The 37th Parallel
Winter is here.
Life living above the 37th parallel in January is hunker down season, for obvious reasons: it’s cold out, the weather is spotty, the roads are unsafe, and bundling up to brave the elements is on a “only if I have to” basis.
It’s also a great time to work on new projects. Brew that cup of coffee, tea, hot cocoa and get to work.
The time has passed for me to advise you to start planning. In case you are reading this in the late Summer or the early Fall: that is when you start to map out ideas for an attack plan of your personal projects.
For me: I’m continuing working on art prints for my personal site, working on UI, icon and UX samples for a design centric portfolio, and I’m rendering comic ideas I’ve been jotting away on all year.
What are you working on? A new side hustle? An icon pack to sell? A new node package on npm? A logo for a new business? Hone those skills! Explore those ideas! During this time that most people are getting dull from inactivity, it’s your time to get sharp.
Today is day one of a New Year. Time is ticking. Best make the best of the time you have right now because a few Netflix binges and late nights saving the world from bad guys and it’s Spring again and time to get out of the house. That time isn’t coming back.
So put that PS in sleep mode, and fire up that laptop. Time to get to work!
~Nick
Reading, it's for your eyeballs!
Related Blogs
Tips, tricks, work stories, short stories, and random musings.
Created: January 16th, 2021
A few tips for JR UX Designers out there looking to gain more skills and be a more proficient UX Designer
Created: January 2nd, 2021
It's cold, miserable, the roads are dangerous, so it's time to get creative while you're huddled up in your warm home.
"Welcome to the new nickvolkert.com"
Created: October 12th, 2020
A two year effort crafting, JSON, SASS, REACT and CDNs finally live!
Pen, Ink, and Cintiq!
Rendered Works
I love making personal works that I use as a vehicle to explore to constantly learn the programs I use on my day to day, and push my artistic abilities.
Created: May 3rd, 2024 | Role: Illustrator
Rain, wind, cold, warm days breaking up the cold, and of course the flowers starting to peak out of the ground. Who loves Spring? Well this shark does.
Created: April 30th, 2024 | Role: Illustrator
The cicadas are back and they seem to be way louder than usual, and ah yes, a huge sound system on their back would be the reason why. Splendid.
Created: February 19th, 2024 | Role: Illustrator
Captain Pancake is back to celebrate Valentines Day with his oversized teddy bear pal! Why not give them both a huge bear hug to show them some love!
Join the Danger Huskie Danger Team
Danger Huskie
Vector works that a fun, cute, scary, and a bit dangerous!
Created: April 18th, 2024 | Role: Illustrator
This terrible and evil mummy has escaped its tomb, its sarcophagus and is on the prowl to reclaim its throne in the modern world!
Created: April 14th, 2024 | Role: Illustrator
Oh no! The horror! These pointy vampire fangs have arisen from their slumber and are on the hunt for fresh victims! And fresh blood!
Created: March 23rd, 2024 | Role: Illustrator
It's a big Irish flag for St. Patrick's Day! This Chicago-style weiner dog is showing his Irish and Chicago pride for a day hopefully filled with luck!