HAHAHA, The website is finally live!!!
It only took me a couple of weeks to figure it out.
The website is still a work in progress. I still have a lot to do and I'm currently uncertain about the direction of this blog section. It will feature updates on my current projects or explore various aspects of the art world. I'd like to give the idea that I know what I'm doing, give off a professional vibe.
To begin, I want to talk about my plans for the future. This not only helps shape the content of the blog but also holds me accountable for these goals.
Everyone knows what's been happening recently within the art industry. Between AI, the pandemic, strikes, the layoffs, and who knows what else, the chances of making it in the art world have diminished significantly. It's scary to try having a career right now and thus, I am very scared. But alas, the show must go on. After a lot of thinking on my part, and following my psychologist advice to focus on the present and not on what's outside my control, I have narrowed the viable options for the upcoming month to 3:
1. Get a side hustle selling in artist alleys
This seems to be a popular income source for artists on social media. The main issues are the upfront costs (materials and table fees) and not actually knowing where to start. For instance, where are the art alleys? I can start with smaller things like stickers and prints, but where do I sell them? I found a few options here in Portugal, but they either don't really have clear information on how to apply, or the table costs close to 200 euros (**cough cough** Iberanime and Origincon). So what is a girl supposed to do here? Do I try to sell them to passersby? Or on the street? Once I figure it out I'll be a happier person.
2. Finish the game I've been working on for the past two years
In the "Projects" page I have a game called Adra (The name being a placeholder). This game is in production since September 2022. When it's done, it'll be the coolest game ever. For now, it's something I need to finish for my own sense of accomplishment.
3. Trying very, very hard to get an apprenticeship
So, I've been trying for the last 2 years to gather the courage to get an apprenticeship at *any* game company. Or ask for a portfolio review. The courage was not gathered at the time but, as the coming of age period comes to an end, I feel the strength to power through the anxiety. Now, why must it be a gaming company? I don't really know. It started because most of my friends growing up were game nerds, always watching YouTube "Let's Play" or talking about games. Or maybe it started by watching my father play really ancient games (the ones you need an emulator to play) while growing up. In any way, games were something I saw a lot of people being passionate about, so I naturally focused on the aspect I enjoyed the most about the whole ordeal: the art. This being said, I fell in love with the illustrations and the artist doing them. Even if it's just for a while, I would really like to experience this side of the gaming industry.
Considering the options, I know each comes with its own set of challenges. Still, I’m determined to move forward and focus on what excites me. The future might be uncertain, but I’m ready to take action and stay positive about the opportunities ahead.