For the past six years I’ve supported myself in Germany by teaching english. It started as a way for me to make ends meet. Over the years I got to the point where I could live very comfortably off of my work. The more I taught, however, the more I realized that I wanted my living to come from art.
My main teaching job for the past four years (the one which I was let go from yesterday) was a great experience which allowed me to live comfortably, work on a flexible schedule, and develop my art and cartooning. In many ways that job allowed me to use the past four years as something of an internship for art. My flexible schedule and regular paycheck gave me the time and freedom to spend a great deal of time drawing, learning, and practicing a career without having to rely solely upon it. The effort that I’ve been able to put into my comics, and especially Caffeinated Toothpaste, was based largely on the support of that job.
As of yesterday I was informed that I would not longer be employed at the end of the month.
These past four years have helped me develop not only my artistic skills, but have given me many other assets as well. I’m privileged to share an outstanding gallery and studio with friends that have helped me get to a point I never thought I’d reach. For almost a year-and-a-half I’ve had the fortune of being part of an outstanding creative environment. I’m excited for this to be my full-time workplace from now on.
More than anything, however, it’s the support and encouragement of so many people which have gotten me to the point of feeling capable about making this transition. Two of my former employers helped me so much in not only making a place for myself in Berlin but helping me work towards my creative goals. There are so many outstanding artists I’ve met here who have also helped me over the years and it would be hard to imagine being in the position I am in without their guidance, assistance, and friendship. My family has always given me so much support, for which I’m grateful. Finally, there’s Stephanie, who has encouraged me throughout every step of my journey and has put up with more than anyone else.
Alright, let’s keep this adventure going!
"I think I just lost my main teaching job"
"I think that means..."
"...I'm a full-time cartoonist and illustrator"
Huh, I totally thought this was going to be a sad comic or at least a panicky one. I didn’t realize the teaching job was no longer, strictly speaking, necessary. Congrats, then!
Was the position eliminated or were you telling people that curse words were used as greetings?
Sounds great. Being laid off AND being happy.
Woot! Congrats.
congratulations on your freedom, josh!
Wow! interesting development, indeed! I was actually wondering about this last time we saw you at the studio – because we hadn’t talked about it in a while – whether this transition had happened yet, or would happen sometime soon. I’m happy that it seems to be happening at a good time in a good way…
good luck Josh!
are you up for sketchning?
I got laid off of an IT-ish job once. It was the biggest favor that guy could have done me, and I was *THIS CLOSE* to quitting when it happened. I have a comic storyline about what a fucked up a job it was, with 3x more strips in storyboard. I’m sure no day job could have been as fucked up as mine was, you may have even liked your English teaching — I always enjoyed teaching Spanish. But every minute you were doing it you were not a full time artist. I’m still a full time musician but at least I like most of it most of the time. Congratulations Josh. There is no birth without a little pain but I’m sure this will be a pivotal event for you, and you will be able to follow your dreams.
Fuck yeah! Congratulations – that must feel awesome. I am edging closer to being a full-time ball criticiser, but some way to go yet. So well done!
Congratulations man, finally time to drink some beers.. right?
Congrats man, maybe this will give you the extra time to pursue other artistic interests. Sometimes it takes a kick like this to take us to the next level!
Wow, thank you all so much for the encouragement!