On the CBS evening news tonight, they featured Erik Proulx, who has created the film, “Lemonade.” After Erik lost his job as a senior copywriter he started a blog called, “Please Feed The Animals“ to help other advertising professionals reinvent themselves. Erik is the creator, executive producer and writer of the movie and he interviewed various creative people who had lost their jobs and shows what they are doing now. These creative people realized they now had the time to do the things they’d only dreamed about. Credits include: Directed by Marc Colucci, Directors of Photography are Peter Nelson and Will Van Hazel, Edited by Andre Betz. Producer & Executive Producer, Jennifer McKenzie, Producer, Carrie Jacobson, and Producer, Scott Burtnett.

It takes a lot of courage to set out on a new path and I look forward to seeing and hearing their stories.

I am remembering the year 1993, when I was an art director for Macmillan Publishing. After working with them for three and a half years, the company went bankrupt and once the banks took over, they found that the only solution was to tear the company into two pieces, and sell those pieces to Prentice Hall and Simon & Schuster. Almost all the employees working for Macmillan were let go, and yes, I was one of them.

At the time I panicked, as most do, when they find themselves out of work. I tried to find a job, but it soon became clear that it wasn’t going to happen. I’d say the reason was because there just weren’t enough art director jobs to go around, and no one was leaving to make room. So, the only solution was to start my own design company. I had the good fortune of friends and colleagues who helped me get going.

As time marched on, I knew I needed to expand my design skills and added website design/development in the late 90s. Knowing both graphic and website design has helped me through the toughest of times, after September 11th, and today with the economic crisis.

There is nothing in the world like being your own boss. Having the freedom to plan each day as it comes. For creative types, it takes a very serious commitment to be freelance. It’s also a truly rewarding life to be able to do what you love. I can’t imagine my life without design and meeting new people each day.

I look forward to the start of this new decade and will welcome all the opportunities that come my way with enthusiasm!

Now when is this film coming to NYC or NJ?