Tag Archives: laid off

Reflections Of An Artist | 2025 Milestone Recap 👩🏻‍🎨

1
Posted on by

Some of you may be setting your New Year’s resolutions right now, however with it still being the dead of winter I prefer to follow the rhythm of nature and set my intentions with the spring equinox, when light takes over darkness, life re-emerges, balance is restored, and creation begins. So for me, winter is the time to dream without pressure and reflect on what I have overcome thus far.

With that being said, this time last year looked very different for me, and what started off on a very high note came crashing down rather quickly. I was so excited to kick the year off with a brand new job where I could finally support fellow artists for a living, only to be led by a CEO full of false promises that resulted in surprise layoffs and the company closing their doors. Despite them being a startup, I jumped all in when the opportunity arose and was quickly reminded why I have never been much of a big risk taker. Having been on my own since I was 18 and always holding a job since I was 15, I was overcome with emotions. I had never lost a job before, especially at no fault of my own, and on top of it, in an industry I was genuinely passionate about. To say it was soul crushing would be an understatement. It didn’t help that it all happened with terrible timing, and I don’t mean just being let go the day after my 44th birthday, but the fact that I was left to hunt for a new job only to find myself tangled in the web of a nightmare job market filled with scammers, hackers, AI garbage, age discrimination, remote jobs that are really hybrid, too many applicants, fake job postings, and most of all, false hopes.

Unfortunately, I still haven’t escaped that job hunting web just yet, but my mindset has changed as I continue to reflect on all the blessings that have resulted from it. For instance, yes, I may have taken a risk, but I also was stuck in a very toxic work situation, and jumping ship to board on with the new startup gave me the push I needed to leave. And although everyone’s time at the startup was cut short, I was blessed to be able to work with an amazing team of women I may never have had the opportunity to meet. I quickly picked up new software and skill sets, and even some great advice and ideas that I now utilize for my own art practice. Most importantly though, I got to experience what it was like working directly with some very talented and well-known fine artists from all around the country, which was something very special that I had hoped to gain from my time working there.

As months passed, one thing remained constant, and that was me word vomiting over and over again about how incredibly grateful I am for my hardworking husband. He has not only been keeping us afloat financially, but he has been my emotional rock through everything, reminding me that just because I am not working full time doesn’t mean I am worthless, because honestly most days thats how I’ve felt. Not having the spending money to enjoy ourselves like we used to or having the ability to save like we were has definitely taken a hit to my self esteem but at the same time allowed me to gain a sense of freedom that money could never buy.

Which leaves me with the one thing I feel this year has blessed me with the most, and that was time. Something I never had before and at times still feel guilty about gaining. When working for other companies, I never had the dedicated time and creative energy I needed to fully invest into my own artwork. Writing this blog alone would have been much different, much shorter, or not even written at all. I would become overwhelmed trying to balance and keep it all together, my health often taking a toll, projects and ideas piling up because it would take me forever to finish anything, or feeling overwhelmed enough to skip the creative process altogether, which would ultimately leave me feeling unaccomplished and unfulfilled.

After being let go from the daily grind, it seemed like whenever I had a confidence crushing moment on my job hunting journey, it would immediately be followed by an uplifting art win of some sort. I now know those were signs from the universe divinely guiding and gifting me with what I had always asked for, it just arrived terribly wrapped in loss and confusion. It was like asking for flowers and the universe giving me rain instead. The seeds were planted. It was up to me to figure out that the glimmers in the rain drops only came if I provided the sunshine needed to bloom. So some days I chose to take breaks from the stress of the job hunt and strictly focus the time I was gifted to work on bringing more of my visions to life. Guilt free.

Since being laid off, I have also gained a plethora of new LinkedIn connections and although a majority of them are strangers in the real world, they’ve truly helped keep me sane. They’ve been there to boost my confidence when venting about job hunting dead ends while also being there to celebrate and support me when sharing my art wins and announcing my new creations. Many have even written up features or conducted interviews about me and my work, and others have actually become new collectors of it. Ironically, most of them may have never even discovered my work had I not been more active on the platform due to my job hunt and the time I was blessed with to focus and really go all in on it this year.

And although I was technically unemployed, I remained VERY busy. When I was not creating, applying or interviewing for jobs, I was putting in hours of unpaid work as an Artrepreneur, which really has put into perspective why it’s been so hard to keep up with everything while working a full-time job.

Top that off with everything else going on in the world, there were many days that made it harder to find the blessings and transform negative thoughts into positive ones. But I found that when I surrounded myself in inspiring environments and spent my time and energy wisely with people who would rather live in the moment than constantly focus on drama, politics, news, and negativity, I felt much lighter, healthier, and creatively motivated.

Refocusing my mindset was important for me as an artist. For instance, did someone physically steal a piece of my artwork and therefore I became a famous artist overnight due to the heist? No, but someone wanted my artwork badly enough that they were willing to risk getting caught and arrested for it.

Did I make a killing on my work this year to the point I could completely live off the income and stop job hunting? No, but I gained a couple freelance gigs that got me by, and both my Etsy and Closet Collectibles sales were on the rise, resulting in many happy dances for a girl who just wants to share her visions with the world while hoping they speak to someone as weird as she is.

So with that, I just want to show my gratitude to everyone that helped these artist milestone moments happen for me over the past “Gregorian calendar year”….

And most importantly, I want you all to know… I’m not stopping anytime soon!


Stay Strange & Magical ✨
LDG Nicole

I Support Human Handmade Art Shirts Just Dropped! 🚫🤖

0
Posted on by

In a world where artificial intelligence is making waves in every corner of our lives, there’s one thing I believe we can’t replace and that is the human touch. That’s why I’ve designed my latest T-shirt collection to show support for what truly makes my art special, its handmade, human origins.

Long before AI, I have always prided myself in the fact that I only use design software when it comes to creating graphics for marketing and mockups (even these shirts were designed this way). My portraits are hand drawn on paper using pencils, charcoal and pastels. My paintings made with canvas, paintbrushes, and paint. My creations sculpted and glued with my very own two hands (with the hot glue gun burns to prove it). My work literally carries my fingerprints and that is something no computer or algorithm can ever capture.

And don’t get me wrong, AI can do a lot of things. It can generate and mimic shocking realistic visuals, craft music, write poetry and even create an actor for your next feature film. So much so that it’s now become harder and harder for us creatives to find employment (I should know as I am still looking for my next opportunity), but it can’t replicate the soul, emotion, or the way us human express our true selves in our work. That is why it has to steal from us in order to “create”.

These “I Support Human Handmade Art” shirts are more than just clothing, they are a statement to champion for us creatives who pour our heart and souls into our work and carve out new ways of thinking and seeing the world. They’re a representation of the spirit of individuality and rebellion that has always fueled creative work. So whether you’re an artist, an art lover, or just someone who values what makes human creativity so special, these shirts are your chance to wear your heart on your sleeve for us.. literally.

In a world where technology is rapidly evolving, it’s more important than ever to remind ourselves of what makes us human. So if you support the idea that creativity should come from human hands, lets start a revolution! Support me as an artist, share this post, and order one of these statement shirts in my Etsy shop today!

Stay Strange & Magical ✨️,
LDG Nicole

Totally 80’s Limited Edition Art Sticker Packs Just Dropped!

5
Posted on by

Attention fellow 80’s babies who are living their best kidulting lives because you know the true magic that comes from sticker collecting! You will be happy to know that I am currently putting the clear labels (that I designed) onto 10 Limited Edition Sticker Packs! 

Totally 80s art sticker packs by Living Dead Girl Nicole
Totally 80s art sticker packs by Living Dead Girl Nicole

Each pack is pre-packaged by my printer and contains 5 stickers I selected from various art pieces I have hand drawn or hand painted over the years that were all inspired by 80’s pop culture icons and nostalgia.

Totally 80s art sticker packs by Living Dead Girl Nicole

Although very limited at this time, these sticker packs are my way of offering something new to my art collectors while I continue to weather the storm. Since I am still unemployed and have to budget a lot more, I am testing the waters to see how well these do before offering additional sets. These first packs will be available to purchase in person at a discounted rate* at Closet Collectibles in Crete, IL. (when I do my next art drop/restock) with limited stock also available in my Etsy and Latchet shops while supplies last.

I know I say it all the time, but thank you again for your continued support. Every order and purchase means the world to me, especially now while I’m unemployed and navigating this chaotic job market. The last six months have been a roller coaster of emotions with job rejections, opportunity scams, and moments where my self-worth has really been tested. But through it all, sparks of art wins from all of you have come in like small miracles, lifting my spirits just when I need it most. Your support is what keeps me moving forward, and I’m so incredibly grateful for those of you that continue to believe in me and my talents.

Stay Strange & Magical ✨️,
LDG Nicole

*Price is discounted from online store prices. Etsy listings reflect the unfortunate amount of shop and transaction fees they charge us artists to sell online. If you are local or traveling to Illinois, I encourage my clients to save money and see my work on full display by shopping my artwork in person with my consignment partner, Closet Collectibles where they truly support my creative endeavors to the fullest as their resident local artist.

New Print Options for Living Dead Girl Nicole’s Art Collectors

2
Posted on by

Being laid off has given me the time I’ve needed to not only work on commission orders but also re-evaluate how I offer my art to my collectors. After reviewing a multitude of samples from printers, I’m excited to announce some changes and additions to my art prints.

Starting immediately, I will be upgrading my giclee prints from the 49 lb/180 gsm 9 mil glossy paper to a Matte 53 lb/210 gsm 9 mil paper. After comparing several options, I chose this paper because it offers a wider color gamut and a smooth matte finish that provides a glare-free display. Not only does it look vibrant, but it also feels luxuriously soft to the touch. The best part is, it remains affordable for my collectors so my prices don’t have to change.

Along with this paper upgrade, I will continue offering these giclee prints in the 8.5” x 11” size and will now also be adding a 5” x 7” size option as well.

But that’s not all. My collectors now have the option to upgrade to a canvas print in classic gallery style, wrapped around a real wood frame! The texture of the canvas enhances the natural look and feel of the artwork, creating a truly immersive experience wherever you hang it. Plus, no framing is necessary—just hang it and enjoy.

New Canvas Art Prints by Living Dead Girl Nicole

For my online shoppers, you can now start purchasing these new made-to-order print options directly in my Etsy shop.

For my Closet Collectibles shoppers, I will be gradually replacing the glossy versions of my stocked prints as each print sells out. So all future restocks of prints will be on the new matte paper. Additionally, I will have a limited number of canvas prints available to view and purchase at my discounted* in-store prices, starting with my next art drop-off & restock.

I know I say it all the time, but thank you again for your continued support. Every order and purchase means the world to me, especially now, as it’s my primary source of income while I’m awaiting my next career opportunity. Your support has become a true driving force, motivating me on my journey and pushing me closer to fully pursuing my dream—perhaps one day, even to the point where this becomes that next career opportunity. A girl can dream, right?

Stay Strange & Magical,
LDG Nicole

*Price is discounted from online store prices. Etsy listings reflect the unfortunate amount of shop and transaction fees they charge us artists to sell online. If you are local or traveling to Illinois, I encourage my clients to save money and see my work on full display by shopping my artwork in person with my consignment partner, Closet Collectibles where they truly support my creative endeavors to the fullest as their resident local artist.