Me In Sunny Carolina: July 2012

Saturday, July 28, 2012

August 1 will mark six months officially in SC. My goals for this move were very simple: be where I want to be and make a difference in the SC Upstate. As simple as it is to say in those few words, no discussion of this change in my life has been simple. Friends, family—even strangers—ask for more. Many simply don't understand why or how I would walk away from my life for a life unknown. I think not wanting to wait to live my dream is a good "why" but the "how" has alluded me, I'll admit. I don't know where I get the courage to face what can be either a little or a major daily battle. Every single part of my life has changed. I've rushed through some of the adjustments, such as getting my SC driver's license on day one even though it was a bad hair day. Other changes have paralyzed me, such as not seeing my SC family any more often than I did when I lived in PA.

The expectations I had for my life here cannot fairly be judged since we are very much in limbo with my husband still in PA to sell the house. Knowing that the house may be on the market for years is defeating. We knew we would be challenged so none of the difficulties are surprising. I've learned so much from this process and that's the surprising part. I'm much braver than I thought I was and I'm more talented, too. I've never appreciated my skills. I've always thought I was "good" at my work because I'm so devoted to what I do. But, I've never considered myself exceptional. I doubt any of us recognize our true worth. The process of selling myself during the job search and then adjusting to a new career and work environment has made it necessary for me to evaluate and reevaluate my skills. How do I fit in? How can I make the difference that is so important to me? How do I work around (or drive through) obstacles?

I've come to appreciate there are some things I am really very good at (and we know math isn't one of those things). You know, I just said that because I couldn't stand not to self-depreciate myself. I'm actually quite good at some aspects of math, such as set and spatial theory. I visualize every problem so don't ask me to just think about something, because I will start to draw it or write it. But I do think, and I think well, and because I think spatially, I see the forest and the trees. I'm savvy on the computer but still want a straight edge and x-acto blade in my drawer. I measure in picas, not inches, which means I'm creative and careful.

My experiences are unique and valuable. I might know how to do something well now because I already made the mistakes. All that workaholic-throw-myself-into-everything time is paying off.

References

I have known and worked for Cindy Faber Smith since 1998 when she, as the art director for Science magazine, commissioned me to do the cover art for the magazine. It was a bit of a surprise since my artwork is geared towards the children’s market. Typical of Cindy, she wanted to bring a different approach to that month’s cover of a rather dry, technical publication. What at first seemed to be a rather impossible assignment (a “hidden picture” type of piece, incorporating many diverse elements) turned out to be one of the most satisfying assignments I have had in my career. She contacted me again a couple of years later with another fresh approach to the cover art utilizing the red queen from Alice in Wonderland as the theme.

I was surprised, when a few years later, she contacted me as the new art director of Highlights. As a child I had a subscription to Highlights, so I had quite an affection for this magazine. Cindy has brought her many skills as a designer to give this 60+ year-old magazine a fresher, more updated look, while still keeping the trademark Highlights style.

Working with Cindy is always a pleasure. She is simply the best art director I have worked with in my 30-year career. She does not over direct and she allows the artist enough freedom to make them feel that they are adding something of their own selves to the illustrations. She is not heavy handed with her suggestions which produces a very positive collaboration.

Because Highlights hosts an annual party for their illustrators, I finally was able to meet Cindy in person. She is a delightful person, filled with humor, intelligence and warmth. I cannot sing her praises more boldly.

David Galchutt

Illustrator

I’ve known Cindy Smith for 25 years. Over the years, I’ve come to rely on her for her humor, earnestness, and enthusiasm in countless situations.

Aside from being an artist, she is a keen observer who thrives on the challenge of dissecting problems and always seems to find a creative solution. She also has the ability to guide others in solving problems that seem insurmountable. In many ways, I’ve become a better person through observing her at work, in our community, and at play.

I admire the way Cindy experiences life and am proud to count her among my closest and most trusted friends. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her for any job. I know she would embrace any challenge and undoubtly rise to any occasion.

Sincerely,
Dolores Motichka

“In the cynical world of illustration, I hold Cindy as a ray of light, a turning point in my hopes of a career in illustration. The über belief she had in my work encouraged me to chase after my dreams. My illustrations have now appeared in The New Yorker, for Major League Baseball, in hosts of magazines and children’s books.”

David Leonard