I've gotten a lot of questions about how my new freelance job at Crate & Barrel is going so I thought I'd share.

The photo above shows my name plate to my office at Crate (that's what they call it there). That's right—I am working on site! I have a phone (although no one calls me yet) and my own Crate email (although I don't get many messages yet) and eat lunch with my fellow coworkers downstairs in the cafeteria. It's a dream to not only love what I do, but to also love the company that I'm working for. The people there are all so talented and welcoming. I drive home with a smile on my face every day. Can't beat that!  

I am still in a state of blissful shock.
Before I moved to Chicago, I was in contact with the creative recruiter for Crate & Barrel. Her and I chatted for several months and once I arrived in Chicago she was gracious enough to meet me in person. The photo above is from the day I visited. Months have gone by since then and I was sure that our meeting was all that was going to come from it. Its a dream of mine to design for home furnishings and interiors.

WELL! Today I got an email that I had to read several times to believe...they want me to start on a freelance design project! Yes. I still can't believe it, I am so incredibly excited! I am in love with this company's design aesthetic and how they enhance their customers' every day lives with their products. I am honored they want me on their team, even if it's just for a little while! Yeah, freelance!

No, you have not died and gone to heaven. This place exists. It's real. It's beautiful. It's the Chicago Botanical Gardens.

I took a Botanical Illustration class taught by my amazing instructor, Heeyoung Kim, and we took a field trip to this magical place to learn more about the anatomy of plants and flowers. I literally gasped (gasped!) when we entered this place. The outdoor (and indoor) garden is open year round for visitors and is a great place to sit down and sketch for a few hours. This Kansas girl has missed out on so much!

 Here is my instructor and a couple of classmates taking a break to enjoy the view.

I start the more advanced version of this class on Monday and cannot WAIT! Below are some photos of the class and some samples of my drawings.