So, it kind of just dawned on my that I haven't posted anything on here for several months, so those who don't follow me on Tumblr might be in the dark about my current situation and plans. I figured this was as good a time as any to fill in my followers.

About a month ago, I lost my job. I was very upset over at the time, but have since come to terms with it. I am very lucky in that I am not in a dire situation. My partner has taken on more hours at his job to make up for my being unemployed, and we will not be in financial danger. We have savings and other sources we can tap as well if need be, but I don't foresee that happening.

I've taken this as an opportunity to get my life on track and start towards my career in art and writing. While it's tempting to take on another retail job for steady pay, I don't ever see myself being able to make a career that way.

So, for now I have two big events planned before I really drill into work. At the end of the month, I'll be attending Fur the 'More in Virginia (which we luckily had budgeted for months in advance), and I will be taking a personal trip in mid June with my dad to go visit family in Louisiana (which my father has very kindly offered to pay for on my behalf). Between now and late June when all of that is done, I'll mostly be taking time to prepare and plan for both of those trips and for what I'll be doing when I return.

That being said, when I come back and have nothing planned for the immediate future, I will be putting more serious work into my business as a content creator, as well as trying to take better care of myself and my residence.

This means I will be launching an online store, though I haven't decided a platform quite yet, and will also be likely launching a Patreon or running some sort of other continuous funding campaign. I'll also be pushing harder for commissions, adoptables, etc. The goal is to be able to afford to pay my own bills which are about $250 a month without help from my partner. The dream would be having some left over to spend on clothing, supplies, and even treats for myself. I'm also hoping to get to a place financially where I can attend more conventions as an artist next year. Only time will tell on that part, but I'm going to be fighting hard.

There are also a few other non-art goals I'd like to be able to accomplish, such as finishing and publishing my first book, getting my driver's license, and starting my medical transition. Those things are all really up in the air though.

Any comments or advice on working as an independent artist would be greatly appreciated, as well as any kind words. While I have been taking better care of myself (eating meals, sleeping, etc.), I still have been feeling a lot of stress and pressure.