After years eight years of retail, management and training other retail managers I've decided to go back to what I love. Although I made good money for the most part, my ability to be creative was very limited. I managed and trained management candidates for a local eleven store chain of independent music store. The closest thing to creative I ever got to do was merchandise new product. When the company was sold to a "big corporation" in November of last year, I chose not to "re-apply" for my job as Assistant to the General Manager - mostly because it didn't exist anymore.

I was very successful at what I did... Climbing the corporate ladder and playing the game - but I was *miserable*, even though I didn't know it. So like I said, I made a decision to make a big change in my life - I wanted to do web development and graphic design.

After taking eight years off I knew that there'd be a lot that I'd need to learn before I could even think about attempting a career in design. I spent a few weeks re-learning HTML, CSS, Php, MySQL, Linux, and Photoshop skills. The only thing that I did learn was that I was doing more "brushing up" rather than learning - my memories were still intact! It was like riding a bike again - I guess you never really forget. The only thing that had changed was my approach. After all of that time I spent managing, promoting sales and interacting with the general public I actually learned something. I found that (what I often find to be) that thin line between art and functionality. It's something that I hope that my clients and potential clients can appreciate.

In my spare time I plan to spend more time on trips taking pictures... when it's late at night I'm going to draw (once my broken hand heals!). I'd rather do something fulfilling and enjoyable with my free time instead of reviewing employees and writing schedules. Expect to see a lot my gallery filling up in the near future!

I've already spent the money, got the equipment for the office and found the right people to work with. The future is totally up in the air right now... but I'm happy trying to be successful at doing something I love rather than do just something to pay the bills.

Wish me luck!