Working from Home After Having a Baby

So because of these two...

...my work space went from this...

...to this.

Here is how I have adjusted to a whole new situation.

I've been working from home for a few weeks now. There are some advantages and disadvantages to working from home. People love to comment on how great it is because I can roll out of bed and stay in my pajamas all day if I like. While that sounds great (and sometimes does happen), it could not be more counterproductive. In order to effectively work from home, especially with little ones about, you need to have a steady schedule and routine.

One that starts with putting on real clothes and maybe taking a shower. If not for anyone else, for yourself. There is something about getting up and ready for the day that puts you in the right mental state. A necessary place to be if you want to accomplish anything.

So how has work been with a newborn? Slow. I had to make a promise to myself not to expect too much out of the day. To start I was just happy if a load of laundry got done, or my daughter's room was picked up. Now I'm at the point I can get that AND a solid hour of illustrating in each day...and am thrilled!

Currently I am working up a dummy to send to an interested publisher. In college the only thing I needed to worry about each day was what I was going to eat, and what I was going to illustrate for an assignment. Now there are so many things to do in the day, I have to pick and choose. So what do I do with my one hour while both kids are taking a nap? Get a panel on the storyboard sketched out. Or pin some reference to my Pinterest board. Or post to my Facebook page. Something, anything, to keep the slow train moving forward. And I rejoice in my minor accomplishments, because even though I'm not moving as fast as I'd like, I am still moving.

Eventually my goal is to get back into the studio on a regular basis. But for now, I am enjoying the new schedule and relief it brings. Not putting pressure on myself has been a nice reprieve, and allowed me to enjoy the little loves in my life.

I mean who wouldn't want to spend all day playing with these two?