Silver Linings and Good Stuff (trying not to freak out as a self employed person during a pandemic)

In the last few days 80% of my live illustration work has been postponed

BUT

I’m not worried. And here’s why you don’t need to be either. (Sent with lots of affectionate elbow taps and Japanese bows)

Hello! I come here with a good message.

So I know things are interesting at the moment, especially if you work in events.

Live illustration has pretty much ALL been postponed - very few events are still going ahead. (at time of recording… now, two days later 100% of the events I was working at have been properly cancelled.)

As a creative, you have got a huge bonus!

A head start, if you will. Most of us work from home anyway, we are already self isolating. You can find new opportunities. One of my friends who was working in all events-related stuff has just started working on the NHS Corona virus hotline. Amazing!

There are a lot of silver linings to be found in COVID-19 time if you are self employed.

For me, I finally have time to work on creating online courses! I’m taking my bullet journal workshops online. Every time I do them in person, people ask me if I’ll offer them online.

The universe: Hi Katie. Ok so, online courses, are you going to sit down and make one yet?

Me: Ummmm. Soon. I'm a bit busy actually. This live illustrating is so well paid! Ask me again in a few months.

The universe: Now?

Me: Nah not yet. The course I was going to put online, they want me to teach it in a hospital! Cool, eh? No need to make it online.

The universe: **drumming fingers on the table** NOW?

Me: Still busy, soz.

The universe: **rolling eyes**

All live illustration work: cancelled

Me: 👀 Oh shit.

The universe, grabbing me by the shoulders: HERE'S A FUCKING PANDEMIC. CAN YOU MAKE YOUR COURSE NOW, PLEASE? Thanks byeeee. 💃

Do you need a sign? Here is your siiiiiign.

Wash you signs, stay home, it’s better that way, aaaand…

It’s time to put your work online!

(I hope you’re keeping ok.)

As a creatives with the internet, we’re going to be just fine.

p.s. this message is not to belittle anbody’s anxiety or real-world concerns. I know financially COVID-19 is going to affect so many people’s income - mine included.

Big things like this happening opens the doors to new possibilities, ideas and opportunities.

Necessity breeds invention.

How are you getting on? Has this changed your working day? Your life? Let me know.