Wow, It has been awhile hasn't it. My Blog has seen better days and I miss corresponding with my friends in Blog land! So have no fear I am on the way to rectifying the lack of posts on my site.
It has been a tumultuous few weeks. I recently got laid off from my full-time position of the last twelve plus years. Yikes! (Thanks Economy!) And now I'm in a position that I need to figure out what direction I want to go from here. That thinking process and mining the area I live in for potential employment has eaten up all my time and energy. While I have yet to come up with a definitive solution, I have decided that being let go is an ample opportunity. If there was ever a time in my life for me to decide what it is I want and what I want to do, THIS IS IT!
I have a hunger to break into the children's industry and I also have a desire to see what it's like to work in other artistic environments. (I also have a large desire to pay my mortgage and bills!!) What's it like to work surrounded by another group of artists, in a different Art Dept. with different goals, ideas and expectations. How exciting and fun could that be!? Well in the process I have run across a new resource that I want to post here for everyone's use.
Linked In is a networking site that I actually signed up for a long time ago. I just never really invetsigated it or kept up with it. Well, I have found out through further investigation that it has a lot to offer. I was surprised to find how many past clients, colleagues and friends are a part of this network. I've been able to look at friends past clientelle and their contacts. I've also been able to get lists of businesses local and nationwide that deal within the specific industry I am researching. And get specific names of contacts at that company, be it through a friend who has worked with them or sending a letter to someone who used to hold that position at the company. Great asset when used creatively!
Their are also a number of groups within the LinkedIn system. A number of which are dedicated to the Children's Publishing Industry. I have yet to search for groups dedicated to apparel, could be interesting! I myself am a member of 9 groups. One of which happens to be SCBWI, yes they have a prescence on LinkedIn as well.
There are also jobs listed that you can search by your chosen profession and also a notice that tells you how many people have looked at your profile in the last 15 days. While it doesn't tell you specifically who, it does tell you where and what industry they are then and then lets you search those specifics to see whom the possible viewer might be. ;)
Here's a link to my page on LinkedIn. If you sign up feel free to link up with me! Hopefully we can all help each other to do better!
I'll be back with more later folks! Wish you all the best!!
-Wilson
4 comments:
Hey Man!! I of course was missing you!! I love that little guy running with the pig in his arms. Hopefully he will place it safely in the in-zone!!! Your post was very helpful. Thanks for sharing. Hey, have a great turkey day and because you are still in your 30's you are allow to eat until coma is induced. he he he! Have a good one!
V
You've got the skills, the brains, and the work ethic to make it into childrens illustration- I hope you take this an opportunity to really take flight!
Hey Wilson! It's been tooooo long! I see what you've been up to now and I know you'll land on your feet just fine..hang in there! I am also on LinkedIn, though I haven't kept it up..I will try to sign in this weekend and find you. And neat that the SCBWI is linkedin too. I have joined that group and have found it to be such a great source of information and opportunity. Have you considered joining? I hope that this finds you with opportunities to land in a job in art..you sound very excited for that new path in your life and with your perseverance, hard work and talent, it's just a matter of time! Best of luck..and have a wonderful holiday!!
Thank you all so so much for your support! I am back on the ball and producing art as quick as I can! Your encouragement means the world to me! Thanks so much!
-Wilson
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