I learned, whilst in the thick of making Furlough issue one, that one of the keys to being creative without making yourself crazy is to make sure you have a clear delineation between Work Time and Free Time. (Actually, I was reminded of it – I learned it from Alec Longstreth at the Center for Cartoon Studies last summer, in one of the many lasting lessons from my week at comics camp.)

While making Furlough, I basically had two jobs. Consequently, I treaded close to All Work and No Play territory, although since it was a finite process, I knew I’d be ok. Two weekends ago, I was at the Emerald City ComiCon; I decided to take the week after that and do NOTHING. No drawing, no editing or writing unless I damn well felt like it. Sleeping and eating properly and getting some exercise: that was my schedule.

So last weekend, I was happy and ready to start working again. Then: The Plague.

Well, ok, it’s just a freaking bitch of a cold, but it robbed me of my brain’s higher functions and rendered me unable to do anything but sloth about, whine, and drink tea. Pleasant. So: schedule pushed off for another week.

I am no longer a snot factory, and I’m on the Nasty-Sounding Cough of Rehabilitation stage of the cold. I’m ready to move on, thank god.

Step one was to clean off my desk, which had become covered with the clutter of two stymied weeks. I’ve come to believe strongly in space being a most important step for actually creating action. I don’t think it goes so far as, say, clearing out half your closet in anticipation of the mate you’re trying to attract, but I do believe that if you have a pretty, easily accessed space where you can Do Your Thing, you’re far more likely to. So: there we go. Check it out:

I realize Afters are much more affecting with Befores, but just picture about 20 more pounds of papers, books, and assorted shit, and you get the idea. Included in this picture: my adjustable drawing surface, my sewing machine, my newly designated Pen and Brush Mug, my acrylics box, tonight’s to-do list, a piece of cloth I wove at a friend’s house, and a piece of self-done embroidery from a shirt I used to love.

Step two: survive this week. It’s going to be emotionally tumultuous, and I’m hoping The Work will be a nice respite. This is my last week at my job of 3.5 years. I’m officially departing the Full-Time Office Life for something else.

Which brings us to step three: a drawing commission from a friend. Exciting.

April is going to be a hell of a month. I can’t wait.