I am a graphic designer and my favorite commit I ever got from someone after I told them that I'm a graphic designer was "Wow, you actually make a living doing that?" Who does he think designed the label on the fancy bottle of wine he was drinking? Where does he think the restaurant menu came from? The throw pillow on his bed? Doesn't he know someone designed that pattern? And, as hideous as they often are, someone "designed" his tissue box! I truly believe some people think the things they surround themselves with (sheets, wallpaper, magazines, socks, wrapping paper, etc) are simply a result of people pushing magic buttons, simply pulling from existing resources to create these objects we use every day.
This is absolute truth. I have said for 16 years that my husband and I have benefited from being born at the exact last time to avoid certain calamities. I am 45, he is 43. We have constantly felt like Indiana Jones, just enough time to grab his hat and escape before the boulder comes barreling down the tunnel. It is a privilege to have timing on your side. There are certainly other stories we were sold that no longer apply, but so many people cling to myths of self-reliance and hard work to support their identities as successful people while others suffer and I'm over it.
Not to mention the fact that people our age (I’m a fellow 41-year-old millennial who finished grad school in 2008) should be in leadership positions by now and making policy decisions but aren’t because of a) stalled career development courtesy of all of the above and b) the fact that the older generations JUST WON’T HAND OVER THE DAMN REINS.
Oh my God. You’re so right! I got my BA in 2001 — job market was garbage. I got my MA in 2008 — no opportunities. I got a PhD but that doesn’t get you much unless you have some good networks and I didn’t. I never put that together before…!
That’s all bullshit, by the way, designed to blame poor people for being poor and convince people born rich and privileged they somehow deserve the wealth and privilege that was handed down to them.
I'm absolutely here for the rants about art's importance in the world! And also here to support a real life artist. So thrilled about your Society6 shop- I will shop there immediately.
My daughter who is 24 had an incredibly hard time finding a job in her field. She finally got a job in Bismark, ND in her field paying barely enough to make it. She knows she won’t be there forever, so is paying her dues now.
It really is odd that so many people don't consider that they are surrounded by art all day.
Regarding the generational effects... I am Gen X and the 2008 recession absolutely wrecked my family's finances and it took a decade to recover, but the pandemic did not hurt us much (our kids were grown and out of school, and we were already working from home at the time).
I did lose a sister during the pandemic, but it was from a heart attack. I'm so glad you are putting your health first!!
Sometimes I read your articles and wind up feeling so stressed out and all I can think is - thank God I’m not American! Life just sounds so tough and competitive!!!
I once worked for an American global financial services company and used to feel SO sorry for our US collègues because there was no work life balance at all. Could never get on the plane quick enough to get home after work trips and yet I love visiting the US for hols. At least they were very well paid.
I do find so many people in the US that are weird about their jobs - would sacrifice anything for their ‘careers’ and think job success is life success and it’s not smelly to flaunt it, and seem to forget why we work in the first place or what really makes a worthwhile life. Sorry if that does sound judgey about the US but it is kind of noticeable when you are an outsider.
I am sorry your existence has been so hard. It sounds really difficult and lonely. Well done for persevering and the shop looks great!
I just gotta say that you have gotten an incredible amount accomplished while feeling depressed and anxious! Don't sell yourself short. Can't wait to see what you do next! 😍
I am a graphic designer and my favorite commit I ever got from someone after I told them that I'm a graphic designer was "Wow, you actually make a living doing that?" Who does he think designed the label on the fancy bottle of wine he was drinking? Where does he think the restaurant menu came from? The throw pillow on his bed? Doesn't he know someone designed that pattern? And, as hideous as they often are, someone "designed" his tissue box! I truly believe some people think the things they surround themselves with (sheets, wallpaper, magazines, socks, wrapping paper, etc) are simply a result of people pushing magic buttons, simply pulling from existing resources to create these objects we use every day.
This is absolute truth. I have said for 16 years that my husband and I have benefited from being born at the exact last time to avoid certain calamities. I am 45, he is 43. We have constantly felt like Indiana Jones, just enough time to grab his hat and escape before the boulder comes barreling down the tunnel. It is a privilege to have timing on your side. There are certainly other stories we were sold that no longer apply, but so many people cling to myths of self-reliance and hard work to support their identities as successful people while others suffer and I'm over it.
Not to mention the fact that people our age (I’m a fellow 41-year-old millennial who finished grad school in 2008) should be in leadership positions by now and making policy decisions but aren’t because of a) stalled career development courtesy of all of the above and b) the fact that the older generations JUST WON’T HAND OVER THE DAMN REINS.
Oh my God. You’re so right! I got my BA in 2001 — job market was garbage. I got my MA in 2008 — no opportunities. I got a PhD but that doesn’t get you much unless you have some good networks and I didn’t. I never put that together before…!
So excited for your new shop ::applause::
Also quoting this because it's so true:
That’s all bullshit, by the way, designed to blame poor people for being poor and convince people born rich and privileged they somehow deserve the wealth and privilege that was handed down to them.
I'm absolutely here for the rants about art's importance in the world! And also here to support a real life artist. So thrilled about your Society6 shop- I will shop there immediately.
So true how we are all benefiting from an artist! Never thought of it like that before.
Love your Society6 artwork and you too!
My daughter who is 24 had an incredibly hard time finding a job in her field. She finally got a job in Bismark, ND in her field paying barely enough to make it. She knows she won’t be there forever, so is paying her dues now.
Love the new shop plan.
It really is odd that so many people don't consider that they are surrounded by art all day.
Regarding the generational effects... I am Gen X and the 2008 recession absolutely wrecked my family's finances and it took a decade to recover, but the pandemic did not hurt us much (our kids were grown and out of school, and we were already working from home at the time).
I did lose a sister during the pandemic, but it was from a heart attack. I'm so glad you are putting your health first!!
Sometimes I read your articles and wind up feeling so stressed out and all I can think is - thank God I’m not American! Life just sounds so tough and competitive!!!
I once worked for an American global financial services company and used to feel SO sorry for our US collègues because there was no work life balance at all. Could never get on the plane quick enough to get home after work trips and yet I love visiting the US for hols. At least they were very well paid.
I do find so many people in the US that are weird about their jobs - would sacrifice anything for their ‘careers’ and think job success is life success and it’s not smelly to flaunt it, and seem to forget why we work in the first place or what really makes a worthwhile life. Sorry if that does sound judgey about the US but it is kind of noticeable when you are an outsider.
I am sorry your existence has been so hard. It sounds really difficult and lonely. Well done for persevering and the shop looks great!
Bravo the arts!!! And down with the philistines!!
I just gotta say that you have gotten an incredible amount accomplished while feeling depressed and anxious! Don't sell yourself short. Can't wait to see what you do next! 😍