gaikiken
patreon
Important Update
🕑 Added 2017-06-23 15:28:45 +0000 UTCHey everyone!
I'm sure you've all been wondering about the lack of recent updates, slow pace of work, etc. I'm generally really good about keeping everyone updated, but I've been handling some stuff backstage, and I'll divulge a bit on it, so please read on.
I'm moving out of Japan
Some of you may or may not know, but I've been living in Japan for the past year and a half, and my plan was to work as an illustrator/art assistant for a while to learn and hopefully get into the industry here. I was doing a different job here, but at the end of my contract, I decided to focus fully on art, and try to find a job here in my field. I made some connections, and spent time sending in applications. I sent out a lot of them, most of them without fruit, or even past a "thank you for applying."
While I did fine financially with commissions and Patreon, bills started popping up from everywhere, including my national health insurance and city tax, both charging me a high premium for a variety of dumb reasons. Evidently I started realizing that things were tightening up a bit, job search wasn't bearing any fruit, and array of many other things I don't feel like delving too much into, and even having my family wanting to financially help me out (when they aren't even in the capacity to do so atm) I think the next step for me was to move out of Japan.
Where am I going from here?
Well, I'm moving back to the United States from here, I actually found a potential roommate, one whom is one of my closest friends. I am stopping home for a little bit to sort of get my bearings and see my family. I'll keep you guys updated on my location.
Finally, where am I going from here artistically, spiritually, etc?
This isn't a defeat for me, it's just another step in the stairway we call life. I've already decided that I'm just gonna focus on my own personal projects, working on a project I was recently hired for (more on that later) and get my ass to do a web comic. Evidently the only solution is to just challenge myself even more and just build my own brand and stop being at the mercy of being hired. I'll be pumping up more blood into my sites, spread the word of my Patreon even more, and make a lot of adjustments to Patreon, etc. There's an array of things I'm writing down, and I'm going to be setting a proper schedule for the year (err the half that's left of it anyways). It's a bit too early to be divulging these details, but I promise y'all be the first to know.
Am I a bit down because of this?
Will yeah I mean, it's hard not to you know, considering my optimistic views ever since I arrived. However, I am not taking a defeatist stance on this, as I mentioned before, this is just part of life. I can't say coming here was a loss, because it wasn't. I learned so many different things, I did tons of growing up, I learned lots of Japanese, met some really wonderful people, and just had a grand ol' time. Being in Japan has being one of the most enriching experiences I've had, and it's a darn shame I have to go back home. However, like I was telling a friend of mine, next time I come back, it'll be as an illustrator.
To end this all up, I just wanted give you all a big thanks for the amount of support you guys have given me throughout. Whether it's a financial contribution, or just enjoying my work, I truly thank you all.
I'll be crunching out some updates hopefully before the month's over, but please have some patience as I juggle some time backstage as well.
Have a happy Friday everyone! See you next updated!
