Chat, Is it Time to Pivot?
Change is scary, but so is staying the same
Hello from a snowy Brooklyn! I hope you’re all having a cozy holiday season. It’s been another busy month, so let’s dive in :)
First, thank you so much to everyone who’s bought the Whereabouts book so far! I can’t believe we’re already almost sold out.
There are a few copies left on the First Hold website, but the book is also stocked at Printed Matter, Partners & Sons, and Another Corner.
As for last month, the rest of the film tour was great! The next IRL screening I attended was Frog Farm 10. It was such a special and hilarious program, I always have a good time at this show. The lore for the Frog Farm show is amazing and honestly one of my favorite parts, it’s cool to see how much it’s evolved even in the one year I’ve known about it. It was an honor to be a part of, so thank you Alex for including Whereabouts in the line up. :0)
The next day, I hopped on the train to Philly for the Philly Animation Festival. I was only really familiar with the cartooning scene here so it was great to meet local animators and check out their films. I think the most fun part about these film festivals is sharing the Whereabouts book after the screenings. It’s so cool to see how the magic of RISO click right then and there!
After the crunch of the book release and the film tour, I am now experiencing the end-of-year scaries. This year in particular has been bad and uncertain, and in spite of my achievements I can’t help but focus on the sustainability and longevity of my art practice. Specifically, I am wondering if I can grow in an industry that’s changing, and how I can continue to fund my small press projects.
I’m about to be pretty vulnerable, so bear with me… The truth is, I am recognizing how being an artist is so closely tied to my identity. Of course this is an obvious concept to most artists, but for me, it’s been feeling codependent and unhealthy.
I am wondering if I’m creating art because it’s the only thing I feel I’m good at. I’ve made things for so long that when I can’t create for some reason (art block, the need to work, etc), it takes a big toll on my mental health. I make work even if I’m struggling, or maybe in spite of struggling. This feels different than regular wholesome expression, and I’m ultimately depending on something I can’t control. Living off of your work makes this relationship so fraught as well. I say that “it’s my purpose,” but at what cost?
This is not a good mindset to have, and the stress has reached a boiling point. I love making films and comics, and I want to be able to do it for a long time. I think the best way to continue is to change my relationship to my work.
So, I’ve been reflecting on what this looks like. How do I get more support and make things a little easier? Is it time to pivot? And if so, what kind of pivot?
I’ve been doing research on full-time positions that are animation adjacent, unrelated fields that are more stable, and part-time work that would allow me to continue my art practice. I’m having conversations with my friends and peers about this, and that’s been absolutely vital. I’m worried, but also excited to make room for what’s new.
If you’re going through something similar, I’d love to hear your thoughts. How are you feeling about art stuff this year? What’s your experience been like?
November Favorites:
Sorry Baby - Such a beautiful film, right down my alley!
Bugonia - I’m not normally a Yorgos Lanthimos fan but this movie was amazing!
The Quiet American by Graham Greene - This is one of Anthony Bourdain’s favorite books. Just picked it up on a whim at a used bookstore in Philly. It’s a murder mystery with a love triangle set in Vietnam, kind of reminds me of Casablanca.
Ace Outpost Philly - Cool coffee shop + vintage store in Queen Village. Thanks Lee for the rec. :)
And that was the November recap! Thank you so much for reading, and have a great rest of your year. See you in 2026 ❤️