Back when I was "18", I started my business. I was just out of high school. I went to "trade school" a year (for electronics), and was a straight "A" student. I never had any "problems" with "scholastic stuff". I was top of my class, and smoking pot before I came in (every single day). My problem is, I however have a "huge problem" conforming to society. And no, I don't smoke pot now.

It's not that I can't do it. Any "side job", or whatever I do.. I am pretty good. I always try my best. I couldn't count the times "mall promoters" needed to leave, and want me to run the show. They know what I am "capable of", and know when I am not "just being a vendor, on my own".. I'll do all right.

As a "vendor"... I "ALWAYS" fly my own direction. By this I mean, I pretty much go to a show, and just be me. If they "boot me", so "what". There are only a million other shows. 99% I'd say want me there. No matter how I am. What they know is "I do good work", "I attract people", but I am a tad erratic too.

When I first started doing "shows", everyone called me the "Baby Crafter". That's because, I was the youngest there. I was "18". I didn't feel like the "Baby" personally. That's because I have grew up in shows since the "70's" with my parents. I can say.. right now, I have done shows (if you count with my parents) Over 37 years. 24 years on my own. Every single week. I have been to "many thousands". Nobody calls me a "Baby Crafter now".. lol.

I can tell you. I "Don't know" what a "so called" real job is! I never really had one. The way I work, and the things I do.. are all "personal" learned behavior. I won't say it's even "right behavior".. I will say, I have became just "complete me". If I do a "show" (most any), I can promise my booth will attract more attention then most any. Never takes long before "30" people are standing around to see me work.

I actually "envy" people with the "real jobs". The "9 to 5". It's stable. There is NOTHING about my life "stable". There never has been. I don't even know what it's like. I don't know what it's like to get the "same paycheck" every week. All I know, is one weekend I will make "1000" a day, the next I may go "500" in debt. I live on a "rollercoaster".

I've considered "on and off" getting a "real job". By this I mean "stable income". Quite frankly, it "scares me"! "Working for someone else scares me". I've never done, or had anything like that. Not bragging here, but I am "very good" at what I do. Despite my erratic behavior. I can follow "rules", do what they want. But then again... I never had that situation. I just feel content doing what I do.. but damn.. some "stability" would be cool too.. lol.
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HERE'S some things I find good and bad about my job.

GOOD:
1) What a feeling to go to a show, and "immediate" have 30 people standing around to watch you work. It's a "High" in a way. I don't do this "once in awhile", it's constant.

2) Compliments. I am NOT bragging. I am telling my life. I bet in a normal day, at a normal show. I get over "100" compliments a day. You don't get that working at a shop.

3) Be yourself: I dress how I want, act how I want. I NEVER have to go to a show, and try to be something I'm not. Put it this way, I'm not going wearing the "new SUBWAY" shirt.. lol.

4) Being an "artist". I'm free to "stay or walk away". Nobody messes with me on anything I decide to do. I have "MORE" freedom in shows then you would ever know.

BAD:
1) How hard do you think it's for a "self employed" person to get "medical insurance"? I'll say, it's not just "hard".. it's impossible.

2) So you got $1000 in bills that need to be paid outta this show. You suddenly go $500 in debt. You expected to do "great", didn't happen. Now ya gotta "deal with it".

3) Who gives "credit" to a "self employed person". Yeah, I had it. I defaulted. I had every credit card you have. Two divorces, all gone.. lol. Never get again for me.
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I am NOT "Bragging" on my life. Neither am I saying it's bad, or good. I'm saying it's "different". I truly wish you could "experience" my life for a "day". I also wish I could "experience" yours for a day.

My purpose of this "blog" was simply to say a bit more on my life. That's about it.

Take care all, Gary :)