Category: Writing

Main Objective

My main objective will be to share my art and love for animation by posting regular sketches and finished work. My hope is that I can demonstrate my imaginative side that will resonate with readers. I hope to sprinkle in some storytelling and maybe some work in the book illustration space.

Graphic Solution

I plan on using typography that resembles a light hearted environment similar to what you might see at entertainment parks such as Disney World or Universal Studios. I may also include live video to my postings and maybe animation. I tend to use a lot of blue and tan colors to provide a very natural and “easy on the eyes” view of my content. I also tend to lean towards older “sketch style” art that does not look as polished as digital illustrations might look. Maybe a lot of pencil or colored pencil art.

Ideation Process

I typically take inspiration from what I see others do on sites like Instagram. I’m not really big into social networks, but I do frequent ones that host artists. What I see from them is a combination of event promotions and “how-tos” driving traffic to their content. I’m not really open to marketing myself like that at this time. I want to do it for the fun of it and I hope to get some kind of validation from it and sharing what I know at the same time. Since I currently am employed with a consultancy, I tend to stay low-key and not draw attention to myself, so enriching my Instagram space or even creating another will probably not be advertised that much.

Anticipated Deliverables

• Graphic Logo.
• Tagline or Introduction.
• Letterhead.
• Business Cards.
• Envelope.
• Mini Portfolio Book and Mailing Envelope.
• Instagram Artist’s Account (Public).
• TBD – Another Art Account (I not want to open a FaceBook one unless I have to).

Specific Tasks

• Identify accounts to be used for delivering content.
• Set up account(s).
• Write up content (copy) for introduction.
• Identify layout for content.
• Identify and order papers and other materials to be used for mini portfolio.
• Identify existing artwork I may want to include.
• Thumbnail Sketches – For all pieces being developed above.
• Full-sized comprehensives – For all pieces developed above.
• Digital art development – For all print and digital pieces above.

My Challenge

I am my own worst enemy. A lot of what gets in my own way is just not starting something or letting the imposter syndrome take hold and stifle my ambitions. I have plenty of experience in the technical space and have quite a long career to look back on. What I don’t have is the ability to let go – of whatever it is. I think that overall, when I put my mind to something, I can get it done and the outcome is pretty great. But there just seems to be so much going on in my own head. I have a decent set of skills when it comes to producing art, but a lot of the time, I can’t take what I visualize and get it down on paper (as it were) and make it happen. Maybe it’s bad time management, maybe it’s my tendency to allow other things in my life to overwhelm me to the point of doing nothing. Either way, I think that these exercises are helping me deal with those issues and maybe, just maybe I will be able to force myself to slow down and take more time to just – create.

Aside what I already discussed as my challenges, my weaknesses also include procrastination, paralysis by comparison and codependency on those around me. That’s not to blame anyone else, that’s on me. It’s hard for me to accept that I have a clear runway to just get it done; whatever “it” is at the time. Sometimes, things “click” and I am on a roll, other times, quite the opposite. I don’t let competition get in the way, I feel that everyone has something to contribute and that each person creates something just a little differently. Although, when it comes to competition in the scope of employment and making a living, it can be quite the downer to lose that engagement or opportunity to flex your creative muscles. But like I said, each person is different and I have worked on projects with other consultings teams and studios. If you can find your place, it can actually be quite rewarding and fun. After all, they could learn a lot from you and you from them.

My Research Process

This is where it gets a little depressing when researching others work in an attempt at trying to get ideas on how you might promote yourself and adjust the way others might view you. I am constantly seeing others promote themselves through Instagram and the ultimate mood killer, LinkedIn. This is where my weaknesses kick in; after seeing several examples of how others have put together their portfolios or collections of work, I almost go into analysis paralysis, trying to figure out how I can cause someone to see what I have done in the same way. As an example, I have had another WordPress site up for about 15 years – I have never updated it. That’s right, only two posts. I have looked at countless examples of other sites and how they are organized, but I always give up before I even get started. Some of that has to do with not having enough material to actually post… and that takes us right back to taking time to invest in yourself and just draw, design or write. Whatever it is that I excel at doing. I love seeing what others are doing, whether it is in the work I do during the day or what I seek out after I have finished for the day. I think I have a lot to offer, I just need to prioritize and shake it off.

My Intended Audience

I really want to pop out as an artist worth hiring. Someone that can do the technical, but yet finish off with a great product, both functionally and visually. I have had a lot of great success over the decades doing most of that, but not getting to own the entire pipeline; from concept to delivery has somewhat bothered me over the years. I want to collaborate and share great ideas – some ideas make it, some do not. I can lead and I can follow; as long as I am contributing. Currently, I have kept my options open, but there are three things that I have to hold pretty steadfast on; Location, Salary and Healthcare. If all three of those don’t match up, then I cannot move forward. There is flexibility in there, but not much. So, my audience would have to be (for now) a corporation willing to meet me where I am at, and later, I hope to freelance and maybe do illustrative art (children’s books?).

Personality and Image

I truly want others to see my sense of humor, professionalism and non-judgmental nature. But like I said, imposter syndrome and how I see my own abilities tends to get in the way. I am my own worst critic. I want people to see my work and feel like I do when I see theirs. I tend to surround myself with Disney-like artists – that’s they type of art I primarily navigate to. Mostly, because it’s about storytelling. When you can tell a story with your work and someone gets it, it can be very rewarding. That’s what I am going for. I want people to see me for the imagination that I have and absolutely believe that I possess. I am outgoing. I am creative and I do have an endless imagination – I want others to see that and I want to be able to use it.