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A fulltime artist? In this Economy? (a huge thank you)
4 months ago
General
AH HAHA so America is in flames.
This is not news.
But the job market is mmmm not very good where I am, and the next 4 years don't hold much promise.
I've been dangling precariously over the yawning chasm of unemployment for quite some time, but, since the winter of 2024, I've been held aloft by the surprisingly muscular (and glisteningly sweaty) arms of the furry community.
And it's only occurred to me very recently that it doesn't have to be a temporary fallback while I look for 'real work' like my parents want me to. Like what, grueling hours of retail work? Again?? Zero shade to those of you who are still in the pits, doing the work that is the very foundation of society. I salute you.
And I think it's been the working in that environment that's given me the wrong idea about drawing for money. My high school AP psyche teacher once said "if you really want to cripple your enemy, find out what he loves and pay him to do it". and I've been struggling with the idea of losing the one thing I love so dearly in exchange for my continued survival.
But in the recent weeks, I've found myself looking forward to drawing every day. Listening to my podcasts and audiobooks. Talking to you guys about random stuff, hearing about new video games, new music, new podcasts, new ideas. I get like... hugely overwhelmed seeing myself reflected in the hopes and desires of complete strangers who I've come to know more deeply than most people I've actually met. I'm actually crying, just thinking about it. None of the 'how do you do', 'what did you study', 'where do you work', it's like one conversation in and you're already meeting the core essence of the creature you're talking to. Humans on the street wait for like date 12 to get into some of the shit I'm discussing with some of you guys. It's so *easy*, it's so *freeing* to not have to do all the mental gymnastics of appearing normal. It's incredible and hugely validating. And that alone is more than any retail job could offer.
The fact that I'm also being financially supported is an insane bonus.
Every day I am shocked and enamored by the unwavering support that this network of the most curious, beautiful minds have for each other, and I'm proud to call myself one of you.
So here's the biggest thank you I can muster, I'm not even building up to asking for anything, I just want to express to you guys how full my heart feels, and that I couldn't be living this beautiful life without you offering acorns and cakes at my tree hollow in exchange for something I enjoy doing anyway.
Cheers to being unapologetically ourselves. Cheers to being strange and fun and awkward and radiant. I love you all so dearly ; v;
This is not news.
But the job market is mmmm not very good where I am, and the next 4 years don't hold much promise.
I've been dangling precariously over the yawning chasm of unemployment for quite some time, but, since the winter of 2024, I've been held aloft by the surprisingly muscular (and glisteningly sweaty) arms of the furry community.
And it's only occurred to me very recently that it doesn't have to be a temporary fallback while I look for 'real work' like my parents want me to. Like what, grueling hours of retail work? Again?? Zero shade to those of you who are still in the pits, doing the work that is the very foundation of society. I salute you.
And I think it's been the working in that environment that's given me the wrong idea about drawing for money. My high school AP psyche teacher once said "if you really want to cripple your enemy, find out what he loves and pay him to do it". and I've been struggling with the idea of losing the one thing I love so dearly in exchange for my continued survival.
But in the recent weeks, I've found myself looking forward to drawing every day. Listening to my podcasts and audiobooks. Talking to you guys about random stuff, hearing about new video games, new music, new podcasts, new ideas. I get like... hugely overwhelmed seeing myself reflected in the hopes and desires of complete strangers who I've come to know more deeply than most people I've actually met. I'm actually crying, just thinking about it. None of the 'how do you do', 'what did you study', 'where do you work', it's like one conversation in and you're already meeting the core essence of the creature you're talking to. Humans on the street wait for like date 12 to get into some of the shit I'm discussing with some of you guys. It's so *easy*, it's so *freeing* to not have to do all the mental gymnastics of appearing normal. It's incredible and hugely validating. And that alone is more than any retail job could offer.
The fact that I'm also being financially supported is an insane bonus.
Every day I am shocked and enamored by the unwavering support that this network of the most curious, beautiful minds have for each other, and I'm proud to call myself one of you.
So here's the biggest thank you I can muster, I'm not even building up to asking for anything, I just want to express to you guys how full my heart feels, and that I couldn't be living this beautiful life without you offering acorns and cakes at my tree hollow in exchange for something I enjoy doing anyway.
Cheers to being unapologetically ourselves. Cheers to being strange and fun and awkward and radiant. I love you all so dearly ; v;
Glad we can keep an artist as awesome as you afloat.
Keep being awesome
; v; aw thank you so much
you too
Still want to commission you and know I am still on your wait list while waiting on the other artists wait list who never opened back up this summer... We will see after September.
Thanks for being so patient
ANYWAY.
It might be cliche, but you do you. Obviously take care of yourself, make sure you have what YOU need, but if you are happy, don't try meeting the expectations of others. Meet the expectations of you.
anyway I'm rambling. You are amazing. I always get super excited when I see Pinecone art because I love it. Thank you :)
Right now I'm living in a house paying rent to my mom who is the landlord, but honestly that's pretty sick because she lets us paint the walls and dig up the yard and stuff, so it's kinda like I already have a house
so I'm actually vibing right here in my office/garage and life is... dare I say... good? DON'T JINX IT
*furiously knocks on wood*
and it feels precarious at best, but yknow what, if we can't appreciate the present, what are we even doing
it's good to be grateful for what you've got, and I'm doing okay considering
thank you for the kind words shelby ; v; you're lovely
Though I think I've too fluffy to be glisteny.
Hang in there, friend, the world will get better, we just gotta wait this bit out
weather it with our like-kin, stick together
You are amazing and your art is wonderful, here's to more success! ^w^
It's been a joy getting to work with you on some commissions, and here's to your continued success in the future. You rock, Pinecone!!
Thank you so much for your support ; v; I've loooved working on your stuff so far
Yeah it really is a treasure, I'm happy I stumbled in here and fell head over heels with furryism