The last thing I want to be accused of, is being ungrateful for work, however sometimes life becomes so busy all you can do is look forward to your next day off! That’s me right now. Here’s a taste of my schedule in August: (im calling it Dogust because im working like a dog in the dog days of summer etc)

• 8 commissioned chalk art canvasses (48″x 60″)
• 10 cases (+) of Champ Sticks ™ to create and deliver
• 3 Charity Fundraiser Appearances and Auctions
• 2 private paid functions
• 1 Master Class (teaching chalk art techniques)
• 1 chalk art festival centerpiece
• 1 International Corporate Paid 3D Chalk Marketing Centerpiece (major Client)
• 1 Private Corporate Party 3D chalk art delivery (Im out of town)
• 2 presentations for Chicago Public Schools – Fine Arts Festivals
• 4 days of just …driving to another location

Of course this doesn’t include the countless hours of emailing clients (one client and I emailed back and forth over 40 times recently before the subject of the artwork was decided), phone calls, art/sketch submissions, Arranging the pickups/deliveries of artwork for clients, discussing calendar dates with booking agent(s)… Oh! and lets not forget that my wife (who is being very supportive/patient with it all) is asking me to find a spot in all that to go get my updated blood work and urine tests done before going back to the nephrologist in September.

Im so looking forward to Vaccatio… Oh shoot! I forgot one thing:

• book a roundtrip ticket back to Chicago in the middle of my Florida Vacation at the end of the month

(takes a deep breath and looks at calendar)

*While Im typing this all out…

Im thinking of how I can give my son and wife the best of me while always giving my all to my clients… Often someone loses. Often it is my health that pays the price. I am committed to being the best I can be – always looking to improve – in business and in my relationships. I have learned that the best way to do that is to keep myself aware of my mental and physical health. I remind myself all the time that I am Blessed to have the opportunity to “play with Chalk” for a living and to support my wife and son while doing it. I have paid a dear price to get here… now its time to enjoy the view.

If you are an artist: do it well and have fun!

If you are a husband, wife or parent: do it well and have fun!

You only get one time around… or so they say.