Living the Dream With a Day Job
The best thing I did while taking a break from reading was make a zine about something very close to my heart--being an artist with a day job. Almost a year ago, in a fit of frustration, I wrote a post about the very real (and often undiscussed) dynamic of being someone who is a creative (or an anything ELSE), but who continues to support themselves through a day job. I had wanted to do a zine about this, but of course, like so many things, I let the idea sit. It turns out, I think I needed another year to do "research" and to take note of a few things, because the night before my reading deprivation I suddenly couldn't sleep with the sudden rush of ideas about this little book. I saw exactly how to make it. So I did! In two days!
I consider this a little handbook to help us all feel a little bit better about the whole picture of our lives, not just the after five o'clock and on the weekends. Also, it's to acknowledge the time we spend MAKING IT WORK. The reality is, MOST of us have day jobs in addition to our "real work" or "real lives." Some people go to work and never think twice about it. Some people go to work at a place that they HATE, but can't think of anything different. I wanted to make something that honors the fact that most of us have two lives and that takes A LOT of energy. I also wanted to make something that could be an easy reminder that you are living your ONE life right now (not later)--why not enjoy it as much as you can--with a day job or not.
What you will find in here:- Affirmation--with a swear word!
- Ways to bring your real self to work!
- Wise words from an unlikely source--my brother!
- Permission for time off!
- Resources!
- Ideas toward getting out of your job--or just changing your situation!
- A recipe!
- And so much more!
(UPDATE: The FREE part is EXPIRED, but you can PURCHASE the zine--here:)
(UPDATE: The Zine is no longer for sale--look for the book in February 2010!)
Labels: art at work, Artist In the Office
posted by Summer Pierre at
4:17 PM
16 Comments:
YOu are just too cool. I want one, so I will be emailing you. Thanks for the offer.
I was talking to a young artist friend yesterday; she's 22, brave and talented ... and she could STILL use some of your great perspectives to remind/encourage and keep her on her path. So as we were talking, I wished I had your book with me; I told her about it and said I'd have to remember to bring it along next time we got together.
And tonight I dropped by to see if you'd posted since you ended your fast ... and I see this. I'm so excited; I can tell her about it and she can get one herself. :)
I was delighted to read your handbook, and I'm even more delighted to know that you're going to share it big and wide. What a delicious gift.
D
I would be so glad to have a copy, but I know I live in Italy (just on the other side of the world...) so I'm wondering whether it is possible to have a copy...
william carlos williams m.d. wrote poetry on Rx pads between patients...
International orders are WELCOME!
xo
Summer
Hey, I tried to order one and I wonder if your email couldn't recognize my address. Are you sending "order confirmation" emails back to people? I sent the request via "martapelusi@yahoo.com"
I'm really curious to see the different ways in which you taxonomize office experiences. For instance, do you look at how some offices allow folks to play music on their computers, others do not; some offices allow more leeway about the "dress code" than others (indeed, probably most offices would allow red socks, but how many allow punk/ goth died black hair and bright red lipstick, as I saw at one of my gazillion office temp jobs?...) ETC. -- Best, MPM
I love this zine! Thanks so much for putting it together and sending me a copy. It's absolutely inspiring!
I was just griping to my husband that I needed a new motivational tool...thanks Summer - and Jeffrey, for mentioning it in 52 Projects.
Summer, thanks so much for sending me a copy -- I got it and I love it!!! It's terrific!!!
Thanks for the inspiration. I have linked one of your fab zine drawings to my site.
Hi Summer, this is wonderful. I know exactly what this feels like! I write and paint but also work in an office (in London). Right now one of the beautiful things about being here is being able to see an Antony Gormley sculpture out my window! But, one bummer thing - we're not allowed plants or flowers! If you're still giving away copies of your zine, I'd love one! Will email you.
What timing! I was just sitting here in my gray, windowless cubicle lamenting the fact that no one at work understands me... Then I find you (by way of 52 projects). Hurray!
Where's the button where I can buy the zine? : (
Bre sent me.
Chris, you need to get to the main blog site. Go here:
http://www.summerpierre.com/blog.html
It's on teh side bar!
Sorry about the confusion!
SP
This looks like such a cool zine. Even the little excerpts you posted have really brightened up my day. I quit my full time job in August to pursue working with an organization that I am totally totally passionate about. I will have to have two lives to make this work (right now I'm temping, and will probably continue to do so for a while) and it's easy to feel really down on myself about this type of work situation. I really don't have the cash to buy your zine right this moment, but I'm bookmarking with every intention of coming back to get it soon! Thanks for sharing these bits.
I just ran across this and started to laugh. Sounds like me and my office. Great job. I can't wait to read more of your blog. Gotta love randomly coming across wonderful bits like this
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