Some truths

This is something I found on Stephan Silver's blog, and he found it somewhere else on the internet. I think it's really awesome, and whenever I feel a bit down about what I'm doing it always manages to cheer me up.

I haven't copy-pasted, but typed it out so that I can drill it into my head a bit more.

• Ignore everybody.
• The idea doesn't have to be big. It just has to be yours.
• Put the hours in.
• If your biz plan depends on you suddenly being "discovered" by some big shot, your plan will probably fail.
• You are responsible for your own experience.
• Everyone is born creative. Everyone is given a box of crayons in Kindergarten.
• Keep your day job.
• Companies that squelch creativity can no longer compete with those that champion it.
• Everyone has their own Mount Everest they were put on this earth to climb.
• The more talented somebody is, the less they need props.
• Don't try to stand out from the crowd. Avoid crowds altogether.
• If you accept the pain, it cannot hurt you.
• Never compare your inside to somebody's outside.
• Dying young is overrated.
• The most important thing a creative person can learn professionally is where to draw the red line that separates what you are willing to do, and what you are not.
• The world is changing.
• Merit can be bought. Passion can't.
• Avoid the watercooler gang.
• Sing in your own voice.
• The choice of media is irrelevent.
• Selling out is harder than it looks.
• Nobody cares. Do it for yourself.
• Worrying about "Commercial vs Artistic" is a complete waste of time.
• Don't worry about finding inspiration. It comes eventually.
• You have to find your own schtick.
• Write from the heart.
• The best way to get approval is to not need it.
• Power is never given. Power is taken.
• Whatever choice you make, the Devil gets his due eventually.
• The hardest part of being creative is getting used to it.
• Remain frugal.
• Allow your work to age with you.
• Being poor sucks.
• Beware of turning hobbies into jobs.
• Savor obscurity while it lasts.
• Start blogging!

The one that stands out most to me is this one.

You are responsible for your own experience.

I learned this lesson after wasting 2 years in a visual arts course expecting everything to be handed to me. I was stubborn and my mind was closed. Now I know, as the old saying goes, you get out what you put in. This is exceptionally true in art school.

I'm going to give it everything I've got this year. Starting.......... now.

Okay, gotta go draw. Seeya!