Leaving tech to pursue art: one year later
Unlearning efficiency, rooting in community, and irreversible moves
Hello! It’s been a while since I’ve introduced myself to new folks here. My name is Carolyn, and I’m an artist living in NYC. I share about creative practice and systems here at SEE YOU. If you love zines, journals, and sketchbooks along with the occasional reflective posts on artist life, you’re in the right place!
I recently hit my one year mark of quitting my engineering job to pursue art. I’ve worked in corporate for over a decade, so leaving was a big decision. Today I want to share everything that’s shifted for me over the past year. It’s a long post, so I’d recommend opening in your browser and reading it when you have a moment!
Before we dive in, I wanted to let you know that I’m closing my online shop soon as I plan to move platforms and cycle out products. To clear out my inventory, I’m offering a fun surprise art bundle where you can get a mystery print + zine + sticker for a discounted $15. You can also use code SURPRISE for free shipping on the bundle!
I’ve also listed my last three copies of Rules to Live By. This collaborative book of manifestos from Substack writers sold out quickly when it launched! If you’d like a super limited first edition (only 40 out there in the world) now’s your chance.
Leaving tech to pursue art
After working as a software engineer for over nine years, I left my corporate job for the unknown. I was The Fool, the first tarot card in the Major Arcana, taking a big leap of faith to embark on a new beginning.1
I was not clear on what this new beginning would be. Many assumed I was leaving to be a “full-time artist” since I had started freelancing as an illustrator in 2022. They were right, I was—but I was terrified of naming this desire. I didn’t even know what it would look like. I had no clear plan or sales targets for what I was doing, which was a little bit of everything: client work, selling art products in my shop, offering 1:1 creative support, writing this Substack.
During my first year I wanted to figure out what to focus on and how to make sustainable income. But first, I needed to repair my relationship with art.