Nonetheless, it has been a year of epiphanies and I enjoy sharing the wisdom with whomever may find it to be valuable.

1) The phone never rings for you. If you want to be a success, you have to toot your own horn, border-line brag, and convince people (truthfully) why you are the BEST at what you do. Keep your eyes and ears open and be prepared to be where those opportunities are and chase them down.

2) BE THE BEST. It’s not enough to work hard. Your efforts must produce tangible results. If you’re going to make the “best” widget, then you have to be your own worst critic and keep raising your own bar. I can guarantee the competition is.

3) Be open to ideas. You are not the only one with them. Nurture creativity and listen to all ideas. You may think they’re bad or poorly timed, but sometimes the goofiest things are the most successful (pet rock, anyone?) Of course, this doesn’t apply if you’ve all ready had the idea, tried the idea, and/or learned it to be a terrible failure.

4) Be ready to tell people about you and what you do. People who find you interesting, clients, supporters, etc. want to know and may be giving you an opportunity to be convincing. The big break can sometimes come from people who just want to be “that person who gave me a break”

5) Be interested in people! We’re social creatures. Ask about their lives and care about the answers. If dogs can smell fear, people can smell “phony” I can guarantee the more you try to care, the more you will develop the capacity.

6) Be careful. There are a lot of sycophants, spies, “friends” who smile through their teeth, and those who simply want to pick your brain to promote their agenda. Listen to your instincts on these people. It can also be called your conscience, gut, or muse, but it’s usually dead on.

7) Be grateful. Your opportunities, successes, victories and all other positive experiences are more-often-than-not the result of someone else. An attitude of gratitude is a MUST if you want that grace to continue.

Or perhaps I should say lack of.

In the spirit of being friendly and accommodating, I’d be happy to support any direction, style or medium an aspiring artist would like to work with for their art.  My teaching style is very nurturing, developmental, therapeutic and as such, I don’t like to deter the courage or adventurous spirit of a fledgling.

And there is some truth still to that because I’ve seen some amazing work using the most frustrating materials.  On the other hand, I’ve seen folks work with expensive tools and supplies and fail miserably.

So in my latter years of instruction, I’ve found that sometimes you CAN blame your failure on the paint brush.

And sometimes, the fault is yours.  A good instructor will guide to the right conclusion.

There is an element of customer service in education.  Preventing frustration by recommending the right tools for the skill level of the student. 

And there should also be a strong sense of customer service when one goes to buy materials - or to buy for the artist in their life.

Whether during the holidays or beyond, here are some questions to ask when shopping for someone else, or for identifying what kind of artist you may be:

1) Is the pursuit as a hobby or part of a career?  Also, what is the endurance or patience level of the artist like?  Investigating a medium is great fun but many treat it like a new year’s resolution and fall short.  Don’t go the whole 9 yards and waste money on an expensive setup for an impulse.

2) For the professional or serious student, the preference for a certain brand may all ready exist.  There are premier brands for everything, but economy doesn’t necessarily mean poor quality.  When in doubt, ask them! 

3) Kits are nice for the undecided, but some are kid-oriented quality and others are professional grade.  The price should be a clue, but look at what’s inside the box too.  Sometimes package deals combine both and you’ll find that the element the artist will enjoy the most is in shortest supply.

4) How-to books are fun - if the artist likes to read.  Many wax philosophical and ramble on about uninspiring approaches.  So make sure the how-to addresses the style the artist is attracted to. 

5) Buy from a specialty store.  Big box retailers with an arts and crafts section will not know how to direct you like a store that’s dedicated to the pursuit.  Also, the staff of a specialty store is likely to have first-hand experience with various products.  If you’re looking for clay advice, ask for someone who dabbles in sculpture - you’ll be glad you did.

In my experience, the store I would recommend locally for pricing, service and quality of selection is United Art and Education (and no, I don’t own stock) I am careful about whom I recommend for service because of how it reflects upon me.  But I have never been disappointed with United Art and Ed.  If you subscribe to their mailing list (e-mail or snail) they even send coupons!

For photography as an art form, Sunny Schick is the best resource in town - and they’ve never failed me either.  In fact, once they convinced me NOT to buy something in their store because of the direction I was planning on going with the project.  (That’s integrity!)

Regarding materials, there are many different medium, but here are a few brands that have never let me down:

For all things drawing or coloring: Prismacolor

For drawing paper: Strathmore

For acrylic paint: Liquitex

For pastels: Grumbacher or Rembrandt

In the categories of sculpture, the fabric arts, and some elements of painting (such as canvas, brushes or watercolor paper options) much success is dependant on the effect you want to achieve and therefore the correct tools for the job are important.  I’ve found brand to be irrelevant.

Happy shopping!

They were also very good about giving me a variety of experiences.  I had the swimming lessons, little league, piano lessons, cub scouts, etc.

My eclectic upbringing continued to incorporate a strong faith, a love for family, and a value of things intangible - they didn’t raise a boy with expensive tastes.

And as I reached college, I remember thinking that with all the interests they had fostered, I would only be able to dedicate true development to one of them.  Such was the way my perfectionist mind worked (and still does to a degree - if you’re a creative, you get this.)

So at the crossroads my confidence wavered a bit.  I had always known that I wanted to be a professional artist and now I was HERE.  Where you learn how to be what you want to be “when you grow up”*

(*The ironic thing here is the human brain isn’t fully developed until age 25 - about 3 years after most kids graduate.  One of the last things to finish “cooking?” Commitment!)

So now what?  I stayed the course - with no regrets.  I still keep the other interests alive.  But ultimately what feeds my soul is the idea that I’ll leave this world a better place than I found it.  Passing the cosmic tests, influencing the young and giving peace to the aged.

But all idealism aside, I find myself at those cross roads again from time to time.  Sometimes it’s a peaceful time for reflection, sometimes is a dark night of the soul.

But a life without examination isn’t worth leading, right?  We might as well be a cow in a field blissfully ignorant of its fate.

I write this in hopes that it will challenge you to reflect as well.  And that the happy problem will be a choice of fantastic direction A and fantastic direction B.

But in all things, reflect, pray, and savor the decision. 

I may not be living your dream, or even your idea of what my dream should be, but I am enjoying success.

It’s an eerie feeling in a way - almost as if this is the end of it all, I should be awarded a medal or somehow credits should be scrolling in front of my face. 

On the other hand, not a lot of people ever get to this point.  It’s worth savoring for a while.  And the fact that I’ve achieved it at so young an age, (again a relative point) is even more exciting and disconcerting at the same time.

The dichotomy is a bi-product of a clear focus I’ve had since I was in 2nd grade.  I’ve always known that I wanted to be a professional artist.  I still remember the internal dialogue and had it all figured out by lunch time.

Yes.  very rare.  Freakish even, no?

Of course I’ve run into nay-sayers, negativity, backlash - all the things that can either galvanize your resolve or derail you completely.  I don’t know anyone I could define as “great” in any category of life who hasn’t had such adversity.

So, at the continued risk of sounding cocky, what do I do now?

I spend a lot of time reflecting on the choices, decisions, paths I’ve taken, and the directions I’ve influenced or led others to take.  The conclusion I’ve come to is that it’s important to keep raising your own bar.

I don’t know anyone who will continually challenge or expect more of me.  I’ve got to be ready to shoot for the next step.  Even if I’m living the dream, maybe it’s time for a new one.

People I find interesting are always doing this.  It’s not the same as job-jumping or being one of those annoying free-spirited people with no responsibilities or (even worse) someone who never has to worry about money.  It’s a paradox of satisfaction and hunger.

So it may take a change in attitude, outlook, location or even circle of friends, but what do you expect?  And even more important, what happens WHEN you achieve it?

But why and what does that mean?

It seems every category of business has it’s definition - from simply being paid for the work to a library of handbooks and corporate dogma.

In our world, it’s an elusive topic because the stereotypical artist is alive and well.  Creativity outweighs a lot of conservative traits.  In fact, we almost WANT our artists to be weird to be qualified, don’t we?

The downside is that it also makes art and its creators dismissible.  The devaluation of talent is world-wide.  When it comes to business matters such as negotiating a contract, ascribing philosophy to a project, or just having the verbal skills to discuss something outside of one’s profession, too many artists fall short.

Ironically, the reverse seems to be true also.  With the right marketing, a talentless hack can make a fortune (”It’s good art because it’s expensive”)

And I’ve yet to find an art program in continuing education that prepares students for marketing themselves and their services.  So it seems the trend continues.

But in light of this, here are a few universal truths (as I find them) that separate an artist from a professional artist:

1) The professional communicates thoroughly and seeks to understand the need of the client - not promote their own agenda.  This means being sensitive to the client’s availability to discuss things - and being patient with them if necessary.

2) The professional confirms all details and doesn’t leave anything to assumption.

3) The professional shows up early - with enough time to prepare for a successful event

4) The professional does their best work - always!

5) The professional doesn’t disparage, cater to drama, subscribe to gossip, and always speaks well of others (especially in public - someone always sees or hears everything!)

6) The professional delivers what was promised

7) The professional does a thorough and complete job and doesn’t cut corners (on time, materials or quality)

The professional checks for satisfaction and addresses any concerns to the best of their ability

9) The professional says thank you!

10) The professional follows up for the next event!

You’ll notice that the type of service and the price are not points of professionalism.  Intangible things matter most. 

How do you compare?

Another advantage of uniforms are that they hold the mystique to others as well as certain behavioral parameters.  Police officers come to mind - there are strict codes for what actions and behaviors are allowed, tolerated or even encouraged depending on whether or not the officer is “on duty”

But there is another side to being in uniform.  And my message today really only applies to those who are true “company” - they may or may not own the business, but they’ve bought into it - all the way. 

And I’m not really addressing workaholics here (besides, that’s a pretty silly term anyway - is there even such a thing as “workahol”?  I think Webster’s needs to get involved with that one.)  What I am talking about are those people who have strong work ethics and morals.  They have a sense of balance and they aren’t afraid to put full value forth to benefit their employer.

Have you ever found it difficult to relax after work?  Do you find yourself gravitating towards business-related tasks as a bad habit of sorts - or as if you’re running on automatic pilot?  Did you notice that you haven’t changed your clothes yet?

This is a psychological condition that affects many who have established a certain momentum in their schedule.  The uniform, the brand, the persona, etc. is also a state of mind that becomes you.  At the risk of being corny, your “work mode” is in many ways a different person altogether.

The solution is to change your clothes - in fact, have certain garb options that fit ONLY into “relaxing clothes”  This habit holds true at the beginning of your day.  If you’re not ready to start work, don’t start dressing the part too soon.  The switch comes on once that last lace or button is done.

The necktie in particular has often been called the “corporate noose” (ever notice the similarities?)  Sometimes that is all it takes to restrict the blood flow and turn off any relaxing thoughts you may ever have for the rest of your shift.

So take a moment to reflect upon your state of mind, your environment, and make the mental note to arrest your unconscious habits.  Once you’ve made the change (literally) you’ll find that you truly have “clocked out for the day.”

Of course I’m allowed to enjoy it as an adult – it makes for great role modeling for my children.  They too become infected with my zest for the holiday and all the imagination-building fun. 

So in the spirit of creativity, I have the following design-on-a-dime costume ideas for kids-of-all-ages:

1)      Skip the mask:  Masks are fun but can also be expensive, hot and hazardous.  Anyone who remembers the plastic “blinders” with the single rubber band will agree.  If you couldn’t see or breathe very well, at least you could look forward to the rubber band breaking and snapping you in the eye.  Parents, try makeup instead.  A little rouge and you have instant clown.  Some well placed mascara and voila – instant diva (or princess) (Tip: Avoid grease paint unless you like scrubbing tired cranky dirty children for hours.)

2)      Oh the many joys of garbage bags:  plastic is a great insulator and trash bags come in more than one color.  They can also fit over just about any layered undercoating.  Uses:  Togas, robes, even capes if trimmed carefully.

3)      Go cerebral:  A good costume isn’t always obvious.  Sometimes it’s more fun to have a conversation piece.  Ask the kids to make up an obscure super-hero like Captain Happy – dress them all in yellow and let them canvas the neighborhood laughing.  Or put a small chair on their head and go as “gum” (get it?)

4)      Size can be everything:  Fit more than 1 kid in an oversized sweatsuit and you’ve got 2-headed monster!  Dad’s clothes and a little extra stuffing and you have “mini-me” or your home-made “Hulk.” Try the opposite effect with undersized clothing and be “The Incredible-growing-child” (a little faux 5 o’clock shadow will enhance the effect.)

5)      Wrap n’ roll:  T.p. your child and instant-mummify.  Some well-adhered holiday paper and you have “The Walking Gift.”  Save the empty rolls for horns, fake noses, spikes, anything you can imagine.

When it’s all over, you’ve spent some quality bonding time in the pursuit of free sugar.  You could even say you’re making a political statement (“old-fashioned”, “timeless”, “economical”, “just like I wore when I was his/her age”) You may even be surprised by some of the ideas your child can come up with. 

Enjoy it while you take your inspector’s cut of the candy.

But have you ever purchased something that didn’t live up to the bargain?  That cheap pair of shoes that you had to replace 3 more times in a year, the bulk jar of ketchup that you used just as fast as the regular size, the generic brand electronic device that (”oh by the way”) doesn’t have all the features as the real deal.

The same holds true with services.  Of course everyone has budgets and as service providers we want to be sensitive to those budgets.  Unlike Congress, when there’s no money for something - there really ISN’T a way to pay for it.  And when you’re hanging out your shingle, you don’t want to out-price everyone.  The market can only bear so much.

But the other side of the coin is some things just cost what they cost.  I’ve never known the price of gold to be up for a haggle.  It may rise or fall, but does that have to do with one person’s decision (conspiracy theorists need not comment here!)

So when you’ve achieved the highest degree, the most experience and can do things the best, you’re worth your investment.  Are you a ”Nike” or a “K Swiss”?  Are you a “Coke” or a “Faygo”?  Are you a “Rolls Royce” or a “Chevy”?  All are good brands and I’d take any of them if they were offered.  They simply cost what they cost. 

The hardest thing you may ever have to do is take pride in your skills and abilities and even tell a potential (or current) client “I don’t need your business” - or even fire them! 

If you’re doing your best and “you’re worth what you’re worth”, you’re dealing with business that will never respect you anyway and (even if they go with a cheap competitor) it reflects on their ethics - they’ll get what they pay for:  Low quality, suspicious business practices (maybe even illegal) and ultimately you dont’ want to be associated with any of that!  Trust me, they’ll be replaced with the kind of clients you want (and most likely will not only be able to afford you, but never think twice about doing it right.)

Ultimately, the things that shouldn’t be open for negotiation are your character and integrity.

When you’re “living the dream”, whatever that dream may be, it’s very easy to trade off the important things in your life (health, personal growth, fitness, loved ones, etc.) as a price.  The saddest part is that you don’t have to.  It’s all about balance and maintaining a sense of mortality.

When we’re young, we’re unconscious. We’re limited only by our imagination.  Reckless abandon and an invulnerable sense blind us to the big picture.  It’s why we equate age with wisdom.  Slowing down causes us to reflect more (have you ever seen a memoir by a 20-year old?)

The trouble is that the momentum of youth can often carry over into the rest of our life - and along with it high blood pressure, anxiety, heart disease, and all other sorts of nasty.

Ironically, the good habits and achieving balance also follow the same advice and direction of an efficiency expert.  If you work hard but also play hard (or rest hard) then you’re going to be sharper, stronger, healthier, more productive AND have all the other priorities in your life maintained (loved ones, your faith, smelling the roses, etc.)

In the grand scheme of things, you’re just a blip on the timeline.  Recognize that life was here before you and will carry on (”some how”) without you.  Savor your time and make it last because you’ll be judged by how you lived (and eternity is a loooooong time)

You receive a lot of support and encouragement to develop, achieve, succeed and then face (sometimes) the same people and their green-eyed monster.

To put this into further context, while the backlash can come from anywhere it’s unlikely to come from anyone who truly cares about you.  That being stated, you also must realize how very special you and your abilities are (while staying humble, of course!)

It’s truly rare, given the grand scheme of things, to find someone who a) Knows what they want to do with their life; b) Actually sets out to achieve it and; c) Achieves it!  To meet someone who’s “living the dream” can sit uneasy with many who haven’t discerned the above.

The backlashers probably won’t actively undermine your career like some arch-enemy in a comic book, but they won’t necessarily sing your praises either.  If they were once your biggest fan, they may start to realize that they’ve been living vicariously through you and that they haven’t amounted to a hill of beans.  Such an epiphany is shocking.

The backlash could come from your competition as well - this speaks to business ethics which, sadly, not enough people or corporations follow.

So how to deal? 

1) Stay the course:  Obviously your clients like you and what you represent.  Don’t fix it if it ain’t broke. 

2) Educate your clients on your abilities, any new developments or products.  They may be looking for “something different” and just not know you do that too.

3) Treat every good client like you would your own family.  Develop loyalty and compassion.  When you’re able to forge even a quasi-personal relationship, clients will be less likely to want to change.

4) Be sensitive to budgets when necessary.  Sometimes the decision is out of the hands of your relationship - even long-standing.  Sometimes contacts change.  Turnover is inevitable.  If they’re all about “who can do it the cheapest” though, they’ll always look for a way to low-ball you - you don’t need clients like that.  Some day they’ll learn you always get what you pay for.

5) Keep walking the high path:  Always say the nicest (honest) thing you can about anyone you may be associated with.  You never know who-knows-who and how they may be judging your character.  If your reputation is strong, anyone who tries to tarnish you will only do themselves the dirt.

I like to be ideal and dismiss the notion that anyone would fail to see the big picture - there’s plenty for everyone (especially in our society) and there’s room for all sorts of styles, talents, abilities, and skills.  However this is sadly not the case.  Lean on your support network, keep your focus strong and your conscience clear. 

Against backlashers, success is the best revenge anyway.