Sometimes, after a lifetime of cloying to the universe, begging for the admiration of strangers and peers you come to realise that the people whose support really matters were there all along.
Yes, they're friends, but they're in a special class because the only socializing we do is in our writing group. Some of my family say they're proud THAT I write and draw, but aren't interested in WHAT I write and draw. Go figure.
I go to a place once a week because I cant have a job at the moment. And there they give me so much love for what I create. The problem is that I never gotten this kind of stuff in my youth, so I can't even take it in.
I mean the other day Adam Duff commented on my video. I got happy sure, but 2 seconds later, nothing. Because I don't know how to really take it in. It sure sucks.
Having just one person in your life who encourages you to continue making art, writing, singing, or whatever the creative activity might be, is all that is needed. Keep searching. Keep making!
Back when you were starting out in the bizz there were a small group of “Anti Kyle” artists over on drawger defacing your art as generic and borrowed and too technical. Mean girls. It was caddy yet hilarious. I was never a part of the shit on Kylers but I remember it and Some 20 years later I’m proud to say I’m no longer friends with it’s titular head (he’s “famous” so I’ll not say the name to spare the drama). Needless to say we work in a very jealous, narcissistic industry and you can hardly trust or believe anyone. As for your “work” it was always great and now it’s grown stronger, longer and better (like your fro). Peace!
This comment means a lot. Thank you for taking the time to write this. I try to pretend I'm 'over' that Drawger stuff, but it still stings a bit - it was gross. Glad you parted company with that guy. I'll write to you.
My dad always encouraged me the most. And one of the things that was as unnerving as it is encouraging is “you’re more than an illustrator Ben”. It’s helpful as it gives permission for reinvention while clarifying that ones’s job and identity cam be two different things. But it can be unnerving when you feel you’re trying to at least mainly be a successful professional illustrator. The most famous now tend to make most of their income from teaching. Others are making propaganda and don’t even seem aware of their role in fuelling harmful directions. To be clear i would not categorize most advertising as propaganda as it is clear about what its intention is. Instead editorial publications owned by billionaires who hire “independent journalists” to always write the same warped view on why you should hate other billionaires. Particularly those skeptical of needless wars strangely.
For creatives, there is a core support group you can count on one hand, maybe both, that always cheer you onward no matter what! I try to thank them all regularly as they truly do fill our self confidence sails with strong and safe winds. Thank you for another thoughtful and beautifully written newsletter.
This post felt like a hug and reminded me of all the times I was cheered on by my family regarding something I didn't consider praiseworthy. Thanks for sharing this.
I find families response sometimes overwhelming and I can’t handle it. So I find myself avoiding their feedback. Especially my Mum’s 😅 but you are right, in the end of the day, theirs is the most important support. It’s constant and they know me best behind every brush strokes.
Loved this post Kyle, it’s good to reflect on this point of our creativity. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I love this. We are kind of trained in the children's book world that friends and family don't know if our work is ready for publication so we shouldn't rely on their opinions. And in some ways that can be true, but their support and encouragement are what really keep us going.
My parents were both encouraging and discouraging. They always allowed me to take art classes and my mother was my best customer for my photography, but they also believed that you can't make a living with art. It was understandable and they wanted the best for me while trying to deal with their fears that I would always need their financial support. I like to imagine that without the fear, they would have fully supported my dreams and trusted that it would all work out.
And as for social media likes, well, meh! I spend very little time there and don't get notifications sent to me so I won't get caught up in the false reality of being liked or disliked or just plain missed.
Supporting each other on this creative journey reminds us that there is enough to go around and while we may compete occasionally, there are also times when we can lift up another person so we all have success.
Agreed on the value of the support and love of family and friends being greater than other forms of validation. I do think it is sometimes hard for friends and family to understand or relate to my art. It will be such an honor when they do.
Very true.
Sometimes, after a lifetime of cloying to the universe, begging for the admiration of strangers and peers you come to realise that the people whose support really matters were there all along.
Well put, and I agree, Jason.
My friends and family never say they love my work. But some of my colleagues do.
Interesting! It's the opposite of what I know and have observed. Do you consider your colleagues friends?
Yes, they're friends, but they're in a special class because the only socializing we do is in our writing group. Some of my family say they're proud THAT I write and draw, but aren't interested in WHAT I write and draw. Go figure.
I think that pride in your 'doing the thing you do' is kind of what I mean in this piece of writing, as well. It's an important thing.
Thanks. That's comforting.
This post is so heart warming to me.❤
I'm very glad to read that - be well! Thanks for taking time to read the post.
I go to a place once a week because I cant have a job at the moment. And there they give me so much love for what I create. The problem is that I never gotten this kind of stuff in my youth, so I can't even take it in.
I mean the other day Adam Duff commented on my video. I got happy sure, but 2 seconds later, nothing. Because I don't know how to really take it in. It sure sucks.
Having just one person in your life who encourages you to continue making art, writing, singing, or whatever the creative activity might be, is all that is needed. Keep searching. Keep making!
I will 👊
First time commented long time follower.
Back when you were starting out in the bizz there were a small group of “Anti Kyle” artists over on drawger defacing your art as generic and borrowed and too technical. Mean girls. It was caddy yet hilarious. I was never a part of the shit on Kylers but I remember it and Some 20 years later I’m proud to say I’m no longer friends with it’s titular head (he’s “famous” so I’ll not say the name to spare the drama). Needless to say we work in a very jealous, narcissistic industry and you can hardly trust or believe anyone. As for your “work” it was always great and now it’s grown stronger, longer and better (like your fro). Peace!
Hi, Felix,
This comment means a lot. Thank you for taking the time to write this. I try to pretend I'm 'over' that Drawger stuff, but it still stings a bit - it was gross. Glad you parted company with that guy. I'll write to you.
My dad always encouraged me the most. And one of the things that was as unnerving as it is encouraging is “you’re more than an illustrator Ben”. It’s helpful as it gives permission for reinvention while clarifying that ones’s job and identity cam be two different things. But it can be unnerving when you feel you’re trying to at least mainly be a successful professional illustrator. The most famous now tend to make most of their income from teaching. Others are making propaganda and don’t even seem aware of their role in fuelling harmful directions. To be clear i would not categorize most advertising as propaganda as it is clear about what its intention is. Instead editorial publications owned by billionaires who hire “independent journalists” to always write the same warped view on why you should hate other billionaires. Particularly those skeptical of needless wars strangely.
Kyle,
For creatives, there is a core support group you can count on one hand, maybe both, that always cheer you onward no matter what! I try to thank them all regularly as they truly do fill our self confidence sails with strong and safe winds. Thank you for another thoughtful and beautifully written newsletter.
Hi, Coco – thanks for reading and yes, it's a small number of people, but they sure do mean the world.
Thank you so much for this, Kyle! 💗
This post felt like a hug and reminded me of all the times I was cheered on by my family regarding something I didn't consider praiseworthy. Thanks for sharing this.
I find families response sometimes overwhelming and I can’t handle it. So I find myself avoiding their feedback. Especially my Mum’s 😅 but you are right, in the end of the day, theirs is the most important support. It’s constant and they know me best behind every brush strokes.
Loved this post Kyle, it’s good to reflect on this point of our creativity. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Something I only learnt to appreciate recently, but couldn't agree more!
I love this. We are kind of trained in the children's book world that friends and family don't know if our work is ready for publication so we shouldn't rely on their opinions. And in some ways that can be true, but their support and encouragement are what really keep us going.
My parents were both encouraging and discouraging. They always allowed me to take art classes and my mother was my best customer for my photography, but they also believed that you can't make a living with art. It was understandable and they wanted the best for me while trying to deal with their fears that I would always need their financial support. I like to imagine that without the fear, they would have fully supported my dreams and trusted that it would all work out.
And as for social media likes, well, meh! I spend very little time there and don't get notifications sent to me so I won't get caught up in the false reality of being liked or disliked or just plain missed.
Supporting each other on this creative journey reminds us that there is enough to go around and while we may compete occasionally, there are also times when we can lift up another person so we all have success.
Agreed on the value of the support and love of family and friends being greater than other forms of validation. I do think it is sometimes hard for friends and family to understand or relate to my art. It will be such an honor when they do.
Only in adversity, whether proven or potential, do people truly find friends.
——Blindness (written by José Saramago)
فقط في الشدائد، سواء كانت مؤكدة أو محتملة، يجد الناس أصدقاء حقيقيين.
——العمى