Today is March 18, 2021. And wow, these last 365 days, what a time it has been.
First off, I’m back. I took my blog down for a while, but I’m bringing it back. Work kept me busy enough that trying to add another outlet, on top of everything else I do, it was just too much. Now though, a creative outlet like this is just what I need.
Not to dive too into the worldwide pandemic here — it’s something we’re all dealing with differently, and something we know all too well at this point — I want to briefly touch on it and bring you up to speed on what’s going on in my life.
March 16, 2020, basically everyone (myself included) went remote and shifted to a work from home life. At that point, I have been with my company Z-Line Designs for a little shy of six years. Brought on as a graphic designer, I worked myself up to Senior Designer, and ultimately got to handle design manager and art director duties even.
Z-Line was an interesting time professionally. I enjoyed the people I worked with, and was good at what I did. I knew that there was a need for a change. Then, Lucasfilm came knocking. Yes, the Lucas. We landed a deal to design and develop officially licensed Star Wars furniture. When I say this was a dream come true, it isn’t an understatement. I’ve been a geek at heart my entire life. To have an opportunity to work for Star Wars — this is something I never thought was even remotely possible.
Long story short, while I saw some tell tale signs to jump ship from Z-Line, this was something I had to see through. I was the resident Star Wars expert. I got to lead the project. This was going to be my baby.
The designs were incredible. My product designer, Tuan, worked his butt off and created some really incredible pieces (shoot me an email, I’ll give you access to view the designs HERE if you want). Pieces were designed, the Star Wars team approved, we had samples produced, and even showed them at our High Point furniture showroom to a great response. And then… the world stopped.
That’s when everything changed. Production halted worldwide, and, well, nothing ever really returned to normal. First days and weeks passed, then months. Factories weren’t reopening, shipping never continued, and work slowed. Z-Line was forced to reduce hours to stay afloat — which ended up only being a temporary solution. In the end, after trying everything they could, staff was reduced, and then the inevitable was forced to happen. After more than twenty-five years, Z-Line fell victim to 2020 and COVID, and ceased operations last fall.
Due to these crazy times, I was forced (and lucky enough) to transition to a full-time freelance role while I began my search for new full-time employment. Now, I say lucky enough, because I was very fortunate to have work with some fantastic clients — some ongoing, some new. Because of some pretty strict NDA’s, I still cannot speak on some of them (or show them on my website). I can say though, I was able to do some work that I am so very proud of, and honored to work with.
These projects brought me through 2020, and kept me afloat. Which brings me to now. Two days ago was March 16, 2021. Exactly one year after everything changed. On this day, I received an offer letter for a position I am so incredibly excited to step into. Today — right before I began typing this to be more specific — I officially accepted the position.
I am beyond thrilled to announce that I will be the new Graphic Designer for Truebeck Construction. Truebeck has quickly become a company that I have grown to respect and admire. To be a member of their incredible team is an honor. I greatly look forward to the work I am about to do for them, and to see the impact I can help make in and around the Bay Area that I have long called home.
This world is one still in chaos and disarray. Our futures are so uncertain, and this last year has showed us that more than ever. For me though, right now, my future and next step is with Truebeck, and it is one I cannot wait to begin. I look forward to updating you all on the work I am doing, and what is to come. So, please, stay tuned. And thank you, for following along. This journey has only just begun.