Major Life Updates - Nov 2020 (Patreon)

Hi everyone!

Thank you so much for supporting me through the month of October. I hope you've enjoyed reading your $5 Mega Flex preview copy of Meatier Showers 2020. Every bit of your generous contribution has aided me as I continue to navigating the uncertain waters of unemployment.

I wanted to take this moment to share my current roadmap for production, what the challenges are and how we'll be getting to 2021 in a sustainable fashion.

Part-time Disruptions

For those of you following me on Twitter (@snaresart), I am currently working part-time as a store ninja whose primary role is to move bulk shipments in the supermarket, replenish shelves and maintain them . I am currently paid at US$5 an hour, working 8 hours daily for 4 days a week (with at least a day on the weekends.) It has been physically grueling to say the least, with my off-days primarily spent nursing myself back to a functional state. More often than I like, I've been left with little energy to get back into art.

Based on my current gig, I earn about US$600 in a month. My monthly rent is US$600 for the room I'm staying at. Basically groceries, insurance and bills come straight out of my savings - the part-time job is anything but substantial for the long run. I've decided to end my part-time job to seek better options and my last shift is slated for the 21 Nov.

Seeking Cheaper Rents

To improve my living conditions and find a more conducive work environment, I will be moving out by 28 Dec to a new location with cheaper monthly rent of US$445. This will probably be more sustainable for 2021 and free me up for groceries and insurance. The only reason why I've been staying at my current place was so that I could literally walk to work - which for the most part is out of the equation having been laid off.

Alternative Career Paths

I have been seeking out potential options and alternatives to my situation outside of being stuck in a dying (or dead) local animation industry. The main gig that I've signed up for is a paid training course that will hopefully help me break into a completely different industry (M.I.C.E - Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions). If my application is successful, the course will begin on the 4 January 2021, and last for 6 months, during which I will receive a monthly allowance of US$890 for the length of the training. 

Core Priorities

Starting end of November, I'll be opening for commissions. Patreon supporters will have first dibs on these holiday commission slots. There will probably be a smaller run of slots for my first batch, just so that I can ensure completion within December. More details on that later.

Once I'm fully rested, production on Meatier Showers 2020 will (hopefully) resume by the start of December, where I'll be diverting my attention to cleaning up and inking the 12 pages. Unfortunately, due to my current circumstances, I will most likely miss the ideal holiday season launch of the book which will be a bit of a stinger. However, my main goal to produce the 10th Anniversary book remains unchanged and probably roll into January 2021. 

That's all I have to share for now while my situation continues to evolve. There will be some timeline disruptions for the month of November as a result of all the above changes in life. The original content schedule of Patreon updates on every 5, 15 and 25 of the month is expected to resume in its intended manner in December.

I apologize for any inconvenience caused and seek your understanding and patience.

Snares
Nov 2020