Into Hibernation

Big changes rarely come quickly. When they happen you can see the long path that lead to it, even though it might appear to have come from nowhere.

I have been working very hard, creating new work, forging new links with those who might endorse me, building a loyal and warm customer base and collaborating with other creatives. You have to keep going, believing it was the right path as so many believed in the uniqueness of what I was doing, as did I. I haven't been making a living from it so I now find myself working full time. It's full-on and I can only work on my business in days off and evenings. I have considerable experience in digital media so, thankfully, despite a confidence blip, I could go back into this where I left off 5 years ago. I feel quite lucky as many creatives don't have such a back-up.

I have decided to get this work, business, home, friends, family life re-arranged in a different order. There is much sanity in setting up a solid income source, building foundations. At the same time, I want to take a step away from the season by season renewal. I feel as though this time will be one away from direct making, creating for a while, maybe a year. I have a version 2 brewing, a bigger renewal, which will probably be more refined and focused. It will probably contain some core elements of Eloise Grey as she stands now. But, there will be a new direction. Once I have found stability in my digital work, I will look to carving out time in my Eloise Grey work and take it from there. 

With that in mind, I won't be taking any new orders or making new stock, at least for this year, but will be selling my current stock of beautiful tweeds. Consequently, I have reduced my prices. 

 

Comments

[helen hamilton]

hi eloise, have just read your email, i think many of us at the moment need that day job whether for financial or creative reasons, i feel you can feel more creative when the need for financial is removed! i have only ever had the opportunity for creative in my home/ hobby life;although the desire for professional creative has always been there. thank god you tried and hopefully you can retrieve a refined version of eloise grey which allows the luxury of security with many best wishes, helen

[Eloise Grey]

Thank you Helen. I agree with you that creativity can be oppressed when making money from it becomes too important. I do see my work in a commercial environment, so maybe it's simply an evolution and it's time will come.

[Dorie]

Your work is awesome and I hope this "sabbatical" will allow you some time to think about how you will get back to it "full-on". I've just stopped the 9-5 work for awhile to pursue my own fiber arts work (knits) and help other Washington-DC based designers with their marketing. Best of luck to you--I hope to add one of your pieces to my wardrobe!

[karen]

Good luck with your new ventures, i do hope your Eloise Grey line doesnt dissapear, i do would love to add one of your pieces to my collection,,,,

[Liz]

very wise to lie dormant for now, and take time to breathe in for the next stage - a solid job can be such welcome respite from the creative cycle, although your work is too special not to thrive in some future way, shape or form.... And I am so very glad I have your coat and jacket here in my wardrobe! I wish you well for now, and look forward to the next stage.

[Kevin]

Hi, Would you please consider adding a link to my website on your page. Please email me back.

Thanks!
Kevin
kevincollins1012@gmail.com