Words of Wisdom from Jason Manley

[Elwell]

There's an otherwise useless thread in the Lounge that's been closed, but it contained this post from Jason that I thought shouldn't slip into obscurity. So here it is:first, you are not trapped in your situation. You can get out of any situation you want if you are willing to take the pain of doing all the things you dont want to do..the long hard way. The fruitful way.

At seventeen I was homeless and orphaned, taking care of my fourteen year old brother who I somehow managed to keep in school. I had dropped out of school. I did two years of wasting time eventually trying to get my head on straight. At nineteen I was homeless again. Scraped together enough money to get my ass to arizona to study art. Got a temp apt to get me through to the end of the month and took a job at subway (applied all over til I found something). The subway job paid enough money to sometimes eat and pay my small studio rental. I went back to school to get my graduation and was working full time (thought I needed to graduate from HS to get into a good college). Trust me...it was fucking painful. I transferred to a community college the following year and slowly got better and better jobs. Worked telemarketing fundraising to afford a 1977 datsun and art supplies. Shittiest job ever but paid double what subway did. Worked three jobs during the summer to get caught up including going to alaska to work the salmon docks across the country. I did not give a shit what it was, if it paid for my goals to be met and didnt involve anything illegal, I did it.

As time went on I realized I needed to arrange my priorities again. I took a night time job so I could exhaust all my energies in my art and studies. Eventually got a job at AT&T...Att this is Jason how may I help you?...I was still far behind those who had life handed to them their whole life. However, I was catching up. In time I realized it was not a chase against others but to only my own race to my goals. Kept the nose down. Chose friends who worked on art or learning always. Ignored the time wasting folk who never will amount to anything other than regular. Grew up around enough of those to realize the difference. After three and a half years I took my first art job and quit my shit job...have lived with and from art ever since.

By the time I was 29 I had achieved every goal I had reached for when I first set out. That is when I realized it was time to set new goals...each time this happens it feels like starting over...get something done..start again...in time your life becomes what you want it to be. Even those of money have to do this if their life involves learning, skill, and growth. It is not money that holds people back...is just their own mind.

The hard part about certain situations is not everyone is told they can do and reach their goals if they just work their ass off starting RIGHT NOW. Some know it and wont work for whatever reason. They listen to that voice that says I want to chill and watch tv or i dont feel like it. Others have addictions or mental issues keeping them from growing and learning. I didnt want to be any of that. I wanted to do cool stuff...to have an interesting life...and to work in a creative way.

Hard manual labor growing up taught me that my mind would rot if I chose that kind of path. I wanted something to use my mind. Bored if not...and with boredom comes making trouble or distraction. Gotta turn that into work ethic...no choice. Carl Dobsky was telling me this about the atelier every day. It has to be just uncomfortable enough to make the coolest thing to do be art. If there is a blaring tv or anything else, than there are other options. Options that keep one from not working to reach their goals.

Complacency is the womb of mediocrity. You clearly are not complacent. So do something about it in every free second of your day. All this wandering around doing not a whole lot but thinking isn't getting you much done. It is however, giving you a taste of life many others would never have the guts to explore. Just dont stay down there too long without coming up for air.



Good luck,



Jason

[Jazz]

Some of the most humbling advice I got to read. :)

[Iridyse]

SO inspiring. Thank you Jason and thank you Elwell for reposting.

This needs to be stickied and sent to everyone who posts on how bored or unmotivated or uninspired they are. I know I needed this. So easy to wallow in self pity and laziness, we forget how blessed and privileged we actually are, and how much potential all of us have.

Thank you.

[Demo]

wow i love hearing the back stories of artist, it gives you hope that someday you can make it to because they started from pretty much the same place most of us are now.

[s.ketch]

Humbling indeed. I definately need to re assess my priorities.

[Kamikazebob]

I have this sudden urge to just shake Jason's hand.

[RyerOrdStar]

Really? I have the urge to hug him.

[Noah Bradley]

Great read.

Now back to work.

[Kielbasa]

Very humbling read, thanks for posting this for all the read Elwell.

[bhanu]

that a a major kick in my nuts.... woahhhh
thank ye sirs.

[Straight Edge Ryan]

A fine example of the possibilities that come with tenacity

[Taj]

In a recent Interview with SiDEBAR (that i've listened to a million time) Jason mentioned something about being independent and on his own and i always wondered what he meant and wished he would've elaborated on it more. Thanks for the repost Elwell.
Just think people, this was before the internet REALLY kicked off an we became able to grab information and gather resources in an instant. There's no excuse not to be able to teach yourself and grow as an artist independently. Everything and everyone is virtually at your fingertips.

[Man Made God]

Thanks (Elwell and Jason), that was epic, glad I didn't miss it. So who's directing the movie?

[Jason Rainville]

Oh man, where did my balls go :(

Hehe, reading such a thing is both disheartening and inspiring at the same time... to look back and realize how much time was wasted, and to look forward and pledge to not waste any more.

[Farvus]

Geez. I'm 25 now and I haven't been through even half of that life experience. Makes me feel totally unproductive even though I do my best. Thanks for inspiration.

[egerie]

Need to set new goals... before... turning to stone.. arh

[Nettle_Mountain]

It starts today people, i go straight from here to draw some weak points of mine, where will you go?

[Serpian]

Oh man, where did my balls go

Indeed.... Indeed. Thank you Jason and Elwell.

[Dave_]

Is there something balls adore, so i can lure them back out yet ><.

*note to self: quick your Mofo'ing slacking!

[cmalidore]

This is one of the best bits of inspiration I'd seen for awhile. This is better than caffeine.

[Jason Rainville]

This is one of the best bits of inspiration I'd seen for awhile. This is better than caffeine.

I'm blowing through sketchbook pages. Manley needs to say things more often.

[Blahm]

i think you convienently forgot to mention that whole training of foreign troops thing.
evidence:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b97/kripto666/68772733_a94c2aafa2.jpg

haha just kidding. Good story man is inspiring to read. Especially in these times in the economy.

[Max Challie]

I come from a very comfortable family background. Not rich or spoiled, but very comfortable. I'm loved for who I am. The advantage of not being accepted for who you are is that you work for it. I will not stagnate.

I've bookmarked this thread for future humbling and motivation. Thank you Jason, Tristan.

[Chaser226]

Thank you Jason! Very inspiring story - keep on trucking...

[Idiot Apathy]

Thanks :)

[Max Challie]

Originally Posted by Jason Manley:
Chose friends who worked on art or learning always. Ignored the time wasting folk who never will amount to anything other than regular.

Hold on, how does this work in terms of burning bridges (http://conceptart.org/forums/showpost.php?p=265629&postcount=16)?

[RyerOrdStar]

I think he was talking about art people that are impossible to deal with and non art people who will never amount to anything.

[Jacob Kobryn]

I know you hear this and receive a lot of praise for your work and CA but I honestly mean this. This is not an asspat... I wish I could say this to your face. I honestly feel a little ashamed of myself for how stupid and spoiled I have been.

You just changed my life...

[TASmith]

Jason, thank you for sharing, and inspiring us all. Thanks also for making this site and bringing us all together. America in general is not a very artistic place. There are a few centers for the arts, but they're few and far between. Historically, I'd say at least half of American artists have studied and/or worked in Europe or other foreign locales. It's very difficult to get a good art education here, and the service your provide here through the site and DVD's to address that is extremely valuable. If you're not in History of Art Ed books now, you probably will be in future revisions.

Thank You.

[GriNGo]

man that was beautiful.

[Call0ps]

thank you !

[algenpfleger]

There are no words to describe something like this o_o Amazing.

[MiniGoth]

Originally Posted by Jason Manley:


Hold on, how does this work in terms of burning bridges (http://conceptart.org/forums/showpost.php?p=265629&postcount=16)?


I don't think that has anything to do with contacts or burning bridges. It's about spending your time around focused, dedicated people.

I have friends that are still friends, but I don't really hang out with anymore, because their actual goals seem to be going down to the local bar every night and whining about how their dreams never come true. Doesn't make them bad people, but it's hard not to get dragged down if you surround yourself with negativity.

[Darktwin]

really good works of wisdom, Jason, thanks for sharing

[Jason Manley]

Thanks everyone. My path is far from perfect. I try to learn my lessons every day. Hard to do when you are as thick skulled as I am. I am trying though.

More to come...


Jason

[Max Challie]

And, you are doing very well.

[~Faust~]

Yeah nothing to crit from me, keep it up :)

[CruShTinbOX]

Amazing post and something I really needed to hear at this point in my life. Thanks for that. :yayca:

[Whitevillage]

Thanks for the head up, it's very inspiring that not all hope is lost. I did read it before in "that thread..." once. Jason's post alone really did deserve it's own.

[Seedling]

I don't think that has anything to do with contacts or burning bridges. It's about spending your time around focused, dedicated people.

There is a difference between those who long for a different life but who take only ineffectual action to get there, and those who have set and achieved goals, even humble goals, and who are content in their situation enough have no further need for ambition. The latter has much to teach the former about happiness.

But I am sure Jason didn’t mean to lump these into one bucket. Jason, thank you for sharing your story. Your words are inspirational. And thank you Elwell for transplanting his words here.

[Blackhawk]

Badass, this should be stickied at the top.

More people could benefit from learning the sacrifice and work ethic it takes to achieve what you want. It's not easy.

BTW Jason, I still feel bad and apologize about falling asleep in your color presentation in Amsterdam 5 years ago, I swear it wasn't boring, I was a little worn out :shrug:

[Wadu]

"Complacency is the womb of mediocrity."

That's one of the best motivational sayings I've ever heard/read.

[Mr. Smile]

This made my day. Inspiring, I should print this, hang it on the wall and read it along with listening to Bobby Chiu´s youtube videos. Double treat!

[shamandalie]

thank you Jason and Elwell. this is really going to help me through. I thought i am now in a terrible situation, but that was surely a humbling read.
thank you once again.

[Jason Manley]

"Complacency is the womb of mediocrity."

That's one of the best motivational sayings I've ever heard/read.


That idea and line of thought comes from Herman Hesse. I just passed it on as that idea has been a part of my life for a long time ...avoiding complacency that is.


Thanks everyone. That story is sort of a birds eye view of reality, and as android says..you left out the good parts...but really delving into my private struggles is not what it was about...the point was the person I was writing too was spending his days wandering with all his pent up energy and was accomplishing nothing because no one ever told him he could reach his dreams if he only set goals and did the work.


j

[Brashen]

I made my dad read this...even he grunted his approval.

[zalxemptyx]

thanks you jason for the inspirational words , and thanks to elwel for posting it up again.

somehow or rather i can relate with jason quiet abit in a way , i guess
i dont know where to start with this reply cause i feel as though i need to get it off my chest.

i came from a rough upbringing ,i guess ,dad is in rehab most of the time, mom had to work to keep the family going and i had my sisters taken care by my family members so most of time i'm alone with my crayon and papers.

i started to love to draw ever since as a kid,i drew lying down on the back of my mom's coffee table with a chalk. and the realisation i could animated something with a notepad by drawing a stick man on each notepad by flipping them tru.

As a teen i didn't do well academically in school ,i got retained as my other friends move on to finish off their O'level certificate. with all the arguement and fights at home which eventually ended up in my parents separation, situations like that leads to harm to growing child. i practically hated most of everything i refuse to function , well i was in the phrase nothing will come good to me, i didnt have a functioning light in my room, the toilet sink is broken in half, syringes were seen and the constant fear that loan sharks will knock on the door cause my dad owe them money.

aside all this , i have my pencil and paper. i drew to kill the pain away. after i barely manage to pass tru school. i found out this a polytechnic offering a diploma in digital media design without much need use of the academical results. so i tried that out.so i did whatever i could to make a portfolio. but i didnt get in the first time. i was bump out by it. so i went around the school hall way and went into a room where i saw one of the lecturers, i showed her my portfolio ,talk to her abt my flaws and where i go wrong. after 10mins of her time , i tried again the following year and got in.during this times i work as a store boy at night in a supermarket, work hrs were weird from 10pm to 3 or 4 am , and the first bus or train out was 5amplus so i had to either sleep at the train station ,read or draw something , there were times i work as a mover, where i just carry boxes or refrigerators , or small labour jobs like pack ice creams cones into boxes or label promotional stickers on 6 packs* there were countless of them*

times in school were good, i learn alot and major in Animation and made great friends. but things werent never gonna be easy, the factory my mom work with for the past more then a decade close down and she was retrenched , she use the money she was compensated and set up a food stall in a school but that too folded up cause it was losing money. but now she have a stable job working as a cook in a camp : )

i graduated and got a job as a trainee at Lucas Animation Singapore to learn to be a digital matte painter. after 3 months working there i was cut off from the training , probably one factor i was inexperience and have another fundamental flaws. it rendered me dazed. but i told them i enjoyed my stay there and grateful for the training. i will bounce back, and its not the end ,it is just a beginning.

i realize i type too much here, im regretful if anyone is bothered or annoyed by the long entry.

thank you for jason for the uplifting my spirit up again.

( edit july 17 2010 )
Im currently working at Double Negative as a visual effect artist for film. Never give up trying your best and the hardest.

[Qitsune]

And if anyone needs more exemples of what can be done with time and hard work, pick up the book "Rebel without a crew" by Robert Rodriguez. It's about how he got money by selling his body to drug research and used it to make El Mariachi for 7000$ The rest is history....

[Grafguy]

thnx for the repost :)

[Gulzaar]

Word Up! I respect Jason Manley so much for what he has done with Massive Black and this community, form his backgorund, to get to where he's got to I've got nothing but respect and admiration.

It is indeed inspiring!

[Ferdinand Venter]

I like most of the people here feel that this thread was meant for them. I forgot what art was all about. I thank you for your words Jason and Elwell for reposting it and I also want to thank zalxemptyx's for his post. My fire may have died, but this thread gave it fuel and fire to last a lifetime. Thanks for reviving the fire inside of me.

[Shmaba]

Jason. You deserve a great big statue or some kind of medal or SOMETHING AMAZING commemorating everything you've been through, everything you've done and everything you're going to do for the art world. You have got to be the most inspiring person living in my truly honest opinion.

Ok I'm done ass patting, I'll go paint.

(P.S. Can I be the first to get your book signed by you?)

[Androxity]

I read this almost everyday now, not ever having any troubles in life, growing up on a farm with money not being scarce, plenty of food to go around, and always work to be done, I never went and got a job during high school.

Now I am 18 and a sophomore in college and I am applying all over, I want to move out and actually RISK something for once in my life. I am tired of this safety, because comfort drains motivation (or at least for me it does), knowing everything is going to be ok would be a blessing for some but for me it has become a curse.

I either have to move out, and try supporting myself or break my habits while staying in a safe place. I am not sure what to do, where to go, my predicament shouldn't be one at all.

When it comes to art however I find myself grabbing a pencil ready to draw my soul out, then I go blank... Then I long for something, anything besides art.

[Nickodemus]

I've always been of the mind that you can use your detriment to your advantage, as a major form of drive. Yet, to read about such tangible results, really brings tears of joy to my eyes.

I couldn't believe what I was reading at first. Our stories are so similar, it was like looking in a mirror. I'm still reeling from the experience!

My dad died in a car accident when I was four. This drove my mother into a downward spiral of drug addiction, crime and ongoing depression. I think, in way, she died the day my dad did. My younger brother and I lived with our grandparents after that, god rest there souls, but because of there age I always knew it was only a matter of time before we would be destitute. And it was. My brother and I were eventually orphaned and homeless. Forgotten relics to any extended family it seemed, save for one or two compassionate individuals. We lived in between places for a few years, but eventually, through fostered ambition and strong work ethics, I was able to move to Milwaukee to attend art school for industrial design, to be used as a launchpad into the field of concept art. I'm graduating this May. And I still send money to my brother to help him pay his rent when he is short.

In no attempt to steal Jason's thunder on this, I felt so compelled to share our story after reading what he and his went through.

Jason, with the most sincere of sentiments, thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your journey with us. It means the world to my brother and I.

Yours truly,
Chris

[Nightblue]

Thanks for the kick in the rear. I've been lazy since graduation/trip to Beijing and... no more wasting my time.

I'm a very fortunate person, not suffering as much as many but just enough to teach me why I need to strive for excellency rather than settling with the ordinary. At times I let doubts and wondering take over while looking at everybody around me - ordinary people with relaxed lifestyle, enjoying their lives without their eyes to the sky. It is really great to get a reminder of where I want to be and why I want to be there.

I'll be bookmarking this for future reading, when I feel too comfortable to have the motivation.

[Sickbrush]

i'm in one of those early steps but i KNOW one day i will look back and be able to write a similar thing.
apartment rentals, shitty jobs, sleeping over at friends, struggling, drawing with pencil leftovers, hunger and dreaming, hell yes. had them and still do.


thanks jason, it's good to know dreams don't die so i'm off back to mine.

[Adrian Wilkins]

Wow thank you for postig this jason, and thanks to everyone that shows interest in your words!

[ChristianWeeks]

"Complacency is the womb of mediocrity."

That's one of the best motivational sayings I've ever heard/read.

Personally, I like the old phrase:

"Nothing to it, but to DO IT!"

It might be because it has a certain ring in my ear after hearing my coach yell it so many times hahaha.

But seriously thank you guys for this thread. Everybody needs a good kick in the ass to put them back in their places and this really did it for me (and a bunch of other people, I'm sure). I feel like a jackass; people like zalxemptyx use art as their only way to get away from their lives and find peace, but i just do it because i think I'm pretty good at it. I've got a wonderful family, a comfortable bed, and a roof over my head. God knows how much time i waste playing stupid video games and watching TV, time which could be well spent achieving my goals. Too many times am I the guy that would rather just sit around because I don't want to do anything.

So again, thanks for this kick in the ass. I needed it. :)
CA has definitely been my greatest source of inspiration since I've joined.

[alffla]

i would really love to see what your works were like when you first started, jason. i just discovered this quote of yours and it's very inspirational..thanks a lot man

hahah oh man and i was so surprised when i found out you were the artist behind all of icewind dale...god how i loved that game hahaha.

thank you again dude.

[Aaron Death]

Thanks jason, zalxemptyx, lunarsis, after wasting a total of two hours in the lounge, you inspired me back to drawing.

[Arthe Xavier]

I want to thank all of you who have shared their experiences in this thread - it's both interesting and inspiring to read. I have to concur that the more stuff you have around ( television, video-games, a good computer ), the greater the temptation to do anything but creative stuff gets. To unbearable limits at times.

I have way too much 'arbitary' stuff that I should get rid of. Perhaps this thread serves as the first step towards that direction.

[OmenSpirits]

"Complacency is the womb of mediocrity."
HELL YES!

Focal point of my personal philosophy. Never stand still, always keep moving, be a shark in desire. You stop moving, you can't breathe, you die!

Nothing is forever. Movement causes change.

ALWAYS! :D

[Pierce9]

Copied this into the front of my sketch book.

Thank you.

[Formal]

We need a kick in the ass like this sometimes...........

i really feel pitiful when i say i don't have any inspiration or will to draw.....

This one was needed, due and ... thank you ... these are real words of wisdom from a great man !

[Dan.v.D.]

that's what they should teach in schools from day one until graduation. although it's all a little more involved than just that.

[Daniel Andrews]

Poetry to me.

Thanks for posting.

[MattGamer]

thanks Jason, i'm always inspired by your words.

thanks Elwell for reposting. ;] <3

[verdisQUO]

Great thread!!!

Man, I'm 27 and I've just now got it thru my head that I really want to do concept work and graphic design. Have a lot of catching up to do. Look for me here often getting inspiration from you guys.

vQ.

[RocketMonkey]

Wow. Thanks for sharing that, Jason.

[Snitchcat]

This is something you think about, maybe know subconsciously and try. But, until you see it written down, until you see it experienced through the eyes of another, it doesn't really hit home; the heart doesn't really believe.

Jason, thanks for posting this. It says everything I believe but have not expressed.

Cheers!

[TMG]

shit!!! that is awesome

[ATiGr]

This is really a great post. A good piece of advice~

[Zerk]

Thank you vary much for your Encouraging words.

Sorry you had a Rough past,But I see in many ways most people that had it bad made a better life then most if not all the so called "grown up with silver spoon"

Thank you!

[Ian Barker]

Good thread guys

Actually a week or two all my video games got stolen (wii/ps2, about 40 games D:). Not that cool of a situation, but in a way it's something I needed to happen but didn't have the will to do myself (not that I'm obsessed, but hey an hour or so a day of gaming really cuts into your drawing time when you've got a busy schedule). Living without distraction has been a weakness for me, so I'm glad to have the chance to read some inspiring words relating to that aspect of being an artist.

[FallenGodX11]

Very inspiring Jason and Elwell

[Fitzin]

Great, I never get bored reading this advice...

I should reread it again.

[Jie Kageshinzo]

This is just the kick in the head that I need. I was frustrated and discouraged last night while doing my next art, because I believed I came in too late and will amount to nothing. Thanks Jason and Elwell, and everyone else who shared their experience.

Now to work! :painting:

[Dan Milligan]

Hey J,

I can never thank you enough for all the opportunity you've brought me and more so your support and friendship.

much love brother.

dan

[velderia]

I can't believe I didn't read this sticky earlier...

[nevermindjoker]

after reading jason's words, i am really inspired...thank you for the story..it seems that i dunno if we are on the same age but i guess i also experienced that in a way. coz if you're there and i'm here in the third world country it's much harder to do what you did. i experienced working on a restaurant cooking "pancit" just dreaming that someday i will have my formal training in fine art.... if only the internet was created earlier before and sophisticated just like now...1992 will not be the same. though it seems right the way they were if not i'm not be able to experienced to paint and used watercolor as a medium.....oh too much already...thanks again

[Jason Manley]

It is not harder to do that where you are. It is far easier. Hell, you can get all the art training you need online. Even with exchange rates it is cheaper than I had to pay to learn that info...by a hundred times. I made only enough money for food and living for years. I had to work three jobs at times plus draw and paint all night. I can say this much. My sleep is in the range of five hours a night...motivation is not an issue to have problems with. Just gotta go go go. do do do.


Jason

[Ian Barker]

Damn. I work a 12 hour shift most days, and try to get 8 hours sleep each night. But if you're making it with 5 hours, then it sounds like I have some schedule adjusting to do.

[slyx]

wow... thank you!

[SilverClock]

Look, I have to say something after reading that. Seriously, Jason, you're awesome. I am personally going through the shift from laziness to pure, driven, work--shirking off the laziness like it's some kinda deadly disease. More than anything I want to inspire people with my art, and I know I'm not satisfied AT ALL with my current skill level, but trust me, I'm working on it.
I've known that I've had a very privileged life, even if my family is usually in the negative I still get food on my plate every day, and a bed to sleep, with a roof over my head.
And internet!
But seriously, I'm working towards my goal, my drive is increasing with every passing day. I want to bring people up with me, too. My family members in general are couch potatoes. My friends aren't that far off either.
I've told my friends I want to be the absolute best artist I can be, or die trying.
Practice, practice, practice...

[Sebastard]

While i deeply emphasize and even feel angry that some people end up in life situation like yours (talking about the homelessness obviously), that was a truly motivating and beautiful story - thank you :). I'm going to bookmark this to read whenever i feel my motivation waning again.

[Choob]

*Reshuffles priorities...*

Well, you turned out all right eh Jason?

Very well done. ;)

[dashinvaine]

I'm going to copy that onto my blog to motivate myself, then I'm going to get on with this damn painting infront of me...

[Eclypse]

:yayca: Absolutely inspiriting thank you very much for sharing that info Jason. :bow:

[kpamir]

I've bookmarked this page for those times that I get too depressed and down on my situation.

Thank you Jason for the words, and Elwell for posting it again!

[Danny_K]

Thank you Jason!

[Yang87]

a much needed read. thank you.

[character]

hell yeah, go out there and get some! GET SOME!!!

[Chipsterology]

I read this for the first time yesterday and was able to tack an extra to-do item on my New Years Resolution list: Get rid of/stay away from people who aren't going anywhere in life. My studio is a delicate mixture of public/private....you can walk in off the street, but if you have no purpose when entering, then usually nosy people leave. Crime doesn't bother me so much. I've designed the front counter to be a psychological deterrent and a glaring obstacle in anybody's stick up plan, besides, I stay strapped with a .44 DE, a Mossberg Home Invasion Special, and a few other pleasant surprises. My point for bringing this up is that you would think criminals are your biggest threat in such a setting? No. Not for creatives. Our biggest threat is a few of the people that we let in ourselves, allow them to sit around and watch us while we work. They may even be a supposed friend or long time associate of yours. What makes them so dangerous is envy. I listen to these particular people and their dialog during conversation, watch body language and gauge mood while in my presence. Then I pay attention to their actions while not in my presence. I can tell those that envy the ease at which I carry out my tasks, complete my work, and even worse, get paid for it. These people are lost, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to walk into one's studio and see that it takes time, energy, and sometimes money to build ourselves up to the point that we deserve to be where we are. Actually they do see it, they just don't want to see it, chaos is a much easier path for most with no reward at the end. Well, I have a few snakes in the basket myself around here. Reading what Jason wrote at this time is pretty much a solid signal for me to set that basket on fire. I really can't see myself feeding these ticks and mosquitoes any longer. Happy New Years people, make sure your studios and workspaces are as clean as possible going into 2010, this includes potential losers.

[Jephyr X]

Originally Posted by Jason Manley
first, you are not trapped in your situation. You can get out of any situation you want if you are willing to take the pain of doing all the things you dont want to do..the long hard way. The fruitful way.

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In time I realized it was not a chase against others but to only my own race to my goals. Kept the nose down. Chose friends who worked on art or learning always. Ignored the time wasting folk....

----------------

...in time your life becomes what you want it to be. It is not money that holds people back...[it's] just their own mind.

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The hard part about certain situations is not everyone is told they can do and reach their goals if they just work their ass off starting RIGHT NOW. Some know it and wont work for whatever reason. They listen to that voice that says I want to chill and watch tv or i dont feel like it. Others have addictions or mental issues keeping them from growing and learning. I didnt want to be any of that. I wanted to do cool stuff...to have an interesting life...and to work in a creative way.

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Carl Dobsky was telling me this about the atelier every day. It has to be just uncomfortable enough to make the coolest thing to do be art. If there is a blaring tv or anything else, than there are other options. Options that keep one from not working to reach their goals.



I read this for the first time yesterday and was able to tack an extra to-do item on my New Years Resolution list: Get rid of/stay away from people who aren't going anywhere in life.

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Our biggest threat is a few of the people that we let in ourselves.... They may even be a supposed friend or long time associate of yours.

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These people are lost.... Actually they do see it, they just don't want to see it, chaos is a much easier path for most with no reward at the end. Well, I have a few snakes in the basket myself around here. Reading what Jason wrote at this time is pretty much a solid signal for me to set that basket on fire. I really can't see myself feeding these ticks and mosquitoes any longer. Happy New Years people, make sure your studios and workspaces are as clean as possible going into 2010, this includes potential losers.

Wow! Thanks to Jason first...and to everyone else for contributing to a very helpful thread.

I'm in a stage of working to get to the next level with my art and in my life.

Something that has been difficult for me to acknowledge, and let go of, are supposed friends who are sabotaging my efforts.

Artist "friends" who's own efforts can be measured through a straw.
Artist "friends" who have their drawing tables set up in fromt of a TV shrine.
Artist "friends" who can argue the merits of signing a urinal and calling it art, suggesting you have to understand the era and artist, but who can conversely never find anything they like about your art.
And artist "friends" who suddenly go silent about any improvement you make, or about awards or accolades you begin to recieve for your work.

I'm reading The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron and she writes about "Poisonous Playmates" and "Crazymakers" who disrpupt your life and efforts.

She offers insight about how to tell the difference between useful and USELESS (abusive) criticism:

Useful: "[When] accurate...give an artist an inner sense of relief: 'Ah, hah! so that's what's wrong with it'....and ultimately leaves us with one more puzzle piece for our work."

Useless: "....it is withering and shaming in tone, ambiguous in content, personal, inaccurate, or blanket in it's condemnations...[there is nothing to be gained from it]."

I realize I'm focusing on one part of Jasons excellent post...but it's something I'm dealing with right now...and thought I'd share.

BTW...I'm not promoting or affiliated with Camerons book and have nothing to gain by sharing about it...but she does go on to offer advice on how to deal with criticism.

And it occurs to me to add...some art teachers have given me useless (abusive) criticism...and I'm starting to see it for what it is too.

Anyway...maybe this will help someone else. I hope so.

Once again, thanks for sharing Jason's post here.

Ciao fer now

[Legacy Flame]

Its always great to hear when people who have had it really rough are able to come through becuase they refuse to break under the pressure. They continue to fight for what they want. We all should learn to be thankful for what we have, becuase there are many others who are so underprivileged. But at the same time, strive to achieve something and not let situations take us down.

You have had a hard road Jason. Good to see you are still moving forward. God bless.

[Jie Kageshinzo]

I will always look at this thread when I need a boost. :yayca:

[Angel Intheuk]

Thanks for sharing Jason this thread is an inspiration, it's heart-warming to learn we all have challenging experiences to overcome and that if we don't get bogged down in self-pity it can make us a stronger person and help us achieve more than we thought possible.

x

ps Jephyr X I'm also working my way through Julia Cameron's The Artist Way, the morning pages are one of the most effective unblocking exercises I've ever done..hope you find your way x ;)

[d-woo]

Wow Jason, you had a pretty hard life. I read your thread about the reality of going to art school and I was intimidated that you never went to art school and never even graduated high school. I thought you were a lucky monster genius, that it until I read this. I realized that you had to work really hard and overcome the obstacles to get to where you are. Very humble, very humble indeed :)

Hehe, I live a very pampered life and I'm aware that there are artists who have less opportunities than me are way ahead of me. I better take advantage of the things I do have and work hard to get to my goals and become good as the artists featured on this website. Thanks for the good kick in the ass ;)

[thejasolo]

My story is vary similar....Just that It's still in the starting part....Hope I make it...Thanks Jas..Hope to be writing something like this after 10 years.

[BluezAce]

Thx so much for sharing, Jason! The most inspiring words I've ever read (aside from MindCandyMan's thread heheh...) :)

[Cocoa_Cool]

Loved the last part--it really hit home. If I'm honest with myself, I have been complacent about sharpening my skills. I've thought a lot about it, but that voice keeps saying "just chill and do it tomorrow". Meanwhile I'm stuck in the same rut I was in yesterday.

[Collin Smiley]

wonderful advice, inspiring.

[Deadlyhazard]

This actually made me feel really bad. I've never had a job and I'm 20, and am currently being supported by my single mother at home. I pretty much just go to my community college and then come home and sit here doing nothing. I only practice 1-2 hours a day right now and have only been doing it for four months. I've had no motivation, even realizing that sitting here doing nothing is only hurting me. I think this post might actually give me motivation to spend my time doing something while I have the comfort of living for free...

[progressordecay]

The hats are tipped, and the glasses have been raised.

[Gayatri Badani]

Really needed this !

[Gayatri Badani]

Really needed this !

[MightyApplejacks]

I really need to get back here every day, and read this until it's ingrained into my skull...

[velderia]

This actually made me feel really bad. I've never had a job and I'm 20, and am currently being supported by my single mother at home. I pretty much just go to my community college and then come home and sit here doing nothing. I only practice 1-2 hours a day right now and have only been doing it for four months. I've had no motivation, even realizing that sitting here doing nothing is only hurting me. I think this post might actually give me motivation to spend my time doing something while I have the comfort of living for free...

At least you go to a community college. Kudos for putting up with that. I had to drop out. Was going to move in the middle of nowhere anyway.

I'm unhappily jobless, collegeless, supported by two parents. I'm never happy with the way things are but I keep on moving. There are spikes where I get really motivated but there's also downhills so steep that coming back to this thread once in a blue moon isn't enough - I just printed it out right now and clipped it in an area so I can see it everyday. I think it's helping.

[Vay]

Okay, it is time to draw in my sleep. Day time is not enough.

[ChisLu]

Thanks for those words, they did inspire me back in 2010, when I met Jason Manley at Pixel Show, and those words continue to inspire me and help me focus on my future.

[Zantillia]

I feel like I need to say thank you right now. Not later at home when I'm sitting around doing nothing, but here at school where I'm also doing nothing. I need to look at my life. I'm not rich, my mother struggles to support our family and all I do is freeload. I can't get a job in our town and my grades are tanked. But I know that I can change that; and I will. Thank you so much Jason, and everyone else who has shared their inpiration with us. Bless.

[Jacob Kobryn]

I really needed to read this again. Thank you, Jason!

[Deadlyhazard]

At least you go to a community college. Kudos for putting up with that. I had to drop out. Was going to move in the middle of nowhere anyway.

I'm unhappily jobless, collegeless, supported by two parents. I'm never happy with the way things are but I keep on moving. There are spikes where I get really motivated but there's also downhills so steep that coming back to this thread once in a blue moon isn't enough - I just printed it out right now and clipped it in an area so I can see it everyday. I think it's helping.

It's okay, my friend is like that too. You probably have depression or something, might want to get that checked :). I had depression all through high school and my first year of college. It was horrible.

[clarithium]

Such an inspirational read. I immediately deleted all videogames off my computer after reading it :/ Don't have time to waste on that shit...

[Ven S]

What inspiring words! I always feel like I'm late with taking art seriously, feel like "Oh I should have started taking it seriously at the age of 8 or something" People say your just 16 and all but I still want to see that "Legit Concept Art" soon so I could atleast feel happy about my progress. Then jealousy runs in but I always tell myself to STFU and practice because whining and complaining won't get me anywhere.

[Vaejoun]

Strangely enough, during my study time at design school, I was slacking of like hell... so much wasted time. T_T but since I finnished I got rid of the games and the tv and work my ass off to finally get on the level I want be.

Still not there yet. Right now I think the design school was the wrong choice, a professional art school would have been better.

Great thread. Great quote.

[Sir_E_Pent]

I don't believe it was a useless thread. And I can't believe I just noticed this. Three years later. This thread should be removed. The one it came from did so with out the original context this thread is pointless. I have moved on from that idiocracy and I do hope you will respect me and delete this thread. After all, the message was directed to me. And if not well then I will be grateful to know what I've done inspired others. Even though this thread is about one of the founders. Thanks...