I’m leaving this here for me to read…to remind myself as often as I need to.

“It is not me who is the clown, but this monstrously cynical and so unconsciously naive society, which plays the game of seriousness in order better to hide its madness.”

~ Salvador Dali

  • Create for YOU and no one else.
  • I know it can be hard sometimes, but please NEVER stop creating. Do not stop creating new songs if you make a song that no one likes or listens to. If you make wood and ceramic sculptures for everyone for Christmas and you can tell that no one likes them, do not stop. If you create a website, Facebook page, and Instagram dedicated to your artwork and no one ever visits, likes, or shares your work, do not stop showing the world the things you have made. If you self-publish a book and no one buys or reads it, do not stop writing.
  • Always be true to your creative voice. Your job as an artist is to essentially translate/communicate your ideas and feelings into something tangible, whether on a canvas, in a photograph, from a piano, or something you have written that is uniquely yours.
  • Do not follow trends but always be open to learning from others.
  • Get a pair of wireless noise-canceling earphones to wear if the environment you are making your art in has a lot of sound distractions.
  • Stay hungry. The best work produced by most artists (especially musicians) happens before they are recognized and begin making money or becoming famous for their work.
  • What you call yourself is important. If you want to create “art” only to sell it or as a means to solve problems, then you might be better described as an “illustrator” or “designer.” There is nothing wrong with what you call yourself, but since words are very powerful, what you call yourself can change what you create, who you really create it for, and why.
  • The most you should explain your artwork is by giving it a title. Then, let an observer find their meanings behind what you have created to allow them to have an even more personal relationship with it. Then, have others tell you what they see in your work. Sometimes you will be fascinated to find hidden objects that others may see that you did not.
  • When viewing someone’s artwork, do not just say that you like it or that it’s cool. Instead, REALLY look at it and tell the artist what you see and feel.
  • If someone does not like your work, fuck ’em. Who cares. Your job is to create…not to please others.
  • Size, time, the materials you use, and the detail in your work do not equate to the value of your work.
  • If you have a friend or family member who is an artist and is selling their artwork or something with their artwork on it, make it a point to buy something and share their work with others.
  • If an artist wants you to critique their work, then provide honest and constructive feedback on the quality and skillfulness of their work. You do not have to understand it.
  • Have a place set aside that is comfortable, private, and has good natural light. Surround yourself with things that foster creativity and freedom. This is your studio. Make it yours.
  • Recognizing true beauty comes from the heart and mind working together, not just a glance from someone’s eyes. Art is not defined by the people who view your work but by you, the creator.
  • The beginning of creating something new is often the hardest. Never give up.
  • Art supplies are always OK to buy.
  • If you genuinely want to be an artist, then be an artist! Live a life of creativity and try to make something new every day. It is OK if it sucks. And though it will be hard, the only way to get better is to put your time in. You would not love it as much if it were easy. You may have some natural talent, but it takes work and dedication to develop your skills.
  • Do your art solely for the process, and never worry about what people think of the finished piece. When you are done making something, really be done with it and put it out of your mind.
  • Please do not buy art supplies for an artist unless you know exactly what they want or need. Artists are usually very particular with what they like to work with, so if you are unsure what to get them, a gift card for an art store is always excellent.
  • You do not have to be starving, flamboyant, rude, controversial, depressed, live in NYC/LA, have a beard, or be in some sort of pain to be an artist.
  • Beware of wishing you had more likes on social media. Sure, some recognition from others about your work can be motivating at first and even confirm that you are communicating your thoughts and ideas well with what you create. Just be careful that you do not allow yourself to think about these things during your creative process. This will undoubtedly change your art and your attitude towards your work.
  • Even if you believe in your dreams, follow your heart, and are passionate about your craft, you will still be outdone by people learning new things and working harder than you.
  • Experiment and learn new ways to create. The levels you are willing to push yourself to be uncomfortable directly measure how much and how well you grow your art. Break through your fear and doubts and allow yourself to expand and grow. You did this when you learned how to walk. You did this when you learned how to write your name. You did this when you learned how to ride a bike. These were complex and scary things to learn, but you tried and tried, and look at you now. The process of learning something new is absolutely no different from these things.
  • Be careful when taking an art history class and of those so-called “art teachers.” Not all teachers are good nor should all lessons should be remembered. Be open-minded, but critical.
  • Do not do your art for fame and recognition, but only for the process itself. These things can be a great byproduct of what you create, but focusing on the outcome of your work will take you down the path of eventually despising that you are an artist.
  • Do you feel stuck in what everyone calls a “creative block?” Ask yourself this one BIG question. It is super-important to remind yourself that getting stuck sometimes is an excellent indication that you are growing in your work, so do not allow yourself to be depressed or frustrated at this.
  • Please stop comparing your art and what you do with your art to other artists. Instead, learn from and be inspired by other artists, and remember that every artist must have their unique voice and will always be at different skill/experience levels.
  • And keep all of your art supplies out! Never pack that stuff away. Always have your space set up so that you can paint, draw, sculpt (or whatever) at a moment’s notice.

Everything here might be wrong. Find your own way. Just be true to your own self.