'Uncertainty' - Living and working during a pandemic

Katerina Boyadjieva
IVM

When COVID-19 came to Europe I almost got laid off my work placement at Red Vertex, a studio that specialises in architectural visualisations. I have been working there for three months when the virus hit Italy and the Bulgarian government decided to put us on lockdown. We did not know what it meant at the time, it was very confusing, a bit scary even – everything was and still is very uncertain. At first, we only had to disinfect the office, make sure we are wearing masks if we have travelled recently and immunocompromised and pregnant folks were to work from home. But the situation developed for the worse and the office shut down. But we could still work remotely so that is good! And it also got me thinking… These might be bad, uncertain times, but artists, all over the world, more than ever, can prove that they can work remotely. Allowing VFX, VR, and CG artists, animators, creatives to work from home/remotely would be a big step for the creative industry. It would mean you would not have to move across the world to work on a big project that is being funded well. That is if we, as a community, prove that our employers can trust us to hold in deadlines and non-disclosure agreements. 

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Render I did during my time at Red Vertex

​In the company I worked at they were able to incorporate that as a future practice. This pandemic will and has changed the world in more than one way. Working as a CG Artist there made me feel safe, they knew how to care for their employees and I haven’t lost hope that I will be able to do what I love in the future without compromising myself in terms of pay, time, etc. But with all good things, this one also came to an end. My contract finished and I had to find another job. 

The next job came surprisingly easy though. I was talking to a couple of friends and they were looking for someone to film and edit their videos, as well as make stuff like banners, infographics, and illustrations for posts. They asked if I could help and wanted to employ me right then and there. Pleasantly surprised I accepted – I learned to not turn down well paid opportunities during this year. Especially if it's something I love doing. So just like that, a new journey began.

Work Process with 2sport4life

​This opportunity really did come at an unusual time, but we made it work. We decided on a filming schedule and started working almost immediately, filming content for their YouTube channel and social media and website. I found my spark again after feeling unsure about everything because of the current times we live in. Of course, there is always a time when you feel unmotivated to work, especially when you have to stay at home the whole day, but the key is to just work, and motivation will come.

​A big part of this pandemic is the amount of time you have to yourself. You must learn not to get lost in your thoughts – I found that journaling helped my overthinking. Working too. And of course, how can you forget, blogging for uni. (@kat.dps on Instagram if you’re interested) I don’t really have much else to say, life is, indeed, kind of bland right now? But in the end life is also what you make of it. Anyway…

​This pandemic taught me to be more responsible with my time, how to come up with a routine that works for me, it taught me how to stay motivated and how to be productive. It also taught me not to be ashamed and angry at myself when I am not. It taught me that right now, everyone is in the same boat, we are all uncertain of our future, we are all unsure of our decisions, and that is okay. Uncertain times create unsure people. But in the end, it will work itself out eventually. Right?