Quickies

First off...

A BIG thank-you to my friend Michelle for her guest blog post Sunday. Hopefully, she'll become a regular here on the art blog.

Photography related...

Ever need a little inspiration to get out and shoot some pics? Do you find yourself never in the right place or the right time? For a very inspiring blog about photography and the vision of a master photographer check out the Pixelated Image blog of photographer David duChumin [LINK]. I read the blog daily.

Productivity...

Have you ever been a bit bumbed out with your productivity or more specifically lack of productivity? I have gone back and looked at what I have produced as an artist, photographer, and graphic designer and realized that there is a trend. As I approach 10 years at giving Warth Arts [LINK] a chance to grow into a full time career it is apparent that I have been doing it all wrong! Yes, I have done OK, and I really have been busy with other obligations. BUT...the real problem is genuine productivity driven by a clear vision and passion for my art. Years ago I painted because I wanted to finish the next subject just to make some money and move onto the next one. I painted because I loved it, I got busy because I didn't want to get bored, or even forgotten as an artist. I saw the goal of the artist career (a fallacy at best - the bohemian lifestyle of the rich and obscure) off in the distance and I ran for it...blindly I ran to the goal thinking when I get there life will be awesome!

Over the last few years the hard work associated with "making it" has caused the productivity to fall and "burn out" a real possibility. The family obligations have made things increasingly difficult. And face it, I need my day job to pay the bills. Does this mean I lost site of the prize? No, it just means the sprint I was on 10 years ago has become a steady run - like a marathon. I have noticed the current productivity is more about quality than quantity. However, I have become lazy waiting for the perfect job, subject matter, etc. Yes, I need to get back to being a productive creative. And yes, obligations are becoming a little more easy to deal with. Therefore, I am back...picking up the pace but not sprinting like a mad man heading for the end of race.

I have found it best to delegate time for my craft(s). Create a project for a great photography shoot, plan a series of paintings, etc. etc. Right now I am working on my new body of work featuring oil paintings focused on the wine and spirits theme. My photography is finding vision, and I am defining my goals as a photographer. 2010 is a rebuilding year...I am finally getting back to being productive and I can't wait to share the results with you all.

So if you find yourself frustrated and burnt out trying to get to the goals you set for yourself then understand one thing. Get your focus back on track and be productive again. There are so many artists, photographers, and talented graphic artists out there struggling each day wondering why they have not achieved success. I am here to tell you, success is not a goal...it is really a useless word for defining the end. As a creative, the journey is the goal. The journey is the important part. After you define your vision and push your way through your goals with passion you will realize how successful you really are. After all, creativity is not a 9 to 5 occupation; it is a lifestyle, it is who you are, it may be the real career. I like to think of my day job as a means, not a career. My career is being a creative...part time doesn't mean you can't be a professional, making a living at your art doesn't make you a professional. Being professional makes you a professional! Define yourself, your vision, your passion, and go create!

- Michael