The Year That Was, Pt. 2

So, after reflecting on that list I found, and being disappointed by not doing anything on it, I got to thinking about those things that I DID accomplish in 2010.

1. By years end, I will have done 371 sketch cards for the Topps Star Wars series.

I have been wanting to do sketch cards professionally for a while, and the opportunity finally arose this year thanks to my buddy Dustin Foust. I've seen many an artist pay their dues by trudging through the sketch card gigs, and now I can count myself among them.

2. I no longer work under the heel of oppression.

Without naming names, because we all know they're watching us, I now view April 28th as one of the best days of the year. At the time, I was angry and scared, but, just like everyone said, it became such a blessing. For 3 years I thanklessly worked for an overbearing tyrant in a tie, and the eight months since have proven to me that I can make it on my own. I would still LOVE to have the security of a "full time" job, but my Illustration/Animation business is chugging along quite nicely.

3. I have established long term clients.

I have begun relationships with some great people during this endeavor, and a few of them have become long term clients that know they can turn to me for fast, reliable, service. They're the kind of clients you always are happy to do work for, and never question your ability. I look forward to working with them more, and finding some more clients I can build great relationships with.

4. I have created the look for two video games.

Not only can I now mark down two Nintendo Wii titles under my belt of "hey, I worked on those", but I can also say that I have created the look for two other games.

5. I am an Art Director.

Ok, Assistant Art Director, but still... Whenever I went on interviews prior to being let go from the least creative place on earth, I would always tell the interviewer that I was ready to step into a lead position, and I was, and still am. After working for my current company where I do my main work for three weeks, they offered me a promotion, and a significant bump up in pay, and a new title. I am super excited that I get to shape this game in conjunction with the people in charge.

6. I was asked to do a guest strip for an established webcomic.

Couple months back I got a surprising email from David Reddick asking me if I would want to do a guest strip for his Legend of Bill webcomic. Of course!! David is an awesome guy, and it really got me itching to do the comic strip thing again.

7. People walk around wearing my art on their shirts.

And it's not just people I know. I had the pleasure of both designing the look of an entire line of shirts, but also one of my gigs allowed for a shirt to be made featuring the art I did for an app. Haven't seen any "out in the wild" but can't wait to see my art out there.

8. I have representation.

I have an art rep. I've wanted one, and hopefully it will become my way to break into gallery showings and the like.

These things are all wonderful things that have happened this past year, and I look forward to more surprises like these in 2011.

Stay tuned early next week for part three, where I outline my goals for next year!