Back to school time ...

So I find myself at somewhat of a crossroads.

I’ve just wrapped some client work, a few recent art opportunities didn’t quite pan out as expected, so I’m now looking down the barrel of ... nothing to do.

As a freelancer this should be terrifying, but my bank account is pretty healthy and I’ve decided to take at least a month (maybe 2?) to focus entirely on developing my art practice and digital skills.

All groovy so far.

The problem is - if you take off the guardrails of deadlines and pointy purpose I tend to go .. well, off the rails.

So I need a schedule. And so I present …

I liked school (apart from double maths) - the structure and variety within that worked for me.

To build my timetable I created ‘subjects’ - all the things I want to do grouped into six categories …

1. Admin - collab work, finding and applying for opportunities, funding, work etc.

2. Tech play - playing with / learning new software / tech skills

3. Vev - improving my skills and knowledge of my main software - I use this for both client work and my own art practice, so it gets its own dedicated section.

4. Sketchbook time - just doing art. Might be collage, drawing, painting, printing … just making for makings sake.

5. Art learn - I’ll be digging into online art workshops and classes to develop new skills and inspiration.

6. Read write - End of Friday I shall pull together a blog post on my week - but also dedicate time to reading anything I’ve saved and capturing ideas.

So next week ... lets see if this works »>

I’ll be dusting off a Touch Designer - I had a small play with it last year but didn’t really have the opportunity to do more. I’m less interested in generative graphics and more looking into layering and combining it with other software.

I’ve long been intrigued by 3D imaging tool Blender - I’m not 100% sold on the 3D aesthetic but Id like to see what it can do, and how I can integrate it into my world.

And for those art learning sessions - I’ll be revisiting an artist who’s work and workshops have massively inspired me in the past Roxanne Coble (aka Bybun). (Plus I’m hoping to apply what I learn in the workshop to create an ONLINE zine in Vev during those Thursday and Friday sessions.)

I know .. I know - I’m a sucker for a system, so chances are this will be tweaked and changed over time, but it’s a start right?

I’m intending to post regularly over on Instagram and Tiktok - plus that read-write session will produce a weekly post here.

Now, wish me luck, tell me ONE thing I can do to make this better/practical or ONE art or tech course you’d recommend.

Over and out.

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