03 January 2011

B I G A N N O U N C E M E N T


Polar bear photo by Kathy Crane


well, i did it! (takes a huuuuge sigh of relief) just to give you a little breakdown of what my life was like for a few months there, for those of you who didn't know:

wake up at 7 am: work on freelance projects/blog

9 am: commute to full-time job for an hour

6 pm: commute home from work for an hour and a half

7:30 pm: sit down at my desk at home and work on freelance projects/blog

11 pm: see my boyfriend/eat/sleep

weekends: mostly work/little to no friend time. big time sad face!


(and somewhere in there I was designing Rue Magazine!)

ok, i love working, don't you dare get it twisted! i would photoshop in my SLEEP if i could. but like i said a few days ago, it is time for me to spread my wings! so i took a huge leap of faith. and i mean huge. i quit my full-time job today to become a full-time freelancer. so i am predicting a lot of hustle & bustle in 2011. but in the best way possible. is it scary? OH YES! but i'm keepin my positive hat on!

FINALLY
i will have time for all those fun & inspiring projects I couldn't take due to time. FINALLY i can have dinner with my friends and not feel guilty that I should be working. FINALLY i can grow my vision into a small business and keep on doing what i absolutely love.


freedom feels pretty unbelievable. i thank you in advance for your support in my new adventures and feel free to start sending people my way for graphic design magic! (big smile on my face right now!)


wish me luck, friends!

99 comments:

one sydney road said...

Congrats!!!! I just took the leap a few months ago and quit my corporate job - it's hard and scary but I wouldn't trade it for anything!! Good for you :)

Bekka said...

YAY Bri!! Very happy for you! Your commute alone takes up like 13 hours a week. Yay for freedom!

Gloss Boudoir said...

Good luck in this new part of your life... congrats!!
http://glossboudoir.blogspot.com
(hugs from Mexico)

Anonymous said...

CONGRATS!!! I took the leap (not to be a freelancer, but just to take me time) almost a year ago and I have not looked back for a second. You are so talented and it has been so inspiring to read your blog and see your work. This is so exciting for you and I can't wait to see what projects you take on in the future! Onto bigger and better for you!! I am happy for you!! And enjoy your well deserved free time!

xo,
joann

Anonymous said...

congrats, Bri! and good luck! xo

anya elise said...

This is amazing news!! And inspirational at that. I hope to take the freelancing plunge myself one day, and it's strong women like you who are making their dreams happen that I know will ultimately inspire me to do the same.

Congratulations!

Elise / Pennyweight said...

Congrats, Bri!! So excited for you and this new year! Cheers to new adventures! xo

Unknown said...

Wooo! GOOD LUCK!

peggy | bluepoolroad said...

congrats bri!!! and welcome to the be-your-own-boss club! xoxo

Caitlin @ Desert Domicile said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!! I'm hoping to do the same thing this December! Fingers crossed it all works out for the best :)

The Demoiselle said...

Congrats!! It's gonna be an awesome ride!

bethie said...

Congrats!! You are very inspiring! It's my dream to quit my corporate job, but I'm getting married this year so I have to save up. Can't wait to see the product of this leap of faith! it'll be great!! :) good luck!

ever ours said...

yayuh! congrats, bri! so excited for you!

ellie said...

Omg my dream. Congrats

Sterling Engagements said...

Congrats! I took my jump full time in 2008 and still haven't looked back. The best is yet to come and enjoy every moment of loving what you do! It's so special to wake up in the morning and smile knowing your about to work but work is hardly work when you love it...

geri hirsch said...

wow! congratulations and best of luck! x

Naomi said...

Congratulations and the best of luck, success, and some sleep for you!

Jenna Griffin | Gold & Bloom said...

that is awesome! it takes a lot of courage and strength to take that chance and do what your heart truly desires.

congrats!

Rhianna Wells said...

CONGRATS! And best of luck to you!!! I'm sure 2011 will be nothing but amazing for you!

Wendy {JustWenderful} said...

Congrats! What a way to kick off 2011!

Clarissa Nicole said...

That's awesome!!!! Congrats hun! I look forward to your fun projects this year.

Brittany said...

congratulations!! i can't wait to see all you accomplish!

joy said...

yesss! congrats bee! i am SO happy for you and can't wait to see what 2011 has in store for my sweet blonde bee!!

Emily said...

WOHOO! That is so so so awesome!! very excited for you:)

Kae said...

huge congrats to you! excited to see all the goodies you're sure to bring!

Cori Magee said...

You produce so much amazing work through DesignLoveFest, Oh Joy!, sfgirlbybay, and Rue I had no idea you had a full-time job! You have so much creativity to go around who knows what to expect from you now that you have more time! Congrats!
P.S. I just started reading Creative, Inc. which I'm sure you've read already...

Patti said...

Congratulations and good luck! :)

Patti said...

Congrats! I just recently made the same move & it feels amazing! Best of Luck!

Unknown said...

It takes some courage to pursuit your dreams because everyone will tell you to have a safe and secure job but this leap of faith is going to prove to be so rewarding even if there is struggle at first!

CONGRATS AND WELCOME TO YOUR FREEDOM!

i'm zandri said...

Congratulations! What a brave & fantastic way to start your year. I'm sure it will be the best decision ever made.

stephanie said...

WOW congrats! will you post about how you decided to make the leap in more detail? i would love to quit my day job...

Unknown said...

Wow! How exciting... I follow you and am always inspired by your drive and plain creativity! I know you will do awesome!

sfgirlbybay said...

yay! congratulations, bri. i know you're gonna thrive!

Ms. Pink said...

you go lady! wish you all the best <3

Brandon said...

CONGRATULATIONS, Bri!!!!! You did it, good for you! You're talented, creative, hardworking, and determined, so I'm sure you'll do great!!!

Chassity (Look Linger Love) said...

Rock on. Good luck, I know you'll master the freelance world!!

Unknown said...

Congratulations!!! Good luck with all your new endeavors!

j.melissa said...

Congrats!!! I follow your blog every day and I hope all your wishes come true!!!

Beth said...

Best of luck! I hope you have a wonderful, successful, prosperous 2011!

Susan Fireside said...

It's the best feeling in the world. Congrats and enjoy.
It keeps getting better.

j.melissa said...

Congrats! I follow your blog every day and am so happy for you! I hope all your wishes come true!!

From Me To You said...

You are one of the most talented people out there, I know you are doing the right thing and have nothing but success and happiness in your future! I took this same leap of faith a couple of years ago and looking back I should have done it sooner! Good Luck and you have all of my support!

The Emerald Closet said...

We commend you and hope to follow in your footsteps in the near future! Best of luck!

Jennifer said...

good luck bri! & congrats girl! heres to your success in the 2011! cheers!

www.societysmisfit.com

casey said...

congrats. it takes guts to follow your dreams. you'll be that much happier for it. go get em tiger!

Abby @ 5thjoy said...

there's no doubt you'll rock it. way to go bri!

TheBeautyFile said...

CONGRATS! You're amazing and you're gonna love this!

Lissette said...

Congratulations! You're going to love your newly acquired freedom! I was laid off last Feb (ie forced to quit, haha) and it was seriously the best thing to happen to me professionally. Good luck and here's to a prosperous new year!

Michaela said...

This is wonderful, Bri! You're going to really love the time you have with friends and family. You're going to have a wonderful year, I can feel it! (:

forget.me.knot.weddings said...

HUGE HUGE CONGRATS TO YOU! I pretty much follow your old time-line and understand how hard it is!
ENJOY your new life and all the exciting things that are to come! I know you will be amazing and I may actually come to you in time..once I make my leap of faith?!! Congrats and see you at Hitched!

The Broke Socialite said...

My Dear:

The hard part is behind you.

As I told you when I met you at lavish!, there is so much beauty in waking up every morning to create and produce projects that you're passionate about. You'll work harder than you ever have in your life but it's different. When you build your very own empire, there just seems to be so much gratification at the end of the day. I wish you much continued success. You are brilliant with dynamic energy.

Upward and onward my new friend,
TBS

Jessica at six eighty eight said...

Your my inspiration - your daily routine sounds like mine currently. YAY for you...I can't wait for the day that I get to do the same. Enjoy every minute!

Unknown said...

lucky lucky lucky you!!!!! ONE DAY.

Colby
electric fringe

Anne-Marie @ 10 Rooms said...

That rocks! You are following your dreams, good on you.

shanners said...

congratulations! i quit my job of almost 4 years...and just landed the most amazing job ever! good things come to those who takes risks! xo

Paula said...

Welcome to the other side! Nothing beats being your own boss and creator! Congratulations and all the best, Paula

Gretchen O. said...

Congrats! As a freelancer myself, I say "IT IS THE BEST THING EVER!" I (hopefully) will never work for a boss again. You are in charge of your own destiny, and with the talent I see, you are going to be JUST FINE!

--Gretchen O.

Erica {Studio Eriksdotter} said...

Congratulations! I'm thrilled for you as I'm planning my own leap of faith in just a month!! I'm going to keep my fingers crossed for you!

Unknown said...

i just found your blog a month or so ago and can say that it has become #1 in my blog rotation - like for real.

it's fun, happy, and so, so, well done!
good for you for being brave and following your heart.

wishing you nothing but the best in your new adventure!

manvi @ mochatini said...

Bri that is a HUGE accomplishment. Congrats. I hope to get there someday.
Heart the Rue team.

bri. said...

biggest thank you for making my day so radical!

much love!!!

Catherine @ The Life Styled said...

I'm so excited for you!!! You made the right decision and are so going to ROCK 2011! You don't even know all the great things this leap is going to bring! And I'm excited to be one of those friends who gets to have dinner with you. Yay!

Marsha said...

Best of luck. Do what you love is my motto.

Sara said...

Congratulations! I am so excited to follow your projects in 2011! Happy New Year! I enjoyed meeting you at lavish!

audrey said...

Go Bri! So happy for you lady. this is the beginning of a whole new exciting chapter for you. sending you a huge congrats, (and I don't think you need luck to succeed, you are on your way.

Maia McDonald said...

CONGRATS! that is so amazing for you, I hope to make that same leap of faith some day but I haven't built up the courage yet, you are an inspiration though, and I'll keep you and all the other lovely creative ladies in mind when that day finally comes. Congrats again, I can't wait to follow your business through your blog that I love so so much.

Unknown said...

CONGRATULATIONS! I know that must feel fantastic. I'm about 12 months behind you on the same journey -- a little jealous and so happy for you. Best of luck!

Unknown said...

Congratulations! I'm about 12 months behind you on the same journey (and a tiny bit jealous). Best of luck!

Unknown said...

I am SOOOOO happy for you! Way to follow your gut. I'm needing to follow mine so bad it hurts!

Connie @ Sogni e Sorrisi said...

Congrats! I'm currently living your now former life. It's hard working full time and freelancing and not even get a day off even on your days off. I'm sure this will be great for you. Best of luck!

Taylor Sterling said...

Congrats! So exciting!!

Hilary said...

Best of luck, Bri! I don't know you in person but I have a feeling this is going to be a tremendously successful decision for you! I'll be riding along with you via DLF...can't wait to hear about all the wonderful things to come!

Anonymous said...

It's fun reading all this love & support my baby girl is getting! : ) Cheers, Hon! I always said you'd be a star someday! Love, Madre. : )

Anonymous said...

congrats!! i can not believe you were holding down a full-time job while maintaining this blog. you are a-m-a-z-i-n-g! your site is super inspirational and i hope mine can be as good as yours one day.

congrats on this new phase of your life!

http://howiwastetime.wordpress.com/

Erin said...

oooooooh my goodness!!! congratulations!!!!

suzanne said...

Congrats! It's so tough to take that leap but you won't regret it for one second! Best of luck! :)

Olik - OKO Design said...

Congratulations on your decision! I dream about doing the same, but I guess it's not the time for me yet, so I don't dare to do the step.. ;)
Wish u all the inspiration of the world! Let 2011 be your year full of luck and full of great projects! Let the great life begin!
Xox
Olik

Black And Lashes said...

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this!!! Now we get MORE pretty and inspiring things from you?! Its like a gift for everyone! Congrats lady!

Elevine said...

wishing you the best of luck :)

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness you are my inspiration! I hope I can do that one day!!

You're amazing x

Christina Dougherty said...

don't know you but love looking at your blog !!! good luck and a happy new year!

wishful nals said...

CONGRATS! so excited and happy for you, bri. xo

Erin said...

Congratulations!! That is amazing news. Oh and I feel like the biggest slacker right now....Best of luck to you!

Josie B said...

Good luck gorgeous - it's a big step, but when you're ready, you're ready. xx

Anonymous said...

That is amazing! Congratulations! PLEASE keep us updated on how it goes. I know with working with all the magazines I do plus launching Dunes and Duchess it's been hard to keep my energy and spirits up. You'll be inspiration!

Drew {Coral Cafe} said...

GOOD FOR YOU!! I wish to do the same one day!! :)

Victoria said...

Great news Bri!!! I've been freelance for 10+ years and would not have it any other way. Yay for freedom!

Jennifer @ Marcali said...

Congratulations! It takes a lot of courage to step out into the unknown, but there is great satisfaction in knowing that you won’t look back twenty years from now and regret not following your dream. All the best in your coming adventure!

Shara said...

Congratulations! I quit my office job in 2010 and it's been super! Scary and great.

KonfettiForm said...

What a brave decision! I´m happy for you, and wish you all the luck!!! Lena.

Stevie-Lyn said...

Congratulations!!

I must comment that as a design enthusiast, I religiously follow your blog...and after reading this post, I took a step to look at my own life. I just might switch from pursuing my MBA to a degree in design, which is my true passion. Thank you for being an inspiration to those of us who always are wondering, "Do I have enough balls to take the leap of faith?" :)

Anonymous said...

This is amazing news!! Your work is amazing and I can't wait to see what work you will produce now that you have more time :D

Lilly said...

Congratulations!!! I can only imagine how wonderful you must feel right now, it must be so liberating!! Enjoy it! Good luck!!

Julie said...

CONGRATULATIONS BRI!! That is SO exciting and I know you are going to rock this! Keep the blog inspiration coming!

Roxy Te said...

Congrats! Congrats!!! I was suffocating in my corporate job too!! I stuck it to the man about year and a half ago and haven't missed him since ;) Have fun free lancing!! xoxo

Unknown said...

Congratulations, you made the absolute right decision! I quit my desk job back in 2005 to open up Faire Frou Frou...there's been no looking back ever since!
xox alison

addie anne said...

Good for you! Good luck!

JennyV85 said...

Bri -- It is so nice to see someone doing the EXACT same thing I am doing now..it's crazy trying to do fulltime and freelance and to top it off, I'm a mommy :\. But I just finished up grad school in entreprenuership and small biz and I'm hoping to take the leap you did..soon! Best of luck to you girl!

Jenny Lezan

AliciaEfIH said...

you go lady! wish you all the best <3