I don't recall ever asking you for anything so I'm going to call in a favor right now. I want you to read or listen to Linchpin by Seth Godin. I believe this is the most powerful argument for rethinking "the system" that I've ever heard before. Why should you re-think the system? Because all of us want to make art that's not only relevant but we also like the idea of making money. This book will tell you what you need to be doing to compete in the next decade and beyond. Please please please take the time to read or listen to Linchpin - I believe every H.S. senior and college student should read this as well!
Read part of the first chapter on Amazon, and had to get it. It sounds like the things I complain about all the time. I passionately hate my job, and I hate the way they now feel it's ok to treat us all like crap. I did what I was supposed to do; I went to college and got 2 degrees and I work in a freakin coffee shop!!! I feel cheated, and like I'm in a spiral I don't know how to break out of. Hoping this will help! Thanks for the recommendation.
Crystal! you're not alone! all of us either did what we were supposed to or felt bad like me for not doing well at what I was supposed to do. I'm more excited than I've ever been about my career as an illustrator - I mean ARTIST! I now see myself as an artist who can do anything I set my mind to. It's wonderful! All of us have a little factory in our home called a computer - it allows us to create anything we can imagine and are willing to work on. I wish you all the best success as we enter a new era where artists have the tools to create and share relevant ideas!
Will, just found your blog via the Folio site. I think this follow-up comment to Crystal is even more eye-opening than your post itself. I'm like, "Yeah! The computer IS a machine I can do anything with!" I'm a cartoonist who's been on the cusp of full time for too long, and now I want to go there. My problem is staying inspired and focused, and reading blogs like yours, and books like 'Linchpin", will help tremendously with that. Thanks so much!
I can't thank you enought. I got the audiobook yesterday and have been listening to it today. Definitely eye opening and inspiring, makes want to start right away! I'm very happy that my search for information on ebooks let me to your blog, you've helped me enormeusly in just two days. Thanks again!
Hi Amalia, You are so welcome - It makes me feel so good that I could share what I've found and what has helped me so much. Things are changing faster than we probably realize. What was true yesterday is already out dated and what will be current tomorrow will be different in a few months. What I think will remain constant - something for all of us to hold on to is that fact that we are valuable as artists!
Gotta agree. This book is pure gold! I just listened to it on Audible. I've set forth to sail against a sea of cogs! Someone illustrate that please! Ha!
So weird, I crashed my puter, took a nap, been whirling dervishing around trying to take care of the details of Nana's Gift (still not sure if it formatted properly to Amazon, at least it has to Smashwords). Anyhow, I had a Seth Godin link up from a digital publishing group I belong to, and decided to read your blog before tackling his article. So I take it as a sign, if you will. Also the skills I learned from your Photoshop course, I'm working on a cover for an author friend and had a few other requests. Perhaps I jump the gun, because I know my work will get way better and improve, and I'm simply at the doesn't-suck stage in my Photoshop career, but it's exciting fun, and a lot of that confidence came from your course. I've actually sold a few books through Smashwords, though approval is pending and outside of announcing it publish, there's been no push and I'm pricey. Can't thank you enough. When I'm more solvent I absolutely will take your advice and get the book, I think you are one of the trailblazers. I respect, agree and thank you for being a GENEROUS trailblazer.
Thanks for the recommend, Will. Seth Godin hits a bunch of nails squarely on the head re: I don't ship, and some of the reasons why not. I purchased the ebook and can annotate it for myself. Woohoo!
Read part of the first chapter on Amazon, and had to get it. It sounds like the things I complain about all the time.
ReplyDeleteI passionately hate my job, and I hate the way they now feel it's ok to treat us all like crap.
I did what I was supposed to do; I went to college and got 2 degrees and I work in a freakin coffee shop!!! I feel cheated, and like I'm in a spiral I don't know how to break out of. Hoping this will help! Thanks for the recommendation.
Crystal! you're not alone! all of us either did what we were supposed to or felt bad like me for not doing well at what I was supposed to do. I'm more excited than I've ever been about my career as an illustrator - I mean ARTIST! I now see myself as an artist who can do anything I set my mind to. It's wonderful! All of us have a little factory in our home called a computer - it allows us to create anything we can imagine and are willing to work on. I wish you all the best success as we enter a new era where artists have the tools to create and share relevant ideas!
DeleteWill, just found your blog via the Folio site. I think this follow-up comment to Crystal is even more eye-opening than your post itself. I'm like, "Yeah! The computer IS a machine I can do anything with!" I'm a cartoonist who's been on the cusp of full time for too long, and now I want to go there. My problem is staying inspired and focused, and reading blogs like yours, and books like 'Linchpin", will help tremendously with that. Thanks so much!
DeleteDeal. I just downloaded the audiobook.
ReplyDeleteAlong the same lines I also recommend "The Element" by Ken Robinson. Great book that covers a lot of material relevant to the conversation.
I love Ken Robinson! I'll have to get that one. Thanks!
DeleteI can't thank you enought. I got the audiobook yesterday and have been listening to it today. Definitely eye opening and inspiring, makes want to start right away! I'm very happy that my search for information on ebooks let me to your blog, you've helped me enormeusly in just two days. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteHi Amalia, You are so welcome - It makes me feel so good that I could share what I've found and what has helped me so much. Things are changing faster than we probably realize. What was true yesterday is already out dated and what will be current tomorrow will be different in a few months. What I think will remain constant - something for all of us to hold on to is that fact that we are valuable as artists!
DeleteGotta agree. This book is pure gold! I just listened to it on Audible. I've set forth to sail against a sea of cogs! Someone illustrate that please! Ha!
ReplyDeleteMy question is how can one guy get so much right? not fair :)
DeleteSo weird, I crashed my puter, took a nap, been whirling dervishing around trying to take care of the details of Nana's Gift (still not sure if it formatted properly to Amazon, at least it has to Smashwords). Anyhow, I had a Seth Godin link up from a digital publishing group I belong to, and decided to read your blog before tackling his article. So I take it as a sign, if you will. Also the skills I learned from your Photoshop course, I'm working on a cover for an author friend and had a few other requests. Perhaps I jump the gun, because I know my work will get way better and improve, and I'm simply at the doesn't-suck stage in my Photoshop career, but it's exciting fun, and a lot of that confidence came from your course. I've actually sold a few books through Smashwords, though approval is pending and outside of announcing it publish, there's been no push and I'm pricey. Can't thank you enough. When I'm more solvent I absolutely will take your advice and get the book, I think you are one of the trailblazers. I respect, agree and thank you for being a GENEROUS trailblazer.
ReplyDeleteAgy Wilson
Thanks Agy!!! hope you like the book and glad to see you out there on smashwords!!!
DeleteI'm listening to a library copy and getting so fired up, I just ordered a copy from your link for my son who will be a H.S. senior next year.
ReplyDeleteThis is a good book. Great recommendation from WillTerry.com.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recommend, Will. Seth Godin hits a bunch of nails squarely on the head re: I don't ship, and some of the reasons why not. I purchased the ebook and can annotate it for myself. Woohoo!
ReplyDelete