Right around this time of year, I get one part sentimental, and another part thoughtful. 6 years ago next month, I launched my little ETSY shop in hopes of "finding" my career in design. It's a journey I talk about here. Like in this post, this post or this post. But before you go post surfing (sounds like a sport?) stick with me. I am often asked in interviews about what led to what, and how I began designing fabric, or how I broke into book illustration without an agent, etc. etc. etc. And there is, yes, a journey.
But I saw this quote yesterday on the www and it sums up pretty much what I believe in in terms of going where you need to go, and landing what it is you are meant to land. I really can't say it any better, unless God and divinity was mentioned somewhere in there.
I look back to the timid, shy but naively excited Sarah Jane 6 years ago, who needed to find a way to pay the bills, and I look today at her and see that she still sometimes wonders how it's all going to work out. With 4 kids now, and with even more of a desire to keep the train going, I often sit there and think "Should I be working harder in this area? Or this area?" or thoughts like "Maybe I should be trying harder to reach out to this contact person, or that contact person." And often, like anyone who runs a business, it can be at the expense of just making beautiful art!
But I am reminded, like I was at the very beginning, that when you have a calling to make beautiful things, keep making them. Don't stop so that you can chase up the wrong ladder. Instead, build the ladder, and those opportunities will climb up to you.
Doors will open naturally when you are truly doing your thing.
And that's what's happened to me. I've had my fair share of blood sweat and tears (literally) and I truly believe that when you keep moving in the direction that you were born to move in, those things in your life that you need to support you, will come.
Have you experienced that?
It's pretty awesome.
And right now in my life, with that sweet baby taking up most of everything I've got, I sometimes feel like time is standing still....or rushing past me fast...I can't tell. I've said no to opportunities that have come that just didn't work out because I wasn't ready, and I've felt ready for opportunities that just don't seem to be coming. The answer really lies in naming your priorities and staying true to them. And the right things just work out.
It's all rather wonderful. Everyone has their own unique story of becoming. I'm glad I get to share mine with you in a little small way.
I'll be sharing more posts about my journey, and my business this week and next, as I enter into 6 years of being Sarah Jane Studios! Wow. What a trip.
If you have any questions, or topics you've always wanted to talk about or find out, comment below and I'll do my best to integrate it into the conversation. With so many people, especially women, crafting out a career from their art and their motherhood, it's such an important conversation to be a part of.
Cheers!
xo
sarah