I have been feeling a bit under the weather lately. Spent so many nights up working for the past couple of weeks, and then eventually broke down with a very nasty cold! Ugh. I just hate being sick. I hate not being able to do much while there are tons of stuff waiting to be finished. I know, I know, your body's telling you to slow down, have a balanced life, and most of all get some sleep, sleep, sleep. You have no idea how many times I play that line in my head every day, but when it comes down to it, all I can say is, not very likely.Why? Well, I won't sugar coat the pathway I've chosen in life. Working as an artist means a lot of things, and I'm afraid it's not always day dreaming by window, paint the day away while inspirations fly in through the door freely. Many times it also includes spending hours on work that has gone very wrong, running from deadlines to deadlines trying so hard to keep the clients happy, and constantly tapping on your head waiting for ideas that stubbornly refuse to come out. Occupational hazards, who doesn't have them, right?
What hurts, is when people don't appreciate what I do. Many still think that because I "draw" for a living, it makes everyday nothing but la-la-land for me. Yeah, right. Maybe if they saw the state I'm in after a few sleepless nights, they'll think differently. So to those scepticals out there, yes, being an artist IS a real job. And unfortunately, labor doesn't come cheap. I'm no magician and like many people, I find appreciation very fulfilling (I'm breaking out sweat trying so hard not to turn this into a rant. LOL!!). At the end of the day, having one positive response is just the thing to soothe this tender soul of mine. :)
For example, I had a very positive feedback on this particular commissioned design I just finished (would you believe that it's a bridal shower invitation??). Just a few generous kind words was enough to make me feel good, knowing that my hardwork has really paid off. It's really as simple as that.
So anyway, let me also just thank everyone whom I've had the pleasure to work with for all the wonderful positive feedbacks they've given me. Rest asure that they have not gone unnoticed. I am like an elephant with a very long memory and plenty of love to give back. :)
Stay happy and productive!
WHAT THE HECK!????!!!!
ReplyDeleteWho says that what you do is not a "real" job? Who cares what they think anyway? What you do is very honorable and honest and creative and wonderful. That's all that matters. They don't even have to know that you sweat and hurry to beat deadlines.
Ah Amalia. You can't please people. For all the things I have done and do, I wish very much that I have enough money so that I can do what I always wanted to do - work at Williams Sonoma and sell cooking supplies.. I will be in heaven peddling pots and pans and all those wonderful cooking gadgets. I know it is hard work and won't pay for all my bills but I always wanted to do that. It would be so cool!
Oh, you...always so generous and lovely! I know I shouldn't care what some people think or say about what I do. But sometimes I wish I could shove whatever I'm doing into their hands and see how they deal with it! LOL!
DeleteHehe, you with pots and pans? That image would be totally priceless! OXX
You know, some people make it look so easy, they have vast talents and then someone who does not understand that what you create comes from within, your brain, your heart...Art is not like dressmaking. You do not have a pattern. Every creation is an original pattern in art. Ah, you know that the antiart movement, the Dada movement messed everything up - uglification of art so that classic artists suffer from the perception that one does not need talent, just slap some paint here and there, just pile a bunch of garbage and collage it, have a world tour of your unmade dirty bed, urinate on the crucifix... totally gross yet there are some people who believe that is art because "one feels" he or she is an artist. Well the heck! I feel I am a brain surgeon, want a lobotomy?
DeleteAnyway, I prbably won't be able to handle a commission. If I painted or drew something and someone told me to use red instead of black because red matches the sofa, I am going to pack up my canvas and tell that person go to Pier One imports and buy something red from China. You are wasting my time. That is why I can't earn a living being an artist because not only does it require vast talents, it requires humility, patience and tolerance. Hell no! Not yet.
Again, you are wonderful! keep on doing and going. Your art is beautiful. Tsup!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat job!!!
ReplyDeleteYou're amazing working like this with a baby and children too. I find that people that haven't lived with an artist have no idea the stress it causes, they think that's it's a joke when we say that. Thankyou for sounding off, I hope it reaches the required ears! ;)
ReplyDeleteJess xx
You are SO right! My parents used to think that I've chosen a "safe" career as an artist until they saw me working day and night on my college projects. These days they're more appreciative... (^_^)
DeleteAmalia, one of the hardest things for people who don't work in the arts to understand is it's not just *a job*, but frequently something close to slave-labor, with ridiculous deadlines and people you must deal with who are utterly clueless.
ReplyDeleteI say rant on my dear! (I, who NEVER rant....ah-hahahahahaha!!!) Ranting clears the head. ;-)
And as to colds, I am sitting here in cold-misery-land, with great empathy. It's hard to work when you can't breathe or see.
Love the illustration you posted...wow...thought for sure it would be a book cover! Excellent quality, as always.
Take care my friend, heal, get well....for another artist-in-la-la-land....pfffft!
XXOO~~
Anne
Haha! I think "slave-labor" sums up everything pretty nicely! Funny how people think that artits work on their own leisure and probably haven't the slightest clue on how to fulfill demands. Well those clueless people can stay clueless forever! LOL!
DeleteAhhh... I have not undertaken commission type work and really just get to draw as a hobby. I really cannot imagine what it must be like wanting to complete a commission and not having any inspiration coming magically in through the window...Like artists block.
ReplyDeleteI agree totally, that a kind or appreciative word is all it takes to make days spent on a project worth while.
Knowing yourself that you rock is great, but we all need our strokes now and then too!
Hugs to you and know that so many of us are in awww of all you juggle and the absolutely beautiful art you produce. You are just lovely!
Hugs and smiles
xoxo
It's true, there would be so much less pressure when you do things only for yourself. How I miss those days... Well, I hope you're having fun with that, enjoy it while it lasts! :D
DeleteYour work is great and all artist have your moments. Do not let it drag you down. Let people think what they may and go on doing what makes your heart soar. You keep at what you are doing! (and Love this illustration by the way.) Take a deep breath and do not let stress or people get in your way. You know that without the expression of art for any artist would leave that empty feeling inside. I am so sure you will see so many who enjoy and love your work. Best to you! :D
ReplyDeleteAww, thanks Ann. You're so sweet... :)
DeleteOh, Alice is amazing! I love all her friends and fungi too! Such a fun invite! And what a great idea.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that funny that people don't consider art a real job. I have worked for myself my entire life. I made jewelry when i was raising my son. When you are your own boss, well your job is NEver done! But i could take time off when i wanted and then work late at night. People would say "but you don't have a real job". What! I understand what you are saying.
Nice artwork....congratulations!!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry you are not feeling well. Hopefully, this post finds you feeling much better! Positive feedback is a wonderful thing!!!! And don't let naysayers discourage you. You are living your dream. And it is the people who appreciate your work that makes it all worthwhile!
ReplyDeleteWe are all here to tell you that you are not wasting your time and we love what you do. Love this invitation, your client should be very pleased.
ReplyDeleteOooooh, spectacular! I was just thinking that this would be excellent stationery, and here I find it's an invitation! That's fantastic! Love all the fantasy and the celebratory colors. Looks like it will be a blast of a shower.
ReplyDeleteAppreciation. Just a little show of admiration and appreciation can wipe out weeks' worth of toil and frustration. And often, it means a heck of a lot more than the money. Your work is, without a doubt, gorgeous and awe inspiring. Unfortunately, there will always be a few ignorant folk who don't know when to keep their mouths closed. You know, I recently had someone tell me that I never had much ambition just because I haven't held a salary job in many years. He did not mean it as an insult, but it sure felt like one.
sigh
Hope you are feeling much better by now, dear Amalia. And for goodness sakes, please sleep! :) xoxo