Gifts Instead of Work

When you ask what I want to do for work, I first think about how I want to live.

My favorite gift to give is something created through art. For example, I recently wanted to make something special for my boyfriend's brother and his wife—a couple who adore their quirky cat, Jack Jack. I thought it would be fun to draw a digital portrait of Jack Jack, given how popular pet portraits are. I envisioned him with a pair of binoculars and a patterned bow tie that matched the ones the groomsmen wore at their wedding. To complete the piece, I chose a background in green and gold—colors that perfectly complement their home decor. After printing it, I framed the piece in a style that matched their aesthetic.

Creating art like this brings me immense joy—it's about capturing what others love and transforming it into something beautiful and meaningful. When someone receives a gift where so much care and attention have been invested, it becomes more than just an object; it becomes a cherished symbol of the relationship. Imagine viewing gardening, cooking, clothing, cleaning, art, etc., as gifts. If all our products were made with this kind of care—how would that change the way we consume goods and services? Knowing the people who create the products we use, and understanding the care they put into their work, would likely transform our consumption habits in profound ways.

So, when you ask about work, I find myself imagining a life where "work" is obsolete. Instead, I’d like to live off the gifts of my own creativity and the talented gifts of others.