RANT #1-FINISH

If you want to be a "name" in this business than you must finish something. There is no other way. Saying you have a "great idea" for a film does not qualify. Saying you could do better than this film or that doesn't cut it either. Finish. Sure you can be valuable a dependable chap worker bee, but the the real gut check comes from putting yourself out there like a naked cheerleader.

"Finishing" is a talent all by itself. The process of being "done" is one of the most slippery judgments an artist ever makes. Knowing when to stop, knowing when a piece is finished takes commitment to a vision, a firm understanding of the medium, and a kinetic knowledge of self (as you grow as an artist so does the "finish" line change). Most of all "finishing" takes guts.

Too many artists fall in love with the paralyzing embrace and misery not "finishing" provides. It is safe to never be finished, your piece will never be judged or enjoyed and you can play the torment genius forever. "Never being good enough" is as much a personal trepidation as it is professional observation.

The only tangible advice I can offer is practice. Practice "Finishing". The more projects you complete the clearer the drinking water becomes. Take sips, don't gulp, never guzzle and avoid the Koolaid.

Introducing "RANTS".

Included in this blog will be a section I will call, "RANTS". "RANTS" will cover a wide range of topics concerning the art and animation business and will be authored directly from the long and twisting road of my experiences. I have been in the art business for over 30 years and I have a vast supply of "hot air" that can be expelled for the good of all instead of expanding my own ego filled balloon.

"RANTS" are meant to be based upon observation, more than a method of "blowing steam" as the name would suggest. They are meant to educate, enlighten, and inspire, and that's directly from the ego balloon itself;)