The Rollercoaster of Receiving My First Commission

I wanted to share a significant milestone in my journey—one that has been a whirlwind of excitement, gratitude, and a touch of nerve-wracking moments. Receiving my first commission was truly an unforgettable experience.

I can’t describe the sheer joy and thrill when I received my first commission. It felt like all the hard work and belief in my abilities to go solo were paying off. Seeing someone appreciate and invest in my work was incredibly validating. I remember the moment vividly—my heart raced, my smile stretched from ear to ear, and I felt like I could conquer the world. It was one of those "pinch me" moments that I'll cherish forever.

But along with the excitement came a different emotion: nervousness. You see, this commission came from a friend, which added a layer of complexity to the situation. Invoicing a friend felt tricky. On one hand, I wanted to be professional and fair in valuing my work; on the other hand, I didn't want to strain our friendship or make things awkward.

I spent a lot of time drafting the invoice, ensuring it was detailed yet friendly. I second-guessed myself multiple times, wondering if I was doing the right thing. Finally, after much deliberation, I hit send. It was nerve-wracking, but I knew it was a necessary step in my journey as a professional.

Through this experience, I learned the importance of balancing professionalism with personal relationships. It taught me to communicate openly and transparently, setting clear expectations from the get-go. And most importantly, it reminded me of the support and belief that friends can have in our dreams.

So, to anyone out there receiving their first commission—celebrate that joy! Embrace the excitement and the nerves, because they are all part of the growth. And remember, it’s these experiences that shape us and our journey.

Thanks for reading, and I look forward to sharing more of these moments with you!