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Goals, results and criticism
I have a meeting to attend this morning so I will be brief.
I read this thread (well, most of it) and scanned through the previous thread that motivated it. And my thoughts are that yes, this site does welcome comment and contribution from all levels of artists. But I think that Sharon and those professionals that others may feel are being harsh may actually be offering the best service to those truly contemplating art as a profession. (If you do not get feedback on a post be patient.)
If you intend to be a professional artist you'd better get over your aversion to strong opinions and criticism of your work. In response to a post in the previous thread (I can't remember who posted it at the moment) RESULTS are all that matters. We have all heard someone say things like, "My dad worked hard all his life and never had a thing to show for it." Or that he worked very hard but never seemed to get ahead. Yes, hard work is essential to success but it is not synonymous with success. Hard work that is unfocused or without preparation will be unproductive.
Many feel that success is a result of getting a break or opportunity. Sure, opportunities given or created are important if anyone is to see your work, but opportunity will only make the unprepared look foolish. You may have heard the old saying, "Work smarter, not harder", but if you are to succeed, it is not one or the other, but both smart and hard work that will lead to skill. Then when opportunity presents itself, you will shine instead of looking the fool.
I have a long way to go in my own goal of becoming the artist I strive to be (or the person I strive to be, for that matter). But my advice is to set real goals, and then be honest with yourself as to your effort and the level of achievement you have made towards those goals. You alone know when what you have created is what you intended. It may not be what someone else would have strived for, but you have reached your goal. Now set a new one and move on.
If you look among the artists of the SOG Hall of Fame, you will see very different styles, each beautifully executed. So accept the criticism of others with a smile, for it will always be there. No matter how good you get, your work will not please everyone. But also be honest with yourself, do not let your own defense mechanisms keep you from seeing where you need improvement. When you have attained a goal, set a new one right away, for the end of growth is the beginning of failure.
Well, I must really go now, but I hope I got out what I intended here and that others gain from the advice.
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