A Major Crossroads • by Tracie Lyn Huskamp

My True Passion
In 1998, I came to a major crossroad in my life. I was faced with making an important decision that would forever change me and completely alter an almost 10-year career. I had a college degree in computers from a major university and a well-paying job with relative financial security, and I had worked for some of the best corporations in America. But all of this did not make me happy. And over time, I began to grow more and more dissatisfied with my choice of professions, which was causing me to suffer from frequent anxiety attacks and depression. I felt so guilty, and thought I was really being ungrateful for all my parents had sacrificed to pay for my education, that I kept these thoughts regarding my career choice to myself until the anguish became too overwhelming. Finally unable to bottle up my feelings any longer, I told my husband. This man was truly my knight in shining armor! Not only did he listen, but he also encouraged me to seek out my true passion.

After almost a year of soul searching, I decided to go back to college to study graphic design and fine art. I was so scared to return to school, being much older, but I was determined to seek out that person I was meant to be. Achieving my goals would require a great deal of sacrifice and dedication from not only me, but also my family. I quit my full-time position as a computer analyst and found a part-time job working 30 hours a week in an art department as a graphics intern for a company that manufactured Mylar and latex balloons. There were other very difficult moments during the journey. But with the unwavering love and support from my husband, and a most beloved sister, I graduated with my B.F.A. in December 2003. I have never regretted the decision I made to pursue art, and I have not looked back.

A Full-Time Focus
Today I am proud to say that I live a life I always dreamed of, filled with passion and purpose. I have over seven years experience working as a Product Designer/Illustrator creating mass-market products. A number of my designs sold in retail stores such as Wal-Mart, Hobby Lobby, Lowe’s Hardware, and Walgreen Drugs, and they were featured on the television show Extreme Home Makeover.

In 2007, I left my corporate designer position to focus full-time on my own art. My passion for mixed-media, painting, and nature fuels the fires of my creative spirit and continues to lead me on a wondrous journey. I have experienced incredible opportunities to share my love of art and nature by teaching workshops at some of the most prestigious national and international retreats/conferences and with the release of my new book, Nature Inspired (Quarry 2009).

My mixed-media work has received national recognition. I have appeared on ABCNews.com in an Associated Press Interview, on the cover of Somerset Studio Magazine, along with feature articles in Cloth Paper Scissors Magazine, Stampington & Company’s Artful Blogging Magazine, Art Quilting Studio, and Quilting Arts Gifts Special Publications. I have contributed to a number of artist’s books, such as 1000 Artist Journal Pages by Dawn Sokol, True Vision by L.K. Ludwig, The Creative Entrepreneur by Lisa Sonora Beam, Creative Wildfire by L.K. Ludwig, 1000 Artisan Textile by Sandra Salamony, and Drawing Lab by Carla Sonheim. And I am actively pursuing my dream of licensing artworks, starting with the debut of a new cotton quilting fabric line with Windham Fabrics in fall 2010, and more soon-to-be-announced licensing news.

To learn more about Tracie Lyn Huskamp, view her blog at thereddoor-studio.blogspot.com.

Comments

[linda]

Wow, your story is amazing...I think it's a fabulous example of how it's never too late to follow your passion - you just have to want to do it. Follow your dreams :)

[Crystal Neubauer]

Tracy I can so relate to that feeling of anxiety in the midst of a profession you were not living out your true self in. Good for you for listening to your heart and heading back to school!

[Kathy McCullough]

To say I admire you, Tracie, is an understatement. You are one of the influential people in my life. Ask anyone who knows my desire for creativity and they will know your name. I'm so glad you have been able to embrace your life with passion and that you are so willing to share that passion with others. Your work is inspiring and beautiful (I treasure the poetry books) To know you is a privilege.

[Mary Beth]

Hi Tracie, what a great story. And look at what you have accomplished, you dynamo!! Thank you so much for sharing.

[Kelli Nina Perkins]

What a wonderfully inspiring story Tracie. Thank you for sharing it with us. You are a powerhouse of creativity and so generous with your spirit.

[kecia]

Love you tracie - you are so inspiring and always have the sweetest smile (and companion!)

[Eden]

Tracie Lyn Huskamp...I love your blog and I love your are and I am inspired. If you can go back to school...well then I can too, because that is what I want to do too...follow my dream. My heartfelt dream to go back and learn. Learn who I want to be and while doing it I hope, really hope to make beautiful art like you. Thank you for sharing. It means a lot to this kindred soul! Blessings...Eden

[Ellen]

Hi Tracie, I love your book and your naturalistic style! Thanks for reminding us, that it is never to late to start over. Passion provides a path, if we are willing to listen. Thank-you!