My full-time job unfortunately was short-lived due to business restructuring. In the meantime I got to learn a lot about administration, how to run marketing from a business perspective, and how small businesses work. It was a great experience with great people, and I’m looking forward to working with them as a consultant for future projects!
After the lay-off I applied to a few more jobs, but quickly I realized that I don’t want to work a regular full-time job anymore. The stability isn’t stable enough, my heart isn’t into other people’s schedules, I’m tired of job hunting, and I’m tired of waiting to make my own goals happen. I’m ready to dive into self-employment as a consultant. Like, really diving in. I think it’s time!!
“Seeking Perfection” by Freyja Catton, 2016. Typewriter on cardstock tab.
I’m very grateful to have been accepted into a self-employment program here in Edmonton, through Anderson Career Training Institute! The instructors and my fellow classmates have all been very helpful in helping me break down the steps in starting a business for the first time and in helping me figure out what exactly I want to offer as a consultant. I’m finding I get energized when I can talk to people about projects and think about big systemic ideas. I’m a highly creative person in tune with the art community as a whole, and I hold a lot of passion for writing and art documentation. I’m hoping to be able to work primarily with clients in the art and publication industries. I know a lot of us struggle to find the right words for things, and that’s one of my favourite challenges! It’s been difficult to figure out who my clients are, but I think my clients are people who think too big for words. Like me!
My website is evolving a bit to reflect this - I updated the site organization, added a shop (finally!!), and updated the consultation page. Of course there’s a lot more steps to come, like licensing and registration, and securing clients and projects, but I’m excited! I think I’m ready.
My focus for the next few months is getting this consultation business set up and established for the summer, as well as building up more posts for Wordeater News. By fall I’m hoping to be more financially established and able to start applying for exhibitions again. I have a couple of projects I’d like to work on creatively and I’m looking forward to working on the next Captain Zeal book. Lots of things on the go — just the way I like it.
Thanks for consuming,
-Freyja T. Catton, MLIS, BFA
