Hurray for long summer nights and t-shirts after 10pm! Although it’s only sporadically been like this lately, I’m enjoying it the days that the sun pops her head out. The quick-change cycling in weather makes it somewhat difficult to effectively wardrobe plan— unless one leans toward carrying a steamer trunk around with them constantly (which obviously makes WAY more sense than an average backpack).
My little North facing apartment gets bright, but never sunny, so I’ve been spending a lot of time recently in the back garden when it’s nice out, or down the street at Douglas Park. I’ve been sketching and brainstorming and reading books on successful job hunting techniques (currently their successful-ness has yet to be effectively tested, but I haven’t given up hope… yet). Also, the Game of Thrones series – SO GOOD.
I try not to dwell on my lack of employment all that much, because truth be told, it could crush me, self esteem wise. Postings are pretty few and far between, and the inundation of graphic designers in this city doesn’t help either. So each time something IS posted, there are 200 people competing for the same job (and if we are talking about Craigslist, it’s likely a $14/hr job that involves design, cake decorating, marine welding, and general accounting. Oh, and animation. Never forget the animation).
One thing that has been a sparkling beacon of glee for me lately is my working to develop an ongoing feature with fantastic local blog www.vancouverisawesome.com (which I will henceforth refer to as VIA, mostly because I’m lazy about typing sometimes). Originally when I contacted the website, it was with the intention of inquiring about volunteer opportunities. I figured, if I’m not finding work I love (that pays me), I might as well help out where I can. And VIA is a great non-profit that has done wonders with bringing together people who want to focus on the positive aspects of this city. I’ve loved the premise since I first discovered it a long time ago, and it has just continued to get better and better. Art reviews, community events, pictures of pets, music suggestions, and just general amazing-ness, allthewayaround. Check it out, if you haven’t. It’s got something for everyone, literally.
Anyway, long story short, when I contacted the blog to see if they needed help manning tables at events, or doing general office help, I explained a little about myself and then at the end of the email added a link to my blog. And from there, Bob Kronbauer (who is so incredibly nice and well, awesome) checked out my portfolio, and the Bittersweets and contacted me, asking if I would be interested in doing something for VIA. Uh, heck yes?! The project is pretty much what I’ve been doing already (documenting details in the city) – but now it will be exposed to a wider audience (gulp). Since I got back from Banff I’ve realized there is so much of Vancouver I have never seen. My unemployment combined with boredom has encouraged me to hop on random buses and see where I end up. It’s mostly to spark my imagination for potential jobs (Art Galleries? Manufacturers? Subway Sandwich Artist?) but sometimes it was just for the adventure. Now, I can take a bit more methodical approach to consistently getting out there, whilst still being creative in my own way. But it still feels scary, vulnerable.
I haven’t been blogging here as much lately; trying to plan the VIA project combined with my desire to keep this personal blog as upbeat as possible (it’s a downer bitching about the discouraging nature of job hunting), I just haven’t had much of a chance to write. But I’ve been taking a ton of photos. Hundreds and hundreds. And now that the Wanderful feature (which is the name of it, btw) goes live today, I don’t have to keep quiet about it anymore, for extreme superstitious fear of jinxing myself. So hopefully my choosing random neighborhoods in Vancouver, exploring the shit out of them, and documenting via pictures will inspire me to write more, all the way around 
On other cool, yet unrelated fronts – I snagged a ticket to the Vancouver 12×12 Photo Marathon event that is coming up on August 6. I’m pretty excited about it. Film (gulp, x2)! 12 frames. 12 themes. 12 HOURS. There are 60 people who compete in the event, and it’s a huge range of photogs – hardcore professionals, to hobbyists like myself. Once the day is over, they develop the film, and then everyone gets together for an evening where the shots are displayed and awards for specific categories are given. I myself have not shot film since my Emily Carr days, so if they award a “Only took 7 hours to load her camera” prize, I’m totally going to SCORE!
Also, Summer Live happens this weekend, which is a cornucopia of free concerts and events taking place in Stanley Park to celebrate Vancouver’s birthday. Dan Mangan, Neko Case, The Zolas, New Pornographers, and about 9000 other incredible artists are going to be there. So that’s something to look forward to, as well. Did I mention it’s free? FREE.
All around, so much fantastic stuff going on! I have a feeling this is going to be a pretty productive summer. Now fingers crossed for continued beautiful weather and good thoughts for happy, gainful (soon, please) employment!
