Some of you may have noticed that recently the Square15 website has change. Visitors are greeted with the Message “Change is in the air at Square15” and with a click are directed to this, my personal website. So what’s going on? Here’s the scoop...
As of January first Square15 closed for business. This is not to say that I’m done designing, I’m still taking on new work and clients and even have some projects at my desk this very moment. The reason I made the decision to close shop was to give myself a bit of a break and to try some things I’ve wanted to do for a very long time.
I’ve been doing pretty much the same thing for over 17 years, graphic design. And, all-in-all it’s been a great 17 years. I’ve produced an incredible amount of work, designing for a huge array of clients, large and small, in many areas of business. I’ve met a lot of great people, and have leaned a buttload. I can’t complain, I’ve been very successful and have had some wonderful opportunities. But it’s been a long time and I’m fried. The nonstop pace of running a business for so long has zapped me of most my energy and before it got any worse I had to take a step back.
All the work has meant that things I care about deeply have fallen to the wayside. And, other things that I’ve wanted to experience, I couldn’t. Taking a break from full-time business has given me the chance to rest and pursue other dreams and opportunities. For instance, I felt like my creativity hit a rut, it’s one of the things I cherish the most in my life and I was loosing interest and self confidence. All of my worked seemed to be only half of what it could be, too many compromises. I have a strong personal aesthetic, love so many creative processes, and can create some wonderful things. It just wasn’t happening. With this free time I can now experience the creativity I desire. Whether or not it amounts to anything doesn’t matter, if it takes me the rest of my life, who cares. What matters is that I can now wholeheartedly try.
As for other pursuits? Most people know that I’ve always wanted to teach and I’ve finally been given the opportunity. Starting at the beginning of next month I’ll be teaching a good number of courses for the University of New Mexico’s continuing education program. I can’t wait. They’re Mac classes for students of all types with all levels of experience. I finally get to stretch the tech side of my brain for a while. It’s a good fit for a Mac geek.
So, I went from non-stop designing to writing course outlines and syllabi, with time for some painting and photography. And, like I said, I’m still designing and taking new work, but at a different pace. So, if your reading this and wondering if I’ll take on that project you have, give me a call and let’s talk. I’m even entertaining the thought of tutoring, so if you know someone who’d like some help with Macs, Mac apps, design programs, or even design and creativity in general, let me know. I can even teach remotely over the internet … pretty cool huh?
So, there is a ton of change in my life right now and where it leads, I’ll just have to wait and see. As they say, it’s all up in the air.
One final note. I’d be remiss if I didn’t say, Jill, thanks you for all your amazing support. This decision affected us both but you embraced it with me, for that I’m eternally grateful.