claire123

Mgirl, I feel that what you said is true, but is something that I didn't want to accept. Art is such a lonely field. I guess one reason that I've been holding on, is that I'm afraid of feeling that "artist isolation" again. But in reality, I was always alone as these people weren't true friends, but people who wanted to gain from my success. And now, these people are no longer good for me. They're making me feel bad about being me. They have not been supportive of the recent efforts I've made in getting my career back on track. In some way, this is holding me back, because it's making me unsure of myself. I think you're right...it's time for me to discontinue the group and move on. Thanks for your insight. It was very helpful. Claire

funnycagirl, They know all of the facts. I told them everything when it happened to get it out in the open. I didn't want to feel like I had to hide it from these people whom I thought of as friends. It has been three years now, since I lost the contract, and the group has continually gone down hill though I've tried to bring it back to life. I suppose the misfortune I suffered is quite a shock to the members, since they looked up to me. But I hate feeling like I can't mention what happened to me. This whole thing has taught me that the old saying is true: laugh and the world laughs with you; weep and you weep alone. Claire

Dondon, I wouldn't rush into the "us" part. It might scare her off. Just be friendly. Be yourself. Talk and get to know one another better. Good luck. I hope you have a great time. Claire

Cynder, I feel for you. But, if I were you, I'd stay with the company and keep trying for that design job. Persistence could pay off. The woman you mentioned likely isn't going to be with the company long with the type of track record you described. I bet that an opening will come up in the near future. In the meantime, try to get some more design experience. Do some web design work. If you haven't already--you need to build a portfolio. And by all means, stay in touch with the company design director. Claire

Tough Girl, I hear you. High shool isn't easy. It was long ago for me, but I remember it well. Two of my sons went through a similar thing as well, and one decided to quit and get his degree another way. I supported him in his decision, and he has done well since and has a good job. But the government here has different policies and one can quit at age 16. I don't know how it works where you live. Does your school offer any kind of counseling? Sincerely, Claire

Hello, I'm new here. This looks like a great place to share, and so I thought I'd join in and seek some advice. Years ago, I started what became a successful group for artists. I sacrificed a lot of my time to help other artists learn and grow. The group grew all the more popular when I received a high dollar publishing contract. During the contract negotiation, these artists were my best friends, encouraging and advising me every step of the way. It seemed to become a very close group and we could talk about anything. A couple of years later, my luck changed. The company I worked for breeched the contract and cancelled the publication. I lost my job, my home, and faced financial ruin. What's more, I had a broken heart due to what I perceived as professional failure (the contract had been a dream come true). I actually grieved as if someone close to me had died--(I'm not entirely past this grief phase yet). In all, this turned out to be the worst time of my life. Quickly, I learned that the artists whom I'd mentored for so many years weren't there for me though I'd always been there for them. When I told them about my misfortune, few of them even bothered to comment. And the few times that I'd bring the subject up, they would all get very quiet. I don't understand it. Group participation began to decline and has since significantly died off. Now, I'm, trying to move on with my life and my career following the major career blow. But I'm hurt and somewhat bitter at these artists about what I perceive as a lack of empathy and understanding for my plight. What's more, I think that they were so "nice" to me during the big contract negotiation, because they thought that they could somehow profit from my success. I'm seriously thinking about discontinuing the group. I feel so uncomfortable around these people now. I keep asking myself why I should keep it going. And yet I get very upset when I think about discontinuing it. My husband can't understand why I'm so upset about it. I guess I see it as yet another loss in a series of losses. Maybe a part of me feels like I can make everything like it used to be--but so far, that has not happened despite my best efforts. Any advice? Thanks, Claire