The fall is in full swing which is just another way of saying that winter is around the corner. I'm sometimes so influenced by old media that require months of development that I think like a fashion editor might: it's already spring 2007. It's not a bad worldview, if you understand what it means. I'm not looking forward to spring or even believing it to actually be spring as much as I am simply acknowledging the speed of life. Time appears variable despite this framework, but I sometimes reduce my anxiety by taking for granted the unnerving speed at which it can sometimes travel (especially as the seasons are concerned). ¶ I've just boarded the VIA train at Union Station in downtown Toronto and my mind is already in the clouds. What would it take for me to do something for VIA in return for unlimited travel coupons? I'd really like that. So I am going to take home my copy of VIA Destinations magazine (on the cover it says: "take me home") and start by contacting them. Failing that I'll come up with a plan B, or something. FYI: the deal with wireless on the VIA train is $8.95 for unlimited usage in one 24-hour period. They have other plans, but that was the simplest one, and the one I chose. ¶ A young man seated in front of me has just tucked into a Harvey's double-burger combination meal with fries and a bottle of Coke (plastic). The smell is actually not as overwhelming as you might imagine. Just don't get me to be so patient when somebody tucks into a couple of stinky tacos from Taco Bell in the cinema. Come on, that's too much! ¶ There's plenty of good news on the illustration front as evidenced in part by some recent work in the National Post and TORO magazine. I've also had the fortunate opportunity to work with Bloomsbury USA for an upcoming book cover, a portrait of David Carter Beane in Advocate magazine, as well as a small Toronto-based company needing some identity help. As is so often the case, I'm of two minds about my career. On the one hand, I'm very pleased that I'm working more and delivering what I think are ever-improving illustrations in a style that I still feel very good about. On the other hand, I wonder what tomorrow holds. What role will portraits play in my future work? What about my growing desire to tell stories? How will the for-hire mesh with the for-sale? I don't know the answer, and I'm not wishing I did. I'm merely posing it and I've got to be honest: it's something I'm curious about. To that end, there's considerable amount of non-freelance projects that are keeping me busy. I'm attempting to relaunch the entire family of Siteway web sites. That's Siteway (here!), Phelts, Tonicville, and a new addition, Coastalmatic. I'm also back on the Final Straw train with a new hook and clearer direction. I don't know it all means, but I've been blessed with some good opportunities and a wonderful working environment in London. I just need to focus on a few choice milestones and really take this thing to another level, the recognition of which won't be noticed until I'm dreaming up the next chapter. ¶ We're pulling into Oakville and the train ride has been so far so great. Cheers Toronto, I'll see you again soon.

Labels: Freelancing, Londontown, SitewayWorld, Toronto, Train

¶ 10:47 AM
<< Home