As an illustrator and a blogger, my work is never the same from day to day. I'll be honest here, sometimes that is a little scary because I don't have a precise template to follow. I have a shelf full of books on graphic design and art, but there will never be a guidebook with steps to follow that guarantees you—and your unique talents—will land the perfect job. That's why this saying really resonates in my life:
Your dream job does not exist.
You must create it.
I also need to remind myself that producing the best work as a creative person means I need to step away from the studio and LIVE my life. That time is never lost time. It's the essential time for refueling my spirit so I have something interesting to share through pictures and words.
That's exactly why going to a conference like Alt Design Summit is so important to me. At the Alt Summit conference, I was fortunate to meet Monica Lee and Melanie Burke and so many other amazing designers, artists, and bloggers. Hearing their ideas and sharing thoughts on design and blogging helps cultivate a creative spirit.
Shortly before Alt, Monica Lee at Smart Creative Women interviewed graphic designer, educator and Alt speaker Melanie Burke from Fifth and Hazel. The interview gives a glimpse into how Melanie honed her skills as a designer and built her business. Check it out below. (And be sure to hop over to Monica's site to hear more interviews and also check out Melanie's design classes at Nicoles Classes.)
Video: The Monica Lee interview with Melanie Burke is part of the interview series on Monica's site Smart Creative Women.
Image: YOUR DREAM JOB graphic design is by me, Chris Olson and features a NYC skyline photograph by my son Kai Olson.
