I have a small confession to make friends. I'm on the fringe.
In fact, my whole life I've been on the fringe.
I was never popular in school. For better or worse, I've always marched to the beat of my own drum. It dawned on me recently, as I inch ever more closely to my five year mark in New York, that I still very much exist on the fringe.
Before I moved here I imagined my life looking very differently. I believed so naively that New York would embrace me like a coveted gem. I would be invited to all the "in" parties. I would make an impression, do things differently, really be a "somebody". Truth be told, that couldn't be further from reality.
Somehow after three and a half years here, I still exist on the fringe. I still peer from the sidelines, hoping, praying for my big break. I wonder if my affinity for integrity, for sincerity, has somehow relegated me to no man's land in the business world. If only I could schmooze better, have a little more edge, maybe, just maybe, I could get ahead.
But by the same token I wonder if being on the inside is really anymore fun?! Perhaps being on the fringe is really where the exciting stuff happens. When you aren't looking over your shoulder all the time, wondering who is watching you, whether you look the right way, or are associating with the right people, maybe you actually just get to be...
Not long ago I listened to the remarkable David Downton speak at FIT. He said that he never wanted to be "in" fashion because that meant you eventually had to be "out". So perhaps, after all is said and done, being on the fringe is really where I ought to be...
Meag xx
Meag- if you're on the fringe then I'm right there with ya! I've been feeling these same things lately... still don't know where I fit in this big city. I like to think that integrity and sincerity will win in the end! Sending positive thoughts your way =)
ReplyDelete~Joanna <3
Being on the fringe is definitely where you want to be! I feel like it's the best way to be because you can only get better. You have the room to really work at what you really want to strive for.
ReplyDeleteI would love to have that life in NYC, being a successful artist over there but the fear is holding me back. Well, so is job security if I do. haha!
Keep working hard, praying and hoping! The exciting stuff will soon follow. :) :)
Hey girl!
ReplyDeleteYour art (and blog) are really amazing girl, have said it before ;)
huga and kisses
Johanna, Sweden
ART FASHION
I think the fringe is where it's at!
ReplyDeleteYour illustration of Coco Rocha is stunning - the colours are absolutely amazing!
Kate xo petite-adventures.blogspot.ca
The fringe is definitely the place to be. People-watching is more fun than being watched yourself.
ReplyDeleteXx
nice blog dear and Good posting . Agra Holiday Trip
ReplyDeleteMust say that what you're thinking is what many others are. But it's important that one keeps his/her sincerity, integrity and dignity intact and they not only keep you grounded and let you stay the authentic you. And you're right being on the fringe isn't bad at all. Keep posting and keep sharing your wonderful illustrations and thoughts :)
ReplyDelete'Fringe art' is the best because it's inspired by the real you, the real world.
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone for what you wrote! I'm just amazed by how similarly we all feel with regards to our dreams and fears.
ReplyDelete@Cindy, don't ever let fear stand in your way. NYC is a BIG city with plenty of opportunities. You just have to take the risk to gain the reward :)
@Savvy Aggarwal I agree with you 100%. If you start making decisions based on anything other than your authentic self, you really loose sight of what matters, and who you are. I'm so happy you stopped by and shared your thoughts!