Description

I started projects related to the creative economy. WDI published this book of essays and then promoted job creation and retention as part of a coalition focused on creativity.

There are 30,000 people earning their living through their creativity in the extended Capital Region. WDI wants to strengthen their skills, help them find jobs and encourage students to enter the field. We produced a comic book that tells the stories of regional creative professionals by occupation and distributed 40,000 copies through schools, libraries and cultural institutions. We produced a coloring book for younger kids hoping to inspire students and their parents, to let them know the kinds of jobs available and to encourage them to prepare themselves to create new ones.

In 2017, I invited seventeen creative individuals to write an essay about a pivotal experience or insight into their work life. They deepened their understanding of the career choices they made and shared their creativity with family, friends and co-workers. WDI distributed the book for free and hosted presentations by the authors. Our goal was to present the complex pathways creatives found to express their ideas and gifts. Reading their stories you may identify where your creativity resides, whether it is your full-time profession or a personal passion you offer to family, friends and community. I hope the book will encourage you to value yourselves and share your gifts. You download these essays for free here and at the WDI website,  www.wdiny.org.