I like to dream big. I set the largest venues, galleries, challenges, etc. as my goals. I then break those challenges down into smaller, digestible components. I assign very specific numbers and facts to these smaller goals. Instead of making an unquantifiable statement like: "I want to be the best illustrator in the world...", I would analyze that, and try to determine the things that would need to happen to make that a ambition a reality. Recognition, accolades, consistent work, quality of work, etc. are all things to consider, and are all checkpoints to help you keep track of progress in your career. I then break those smaller steps down even more. Giving things very specific criteria keeps things from being too open ended, and too grand. "How" is always the best question to ask once you have figured out "What" you hope to accomplish.
Remember, there are things which you are in complete control of: How hard you work, how quickly you grow (this is closely related to how hard you work), recognizing opportunities, and taking advantage of them, what you know, and what you learn, being a great student with a curious mind (this should last your entire life), your willingness to share, to be taught,surrounding yourself with more talented people, more driven people, etc., committing to you goals and embracing them as part of your lifestyle, etc.
Equally as important as what you do , and those things that will help you to attain your goals, are being aware of your weaknesses, and the things that will keep you from realizing your dreams. Beware of laziness, nay sayers, arrogance, unchallenged fear, and life choices that take you away from your path. Often times, bad habits from our life in school continue to affect us long after, especially if we live in the city where we graduated. There are associations with people that are unhealthy, and decisions made out of boredom that grow into bad habits and addictions. Do not let the doubts of parents, friends, family, boyfriends/girlfriends, wives, or anyone for that matter direct your life.
I moved to Kansas City soon after graduation to be around a group of artists affiliated with the Illustration Academy. It broke my heart to leave my new girlfriend behind (she is now my wife), and being away from this life that I had established in my home town was the hardest thing that I ever did. Still, all of my distractions fell away, and once I got over my "social withdrawal", I was able to focus on my goals. The year in Kansas City became one of the most important times in my life.
I have noticed that that the rare moments of true, soul-fulfilling contentment in my life are always on the heals of fears that I have faced. We tend to fear the unknown. If knowledge is power, then the more we learn, the less we fear.
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8 comments:
“Unchallenged fear” is the big one for me.
In the last comment, you mentioned “effort equates to value” … I don't know if it applies to me, but I’ve been telling this to myself to get working. Now I'd like to think what my real goal is ... thank you for insight.
So true. I definitely relate to having to let go of habits (sometimes slower than needed) and getting rid of distractions...even hanging out with certain groups of people that weren't really into what I wanted to do or really interested in my art at ALL. I guess, in all, it's all about sacrifice and letting go. What things will you let go to reach your dreams? That's the hardest thing in life. It's probably the reason why most people just give up and keep the job they hate for the rest of their lives. They didn't let go of things. See you in Projects in Illustration next semester! haha
Lune- The hard work is expected. It comes with the territory when you combine what you love to do with what you do to live. While I believe that there is a direct correlation between how hard someone works, and how good they are in the present tense, I think a better way of phrasing this would be to say... There is a direct correlation between how hard someone works, and how quickly there potential is realized. The first way I put it implies that hard work is the only thing standing between someone who is poor, and someone who is great at what they do. I know that I can not sing. No matter how hard I practice, and work at it, I will never have the vocal capacity of Sinatra. If I want to still make music, then I must delve into other components that make music just as interesting- instruments, song writing, etc. Of course, there are great musicians, and great song writers. At some point, there must be a pairing of innate talent, ambition, confidence, self made luck, and diligence. Fortunately, for all of us, it isn't always the best singers, or, in our case, the best drawers that make the best art. The other factors- design, palette, content, character, and ideas are all factors that go into developing a personal point of view, which is the most interesting thing about art...Recording your own perception of your experiences, and time here on earth through images, or words, or music, or dance, film, moving pictures, etc. Aren't paintings just a collection of decisions, after all?
Richie- Sacrifice vs. Compromise. It seems that when we sacrifice something, we are making the decision to give something up, so that our lot in life will improve. When we compromise, outside circumstances are determining those decisions for us. Sacrifice is your choice, while compromise is someone else's. My recommendation is to sacrifice before you have too many life responsibilities resting on your shoulders. Things become very complicated as the math changes from 1, to 2, to 3, to...
You made me realize how lazy I have been! Or, maybe I’ve always known, but ignored the fact ... I haven’t worked hard enough to know if I’m good at what. Drifted with time, many years have passed (like a Pink Floyd song).
I was extremely scared of sharing my art. Therefore, I never knew my perception interests anyone –I didn’t have many soul-fulfilling moments because I haven’t faced to my fear.
I’m bit too old to sacrifice anything big (yes, responsibilities!), but good thing about aging, is becoming less sensitive about what other people think of me. I think I’m less fearful to share nowadays.
I realize you spend a lot of time to reply us, even though you are busy. I read your blog to my husband time to time (to encourage him achieving his goal) … it’s very inspiring, thank you.
Lune- Your comments are heart felt, and appreciated. I'm a shot gun in many ways in my life. I wish that could focus my energies in a singular direction more often, but that is how I am built. I get excited about things, get into them for a time, then I lose interest, or get distracted. Try to ride the creative wave when it comes. Remember, being in a group of like minded people keeps you from having to be "on" all of the time. You inspire them, they inspire you.
Wow,i just wanted to say about your blog and about goal setting,you write everything that im living now,problems,dissapointments and i realize what im in my life part when i will make my first sacrifices,i decided to become great artist and illustrator,what is one thing what i really know,it will be really hard to acomplish what but i will do everything to reach it,this year i will leave my city to go to study in uk illustration,and i will leave everything behind me:family,girlfriend,friends i t will be hard,but my heart a ready to do everything just to follow my dream,reading your block make a lot of sence to me,its really hard to find people who believes in you when you are young,what are you saying,even to share dreams to becoming great make them nervuos or even jealuos,even suggestions to my friends to them it always kind a critique to them, its kinda feels to be lonely and do not have someone to talk who understands your sorrow and pain,how you want to reach a dream,how hard it is,so as you talking about unhealthy people whats sorounds i feel like becoming like them angry,jelous,cocky,disturbed,disbalanced,
so that makes sence now to me clearly,what moving on is right choise and to follow the dream is right,sorry for my english,itsnt my first language and looking forward to chatting you,good luck and see you here;)
Arunas Kacinskas
i m doing the same thing. moving to europe next year to pursue the dream. Ive been stuck in this tiny city for too long. There's no place to grow and i tend to fall back to my back up hollow money oriented work.
I m taking a year to prepare myself and grow. I ve been working hard every day. It's never too late to follow our dreams. Fear grips me but i want to believe that it will all be alright. In all cases, i m already growing and loving it. that s the only thing that matters to me.
Karsouny,
I'm sure that everything has worked out in your pursuits. Thanks for taking the time to share your story!
Sterling
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