last summer, fresh out of high school, i moved to chicago from my hometown of flint, michigan to pursue a degree in graphic design. i had given the idea much thought and could vividly see my future career: graphic designer (and eventually art director) of my favorite magazine, Nylon. since then, i've been introduced to so many new things. i learned to knit at a local chapter of stitch 'n bitch last fall, i made my first zine at a workshop hosted by anne elizabeth moore, i started keeping a sketchbook, i dabbled in embroidery and collage and painting, and so on. i got to go to my first real craft fair (and then second, and then third...) and somehow ended up with an amazing internship at DIY Hards, a do-it-yourself sewing and screen printing business. i am reassessing my priorities: what causes do i really believe in? what type of company do i want to work for? what do i love and how can i turn that into my job?
these days, i have this romantic vision of two or three years from now, making a living selling things that i've made. my infatuation with the new wave of crafts is steadily turning into a love-affair. slowly but surely i'm making progress, gaining confidence, and proving my commitment to my fresh outlook on my future. working for a magazine is still a likely possibility, but now i'm more inclined to choose a publication that showcases things i really believe in: handmade not mass-produced, intelligence not vanity, and so on. next year, i would love to be able to say that i've sold something that i developed from nothing (whether that be on consignment at DIY Hards, on Etsy...wherever!). i would love to look back and see that i've developed into a more unique and dedicated artist, and that i've met many such artists in the process. i want an etsy, a future booth at craft fairs, all of it! this is just the beginning.
so what am i working on now? i'm excited to say that i recently signed up for the Red Velvet Art autumn craft class, and am working diligently on the adorable assignments laid out for me. i'll be sure to keep you updated on my progress along the way.
here is what i have so far for the first assignment, an embroidery hoop mini-album!
what about you? what are your dreams and visions for your future? what are you working on?
xoxo. melisa.
oh my gosh, melisa! this is so cute and i'm popping up and down in my seat. i'm so happy for everything that you've been able to reach in chicago, but it makes me so sad that you're not here in flint with me! making things together and growing creatively from one another. i feel you on falling in love with diy crafting and handmade goods and the best thing to do is to keep practicing. i have a similar vision to yours. i would love to have an etsy/booth/whatev for a living or heck, just for fun would be okay too. i've been embroidering and making felt owls like crazy lately, lady and i'm just beaming from reading your entry. i'm going to follow you on reader, bbgrl.
ReplyDeletep.s. i love that you follow redvelvet! elsie's such an inspiration.
wuv chu,
alyciiiiiia
i want to see what you've been working onnnnn! i really wish we lived in the same city, i know we would be craftin' together every week. i'm not surprised that we have a similar vision, i've always felt like we were really alike. it'd be fun to collaborate on something at some point! and yes, redvelvet rules. :)
ReplyDeletemiss you,
melisssssa