I’m trying to do a thing where I write a blog post every Wednesday, because I’m pretty good at updating my event blog, but I never post my thoughts about art or behind the scenes updates. I thought I’d start with one of my favorite videos to listen to when I’m feeling lost or discouraged about art making as a profession. It’s Neil Gaiman’s commencement speech at the University of the Arts in 2012. Whenever I’m feeling down I’ll pull out my sketchbooks and draw while I listen to his advice. These are some of the major points I took away from the talk:
- When you start out you have no idea what you’re doing, and this is great. If you don’t know the rules you don’t know if you’re breaking them and no one can tell you what to do.
- If you have an idea, just do it. Don’t wait to start until you’re ready.
- Think of your goal as a mountain you’re walking towards. If something moves you closer use it, if it moves you further away don’t do it.
- When you start you have to deal with failure. You’ll send a lot of stuff out there and not get many responses back.
- Doing something just for money isn’t worth it. If you do something to make good work you will at least have the work.
- When you finally reach success you might feel like an imposter. Like the fraud police will come to your door and make you get a real job. This is normal.
- Make mistakes. Lots of them.
- Make. Good. Art.
- Do the stuff only you can do. You might start out by copying people but find work that is uniquely yours.
- People will want to work with you if the work is good, you’re easy to get along with, and you deliver the work on time. But you don’t need all 3. 2 out of 3 is enough.
- You should enjoy your success. Don’t worry so much or be constantly thinking of the next project. Enjoy the ride.
- The world is changing. Make up your own rules.
- Pretend to be someone who is wise and behave like they would.
I hope you find some inspiration or advice in this video. Now go out there and MAKE GOOD ART!
Peace! Chantel