Festival Fun & Financially Uncomfortable
Hello, and Happy Sunday!
Weekly Recap
This week was all about getting into a routine and back to business. I pretty much jumped right back into work, but sometimes it’s the small things—like cleaning, doing dishes, and re-establishing a sleep schedule after a trip—that feel difficult. Football season started again, and I’m back working in the suites. I also hosted my first painting event at a festival on Saturday, which was exciting! Plus, I have a mural (that’s not quite done) in an exhibition called *The Vortex* at COPA, which also had an event this weekend.
Things That Went Well
My painting party venture, *Canvas and Company*, which I co-own with my friend Mariah, had our first event at Lakeshore Park in Milwaukee this weekend! We created little 4x4 canvases that matched the theme of the event and set up a station where people could paint a canvas and take it with them. I added step-by-step diagrams of how to paint each design, and Mariah and I put a lot of thought into the table setup. The event turned out to be so fun! We passed out all 50 canvases, and people made some great art! The tables looked great, even though we had to decorate with rocks everywhere to stop the wind from blowing everything over. People seemed to enjoy it and commented that we seemed very experienced, which was great to hear since I was so nervous. I love the concept of bringing people together through art and curating a great event. I might like it as much as painting murals.
I think it started when I was working at the Badger games in the suites. As a suite attendant, we serve people who pay A LOT of money to be there, and I try to take care of every detail so they have a great experience (and hopefully tip well). I tried to translate that into this venture. I love when someone has an experience that leaves them smiling, and even more, I love being the reason behind that smile.
Things That Could Be Better
Full transparency: money. Traveling was amazing, and I’m so happy I did it, but two weeks of spending and not making money took more of a toll on my bank account than I expected. Also, the remote AI training job I do hasn’t had any assignments lately, and I really rely on that for extra income. For the first time since I started this, I have no safety net, and it’s low-key terrifying. If my car breaks down or my cat needs to go to the vet, I’m just not prepared. Not being able to work on the remote job has made me realize how much I depend on it, and it’s lit a fire under me to put myself out there and start landing more mural jobs.
Also, while the art festival went really well, I had to choose between hosting the event and working the football game on Saturday. At the football game, I would likely have made close to $600 or more. At the festival, I made $400, which I’ll split with my partner. My thought process was that if I choose my art, I might have to suffer a bit in the short term, but I’ll be more successful in the long term. It’s a gamble, and I could have just lost $400 that I really need. I’ve heard from other artists and from meditating to trust the universe—that if I keep investing in myself and working hard, things will fall into place. I really hope that’s true. I know I have to back it up with hard work and networking, but I’m hoping with everything I’ve got that this gamble pays off.
Personal Life
For some reason, while all this is going on, I’m trying to date. It’s not going great, and I find it very stressful. Also, I finished listening to *So You Like It Darker* by Stephen King. Highly recommend!
Things I Learned This Week
I really need to get off Instagram and stop watching so much TV. I need to start reading more! It’s a bit of a lame answer, but I promise to do better next week.