Changes to how I operate.

So I found that it's summer time here and some people are getting late stimulus checks, and getting the itch for tattoos. I use to do tattoos. In fact I was pretty good at them and worked in a few shops but every time I announced openings, I would have people trying to schedule appointments for days I was working my regular part time job, and if they didn't get the day they wanted, they would pout and go to some local who got a machine off amazon or ebay, get a messed up infection of a tattoo, then come back to see me about "fixing" it.  This was one of the annoying things about doing tattoos that drove me to leave. No one could work with my schedule and then expect me to fix their mess ups. I wasn't getting steady work and because of this, I had to switch to full time at my regular job, so when the tattoo shop I was at, got bought out by another shop, I was not steady enough to be considered for that deal and no longer had a sterile place to ink. So I had to announce that I was no longer tattooing. 

I guess a lot of people missed that message or thought it was a joke, or temporary. Years later I had to repeat that announcement and got a lot of angry messages on FB over it. 

I also announced that I was no longer doing small DIY crafting jobs, tattoo designs and what not. Unless it was illustrating a book, working on a comic book, or a pinup in my style, I was no longer taking other art jobs. This also ruffled some feathers. People were pretty mad that I was no longer available to paint their kitchen table or a painting of their favorite mac truck or draw their children's portraits on a wall mural that they don't want to pay my asking prices for. Same people that every time I mention I am getting work published in another book, or in negotiation for doing a comic they break out the "don't forget us little people". 

Nope, I won't forget anyone. I won't forget those who were supportive as well as those who wanted to just keep dragging me away from my goals and keep me occupied with little crafting jobs that get me farther from my goals and make me next to no money. 

Sorry for the long rant. I'm finally at a point where I know exactly what I want, where I want to be, and if I'm going to draw for free, it's gonna be for me, and something I really want to draw and share on here. Things I hope others enjoy but if they don't, then thats fine. I didn't draw it for anyone else. I know I want to work in comics, and thats my goal. I am currently in negotiations for a 3 book series through Shocker Comics, as well as my own books. I will also still continue doing key chains, stickers and pins because they are fun, and they are something I can make decent side money with at shows and at the Halloween store. 

I am focused on being an artist in my chosen field and all other distractions will be pushed aside as best as they can. If I ever take up the occasion crafting job, It'll be for some one very special, because I desperately need the money or because it sounds way too cool to pass to anyone else and I really want to do it. 

If you have that one goal in your life, go for it. If you have to eliminate distractions along the way and piss some people off, do it. If they get mad at you for chasing what makes you happy, then they don't care about your happiness and health as much as they claim.