Quality Assurance through age-old techniques.
I started pastel work in 1970, when I was nine years old.
My father’s uncle was a magazine illustrator. We inherited his tools and books. I was the youngest of four and wanted to beat my siblings at something. I could accomplish this wish if I detailed artwork more than them. Besides, it was without real cost, put no one out, was permanent and only I created it. Few things we attempt in life have these qualities.
When struggling a few years later our house received mail from an artist selling greeting cards she drew. The images were better than mine. She drew with her mouth. She was a quadriplegic. From that I removed excuses that justified poor quality and since then never accepted mediocrity within myself.
Below are basic ideas I apply and tell my students:
Always Think Positive Thoughts
Good for mental stability and you’ll paint over what’s working well if you don’t.
You Can’t Rush Art
Think layers of an onion—the more sessions, the better the outcome.
Look at it in Different Settings Over Time
Avoids the pitfall of tunnel vision. We tend to like what we work on initially.
Use Logic in Everything
Helps to see it in the eye of the consumer.
With Variety Comes Wisdom
The world demands an ‘expert.’ In their world an ‘expert’ does one thing.
See it as Creating Theater
It is theater. Know theatrical basics—communication basics.
Don’t Create the Same Way Twice
Similar to number 5 above. Helps with growth.
Press On Regardless
A famous client of mine told me this. Each day we get better.
See Oneself as an Explorer
Cheaper than being Christopher Columbus and no one gets injured.
Know There’s Always Someone Better
Be glad. As Elvis said, ‘It’s hard to live up to the character.’
