I was originally going to write a reflection about my 2021, I got halfway and decided it might be a bit too long, so Instead, I have decided to write a piece with a little reflection and more of an optimistic looking forward type piece.
I to do it in the form of a letter to a future version of myself around this time next year. So here goes.
Dear Future Brendan,
I understand you already know what happened back in 2021, it was the year I got to prove myself in my craft. I got my first proper professional job and what a wonderful experience that was. I managed to turn a 3-month contract into a year contract. I gained confidence and optimism from working on amazing projects and with a talented team! I can say I am looking towards the New Year with confidence, unlike others. 2021 was not all sunshine we had a hard lockdown where I had to face the challenge of working from home. I missed the simple luxury of sitting in a cinema as before lockdown happened, I was going every week.
2021 was the year I got to finally feel like I was a professional, even if I was a Junior still. Looking forward What would I like to get out of 2022? Well, being it already has started I can say a few things, I still feel confident, I have a shiny new Resume and the start of a new portfolio featuring design work ranging from, Podcasts/video, Web design, UI/UX and a Publication. A few things I can say about the new year as I got bitten by a bull ant (which was not fun) and I can tell that Covid is not slowing down. My girlfriend is currently in Isolation with her family due to two cases from both her stepfather and brother. So far 2022 has been exhausting, to say the least.
What do I want to get out of this year? I would like to get my next opportunity wherever it would get me. I would love to get another Junior designer role; I would like to try something new and something I can continue to learn and grow! I want to be inspired both by my team and outside work! I want to feel my passionate drive! That burning Hunger that makes you go “What can I do next?!” I am saying I want a challenge to learn from.
The Dreamer in me would like to think, this will be the year I will get into the games industry, I will get in and grow and follow my dreams! I often find myself looking at job postings for overseas game companies like Ubisoft, Riot and Bungie and see that some of them have internships for concept artists and illustrators. I look at those dreaming about how much I would love to do those! The learning experience and the challenging work. It will happen one day! I am positive of it!
2022 is also the year I turn twenty-six. I remember turning twenty-five and thinking I was not going to make it. Things like covid and my lack of experience were the crux that held me back. Now I feel confident, like a powerhouse! Like I Brendan Quinlan, a fifth-generation Australian with Irish, Scottish, and European Jewish descent, has a place and a part to play in this industry! I have a future. I was born to play this game! I am ready willing and able!
I must note that this year, will not be an easy one! It will be hard work and maybe even soul-crushing at times. As My mum would always say if it were easy everyone could do it! I am not everyone! I feel like I am ready for the challenge!
Back in 2021, I discovered a band called Rise against and an album called End game. This album had a story that was not too different to the way the world at this moment in time. This album came out in 2011, I feel the messages behind the album still hold true. I look at the first song architect as a motivational pep talk, a song about someone stepping up and becoming someone, they wanted to be since they were young. There are so many songs on the emotions of loneliness, fighting spirit or even disaster. Another song I need to mention on this album is Disparity by design, a song filled with so many metaphors. This song feels like the anxiety of job hunting and even getting offered a job after an interview. Paralleling how where I came from could have been an issue for some if you had read my article delay. However, it is like background does not matter anyone is a candidate it is just someone willing to give you a chance. I could write analyze this album all day! I just encourage readers of this letter to check it out! I love how songs like any art form can cause different emotions and interpretations.
In saying this letter needs to wrap up. I would only ask the question to the Me this time next year, where are you now? What happened?! Did I end up doing what I said in this?
I hope you have a momentous year!
Kindest Regards,
Brendan Quinlan
I hope you enjoyed my letter! I would love to know what you thought of it. I also hope you have a fantastic day!
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