I’m so pleased to hear I’ve motivated a parent and a ‘will be’ parent, it really is down to just being extremely organised.

Have a method and system for absolutely everything you do and don’t be afraid to work with your children in the room with you. Just make sure it’s totally clear of any dangers, fill it with toys, and let them go crazy whilst you work.

The more you do it the easier it will become because they will learn what they can and cannot touch, and you will learn how to combine the two activities.

My children never touch my work and didn’t from about 10mths old following the initial ‘arguments’ over the hard drive button, my keyboard, and my mouse. My boy was the worst, switched of my hard drive about 20 times he did…I never would notice until my screen went dead, ha ha.

That’s how I manage to get my work done, I would say that at least 2 hours of my day is spent with my children in the room at the same time.

They so understand ‘the precious work’ that I can easily leave them alone in the room with my desk 100% secure in the knowledge that wouldn’t dream of touching anything on my desk.

I do feel tired at the end of a day with children, but I just want my career so much I am willing to work even when tired because I don’t like the thought of the alternative of not having my career.

Inability to work due to tiredness is often heavily influenced by psychological issues rather than purely a physical inability to work effectively I find.

A couple of times I’ve been there at 2am in the morning, really really tired but with work backed up and having to design something and thinking “There is no way I have the energy or concentration to be creative” and then have designed something really great. You can do whatever you want to do I find, if you want it enough.

Listen to this though, I thought my 3yr old boy was about to go to nursery every morning and make my life much easier from now onwards and I was so excited about getting more working time….

…but no he doesn’t want to go, is showing signs of ‘not being ready’ to go quite yet, and so I’m stuck with him all day still!!!

Argghhh…I’m hoping after Christmas when he’s a bit older still he’ll be more interested/ready to go. If not, I’ll just have to metal on for another year, I’m sure he’ll be ready by 4. I hope!

Amanda

Good read as always from you

We must catch up somewhen.

Brett

Love your portfolio, too. I like the logos, especially the little blue birdy for the bead company. So cute! You have a cartoon style, but it’s also professional. I like the colors you use often, too – the blue, pink green and brown. Great palette!

Thanks for the “newbie” advice. I’m collecting all the things people are sharing. I hope to learn well, before I make the mistakes everyone warns against.