Snowballing to-do list

I had a rather inspiring weekend at Rustycon. I met with many old friends, enjoyed meeting quite a few folks, and best of all, was inspired. My work load has also suddenly picked up. Thus the title.

First, I think I’ll talk a bit about Rustycon, a little Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention I’ve been honored to be a part of. This year, like last year, I helped out with the kids workshops. There were a lot more kids this year, which was fabulous. We built dragons, catapults, did experiments, and made lots of crafts. I think everyone had a great time. I know I did!

I also got to be part of the Artist in Action panel, where I drew for a live audience along with Sarah Steever and Rob Carlos, who are both amazing artists.

Best of all, I think, were the panels I was on or was an audience member for. I got to know Kate Ristau, Anthea Sharp and David Boop. I learned a great deal and I’m feeling particularly inspired to get my ass in gear and get myself out there more than I have.

On Friday, after all my convention duties were met, I met with Blaze Ward and Leah Cutter to talk art, business, and writing. Uniforms of the Fleet is coming out in just a few more days, so we signed the prints I made for the collection.

Much of the conversation we had got the ball rolling for me creatively. We talked about short story collections, editing, classes, workshops and writing getaways. We also talked about a potential comic which I’ve already done a few sketches for.

Working with Blaze and Leah quickly spiraled into a couple more projects I’ve placed on my to-do list.

Also on my to-do list is art and fliers for Rise Up Arts. I got involved with this new Org back in October, after finishing Uniforms of the Fleet. They are still very much in the planning stages, so I’ve yet to really talk about or promote my involvement. I have had a lot of fun with their logo designs. It had been a while since I’d had a chance to play with vectors and get back to my graphic design roots.

Between projects Knotted Road Press, (Leah and Blaze), my work with Rise Up Arts, volunteer work for Rustycon, Rainier Beach Writers (my very very small writers group), and my own writing, 2016 was a fairly busy year. 2017 is looking to be even more so.

While last year at this same time I was a ball of anxiety, cold sweats, and episode of nerves, I’ve had none of that this year. Getting my diagnosis, lifestyle changes, and an awesome job has helped a great deal.

There is part of me that’s a little anxious and leaning towards getting overwhelmed. I think as long as I keep from overextending myself, I can more than handle the challenges ahead.

So to those who know me personally, I might be a little hard to reach in the coming months. I want to see people, but I know that going out too often has a negative effect on me. I’m an introvert, I’m on the Autism Spectrum, I have sensory issues, and I have no intention of returning to my anxiety riddled state if I can help it.

And I’ve got a hell of a lot of work to do! It’s time to focus and get down to work.

I may be a shut-in, but I’m a productive little shut-in.