first real art blog of the year

Been struggling to balance work and art.  Actually, been struggling to balance work and life in general.  

Sketching here and there.  Main problem is I am not focused on my art practice as of recently.  Work takes up so much of my time and energy that its hard for me to switch modes when I get home.  But I don't want it to become an excuse.  And this blog shouldn't be about complaining about work.  Doesn't everybody struggle with this?  

I also don't want to be too hard on myself.  I shouldn't make myself feel guilty.  I need to take a step back and look at it from a broader perspective.  This is an entirely new chapter in my life.  I graduated from school.  I have my first full-time job.  I am trying my hardest to be financially responsible for the first time.  I am still adjusting to these changes.

I've also been working on the mag project, and have been sketching on photoshop and illustrator.  I think these programs on the computer can become an integral and important part of my art practice.  They have never been in the past, and this is also new to me.  I think a part of me has trouble accepting illustrator and photoshop as part of my studio practice.  It sounds bizarre even as I type it out now.  But a lot of artists utilize these programs into their art.  If used properly, I think they can become a powerful tool for me as well.  A lot of this also has to do with how comfortable I am with using these programs and how well I can use them.  The better I am at using these programs, the more integrated they will become into my art practice and the bigger role they will play.  This is one of my goals!  (just realized it)

My work is heavily influenced by graphic design and looks like it might have been designed on the computer.  The fact that it has not been I think has been an interesting contrast.  But I don't want to be closed off to the idea of using photoshop/illustrator to sketch out ideas and compositions.  A lot of artists whose work I like use these programs.  

So for now I will continue to explore the use of photoshop and illustrator in my art.  I will continue to sketch when I have the time.  I will try to regain focus on my work.  I will try not to be too hard on myself, and work on transitioning into the new phase in my life.  (Remember, change is slow.  Its a matter of finding a place for art in my life right now.  Things have changed.  This has been a really dramatic change in my life.  But I think I am doing good and am on the right path.)  I will work hard on the mag project for TAJ, while also finding time to do work for myself.  The mag project is a very big deal.  It is a great opportunity for me and has already helped a great deal in opening up the door to using photoshop/illustrator on the computer.