I create because I love it. This is something I believe very strongly in. It might not always be the popular path, or the most lucrative financial path… but I do my best to live, and work, in a happy place.
I often get questions about how I got where I am or how someone can do what I do… and the thing is that’s the wrong question. The question should be of yourself: what path do you want to try? What risks are you willing to take? Where is your heart, what is it you do best?
It has been a while now, but I’ve not applied for nor am I currently on any design teams, any work I do with any manufacturer at this point is freelance and pretty random. Sometimes I panic – I’m not part of a team – can I even do that?! 7 years ago if you’d told me that I would be choosing to not apply for teams, that I’d choose to step down from teams and just go solo I would have told you that is madness! No way!
Way.
I’m not saying “never” to the idea of being back on a team – if the situation was right I would get back into it for sure. For now I’m just enjoying this path. It’s scary actually. In a good “I think I’m doing something right here and this is a good idea…” way. To not report to anyone, to not have assignments, to just do my own thing. There’s a kind of security in being a part of a team, to work for a company.
One thing? I’m totally free creatively. I support the manufacturers I love, I create and mix and match as I please, and I share my findings and crafty ideas here on my blog and through classes. I don’t ever feel obligated to give more attention to anyone, to be loyal to any company for any work related reason – anything I’m promoting I’m doing so because i love it pure and simple.
Simple. Yes, I like simple.
As a part of my creative simplification I stopped writing for www.scrapbookupdate.com last month. All of my writing, projects, any random reviews, thoughts on trends, etc… it’s all going to be right here at my blog now. You may have noticed the increase in projects and regularity of my postings here – I just found that at this point I was handling one spot for my writing much easier than two, and my blog is a much more casual place for me to write as myself (vs impartial scrapbook reporter). I’m able to put more energy into my blog now, and try some big new things that I’ll tell you more about soon.
Will my creative situation change again? Probably. If there’s one thing I’ve learned it is that my style is always evolving, my work always adjusting, my situation both personal and professional always in a state of change. I’ll roll with it. There are some companies I’d love to work with more in the future for sure.
For now, I remain actively creating, sharing, teaching, and enjoying every minute of every day that I get to spend crafting.
looking forward to all your creative ideas here on the blog… and to my first class with you at Scrapbook Island this weekend!
I have noticed more blog posts from you. I’ve also noticed that your work seems more “fun” for lack of a better adjective. Looking forward to spending my summer reading your posts.
Good luck!! I’m so blessed to have stumbled onto your site vis Christy Tomlinson …. love the Field Guide class and your videos and your comments and your … well, I just enjoy your blog and projects so much! Look forward to more:) K
You will always be successful when you follow your heart. Thank you for being a craft inspiration. I love following your blog, and I look forward to all of your fun and crafty projects! You are an inspiring teacher, and I have enjoyed all of your BPC classes!
I love seeing your layouts and ideas here and I’m looking forward to the BPC with Nic!! Have a fabulous week.
May, I am so glad that I am a follower of you! I love your style and your art. Keep on doing what you are doing. You are such an Inspiration and I feel blessed to be on the receiving end of all you choose to share!
Thanks for sharing and for being so real. You inspire me sooo much!
You are such an inspiration May! Congrats on making a decision for you. It’s so hard to do. I love seeing your creative process. Thanks for sharing!
I hadn’t realized your dropped your various teams/jobs, but now that you mention it, I realized I should have noticed. Any big plans for ‘your’ month? Less than 2 weeks!
Congratulations, May! It is always scary to embark on new and enterprising ventures, but you will succeed. You are certainly one of the best instructors and always on the top of my go to list for inspiration (and encouragement). I wish you the best! Ps can’t wait to see what this week fieldguide has in store for us.
Go May! Good for you, I hope this new direction brings you everything you hope for.
Ang
You know I always wish the best for you! You have a creative soul May, and I think this is just part of your journey! May this new decision free your wings to fly even higher! You are one of my greatest and fondest sources of inspiration. Blessings.
I enjoyed your posts at Scrapbook Update but completely understand the need to simplify!