Brand Design Photography & Styling Clarity Consulting

Veda News: Burnout at age 26

So I’m finally admitting it. I’ve reach full blown out BURNOUT at age 26. I have no idea how I even let myself get this way, but it’s official. Over the past year, I’ve been feeling the weight of working in the advertising world. I’ve been feeling pulled in a new direction, but glued to the security of my day job with lovely benefits. The constant pulling in opposite directions has lead to a clean rip, right through the middle of my core.

I was warned about this thing called “burnout” from so many people but always told myself that it wouldn’t happen to me. I was told that if you stretch yourself too thin, that you’d eventually grow to hate what you’re doing. Since I’m a stubborn person, I tested that theory for far too long.

If you would have talked to me about a year ago, I would have told you that doing full time freelance that brought me free PayPal money instantly anytime I needed it was what I wanted to do. I would have told you that I wanted to design blogs, websites and do branding for brands that I love. Unfortunately as time went on, my clear direction of what I wanted to do “when I grow up” blurred into a fury of confusion. I’ve become sooooo sick of sitting in front of the computer that my soul is craving to work with my hands. I’m sooooo sick of no-so-friendly clients that all I want to do is work on hassle-free personal projects. I’m soooooo sick of the politics of working at a large company, that all I want to do is barricade myself into a little corner (people-free). I know all of this sounds very dramatic, but all of it is painstakingly true. At the young age of 26….I’m throwing my hands up and saying “fuck it”.

So, thanks for listening to my rant. haha. I’m now going to go and figure out what to do about it all. Have you ever reached the point of burnout? What did you do to get past it??

inspired by: Malin Gabriella Nordin

Malin is an artist from Sweden who currently works in Norway. Her work is so striking to me and I’m finding a lot of inspiration in the organic shapes, texture usage, mini installations,and color palettes used. As you can see from my header design, her and I have a little love affair for ambiguous shapes with overlaying textures. 🙂 She’s making quite a name for herself in the art/gallery scene and has had many notable shows over the past few years.

Browse her work here and read her blog!

*above images made with graphite, permanent market, acrylic, papier-mâché (2010)

mini collection: crystals

If you’re a frequent visitor of this blog, you’ll know that I’m a fan of rocks, minerals and crystals. I’ve posted about them here and here. This is my personal mini collection, ranging in size, shape, and color. Currently I have these guys scattered around my loft and I love how they bring a natural element to the room.

I look forward to sharing more of my mini collections with you soon 🙂

* all photos by Veda House

Lesson Learned: Being Uncomfortable, Part 2

Recently I was asked to attend a photoshoot for the advertising agency I work with. I was 100% NOT thrilled about the idea because I’m not one to like being away from home and my brain has been far less from fully functioning these days.

I ended up going (didn’t really have a choice) but ended up loving every minute of the experience (minus being away from my man and pup). It was a three day shoot and I was the only art director on set. The days were filled with10 gallons of ice cream a day, product styling, lifestyle shoot with an adorable little boy and a full day of capturing beautiful sweat treats in natural daylight. I learned a lot.

I was kind of just thrown into the whole thing, but walked away with a realization that maybe I should become a stylist. It feels natural to me and I’m really good at getting lost in prop rooms for long periods of time. I’ve always enjoyed styling (my favorite part of having an etsy shop), but haven’t had a lot of professional experience learning the ins and outs.

I’m thankful for the experience because It allowed me to realize where I need to focus my energy. I think 2013 will include more styling jobs. Looking forward to it!

Have you ever been forced into something to find yourself unexpectidly walking away with some gained insights and inspiration.

Quentin Szuwarski's Sketchbook

I haven’t been able to find out a lot about Quentin Szuwarski, (aka Z.U.S), but I do know he’s got an intriguing Flickr photo stream. The sketches are pulled straight from scans of his sketchbook and I hope you find them as inspiring as I did. Who said a sketch needs to be completely refined?

Inspired by: Ceramics

I’m realizing that I’ve got quite the fondness for pottery…unpolished pottery with organic shapes and patterns. I realized that whenever I head to the thrift stores/antique malls, it’s usually pottery that I carry around to the very end until I decide I shouldn’t spend the money. I think 2013 will be the year where I start to official collect some beautiful pieces and the pieces above are stealing my heart.

Do you have a “thing” for anything in particular? Jewelry? Books?…?

Above Pieces: Mug, Charms, Bird Vase, Bottle, Set of Bowls, Lattice Bowl

Inspired By: Elina Brotherus

The booked called Artist and Her Model has been really inspiring. The book was photographed by Finish photographer Elina Brotherus. I love how the book is a “meditative journey, a diary and a reflection” of the artist herself.

“The work gathered in the book documents the time wrap from 1996 to 2011. The story is told not in time, but rather in fragments. She works in self-portiture, sometimes bringing people who have special place in her life. Elina’s photographs depict relationship with people, love, disappointments, search, pain and how they shift/change over the years. While the images are constructed, she is completely present in every moment, living/experiencing her life. ”

Read more here –> and purchase the book here –>

Notable No. 11

This week I’m switching things up a little bit and featuring my favorite bloggers. I’ve realized that as a blogger/blog reader…I read A LOT of blogs. Most of the blogs I read I skim to find that one piece of inspiring content. The bloggers included in the list below are people who share their lives in a very unfiltered way. I appreciate their openness and find myself always coming back to check in on how they are doing and what they’ve been up to. Their lives and positive outlook on life is contagious and I can’t help but be inspired by them…constantly. It’s more than just being inspired, though. It’s about building an inspiring online community of creatives.

Notables this week:
1. Love Taza – snippets of life from a young family full of energy and adventure
2. Bleubird – the queen bee of multi-tasking and an extremely beautiful life
3. Che & Fidel – an Australian family enjoying life with simplicity
4. Jeremy & Kathleen – newlyweds with healthy souls looking for adventure
5. A Blog About Love – pure pure pure honesty
6. Katie’s Pencil Box – perfectly color coordinated life, full of joy
7. Petite Biet – A young family living is the bustling city of New York
8. The Road is Home – the beauty of a bohemian lifestyle, captured by the camera lens
9. Dear Baby – Love is all you need

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