What does your husband think about your career? he asks. I pause. It’s hard, I respond. I am changing so quickly and moving so fast that he has trouble keeping up. He is getting whiplash. But this is what I have to do. People are copying my work. I am not the best mom. The best writer. The best anything, really. What do I do better than almost everyone? Speed and energy. That is actually how I was described for an awards ceremony, as an energetic entrepreneur. The people copying you won’t be able to keep up, he says. They will drop out. That has been my experience, I answer.
We are sitting at my dining table, sipping coffee. He has driven an hour to deliver the illustrations I commissioned as a special surprise for people very dear to me. When I put out the call for help, I had no idea what to expect. So when a graphic artist of his stature responded, I was stunned. And with each step of the process, my delight has increased. I watch the drawings take shape over a weekend. Faces are inked in black. Detail is added. Color. It is like watching people I love suddenly appear on a movie screen. His skill and years of training are evident with every stroke of the pen.
For the last six months, I have been thinking about how to make an impact at an annual sports event. Last year, my husband and I created art that caused everyone at the competition to race out to the local printer to make copies. This year? I want to make an impact that will awe and inspire everyone who sees it. And the best way to do that? Is to amp up the winning concept. I knew what I wanted to do, but had no idea how to execute it. So I did what I always do in a dilemma – I posted on social media. And the response? Stunned me.
People instantly began tagging friends. Within hours, I had multiple responses. Pitches on email. One stood out. We quickly friended each other on Facebook. Began chatting on messenger. And by the end of the day, I had a project plan, complete with budget and timeline.
And the results? Have far exceeded my expectations. Yesterday, I received the final illustrations by amazing graphic artist Dave Ryan of Red Anvil Comics. I cannot WAIT to share them with the people they depict – I am practically bursting with the surprise. But anticipation? Makes gifts extra sweet.
Kathy Zucker is an international social media Shorty Award winner, mother of three and a startup founder at companies including the Metro Moms Network®.
