I think I'd also like to just talk a bit more about the creative process and my art a bit as I start making things again and find my own unique voice as a creator/artist.

The things that I make I'd never classify as "impressive" or complicated and that used to bug me a lot, but I am just not an innovator like that! I'm a silly nerd that likes to draw cartoons and cute shit.

Please tell me these are available somewhere online as well?

To everyone who's listened to me complain about this stuff in person, I can't thank you enough for being patient with me while I navigate this. I wish it didnt take me so long to process this kind of event, but I am known to ruminate on things.

I don't talk a bunch about the layoff online but it was such a huge shock to my system that I don't think I'll ever forget it. I'll always be ever greatful to our union for the benefits they were able to secure for us, I can't even imagine where I would have been without their help.

It's taken a lot of effort for me to stay positive and hopeful for the future, and I want to believe that 2026 will hold good things for me and the people I love. I'm still anxious most days and feel like I don't try hard enough despite knowing that ultimately it's not my fault.

I think as games devs and artists we attach so much of our own self worth into what we do, so when it's forcibly stripped from us, we feel betrayed and broken and lost. At least that's how I feel about it.