It seems that the hours of studio time I put in last fall are beginning to pay off now. After just three weeks here, my hand-printed osprey and sea turtle tees are on sale at Vivo Boutique, an eco-friendly boutique supporting local artists and designers in Annapolis. I’ve also met a group of hip young artists at SOTA, Studios of the Arts, including fashion designers, screen printers, photographers, and videographers. What with all of the connections I’ve been making lately, and due to my proximity to DC, Baltimore, and Philadelphia, I strongly feel the need to spend more time working on my t-shirt designs and developing my art portfolio. Although living on a sailboat makes it infinitely harder to work (space issues), it keeps my monthly expenses down to the absolute minimum, which makes this artistic exploration possible.
I have to admit, though, I’ve been struggling over how best to use my time over the course of the next three months while Illusion is in Annapolis. Initially, I felt a great deal of pressure to get a “real” job – one that would offer me steady hourly work, decent pay, and look good on the ole’ resume. After all, we are trying to build up our savings again for our trip south this winter. But we are only in Annapolis for a few months, and that is easier said than done. Because Brian found a steady job immediately and is already working full-time, it takes some of the stress off of me. But I am still wrestling with my own sense of responsibility, both to my art and to my bank account.
My gut feelings tell me, without a doubt, to follow the art opportunities that are presenting themselves to me at this time. If only those feelings weren’t at war with my sense of duty and need for financial stability. Sigh. I need to trust that the time I invest in my art now, will pay off for me later, if I work hard. So guilty feelings aside, I am going to find some cheap studio space and get focused again. I am more than ready to get back to my art. 
Lara, I suggest you make the best of you new contacts, work on your art, this is a very strong point for you, product product and sell at a profit. If your things in
Bluffton are not moving for you, please advise me, speak to Bernie and I will be happy to collect your items and ship to you up there, that is, if you think the market is better there for more sales. I suggest work with the new artist that you have met, use your talet to the max and things will begin to happen for you, mainly in the bank account area. You have to work toward marketing your artistic talet, it will all come together for you, do not get frustrated, you can do it, like the choo
choo train, I think I can, I think I can. The best to you.
Thank you, Morris. I appreciate the support. I will continue to work hard and explore my options, and hopefully, good things will begin to happen.
Oh my gosh! I can totally relate! I want to spend time exploring and expanding my photography, and taking advantage of recent opportunities that have presented themselves, but at the same time need some more financial stability! (Well, extra… since Jose’s job is stable!!). Are you still going to that art school? Australia was it?
Hopefully, I did get accepted into a program at UNSW in Sydney. I am applying for scholarships now. I can’t afford to go without them, so we’ll see what happens. How is the photography business coming along?
Photo business is coming along slowwwly but surely… But I think if I keep at it, it can take me great places.
It’s also been quite an adventure to discover what TYPE of photographer I am… Who knew there were so many options! I feel ya on the scholarships… I’ve applied to an M.A. Digital Photography program through SCAD, but definitely can’t afford to go (IF I get accepted) unless they throw some money my way! GOOD LUCK! 
SCAD is such an awesome school!. But yeah, super expensive….I’ve looked into it before.
Good luck with your application (I will be quite envious if you end up there). Also, I’m glad to hear things are moving along with your photography.
Lara,
Your display looks great at the boutique! Follow your dreams. There is a reason why you received “early” acceptance into The University of North South Wales. Work on your scholarships. I wish you all the best.