I have painted very little since I left college. I was a painting major in college- until a last minute artistic U-turn brought me to graphic design. I had a slight panic about what if I didn't make it as a painter? What then? I had spent most of my life headed there, painting and taking pictures. I thought I could fall back on my photography but what if that meant being a wedding photographer, or something. (not that that is bad- just not for me) So at my brother's proposal, I took a few graphic design classes. It was fun, still felt artistic in many respects and could be a rewarding career.
Now 10 years later, I am a full-time mother and a part-time freelance graphic designer and enjoying it quite a bit. I enjoy the challenges of the market and the ever improving software to design with (thank you Adobe!) It can be tricky- as every mother knows, to juggle your time to parent and do work while keeping a clean home and some sort of relationship with your spouse.
But I can't help longing for a paint brush. Maybe it is just that is was such a significant part of my life- but I think it is because I really loved and enjoyed it. I like the smell of turp and oil paints (ok I know its not too good for you). But as your scent is your keenest memory- it brings me to long days in the studio, the quiet- even when there was music or other sounds, it seemed quiet. Getting lost in the painting, solving problems, wiping off what wasn't working. Stepping back to take a look.
I think about making time to paint. I want to - but where and how is another story. I will work it in- maybe when I make room for all the other things I am missing too- exercise, sailing - oof this list could get long, but I will keep painting at the top.
Now 10 years later, I am a full-time mother and a part-time freelance graphic designer and enjoying it quite a bit. I enjoy the challenges of the market and the ever improving software to design with (thank you Adobe!) It can be tricky- as every mother knows, to juggle your time to parent and do work while keeping a clean home and some sort of relationship with your spouse.
But I can't help longing for a paint brush. Maybe it is just that is was such a significant part of my life- but I think it is because I really loved and enjoyed it. I like the smell of turp and oil paints (ok I know its not too good for you). But as your scent is your keenest memory- it brings me to long days in the studio, the quiet- even when there was music or other sounds, it seemed quiet. Getting lost in the painting, solving problems, wiping off what wasn't working. Stepping back to take a look.
I think about making time to paint. I want to - but where and how is another story. I will work it in- maybe when I make room for all the other things I am missing too- exercise, sailing - oof this list could get long, but I will keep painting at the top.
I'm glad you are enjoying graphic design, and I hope in the future you are able to be creative. I think the work you've been tasked has been production oriented, whereas you'll get more freedom (and better results) with the ability to take more time and get creative. At that point it'll probably feel more like fine art than work.