This design hits it hard with me for a handful of reasons....
There is so much beauty in not knowing and having to fully commit.
As 2018 hit I realized I'm on my 6th year of being on my own as a creator. My wife and I are expecting our 4th kid and more than ever I feel the pressure to be full-time (All in).
There have been so many up's and downs. Lots of months where I really considered going back to a more traditional job. I've learned A LOT over the last 5-6 years. Going full-time on what I felt like I'm put on this earth to do has been the hardest thing I've done and continue to pursue. I honestly hope it never gets easier. I want to leave this life with a story that people hear and think "man that guy showed up" and my kids can look back and know that Dad did and so can I.
I'll never forget the day I decided to go full-time. It was November 2012 right before Thanksgiving. I was working as a senior designer at an advertising company. I had been biking to work 65+ miles a day for a year and had just decided to buy another car (Story for another time), my wife and I had just had our first kid and we decided to have her stay home and we just moved into a new house that we had built.
I remember walking into work that day getting called into an office, all the executives sitting there as they preceded to tell me I no longer had a job and was being laid off with 3 weeks pay. I remember feeling super excited / depressed. I knew it was right for me and was the best thing that could happen but with having no saving and a new house, car, and family to support I felt like I was doomed. Driving home that night I made a commitment that I was going to be full-time (all in) and chase after this creative thing and never look back. I've realized sometimes the best situations you can ask for are the ones that feel like life or death. So here I am... Six years later almost 4 kids strong and its still just as hard but man it is worth it.
I wanted to make these two t-shirt designs as an anthem and a reminder to whoever decides to support this cause. The cause of fully pursuing whatever it is you feel tugging you at your deepest roots. That thing that you keep trying to tell yourself its not possible or you're too old or too young or just not capable of.
I hope this shirt speaks to you and if you buy one that its a constant reminder every time you toss it on that you are enough and you are capable of your life mission.
We have all been given enough to complete our task in this life we just have to be willing to fully trust, work smart, be patient and remember that this whole passion thing isn't about arriving some aaaaaaha moment someday but that its about everything in between that makes your story great. If you want to have a great story you've gotta commit and be full-time.
Honestly, not trying to make money off of this release... I'm going to be pricing these shirts at $14 and will be available this Sunday at 5pm iamsloth.com
I want this to be a shirt everyone can get and wear. My hopes are that wether you are full-time at whatever you love or not that you are always making baby steps towards that. Bettering yourself everyday to fully be who you were created to be. The world need more full-timers.
Appreciate all the continued love and support. Cheers to a epic 2018!
-Timmy Ham
SLOTH
Timmy-
You are such a great guy all the way around and your love for life is truly a blessing to watch. This energy and vibe you have created with your own unique brand has made so many people like myself excited to support you as well as want to grow closer to you. Always here for you bro.
- Marty Matthews ???
As a college student who is paying her own way to a degree to be an elementary teacher, I think this message is so important. Not enough people realize the “traditional” way to do things is for everyone. But no matter which path we choose we gotta give it all we got. I hope I can install the hope and passion for dreams into my future students the way you do for your followers. Cheers!
I absolutely love this! I def want one!
I want one. I love your story. I remember talking to Your beautiful wife about the change that was happening. Love your family!
This was such a great read. Thank you for sharing. Thanks for your commitment to your art and letting us be part of the journey. My kids can’t get enough of your clothes. I LOVE my storm trooper hoodie! By the way my oldest son had your wife as a teacher his senior year and I literally think she’s the only teacher he ever had that made him enjoy Math or school in general. It also encouraged his love of art by watching you. He is now thinking of starting to sell some of his ideas on some shirts. You’re doing so much good.
You continue to inspire me and so many others!
Dam! Got to wait till Sunday.?
Dreams, are so Good!
Congratulations!
This is awesome Timmy!!!! Actually brought tears to my eyes (‘: keep it up, and I’m going to continue to support you!!
This story is nothing but super relatable and inspiring. Being laid off at an agency as a designer as well in 2013, I had the same feeling of relief mixed with “what am i going to do now”. The difference is I am single and currently just started back a full time job. Being on my own was tough and I caved and went back to full time. I’m not loving it but currently taking those baby steps to try to get back on my own again. It’s good to know that you survived and gives someone like me hope that it will work out that one day when I decide to take that leap again.
Thanks so much for sharing, like you I was in a similar situation, 3 years ago this month. I landed on my feet in a new gig that I really enjoy, but towards the end of 2017 I felt it was time for a change and to start making steps to be my own boss and begin my own thing. Not sure how it’s all going to come together, but sometimes you just have to commit and go full-time.
Awesome!
Francisco
January 28, 2018
Timmy you all way inspired me with your amazing art, by making my self and every body ealse that look up to you. The meaning of this is great I’m going to this as well rite now but with out the family part, rite now I’m try to finish with my school and trying to find a job as well thanks for sharing your story Timmy.