Clint Watson

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Joes vs. Pros

10/2/2012 10:20:13 AM by Clint Watson
 

Sure, it's easy to be creative and productive once you reach that elusive state of inspired flow. 

But what separates the "Joes" from the Pros is what you do when your not in that state.

Even when you're uninspired, you still have to plug away, day-in day out.  

While it may be an apples to oranges comparison, when I am coding a project and just can't get into "the zone."  I force myself every single day to do the smallest amount possible to keep that project moving forward.  

I recently had a project that required updating 30 html files with some new code.  No matter what I did, I simply could not get into the zone and just knock out the project in one sitting, so I forced myself to update 1 file every day.  That was a small commitment each day of only 5-10 minutes.  Anybody can deal with an unpleasant task for 10 minutes.  Sure, I didn't get the project done as quickly as I wanted, but I still got it done in 30 days.  And, more importantly, I got it done.  Remember, real artists ship.

You can do the same thing with your art and, if you want to be a pro, you probably will have to.

Sincerely,

Clint Watson

FASO Founder, Software Craftsman and Art Fanatic

PS - For a story of how a real pro artist stays on task, read The Emergency in Taos

 

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Comments

 

Clint, Good post! It reminds me of saying that I use when I don't always feel like painting, even though clients are waiting for their work: Shut Up and Paint! (This is a twist on "The Deadliest Catch" captain who says: Shut up and fish!)I also use a variation when I find it hard to train for my next bike ride: Shut Up and Ride!

Posted by David M. Kessler · via faso.com · 164 months ago

Clint, I'm working on two art instructional ebooks, and while that may not sound lime a big deal, it feels like a monumental task to me. I'll take your advice to heart and do some work on it every day. I'm pretty sure it'll help me make steady progress.

Posted by Lori Woodward · via faso.com · 164 months ago

Hi Clint, so true from the heart. Just like we do any other job artists' do not play the same role with art. people work on regular jobs in any fields for so many years regularly and with art we feel we must get good results immediately.
This is what i am trying to do , when not feeling creative (no point staring at the blank canvas!)write about art, at least one little step at a time closer to my goal and believe me the spirit comes back and I am fully charged!

Posted by Rizwana A.Mundewadi · via faso.com · 164 months ago

I know it isnt strictly on topic...buuuut speaking of new code...I have a couple ideas for additions to FASO websites. :-)

Firstly, on the FASO Artists Websites search page can you make it so we can search Artists first names? I often remember an artist first name but cant recall their last name but would recognise their work or last name as soon as I saw it.

Secondly, is it possible to add an Auction function to our FASO blogs or somewhere else on our sites? You were talking about Daily Paintworks the other day and it got me asking why one couldn't have auctions on our sites. Save us having to join/subscribe other website which costs us more money. Is there a legal issue with having an auction on peoples blogs?

Thirdly, do you think we could have a public posting area on FASO sites for Collectors to post their images? Your "Sharing Art Enriches Life" slogan got me thinking that it would be great if collectors could show off their Artwork by posting an image of where they have it in their house/etc. Be good for current collectors and might encourage others to buy something if "ssoandso has one!". You would of course need to have it edited by the individual site owners before images were visible on peoples sites to stop spam or unsavoury images.


You can pay me what you think those ideas are worth . ;-)

Posted by Eugene Veszely · via faso.com · 164 months ago

Brian Kliewer has worked out a system to hold auctions using his faso website. He's sold quite a few paintings using his system.

Posted by Lori Woodward · via clintavoblog.fineartstudioonline.com · 164 months ago

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