Last night, I was getting ready to do a caricature gig at a wedding. It was a long one, five hours of work and a one hour break. And I had to wear a tie. Most events I can get away with cross-trainers and my Nightmare Before Christmas baseball jersey, but at a wedding, a certain amount of decorum is expected. So, between the time and the dressing-up and all, I was fighting a little malaise about working last night. I just wasn't looking forward to it.
And then I did the reception. Man, it was one of the best events that I've ever done.
Everyone was delightful to talk to. That's why I've always thought I'd never give up live caricatures, even if other aspects of my career take off to the point where I don't need to do caricature events at all. For a guy who spends a huge chunk of his life in a 20x8 studio alone, getting to talk the craic with people is pretty nice.
Heck, a lot of the people were firefighters or EMTs and a fair amount of them said that they admired what I did. To which I'd respond: "What? You run into burning buildings and save lives. I do a little monkey trick where I make you look like a cartoon."
Both the groom and the bride's father came up to thank me for being there. I always feel weird about that, since I'm not doing it out of the kindness of my heart, but because my checking account got a little boost for showing up. But still, the appreciation is nice.
Heck, the groom invited me to the after party, stressing the open bar and the block of hotel rooms that were available. I declined, but it's always nice to be invited.
Going home, it just hit me, as it does every once in a while, that I have one of the best jobs in the world. I made a fine amount of money to have a free good dinner, make some tips, look at pretty girls (not that I don't look at the guys when I draw them, of course, it's just not as much of a perk), talk to some intersting people, and just flamin' draw for an evening.
I get paid to pursue my passion, and every once in a while I forget how fortunate I am to be able to do that.