I think everyone is thinking about themselves. Not in a superficial way, but how they fit in and what people think of them. I’ve never feel as though I belong anywhere, so I just wander around and wonder if they are going to put out a dessert table with brownie bites.
The insecurities are indeed always there! I got really lucky in having a chance to get that insight about being in the same boat very early on.
My very first illustration workshop, we did a little side trip to a local college art museum. I don't remember exactly what they said, but I remember walking behind these two illustrators, giants in my eyes, who have been working successfully for decades, and hearing them talk to one another about their insecurities and doubts about their art. It was absolutely this moment of "Holy shit. They feel the same way I do. That means it's not about the feelings going away, but learning to accept and live with them."
I think this is the correct take in most cases---everyone else is buried in the same insecurities (and at every level! As evidenced by the idea that someone like THE Kyle Webster would feel uneasy anywhere). Anyone who is worrying about how "cool" other artists are has significant problems of their own: either they're desperately managing their sense of self worth by stratifying social classes, or they've got an ego bordering on megalomania. Either way, that person is MORE likely to be irrelevant in 10 years compared to the person who is insecure and focusing on fixing that part of themselves.
Your post resonates as I’ve been thinking about what AI means for the craft skills I’ve worked hard to build over the past decade. But I came across a line this morning that offers a relevant perspective: “We are always at the bottom of our next level.” It’s good there’s always something more to grow into!
Also, YES, would love to see your behind-the-scenes work stuff, tutorials, and such. Maybe one day you’ll host An Accidental Experts conference where you aren’t the oldest :)
Love that Jack Black's illustration! :) And I will seek you out if I ever go to one of those conference, we oldies can hang out awkwardly together.
Thank you, Valerie - even though I drew it so long ago, I still like it. : )
See you out and about!
At 55, I'm feeling the same way at comic conventions!
It's all in our heads!
I think everyone is thinking about themselves. Not in a superficial way, but how they fit in and what people think of them. I’ve never feel as though I belong anywhere, so I just wander around and wonder if they are going to put out a dessert table with brownie bites.
Mmm ... brownie bites.
The insecurities are indeed always there! I got really lucky in having a chance to get that insight about being in the same boat very early on.
My very first illustration workshop, we did a little side trip to a local college art museum. I don't remember exactly what they said, but I remember walking behind these two illustrators, giants in my eyes, who have been working successfully for decades, and hearing them talk to one another about their insecurities and doubts about their art. It was absolutely this moment of "Holy shit. They feel the same way I do. That means it's not about the feelings going away, but learning to accept and live with them."
Yeah, it never stops! But that's good, I guess? I hope?!
Take me with you to the next conference and I guarantee you won’t be the oldest guy there!
😀😀
SO RELATABLE! In every way. Thank you Kyle.
Glad it hits home!
I think this is the correct take in most cases---everyone else is buried in the same insecurities (and at every level! As evidenced by the idea that someone like THE Kyle Webster would feel uneasy anywhere). Anyone who is worrying about how "cool" other artists are has significant problems of their own: either they're desperately managing their sense of self worth by stratifying social classes, or they've got an ego bordering on megalomania. Either way, that person is MORE likely to be irrelevant in 10 years compared to the person who is insecure and focusing on fixing that part of themselves.
We humans have a hard time believing things are fine, I think. It’s a skill I am trying to build for myself so I can relax more!
Your post resonates as I’ve been thinking about what AI means for the craft skills I’ve worked hard to build over the past decade. But I came across a line this morning that offers a relevant perspective: “We are always at the bottom of our next level.” It’s good there’s always something more to grow into!
Also, YES, would love to see your behind-the-scenes work stuff, tutorials, and such. Maybe one day you’ll host An Accidental Experts conference where you aren’t the oldest :)
Oo … a conference. That’s a big idea … but very interesting!
If you ever do, I'd love to help! I have experience doing so + can recommend an events logistics team. It'd be fun.