As I'm sitting here, about to turn off my computer, wake up tomorrow and make the 12-hour drive to San Francisco to start working towards my dream career, I just wanted to write down something that I've been thinking about a lot lately. It was mentioned in an episode of Glee (I'm cheesy and sappy, yeah yeah yeah), but I think it sums up my feelings on pursuing art as a career, or any "dream" job. I have seen so many people who go through life with no real passion, no drive. They greet life with apathy and limit themselves by listening to what others say they can or can't do.


"The only life worth living is one you're really passionate about."


Do not be complacent.

Do not settle.

Do not tell yourself that it's too late.

Do not count yourself out.

Do not be lazy.

Do not think anything is going to be handed to you.

Do not think that "talent" outweighs hard work.

Whatever it is that you really, truly love to do; do it. Do not half-ass it while working on a back-up plan. Put everything you have into it, chase it like you really fucking mean it, and don't let go of that goal until you reach it. Don't lower your standards to make things easy. Throw yourself headfirst into whatever it is that you love, and no matter how many times people tell you that you're an idiot for not getting that Science degree.

Or that English degree.

For choosing to pursue your dream instead of going to Law school.

For living off of Ramen and Oatmeal so that you can spend less time working and more time painting, or photographing, or whatever it is that you love.

For turning down that full ride to a state university to study art instead.

For deciding at the age of 25, or 30, or 40, that you are going to pursue your dream instead of working one more day at your soul sucking 9 - 5 dayjob.

For disappointing your parents by not becoming a doctor.

For daring to pursue something that makes you happy instead of rich.

If you want it badly enough, you can find a way to make it happen. It might be a difficult road full of rejection, failure, and setbacks, but "nothing in life worth having comes easy."

So next time someone tells you you're stupid for doing these things, silly to pursue your dream, wasting your time on something you love simply because it is a challenging road that requires work and dedication, do me a favor. Look them right in the eye, smile, and say:

"Fuck you."

Then go prove them wrong.




I'll see you guys in a few days. I'll have an update for you on the status of commissions and DAcademy then.