Investing in myself
When COVID hit, my work mandated that everyone work from home. I quickly realized that I had more free time without a hour commute tacked onto my day.
OK yes, I watched a lot of Netflix. But I also wanted to use this time to focus on investing in myself. When was the last time you had just that — time?
Brushing off my dusty skills
When I, much like many others, started stressing about what I would do with myself during quarantine, I purchased an Adobe course pack from StackSkills. The pack came with hours of courses on many of the Adobe Creative Cloud platforms.
I’ve always had an interest in graphic design that I never fully explored. I figured now was a good of time as any to learn something new.
Putting my skills to the test
After brushing up on my Adobe Illustrator skills, I gained a bit of confidence to create and submit a design for Durham’s ‘I Voted’ sticker contest. Much to my surprise, my design made it to the final three. Unfortunately, I didn’t win but I enjoyed exploring my creative process and am proud of the outcome.
One thing leads to the next
I was feeling energized after my design made it to the final round. I wanted to continue exploring graphic design.
So I went out and purchased an Ipad, a design program called Procreate and I continued learning. I watched hours of online classes on SkillShare. Along the same idea as SkillPop, SkillShare is prerecorded videos taught by everyday people on a variety of topics. From watercolor lettering to pet portraits, I feel like a kid in a candy store every time I log in to the platform that is brimming with classes.
Finding the time
Now I’ll be honest. It’s hard to find the time.
The last thing I want to do after an 8+ hour workday is spend more time on my computer. The process has been slow.
I haven’t worked my way through nearly as many modules as I would like. But I’m going easy on myself. There’s a lot going on in the world right now. And these courses and modules will be there when I’m ready.
It pays off
I’m a big believer that what you put out into the universe, you’ll get in return. After a little bit of investing on my end, I had a client reach out and ask for help designing a logo. Now, typically, I would have said no. But armed with more knowledge and experience I took on the project and she, and I, was thrilled with the outcome.
No matter how much time you’re able to set aside, I do believe it is important to invest in yourself. Whether it’s investing in your mental or physical health or your professional development — there are always ways we can improve, grow and learn. And you never know what new opportunity it might lead you toward.