AS GOES THE ECONOMY, SO GOES THE CAREER

This profession is fickle. I remember when I began, I had just hit my stride, my first project for Rolling Stone was awaiting publication, and I was making a good living producing art. Then September 11, 2001 changed everything. I didn't work on a paid project for months. I took another job at a gym, and made due. Fortunately, the economy bounced back, but it was a hell of a curve ball at the start of my young career.

Today, the economy is as bad as it has ever been. All artists are feeling the financial pinch- art budgets are reliant upon advertising dollars. When advertising slows down, so does the purchase of art. My business is slowing down to a trickle. So, what to do?

Now is the time for personal projects. Development of multiple revenue streams. Diversifying, to put it into proper fiscal terminology. I am working on all of those personal projects that have been kept at bay in light of a flourishing business. I assume that this economy will rebound, but you never know. It is best to hedge your bets.

Analyze your product. What do you have to offer?
Your art- what venues are you not pursuing? Illustration, Gallery work, design, books, editorial, advertising, self generated assignments, licensing, comic books/sequential, video games, children's books, competitions with financial prizes, etc.

Remember, that you are also armed with information- how to make an image, build a website, draw, think, etc. Who could benefit from those skills? Advertising agencies, video game companies, universities, people wanting to attend workshops, etc. Be proactive, and you can find an audience for the things that you produce.

The projects that generate the greatest financial rewards, are always the most personal projects. Imagine creating a character, and a story line for a comic book, or graphic novel. Seek a venue for a publisher of your collected works (if it is realistic). Collect stories of others, and illustrate them for a children's book. Find a local gallery, and paint a show of your personal work.

These are actually all things that I am actively pursuing. Hopefully you will find the ambition, the drive, the ability, etc. to focus your own personal vision into a final product that you can then market. Lord knows we have the time...

RANDOM THOUGHT

"A painting is a collection of decisions."

-sterling hundley

GOAL SETTING

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.