This applies to trying to "make it" (whatever that means) as a fiction writer. Don't do X to get Y. Do X because you love X. If Y comes along, good. But you can't control that. Still, it's good to eat and enjoy the miracle of electricity in your home . . .
I think many aspiring artists and writers don't understand these factors, especially that "fame is not transferable." They want to connect with notables, without realizing that those people are also just trying to make ends meet financially. The Wannabes think that connecting to A Name somehow gains them access to the "higher realm."
But you are so right that it is not so. And I am always thankful that I knew that from the "start" (such as it was).
To me, the pros that I know are people I like and care about. I always wish the best for them, and I'm always interested in their various projects. I may hope to gain that sort of esteem myself, but that has to be under my own steam, not because I "know someone."
Making one's way in any creative field really is about one's own persistence and commitment to their craft.
Anyway, Colleen, I always love the way you lay out the reality of the professional creative life, with your dashes of humor and sarcasm. You communicate as well with your writing as you do with your artwork. And I am so pleased to know you, even at a distance.
This reminds me of a friend who asked me to look over a book he was trying to write (it wasn't bad, but needed massive editing, and he was unreceptive to that). He asked me, "If I can place this with a publisher, what can I expect as an advance? Fifty grand?"
I met a young woman who enthusiastically asked me about how to make money doing art. She had decided to make a painting one day, and it took her a whole seven hours. She was upset when she asked friends what they would pay for it. They said about $20. She said that wasn't enough for the seven hours she worked on the piece. So how do you make money at art? And then she told me it was the first painting she'd ever done. This, in a nutshell, is the cognitive disconnect between professional artists and everyone else.
This applies to trying to "make it" (whatever that means) as a fiction writer. Don't do X to get Y. Do X because you love X. If Y comes along, good. But you can't control that. Still, it's good to eat and enjoy the miracle of electricity in your home . . .
"Don't do X to get Y. Do X because you love X."
Words of truth succinctly said!
This applies to writing, art, animation, sculpting, creating anything you love.
Laughed several times, I love a good serving of hard truth.
Also, you're famous to me!
"Comics will break your heart, kid."
I think many aspiring artists and writers don't understand these factors, especially that "fame is not transferable." They want to connect with notables, without realizing that those people are also just trying to make ends meet financially. The Wannabes think that connecting to A Name somehow gains them access to the "higher realm."
But you are so right that it is not so. And I am always thankful that I knew that from the "start" (such as it was).
To me, the pros that I know are people I like and care about. I always wish the best for them, and I'm always interested in their various projects. I may hope to gain that sort of esteem myself, but that has to be under my own steam, not because I "know someone."
Making one's way in any creative field really is about one's own persistence and commitment to their craft.
Anyway, Colleen, I always love the way you lay out the reality of the professional creative life, with your dashes of humor and sarcasm. You communicate as well with your writing as you do with your artwork. And I am so pleased to know you, even at a distance.
Great, great, great — and in case the point wasn’t clear enough, it’s not about just comics creators but all things art. All life too, maybe.
This reminds me of a friend who asked me to look over a book he was trying to write (it wasn't bad, but needed massive editing, and he was unreceptive to that). He asked me, "If I can place this with a publisher, what can I expect as an advance? Fifty grand?"
I'm afraid I burst out laughing.
I met a young woman who enthusiastically asked me about how to make money doing art. She had decided to make a painting one day, and it took her a whole seven hours. She was upset when she asked friends what they would pay for it. They said about $20. She said that wasn't enough for the seven hours she worked on the piece. So how do you make money at art? And then she told me it was the first painting she'd ever done. This, in a nutshell, is the cognitive disconnect between professional artists and everyone else.
Very well put. Now please excuse me, I need to go away for an hour and rethink everything :)
Some real talk there, Colleen! And so true! Great piece.