Getting ahead in a difficult profession requires avid faith in yourself. That is why some people with mediocre talent, but with great inner drive, go much further than people with vastly superior talent.

- Sophia Loren

Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. - Thomas Edison

If you’re going through hell, keep going.  -Winston Churchill

In the last post, I had a few questions about how to stay fresh and on track with a long animation project. I can relate with this challenge. I have one of the shortest attention spans on this planet.

First off, I usually have a few different projects going on at the same time, in various stages of development or progress. I’m not a good multi-tasker, but I can switch focus on a dime ( Which can be a problem if I’m bored with what you are saying. A bad trait of mine which I need to work on).

For instance Fish Head. Fish Head actually started taking root when I was finishing Rocko. I knew it had to be made. I went through various versions of storyboards, then I would put it aside to work on Children’s books, then come back to it. When Lazlo happened, I put it aside again. Right as Lazlo was ending, I had all new passion for it and picked it up again. I was working vigorously, got through new boards, lay-outs and started animation, when Random House decided to publish my book. I had to put it aside and work on the book. Then I realized this old idea I had back in the early 2000′s to do a cartoon website was more possible than ever, and could not only give life to new series ideas, but give a home to my films ( not to mention production funding) such as Fish Head. Now I’m putting my finishing touches on a 5 minute episode of “Frog in a Suit” but I know Fish Head will get finished at some point.

I guess what I am trying to say is not to give up. It’s not always about the physical work you are doing on it. ( although I am a firm believer that if you write one page a day on that novel, it won’t take long before you have a great book in your hands.) Sometimes, as you work on a project, you are handed new tools that you need to learn how to use, that will make the project better. Or you need funding, or you need to provide for your family. That doesn’t mean you have to give up on your project. Just find the time when you can to work on it. Keep moving forward.

As far as projects that you lose all enthusiasm for, no need in beating a dead horse. But if you put it aside, new inspiration may come to you on it. It may scream to you that it has to be made. Or maybe not.

Does that help?

And to the question, is it worth it to take the risk to be an artist? We all have our callings, and we have various financial responsibilities. If you find being an artist your true calling, you have to make those decisions on how it’s going to work. You only have this one life( for now) on this planet. If you have a talent, that’s a gift. You can still do your day job and pursue your art. But if you decide to take the leap, providence will provide. Like I say on my site however, it may not always keep you in big screen TV’s, but it will provide what you need.