Western Ireland FarmhouseI've been a photographer/designer involved in the communications "industry" for many years. Last year I bought a wonderful giclée printer capable of producing archival prints (80-200 year permanence) for my limited edition prints. Recently I've started using the printer to produce archival note cards in various sizes. Mostly a lark—I love the design process— it is starting to get out of hand. The other day, just before our mini-vacation, I spent all day feeding the machine with high-quality heavy-weight paper to keep up with recent orders.
Now I'm starting to rethink the whole bright idea. I really don't want a full-time job—or anything that comes close. I've had a few of those in my time. I really enjoy the design and the problem-solving, and the pleasures of the finished product as well. I'm just getting really thoughtful about how far I want this to go.
(The picture above is from the Irish series of note-cards and prints.)
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13 comments:
Magnificent Obsession. Some things are that way. Pretty soon you'll be wondering, do you own the printer, or does it own you?
Yeah, you better watch out! That "job" will sneak up and pounce on you!
Learning when to say No and realizing when enough is enough is a good thing at any age, retired or not!
The reaction one gets to 'saying no' can be interesting. I get it occasionally at school, and the look on their faces is precious. When I say "You don't pay well enough to make me want to do that" they get so confused... and that part is enjoyable.
Could you farm out some of the 'grunt' work to let you focus on design and such?
If the card is any indication there would be high demand. Tough to set those boundaries of work versus free time though.
If you want to job-out the printing, drop a note by email. I'd love to help some youngsters get a start in something so creative, even if it is manufacturing part of the process.
73
Steve
K9ZW
Thanks, all, for the kind words.
And k9zw— thanks most especially. "Youngsters". I love it! Made my day, bud.
What's going on out there? Things slow?
QUOTE: "And k9zw— thanks most especially. "Youngsters". I love it! Made my day, bud."
¡De nada!
Actually I do enjoy getting youngsters started in small scale manufacturing, if the opportunity arrises....
k9zw— definitely a worthy goal, helping the young. I applaud you.
But I'm 70+ so I don't think I qualify anymore! I do appreciate the thought though.
H., No, things are too "fast" as it happens. Doing more local (more or less) travel than I like, out of necessity. Thus less time at home than I like to have. After t'row I should have the weekend to recover. Thanks for asking!
Well, it will keep you from getting stale, I guess. I know you'll be glad to be able to just relax there in your fortress of solitude.
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