MAP 1: WHERE ARE YOU NOW?
A bit of background on me – I’m an art director. I’ve spent most of my career in interactive design. I worked at a relatively large interactive firm for 6 years and now I’m looking for a change
of scenery.
I’ve done some freelance on the side for years. Recently, I’ve been able to make small successful strides to do more of the work I want to do. I left my agency job last May with the intent to become a full-time freelance illustrator/graphic designer. I knew this wouldn’t happen overnight, so I took on some interactive freelance projects for some income. Surprisingly, the interactive work just kept coming in and I became too busy to work towards any of my illustration goals.
With the start of 2011, I took some time to prioritize what I wanted most, which led me here. I have cut back on my interactive freelance to work on 2 projects that I really want to be part of. I’m on a mission to make every project something my heart and my mortgage agree on.
As part of MAP 1, I have created a pie chart that reflects the percentages of the 3 categories (Good, Great, Bad) of work that consume my time. The good news is that this chart looks better than it would have this time last year.
In order to put this chart in perspective, I need to define the 3 categories.
Good
This category consists of many different types of work that range from really interesting to really mundane. For the time being, this is the stuff that is funding the great category.
Types of work include web design and production, print design, UX consulting, and more for large companies and brands.
Great
This category consists of projects that have potential to make a difference in the world. The difference can be small like providing the world with something beautiful to look at, or large like the ability to make search and rescue easier for backcountry adventure seekers.
Types of work include illustration, storytelling, strategy, concepting, interactive design, painting, teaching…anything it takes to make the idea real.
This is the stuff I get excited about. It offers personal growth and satisfaction.
Bad
This category consists of pointless meetings, fixing mistakes made my others, redoing work that changed after final approval was given, and unnecessary or extreme documentation.
In summary, this is a somewhat inspiring chart. The amount of bad work is less abundant as a freelancer. The majority of my work falls into the good category and successful freelance work has made the beginnings of great work possible. I’m looking forward to growing my great work and eliminating the bad work over the course of the year.