Finding Golden Nuggets by Guest Kate Endle

I work from home and I LOVE it! However, it has some downer moments. For example, my "studio" is in my front room and cutting and gluing paper can get real messy; I don't like mess. Also, holing up at home often results in me chattin' it up with the grocery store checker a little too long. So, to get out and about I have a few extra little jobs. I work at Anthropologie helping out with window display and installations. Now, if you're reading this blog you probably know all about this glorious store. Talk about inspiration! I about had a heart attack when I walked into their downtown Seattle location in 1999. I love touching all the pretty things and everything smells so good! I also discover a wide variety of amazing music that is being played throughout the store. It's been a very satisfying job for me and I'm constantly learning new tricks of the trade. I love my coworkers and they are hugely supportive of my art and freelance career. I also show my artwork there. The downtown store has a large wall that they give to local artists, which is amazing exposure. I've gotten a lot of fantastic freelance jobs this way.



I also sell exotic Japanese produce and cider for a local farmer at the farmer's markets in Seattle. I'm learning a lot about organic foods and cooking. Eating locally grown food that's in season feels like a real good thing to do. This job is super social, super fun, and I get to spend time outside breathing fresh Northwest air. Ahhhh.....



Both of these jobs provide me with things that my freelance/artist job can not. Both jobs also allow me to make my own schedule, which is critical to the life of a freelancer. Sometimes, as an artist, the "other" job is a real drag. My advice to artists that are struggling with the "other" job is to breathe through it and know that there are golden nuggets scattered throughout these kind of experiences. Sometimes, it takes a LONG time for these golden nuggets to make themselves visible and sometimes you have to sift through a lot of murky muck. But when you find those glittery nuggets of goodness, it's glorious.