind, I knew it wasn’t the job for me but I felt a pressure from family and friends to take any opportunity that landed my way. This job was my first slice of workforce reality. I was only there for 7 months but it was truly terrible for my mental and emotional health. I have never felt more lost and hopeless than I did in that short amount of time. Did I learn anything? Yes. I learned a lot but it was exhausting being there day after day. Finally, I put my notice in the spring of 2020, but, as we all know, this is when the world shutdown due to the global pandemic. Not only was I hopeless but for a moment we all were.
As my people realized, the shutdown was incredibly isolating and utterly terrifying. Despite this, I did try to fill my time with thinking about what I really wanted out of my career. I knew I wanted to pursue something more creatively fulfilling which is what my previous job lacked but I didn’t know where to start especially with a seemingly unending global shutdown. I grew up, as many do, being told that painting or drawing is just a hobby and not something that you can make a living on.
Later at the end of 2021, I began a friendship with a local screen printing shop in Minneapolis, specializing in fine art screen printing, design, and overall good vibes. In college, I loved screen printing so I was eager to get to know them and as we talked more and more they became my friends and essentially my older brothers. Through our friendship, they hired me when I was looking for work and taught me screen printing on a professional level. It was a dream come true because I was inspired every day by real art and I got to print it. This job really got me thinking about the possibilities - my possibilities. This was the first time I said ok, breathe. You can do this.
As circumstances had it, in the summer of 2022 I was offered a design position at an ad agency in Minneapolis. Thus a tough choice was thrown my way - stay where I was or move on. I really ruminated with this choice because I loved where I was as but ultimately my gut was telling me to go. My mom has always said to me, listen to your gut. Only you know what is best for you. So I did.
This kind of brings us to 2023. After working at my new position for a few months, I began to think back on what it was that I loved about my previous screen printing job (art, duh). I knew in order for me to pursue my dreams of being a working artist, I needed a space to work in. After a few weeks of searching, I found a spot in the Arts District of Minneapolis. Within a few weeks of signing my lease, I moved in to my very first studio space and thrust myself into the world that I had neglected for a long time - painting. This past summer, I even participated in my cities huge open artist studio event where artists in the area sell art and open their studios up to the public. (I’m doing it, Mom!)
This is my Aunty Dawn and Aunty Kim supporting me during the open studio event over the summer. Aren’t they cute?
I have been so unbelievably grateful for my journey thus far and I am so excited to see what is in store for me in the future. Moving into my studio has given me the space to reflect on what I want in my future and how I can build out my painting practice even more. I’ve even been thinking about going back to school! But that is a whole other blog post…
I am of the belief that everything happens for a reason. Sometimes, you may not know or understand it yet but I am glad where my journey thus far has taken me. And I am glad for the people that have lifted me up and supported me along the way. Trusting is hard but it’s how we get through the tough times.
Thanks for reading this jibber jabber. It won’t all be like this…or will it. Whatever. This is my blog, not yours. Don’t read it if you don’t like it. Peace out.
-J