2009 is gone but definitely not forgotten. I am in the infant stages of my illustrious illustration career that I plan to continue doing until I am at the very least, 92 years old. If Al Herschfeld can do it until he died at 100 then surely I can make it to 92. Maybe i drink more beer then he does. Regardless, 2009 has proved to be an exceptional year for me. I got to work with some fantastic new clients. I was also able to continue to work with the wonderful clients I already have an established relationship with. For those of you who read this you know who you are. I look forward to the growing list of great people that I'll surely be working with in 2010.
I'm forever grateful for all of the learning experiences that fall into my lap. 2009 has been full of many lessons both professionally and personally.
Let's recap. I met the woman of my dreams. We moved in together a short two months later. I continue to be amazed by her everyday. I watched a friends mother die of cancer before my very eyes. Then I listen to a voice on the other end of the telephone a few months later tell me of how my Stepmother is diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Funny how that works. I got to do few AD campaigns. I did a few maps for the great people at National Geographic Adventure Magazine. Rest in Peace you guys. No one died there. Sadly the magazine folded and became another victim of the universal axe that seemed to haunt the publishing industry. Ryan you rock buddy. Thanks for the map jobs. Hope to work with you again soon.
I am forever grateful for my travel partner who happens to be my life partner, Jess. Our trip this year to New York turned out to be a very productive and eye opening one. It helped inspire me artistically, I met a bunch of great people at the parties we attended, got to see what a great 'Wing Man" Jess is, and the trip also re-affirmed that fact that I am with the best woman I've ever met. Thanks Sari for all you did. You Rock. I'm so grateful for the day we connected. I look forward to this next year. We make a great team.
2010 will be full of many more challenges, life altering experiences, mind blowing fun, tons of great work, lots of image making, and more great stuff. I look forward to working with great people, traveling and growing with Jess, getting closer to my family with the addition to come of another nephew/niece. We're still not sure what the baby will be. Awesome, I'm sure.
So I raise a toast to all of those who have been there for me, you know who you are.
Thank you Jess, you are my world. Thank you mom and dad you have been my mountains. Thank you Michelle and Lyndi, I couldn't ask for better siblings. Thank you grandparents for if it wasn't for you I wouldn't be here. Thank you Mandy for changing my view of what doing good for yourself is like. Thank you Trevor for inspiring me to follow my real passion. Thank you Chad for being such an amazing friend even if we don't connect on a regular basis. Thank you Tasha you are a ray of sunshine. Thank you Matt, Chris, Tay and the rest of my friends. You have made me laugh harder then I can even remember. Thank you to my new illustration friends and my old ones. Thank you Mike Brodie. You are the second half of the Killer Michael B's. You keep me grounded. Thank you Jay for the inspiration. Keep making kids happy on Saturday mornings. Thank you Pete. You are such a great man. I'm glad that we are getting closer. You rock.
To anyone I've missed just trust that it's only because I wanted to stop typing and not because I've forgotten about you. I know there are many who read and/or follow my blog. For those who do just know that I love you all and look forward to many more years of Awesomeness together.
Cheers, Salute, and whatever else you can think of.
Here's to a STELLAR 2010.
Much love and stay AWESOME.
Michael
PS: More post to follow. I'll try to keep them going on a more regular basis.
