Ride The World 🗺️
2024 is here, let's kick this off right!
2024 is here, and with it, a number of new possibilities. I like that we have this time for resetting ourselves. A liberating feeling, like whoever you were, or whatever you were doing, it’s all suddenly more malleable, open to a new shape. Many cultures celebrate their new year with lots of cleaning, time spent in self-reflection, and of course, food and flowers. Because, reinvention is important, right? I know it’s been an important part of my own personal happiness and success.
I want to start with a little story, and a little context for my goals in 2024. Back in early December, I decided to leave my role as an executive creative director at the agency I was working for. I had been there for a little over two years, and over that time, built an amazing creative team of forty people. Long story short, this wonderful little agency was acquired by a big “cool” agency, yet sadly, the new leadership and their “culture” were extremely... challenging, to say the least. After six months of trying situations, I knew it was time to go.
I don’t really talk about my day job. Even when I worked at Disney, running social and digital creative for brands like Disney, Pixar, Star Wars and Disney+. And I’ve made a lot of really cool things over the years! I’ve never been great at sharing that part of my life. That all said, because of this big change, I’ve had the last month to stop, think, and reflect on what I’ve achieved and what is next. The first thing I realized is that I’ve been working nonstop for 25 years. I assume this is normal for most of us, but also, that’s gross! Jobs suck and capitalism is bad! But, if there was ever a time to try something new, it’s now, plus, I still need money to live. So, here’s my plan.
First, working more wholly on my own projects. The Fox Is Black will be my main outlet for creativity, and hopefully, source of income. This email will continue to be weekly, the site will update frequently, and there will be much more original content coming out. Things like mixtapes, from myself and special guests, bringing back wallpapers, exclusive interviews with creatives I admire, as well as a lot more activity on TikTok, which I’m super excited for. This is why having readers like you supporting these efforts helps so much. It provides me the ability to really focus on creating work that hopefully brightens your day and inspires you in your own life.
Second, my goal is to start freelancing in the fields of creative direction and graphic design under my AGILITY moniker. I’m focused on branding and identity around the food and beverage industry, but also, I have a couple decades of of experience in design, specializing in the realms of social and digital. So I’m putting this out “into the universe” in the hopes that you or someone you know might need some help in the coming year. I love a good challenge, especially working with interesting, fun people who want to push the boundaries of creative. I’m a polymath when it comes to design, and if there’s something I don’t know how to do, I know someone amazing who can ask for help. More to come here.
The third piece of my “reinvention pie” is meeting new people in Barcelona and building up more of a community here. In Los Angeles, Kyle and I were hosting art shows in our apartment (see below, our show with our friend Taylor Marie Prendergast), dinner parties, book clubs, the best game nights, you name it. We made our apartment a place to feel welcomed and appreciated, and we see there’s a need for this in our new city. Think, a creative salon for creative people. So if you’re in Barcelona, or you happen to be visiting or passing through, or even know someone who lives here, reach out to me, I’m an email away — thefoxisblack@gmail.com
Oof, ok, I know I’ve gone long, but it’s important for me to get all of this out! Manifesting, or something! And like, it’s important to share your goals and dreams. What are you planning on doing in 2024? Any big goals or dreams you’re fulfilling? Or any big changes you have plans? Let me know!
Thanks for reading and being part of my journey. Best of luck to you in the new year, here’s to a happy and successful twelve months filled with good people and great times 💙
One last thing! I’m kicking off January with a new monthly mixtape series called OÍR. January’s mix is meant to ease you into 2024. Super chill, really ambient. Music to help you think deeply and focus on what you’re doing this year. If you have any requests for a mixtape style or genre you’d love to hear, respond to the email or drop a comment on Substack.
Visit the blog for the track list and download link →
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by my partner, Kyle Raymond Fitzpatrick, is a sharp and insightful look at all the things going on in the world, arriving every Sunday to your inbox. Highly recommended, obviously.