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11 Items in My Portfolio Life

“Portfolio life” is a term I found in Jeff Goins’ The Art of Work.

Sequoia 4 seasons

Collage of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in 4 Seasons, pencil and colored pencil, private collection

Portfolio life doesn’t mean being a jack of all trades, or being the master of one, or being ADHD. It means your work life is full of variety that all relates to and supports your chosen line.

Indeed! Forsooth! (an archaic word for “indeed”)

Check out this list:

  1. Blogger – writer, photographer, a tiny bit computerish
  2. Oil painter
  3. Pencil artist
  4. Drawing teacher
  5. Muralist
  6. Sign painter
  7. Bookkeeper/office manager/marketing director
  8. Web site upkeeper
  9. Author (So what if it is a picture book – it has words!!)
  10. Publisher
  11. Public speaker

“Sign painter”? Only under duress. I’ll let you know more when there is more to let you know.

Item #6 may be more accurately titled “Odd Jobber”. . . I’ve painted a sign for a houseboat, Christmas ornaments, old windows, umbrellas, quilt patches, and saltillo tiles. Those are just the odd jobs I can remember on the spur of the moment.

A Central California artist has got to do what she’s got to do.

It is an honor to be thought of when someone needs an artist.

Anyone else out there living a “portfolio life”?

Maybe I should go vacuum the studio or pull a few weeds. (Should I add janitor and groundskeeper to the list?)

2 Comments

  1. Yep, Jana, a writer has many roles to play as well. And yes, keeping the work area clean and tidy is all part of it, too, so I say go ahead and add janitor and groundskeeper to the list! 🙂

    • Cheryl, if I actually DID those things I could add them to the list. The truth is that Trail Guy shares those responsibilities with me. . . “Hey, Honey, mind if I vacuum in here?” “Uh, what? Oh, sure, that would be nice but I’m not done making a mess yet.”


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