It's funny how when one gets to a certain point in life, a kind of clarity arrives, coupled with the motivation one gets from seeing the not too distant end of the mortal coil. That's how I was a few years ago, when after spending 4 decades toiling away in advertising & web design, one day I realized it wasn't what I wanted at all from life. I let my lifelong drive to become an illustrator finally take control while slowly crawling away from the mire and nonsense of my previous careers.
Was it foolish to toss those lucrative endeavours? Not in the least when it comes to keeping one's sanity or health. Oh sure, the money was good, but like I said, and aged clarity adjusts one's life goals. Especially when you stand back and take a hard look at the pile of discarded, now pointless, imagery, ads and billboards that lay in the trash heap of history.
There's no sense in dwelling on past "what ifs" when I can spend the my present striving to make art or cartoons that deliver a smile and a poignant thought.
As you so eloquently pointed out, it's much better to focus on creation and the "What could be."
I can't begin to fathom the health issues that complicate your ability to create. The fact that you are able to persevere says tons about your inner strength (and, I'm saying that while looking at A Distant Soil graphic novels from decades ago).
I’ve been there with positivity and brain fog. It’s a struggle almost everyday but particularly the past decade given *gestures vaguely at the world 🌎 Glad you made it through and I love that knight statue. 🐎
Brain fog is the WORST. And it is something I struggle with now, though it's not nearly as bad as it has been in the past. I went for many years where I no longer read for fun because I simply could not remember what I read and had to reserve my energy for work. Now I read over 1-2 hours a day!!! And that statue is Aragorn.
It's funny how when one gets to a certain point in life, a kind of clarity arrives, coupled with the motivation one gets from seeing the not too distant end of the mortal coil. That's how I was a few years ago, when after spending 4 decades toiling away in advertising & web design, one day I realized it wasn't what I wanted at all from life. I let my lifelong drive to become an illustrator finally take control while slowly crawling away from the mire and nonsense of my previous careers.
Was it foolish to toss those lucrative endeavours? Not in the least when it comes to keeping one's sanity or health. Oh sure, the money was good, but like I said, and aged clarity adjusts one's life goals. Especially when you stand back and take a hard look at the pile of discarded, now pointless, imagery, ads and billboards that lay in the trash heap of history.
There's no sense in dwelling on past "what ifs" when I can spend the my present striving to make art or cartoons that deliver a smile and a poignant thought.
As you so eloquently pointed out, it's much better to focus on creation and the "What could be."
I can't begin to fathom the health issues that complicate your ability to create. The fact that you are able to persevere says tons about your inner strength (and, I'm saying that while looking at A Distant Soil graphic novels from decades ago).
I feel like the idea of moving towards vs away from was something I needed to hear put into words. Especially after the last few years.
So many people in the arts talk about what they are running away from, and IMHO, it's not as powerful as thinking about what you're moving toward.
I support you 100%. My husband has chronic illness. It can be a nightmare. 💚
Wurd!!
You are a gem, Colleen. Don't change.
I’ve been there with positivity and brain fog. It’s a struggle almost everyday but particularly the past decade given *gestures vaguely at the world 🌎 Glad you made it through and I love that knight statue. 🐎
Brain fog is the WORST. And it is something I struggle with now, though it's not nearly as bad as it has been in the past. I went for many years where I no longer read for fun because I simply could not remember what I read and had to reserve my energy for work. Now I read over 1-2 hours a day!!! And that statue is Aragorn.
You are always so on target. I used to work on a chronic pain team and pacing is everything. Well done you
Thank you!