Year 1, so what the hell happened?

Soooooo, a lot happened. On February 14, 2020, I was let go from a marketing firm that ended up going under due to a lot of behind-the-scenes issues and COVID a week later. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise. At the time, I didn’t realize it, but God really looked out for me.

That same day, I received good news—I had been offered a new role as a Graphics Specialist. In this position, I created graphics for Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Keurig Dr Pepper. I was scared out of my mind and dealing with major imposter syndrome. I was a 22-year-old African American woman designing and implementing graphics for major beverage companies right after being let go from a struggling marketing firm. How did that even happen?

Starting the role was easier than I expected. I was nervous, but I wasn’t going to show it. I carried myself with confidence. Four months in, my coworker found a better opportunity and left. I was still in training, now handling most of the graphics for these major brands on my own. Thankfully, I’m a fast learner and a fast worker, so it wasn’t too bad—just a mild inconvenience. During that time, my confidence grew like never before. I was genuinely happy. I was doing things I never thought I could do.

Fast forward another five months, with more COVID-related challenges, and I suddenly became the only designer, the only artist, the only website manager—basically the only person handling anything art-related at my job. The pressure was real. But it also taught me a few things. First, I gained a ton of experience. Second, I needed to give myself more credit for holding everything down—and still doing it. Third, it gave me clarity about what I wanted in my career.

This was my first “real” adult job, which was an adjustment. I had spent four years working multiple part-time jobs, so transitioning to relying on one job for everything felt both refreshing and scary. At times, I overthought my position and imagined the worst, but that was just me overthinking. It happens to all of us. I worked through it, and eventually, I found my footing.

Being the only artist pushed me to build a strong portfolio for future opportunities. It also encouraged me to start creating outside of work again. Honestly, I didn’t make art for about five months straight. The first time I got back into it was through a commission for a real estate company—fun experience, but that’s a story for another post. That’s when I realized the saying “use it or lose it” is very real. My art quality had suffered. After that, I made it a goal to create at least one piece a week. If I could do that, I felt accomplished. If you look through my site, you’ll probably notice a shift in my style, especially in my graphic and fine art portfolios.

Now we’re up to date. As of March 14, 2021, I’m 23, alive, COVID-free, still employed, and more confident in my art. This job has helped me grow—not just for myself, but in creating work that serves others on a larger scale. It’s also allowed me to invest in tools and equipment I wouldn’t have been able to afford working part-time jobs. I’ve gained new skills and taken on responsibilities I likely wouldn’t have experienced elsewhere.

Of course, there are moments when it feels like just a job. And if you’ve ever had a job, you know exactly what that means—you’re grateful to have it, but sometimes you’re just there, existing, working, and occasionally feeling like a machine. Thankfully, those moments are rare. When they happen, I take small breaks and work on personal projects—something I’m very grateful I can do. This job has also allowed me to launch two other businesses, but I’ll save that for another post.

Overall, it’s been a great experience. It lifted me up when I needed it most and taught me so much. I’d give my first year at this job an 8.5 out of 10.

"No Pressure, Under Pressure"

MA Hayes

Digital Illustration

MAD Studio