Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Last days in the studio

Well, this is my final week in my Queens studio. I'm currently searching for more (cheaper) art studio space within the city or Jersey. I'm going to miss being over there. I got lots of cartoon work done and the neighborhood is great. But I'm starting to get used to changes.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Getting Better

Looks like things are looking up on the job front. As many of you know I've been chronicling my foray into the job market for some time. After four long months of unemployment and dwindling savings, things are finally starting to look better. I don't know if its inspired by the upcoming presidential election or what, but the general mood of the job market is changing. After months of applying for thousands of jobs I'm finally starting to get some very serious responses. I've been going on a few interviews in the last couple of weeks and have a couple lined up for this week. That's progress!
I was starting wonder if my cell phone actually worked.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Taking a break

Blogging from down in Florida awaiting tomorrow's flight back to New York. Came down here to recharge my batteries a bit after some very grueling weeks. I can't remember when I've drawn more cartoons than I have recently. My only thought is that things have to get better soon. I surely don't want to burn out on cartoons, but I seem to be heading in that direction. So this mini break probably came at a good time. It's funny how not drawing a cartoon for a few days makes me feel a bit imbalanced.
It's kind of like a drug. At this point in my life it feels like something that I must do to keep my sanity. It's how I remember who I am. Sort of addictive. Hey, everybody has their addictions, and mine is cartoons.
The bad thing about this little mini-vacation to Florida is that I arrived in the middle of the stupid Tropical Storm. Where's the sun? It was sunnier in New York City when I left. Odd that New York has better weather than Florida.
Enough of this. I gotta get myself prepared for the flight in the morning. Still haven't packed, but I'm a chronic procrastinator.

Friday, August 15, 2008

At the Employment office

So, I'm sitting here at the employment office waiting for my name to be called. I'm sitting next to a lovely lady named Henny who's also looking. Pretty sad situation, but I'm pulling along. I'll have more about this later.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Art imitating life

Funny thing happened on the way to the employment office...
So, I'm in my third month of unemployment after being let go from the St. Petersburg Times. Well, not officially "unemployed" since I still get draw cartoons for money, but I feels that way. The pressure of not having steady income can be a burden to most folks, particularly those who live a place like New York City.
After contemplating drinking my misery away, I decided to draw about it. I am currently writing the scripts for next months' "Cafe con Leche" cartoons, which will feature the lead character "Trey" dealing with being suddenly unemployed and having to rely on his wife "Maria." I can't tell you what exactly will happen in the cartoon yet. All I can say is that some of the material hits home in a big way. Freelancing for 3 months has taught me a great many things, including the fact that EVERYTHING that happens in my real life can be fodder for my cartoons.
I really can't complain too much. I know of several unemployed people who have it much worse that I do. I have savings and a steady freelance income, some people do not. Guess I'm thankful for the things that I do have.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Busy Busy

Sorry for the lack of blogging lately. I've been extremely busy with drawing my cartoons and promoting my work lately. It's a non-stop job promoting stuff. Hit ya back later.