This is my first attempt at starting a blog. Am I a little nervous about it? Heck yes, since I’m really not the sharing type. Or the writing type for that matter. So, why start now you ask?

Well, it all started when I was laid off from my job as a graphic designer for a major outdoor retailer last Spring. I had been working there for about 13-years. Yes, you read that right, 13-years of being a catalog Art Director then Sr. Art Director and on a whim changing departments and becoming a retail sign Graphic Designer. It was fun for the most part. I was able to visit some interesting places and meet some even more interesting people during photo shoots, and I was able to visit retail stores located all over the country. But it abruptly came to an end once my company was bought out by another outdoor retailer.

“But because of this remote location, the design community is tiny and jobs for designers are almost nonexistent.”

Now, this is not a unique story by any means, but the thing is, I live out in the middle of nowhere, USA. The major outdoor retailer I worked for was unique in the fact that they were based in a small town, which was excellent for someone like me who enjoys country living, and no, I’m not talking about the magazine. But because of this remote location, the design community is tiny and jobs for designers are almost nonexistent. I suppose I could move, but my family is here, and I like the lifestyle – fresh air and water, minimal traffic, a sparse population – you get the idea.

“I am really excited to share my creative skills and plan on offering free downloads, reviews for art and craft books, DIY tutorials, and designer insights that I’ve learned along the way.”

So I’ve decided to take my skills to the internet, because that’s what everyone does these days, with the hope of connecting to an audience who enjoys the same topics as I do: illustration, graphic design, and paper crafts. I am really excited to share my creative skills and plan on offering free downloads, reviews for art and craft books, DIY tutorials, and designer insights that I’ve learned along the way. I really do love being a creative and can’t wait to see what will happen during this blogging journey. So break out your non-scuffing soled sneakers and join me for some fun!