I hit the pavement, no contacts.

Packed my portfolio, booked a trip to Chicago and cold pitched seven Imaging companies in two days. My rental car got stuck in the middle of the street as I was heading into alter to present... decided the ticket was worth it.

Jeff let me help with Troy's portfolio images; after he showed me that I knew nothing of a set shadow, spread shadow, cast shadows, blacks and Unreal Tournament. I was number one in UT3 warfare Jeff! He was so not impressed. 

I charged him and everyone who could teach me, less. If they would expose me to workflows, business, strategy, branding, marketing, anything about commercial creative imaging, here was a cheaper rate.

I was determined to understand why my fledgling imaging business had failed in 2009, after I had successfully built and led others. I was hungry for knowledge, experience and mentorship.

I was both humbled and inspired by the talent and wealth of knowledge openly available for those who could handle it. This is my nod to Chicago and the bunch of veterans who taught me (desperate to get decent help with their workloads, ha!).

Seriously though, truly grateful for all the mentors and friendships.