The last year and a half has been a constant churning of life’s ocean waves when set on a giant spin cycle. Between COVID and finishing up my master’s degree, I barely have an internal clock or a solid sense of time (as if I had one in the first place).

But now things are finally getting back to normal (well, as normal as post-graduation adult life can get), and therefore it’s probably worth giving a life update.

In May I graduated with my masters in graphic design, after completing my undergrad degree in professional writing and digital media. For the past four years I’ve been working in my college’s video advertising department, making promotional videos, commercials, online events, and heading up the college’s sports livestream production.

But now I’m home and getting into the freelance life as I continue to pursue publication for my upper YA trilogy. Freelancing is definitely a different feeling–a mix of work and school that can be both relaxing and totally unstructured. I’m still learning how to acquire clients, manage multiple projects at once, and master self-discipline, but so far, I’m really enjoying the new schedule!

A big part of my freelance job is doing book covers for independent authors. To date, I’ve worked on ten covers for students or indie authors, some of which have yet to be finalized and featured, and more to come! If you’re an author of Christian literature, children’s fiction, or are a member of Realm Makers needing a book cover design, send me a message and we may be able to work together! (As of now, the number of commissions I can take is pretty limited, so I’m only able to take a certain number from a specific niche, but I hope to expand as I go!)

Another area of freelance I’m exploring is that of video and promotion. I’m missing my time at my college’s video department, and I want to keep expanding my skills. Over the summer I plan to help churches and small businesses in the area of media and promotionals.

I’ve also started an author Instagram page to boost my online presence and begin to make connections with other authors and those in the writing community. It’s been a challenge coming up with new content to post, since obviously I don’t have a book published yet, but it’s been a great way to practice drawing and featuring book covers I’ve finished.

In the less professional environment, I’m catching up on all the Marvel shows, raving about The Bad Batch, and I’m practically a missionary for the new hit-show, The Chosen, because I love it so much. Season 2 of the latter is coming to a close, and it’s been fun getting friends together for big watch parties. Popcorn and tears all around! My family and I are also getting into Leverage after sadly finishing White Collar and feeling lonely for some lovable thieves (apparently there’s a Leverage remake coming??)

One of my goals this summer is to get out more and make more connections. Being out of the state for more times than not has resulted in a low-key culture shock now that I’m permanently back in Virginia. I got so used to the small-town, hole-in-the-wall locations in Pensacola that I’m itching to find replacements for them here at home. I feel like I’m off to a decent start, though, after tubing down the Shenandoah River with some high school friends, and we plan to check out a board game tavern later this week, which sounds soooo coool!!

There’s been a lot of changes this year–and friends are getting married or moving left and right!–so I’m hoping to adjust to the new normal quickly and start making strides into the next stage of life. Looking at the next month, I’ll be spending a lot of time working on my novel and attending the Realm Makers conference in St. Louis, so I’ve got plenty to keep myself busy. I’m just hoping I can keep up this whole adult life thing long enough to stay off the streets.

Anyway, that’s my life update! If you’re interested in my further projects, goals, and adventures, feel free to hit the “Follow” button for this blog or sign up for updates via email (also checking my Instagram out and giving it some love would be huuge!) Thanks, everyone!