Roll your own.

Roll your own.

In some way, we all have to submit our work for approval to get hired for the job, sell the book, pitch the show, whatever. Life, right?

Here’s a thought.

Instead of only waiting for someone else to approve of you or your work, why not create something that’s totally yours and just put it out there?

Publish your own novel.

Create your own TV show.

Start your own business and hire yourself.

Whatever. Why not just put it out there? Enjoy the feeling of just putting something new into the world without asking if it’s okay. Something you like, something you would enjoy reading, watching, or working at.

Does it sell? Is it marketable? Do the demographics support it? Is it enough money to live on?

Who cares?

I mean really. Who. the. fuck. cares.

All that advice you read online (including mine)? Ignore it.

Those things that “everyone is doing?” Go 180 degrees the other way.

Or… follow the trend. Heed the advice.

Whatever you do, do it because it’s your choice. Not anyone else’s.

Mike Stankavich

"Just because" is a GREAT reason to do something. If it adds meaning to your life, it doesn't matter who buys it.

Great rant David, preach on brother!
jaydub

I do graphic design to support my fine art:
http://www.jeffwoodbury.com/new.html

Sold a few works from my last show, which covered framing, so that was nice. Giving a lecture next month to a group of Maine artists. And should be in a book being published this fall:
http://www.tributarybooks.com/mapasart.html

I actually did more fine art when I owned my own graphics biz, because I could take advantage of the up-and-down cycles of the action sportswear biz. I'd cram and push paid work to create month-long blocks of free time. Now I work steady hours as a graphic artist/illustrator/designer, but at least the hours are good.

Plus I always seem to have some wild-haired side scheme or two cooking on the graphics/entrepreneurial side of things... My only nugget of advice is to finish at least some of the side projects you start for yourself. I started a coloring book for my nieces years ago - I should finish it before my own kids grow up. :)
Amanda Partner

David:
I really needed to be reminded of this today. Thank you for your words of wisdom.

Oh, and I don't ignore your advice, remember the shit and the smile!!

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