A Candle Which Burns Twice as Bright, but Half as Long (Part 2)

I’ve already introduced the concept behind this segment (which is 3 parts, so only one more after this one), so I will just dive right into it.

            In order to keep your energy and interest up in anything, it is important that you keep yourself mentally stimulated.  No matter how devoted a person is to their work, it will eventually wear on them.  What I suggest is finding time, every day (or every other), to take a break from your various tasks and projects, and explore the very root of why you are doing what you’re doing, and try to tap into that in a conscious way.

            As I write this, the SOPA and PIPA Acts are an especially relevant topic, and so I will provide you a link to learn more about them, and decide for yourself what side to fall upon. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:CongressLookup?new=yes

http://americancensorship.org/

Why is that a relevant segue?  I’d be a fool if I didn’t admit that one of the easiest way to get back in touch with a variety of passions is the internet, and how it provides such an extraordinary device for exploring so many things (just…don’t spend too much time watching cats on youtube or poking people on facebook…please)

Now that that little rant is out of the way, back to the subject at hand.  Find time to connect with your passion.  There are times when we “need” this, and we take a break to go on a binge of inspiration.  That’s natural.  What I propose, however, is finding a way to regularly stimulate yourself and your passion.  Continue to fan and feed the fire, instead of bringing it back to life as it dies.  It may not be as exciting, but the consistency of your devotion will make you happier.

I cannot tell you how to connect.  Read some blogs about politics if you work on the Hill.  Check the Hopkins news releases to find out about new technology and discoveries if you’re in medicine.  Go to a museum if you love art.  Listen to a new band if you are a musician.  Do something that makes sense, and makes you smile.  Do something that does not feel like work, but keeps you working.

Never stop asking yourself “why?”  If you continue to be able to answer that question, every day of your life, you will know and believe in yourself and your work more than you ever thought possible.  That is the simplest, and surest way to keep your mind healthy and growing.

Today, I leave you with a few of my favorite pieces of art, discovered in those moments where I needed to connect to my own inspiration over the years.

A Candle Which Burns Twice as Bright, but Half as Long (Part 1)

            Burning the midnight oil.  Burning the candle at both ends.  Phrases that those who are passionate about their work are all too familiar with.  However, what do they get you in the end?

            Burnt out.

            I wanted to take a moment, after the holidays (and a prolonged illness I had, which further contributed to the posting delay), to talk about the importance of taking care of one’s self.  Your mind, body, and spirit are your trade, and so it should be common sense that you do everything you can to ensure that they are protected, well-nourished, and will continue to serve you for your entire life. 

            This post is inspired by the new year, and my personal resolution to recommit myself to taking care of my person.  I’m young, and should be in much better shape than I am (and thankfully I recognize that now, while it’s easy to change).  Additionally, I’ve incurred a number of stupid injuries from work due to carelessness in the earlier years of my education, and as my career continues to move forward, I am more acutely aware of those younger than me who make similar mistakes that I did.  Finally, I am currently in the midst of a month which has come with a great deal of stress from a great deal of sources (an all too common and familiar problem), and so I’m making a conscious effort to ensure that the stress does not wear on my passion.

            So let’s break this down into three parts: body, mind, and spirit, and discuss how you can help take care of them, in a way that is relevant to those of us who work in the arts, and beyond.

            Body:

            Working out is the obvious advice one can give.  I have never loved working out, until I discovered how valuable it is as a stress reliever.  I do not have a routine for working out (though I’m trying to build one), because a regular schedule is about as difficult to find as a unicorn with a degree in physics from MIT.  However, I still try to find 30 minutes every day, to run, stretch, do yoga, or even basics such as sit ups and push ups.  If you think that’s daunting, think about the many hours of work you do, and how you inevitably need a break.  Make one of those breaks a break to work out.  Especially if you find your energy level dropping, a quick work out is the best way to get yourself up and going again.

            Eating right is the other part of the challenge.  Late nights, long rehearsals, and high stress levels almost always lead to snacking and fast food.  I know, and part of the reason I’m putting this down on paper is to hold myself accountable, since I can’t exactly say “do as I say, not as I do, as I eat this cheeseburger at 3am.”  While some degree of slips are inevitable, I challenge everyone to cook their own dinners, or bring pre-prepared salads, and do this for as long as possible.  Very quickly, you’ll notice that the temptation for those unhealthier foods goes away, as you really do feel better, and operate better.

            Finally, sleep.  I know, I know, “what is this ‘sleep’ you speak of?”  Obviously, some sleepless nights are unavoidable.  That’s life.  All I am encouraging each and every person to do is to avoid them where possible, and to be conscious of what you really need.  It is not a contest of “who can do the most shows with the least sleep,” because everybody loses in that scenario.  Be well rested, so you can do your job to the best of your ability.

            Taking care of your body through diet, exercise, and proper rest helps prevent you from getting sick or injured, and keeps you working longer and more effectively.  As has been a recurring motif in this blog, I encourage you to take this advice as needed, but more importantly, to just take a moment and consider what it means to you.  The more conscious you are of what your body needs, the better you can take care of it, and the better it can serve you.

This is not me.  Yet.

Inspired Design Inspires...Infinitely

This post actually comes from a suggestion of a friend, something they believed would be interesting to read, and will hopefully allow for a bit more insight into just who is writing this.

           

            What inspires me, personally, as an artist, and motivates me to pursue this particular career.

            I believe the heart of my answer would have to be the infinite capacity of people and places.  What, is that too vague and unclear?  Okay, let me try to explain.

            Starting with places, I am not simply inspired, but awed, by the world we live in.  I have been very fortunate in my life to have traveled and seen a wide spectrum of sights already.  I have seen different cities from London to Tokyo, and natural beauty from Thailand to Ireland.  What amazes me is how in my young life, how easily it has been for me to travel to these places, and how they all exist on the same world.  The more I see (and will continue to see for the rest of my life), the more I fall in love with planet Earth.  The natural beauty, combined with the manifestations of human will have created a spectacular sight.  Personally, however, I keep coming back to how incredible it is that all of these places, which could not be more varied, all exist together.  On top of that, each place means a million different things to each person-no two people are truly experiencing the same world.  Some see significance, some history, some live on the surface without taking in their surroundings, and so on.  The more I think about the world, and our ability to perceive it, the larger my own perceptions grow to attempt to take it all in, and the more profoundly thankful I am to be a part of it.

           

            Following this idea, I would not have a world to be moved by if not for the people who shape and inhabit it.  Just as the world can be seen and experienced as an infinite number of places, there exists this same, infinite capacity inside every person.  Simply put, every second of every person’s life is filled with a near-infinite number of choices.  Without going into the world of science fiction and comic book-parallel worlds, what this means to be is that we have an infinite number of chances to be amazing.  True, most decisions are things like, “blink now,” or “turn right instead of left,” but there still remains the possibility that at any moment, each of us has the ability to do something spectacular.  I choose to focus on the times when people behave magnificently, not because I am blind to the cruel and darker nature of the world -the atrocities and injustices that are occurring globally- but because each time a person does something good, it carries the ability to resonate.  We empathize with the terrors of the world, and feel terrible, but when we see an act of kindness, it provides hope that truly can connect with us.  So, in every second, of every day, every person-even those we look at as evil or monstrous-have the infinite potential to do something truly inspiring.  That is how I choose to see people, as an infinite source for the amazing.

            These are the things that keep me going.  In terms of more literal inspiration, I could never pin down a list of what inspires me as an artist.  Sometimes a deer in my yard is an annoyance, and another day, I could see that deer and smile, and want to capture the moment in a picture or painting.  The world, and the people in it, offer continuous and infinite inspiration to me.

            That is inspiration, is my motivation.  On a planet with an infinite number of worlds, I am lucky enough to have a career in which I get to create and add more.  I hope that, in my life, I make the most of each moment, and do inspiring work that makes as many other people as possible connect with something deeper, something good.

            In a nutshell, I believe that “inspired design…inspires.”

            Infinitely.

Oh, and since this is a long and personal post-here are funny pictures of me as a kid.

Meeting the Red Ranger...in Japan.  I'm the one he's holding, not the one making the stupid face.

Riding an elephant.  In Thailand.  Cool, right?

Every Piece is a Self Portrait...Of Yourself

Oddly enough, I have a hard time calling myself an “artist.”  I say it jokingly with friends and colleagues when discussing the hardships of life in the arts, or when I try to justify giving away pieces I’ve done as holiday gifts (see, this post is getting in the holiday spirit!).  However, if you ask me what I do for a living, I will say that I am a “Designer,” and can be stubbornly insistent upon the distinction.

            This is not to say that I am not an artist-I create and enjoy working on various art projects as a passion in my life, but, personally, I feel that in the hierarchy of my personality, being a “designer” includes my work as an “artist.”  

(HIERARCHY OF MY PERSONALITY!-----------------------v)

For me, making the conscious choice of one title over another is, in itself, an expression of my personality.  It should also be noted, that when I answer “designer,” I am not always addressing the question of what my job is.  I am a designer.  It is not just a job I do to make a living (because I’d be an idiot if that were the case, and should go to law school or something), it defines how I live in and see the world.

            I like to believe that I am an analytical and reasonable person, someone who can usually looked at to be logical and calm.  An asset I bring to my work, as I usually cope well with the high level of stress involved in the day-to-day realities of this career, and an ability to solve problems as they arise.  Yet, I have chosen to work in this field because I am also an extremely passionate man, who is unafraid of his emotions (a modern man, as they said…back in the 90’s).  I see beauty and tragedy in all aspects of life, and empathize easily, with which I apply sincerely to create work that is in itself beautiful and tragic.

            Also, I am hilarious.  Well, no, not really.  I’m clever?  I can’t say because that is an aspect that is not for me to decide, it is how I am viewed by other people.

            And now, far along in the post, we get to my point (sorry-you can start reading here if you don’t want to know about ME.  I won’t take it too personally [probably])

            As anyone who works in the art can tell you, it’s a people business.  After the first year or so, most of your work comes from recommendations, friends of friends, returning to clients who liked your work, etc.  The secret to understand is…talent is only part of the equation, and, many times, not the largest part.

            You’ve probably heard the old saying “no matter how good you are, somebody is always better.”  Well, that’s true, but also not entirely.  There is always somebody who is at least as good as you, looking for work, and it’s more about being different than being better. 

            So, as you can guess, if talent is relative, the best thing you can do for yourself is to excel at being awesome to work with.  Be as awesome as you can be to be around-at least at work, though, hopefully, you continue to be awesome at home.  Go out for a drink (even if you don’t, just don’t make it weird) with co-workers, be willing to discuss things outside the job, and just do your best to enjoy the experience.

            As in previous posts, a mantra of mine (developed through actually writing this blog) is that the more reflection and consideration you give to the different parts of your life, the better your work, and your life, in general, can be.

            Your work is a reflection of who you are, undeniably.  No matter how different each project is, you are putting a piece of yourself on display each time.  It is in your style, your choices, and the way you create; therefore it is undeniable.

            I just encourage you to do your best to ensure that the self-portrait you present in your work is as awesome as it can be. 

            Okay, I’m done saying awesome.

Awesome.

Shop Talk, Chapter 2: “Concepts”

            Albert Einstein once said, “if you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.”  The concept step in the process of design is what separates designers and artists from other people-the talent and honed skill of turning ideas and feelings into appropriate and artistic creations.

            Concept is the stage in which, after understanding an idea in an abstract sense, as discussed in the “Pre-Concepts” section, the designer produces research and sketches that solidly provide a clearer picture of the project. 

Referring back to the previous post, we saw this image, as a representation of the abstract “feeling” of the play, of darkness and intimidation.

In the concept phase, we see images such as these, which have taken the tone and grounded it with elements that will actual be used in the final product, and give a much clearer sense of where the design is going.

Also, it is important for the language of the discussion to continue to evolve.  As we continue to use this project, Westfield High School’s Richard III, as an example, the “Pre-Concept” stage started with the word “intimidating.”  In the “Concept” phase, the idea was expanded to include words such as “warehouse,” and “life-blood and vein colors-dark reds and blues,” and “broken, falling-apart.”  Now we have more concrete images that both parties agree on. This will make it easier to move into the actual creation of the design, and make the process move smoother since everyone will be working from the same pool of ideas.

It is important to remember that the “Concept” phase is still preliminary.  The more focus and clarity that can be gained from the “Pre-Concept” and “Concept” phase, the better the designer and client/director/producer will be able to move forward. 

The “Concept” can simply be explained as the step in which the designer and client both unify and agree on the same vision for the project.

The following steps in the design process, as one begins to actually construct the design itself, are made easier the more focus is given to the early thought process of a project’s identity.  The early drafts of a design should not be surprising as long as the proper amount of energy was put into these initial steps. 

It is this talent which is not inherent in everyone which calls people to become designers-this ability to translate feeling and idea into physical representations, and it should never be taken for granted or neglected, but sharpened like any other skill a designer utilizes during their career.

As always, I do not believe these ideas are limited to the design world.  Be it personal relationships, arguments, or any scenario involving multiple individuals, early and clear establishment and agreement of subject and language will help one to arrive at a better outcome sooner, and with a higher chance of pleasing all parties involved.

No one wins if two people have one fight due to each person having different interpretations or understandings of what they are fighting for.  Take a moment in your life to consider how things began, and be more conscious of your choice of words and feelings.

Where Do We Go From Here?

“We were given two eyes for a reason.  One to see and experience every day, and another to keep watch on the horizon.” 

These were the words of an old Irish veteran I met during a trip I took backpacking through Ireland, and they still resonate with me today. 

I am all about living in the moment, and enjoying every day as it comes, as many people are.  I also recognize that it is easy to allow that to become a sort of excuse to avoid thinking about the future, and I put a great deal of effort into making sure I do not fall into that trap. 

You don’t need to plan out your entire life to the letter, and create a timeline for when you want to get married or have kids, but it is both healthy and helpful to have general goals and ambitions, instead of just expecting life to take you where it takes you-at least, professionally. 

Personally, I know I want my future and career to include graduate school in the near future, getting involved in industrial/event design work eventually, and becoming a professor somewhere down the line.  These goals are specific, concrete ideas that provide me with drive to keep improving and growing.  I want to get into a good MFA program, so I work at improving my basic skills and craft.  I want to get involved in event/industrial design, so I read articles about them and create folders of my ideas.  I want to teach, so I want to learn as much as I can now to be the best educator as I can.  Each goal does not weigh me down as some fixed point on a timeline; they inspire me to reach for them when the time is right.

Not only does looking to the future provide me with motivation, but it reinforces my commitment to what I’ve chosen to do.  I believe that if I can so clearly see these things I want in life, and the fact that they all lie in my chosen career, that what I am doing is working.  I am on a path with things to look forward to. 

Thinking about my career in this way has also inspired a pet project of mine, that I know is far off in my future, but I am excited about (Project: Outside the Lines- keep reading this blog and one day I’ll explain it!).

All that said, carpe diem.  If life offers you an unexpected opportunity, seize it.  Be fluid and confident in your goals, but don’t ever let them stop you from doing something extraordinary.  I encourage you to take a moment to think about what you want, professionally and personally, but don’t put a clock on those dreams. 

Keep one eye in today, another on the future, and simply watch where you are going.

"Maiden's View," Ireland 2008 

Collaboration

Design for entertainment and events is, above all else, a collaborative art.  That is it’s greatest strength, and sometimes one of it’s greatest challenges.  Work is the result of collective ideas, and it is the duty of a designer to consider all perspectives of everyone involved, spearheaded by their own design skill and training, to create a product that meets everyone’s needs.

I wanted to discuss this aspect of the job, because I was reminded of how important it is just the other day during a meeting for an upcoming production.  The project is Forum Theatre’s “The Language Archive,” which will open in Washington, D.C. on February 16, 2011. 

The other night was an early production meeting for the show, and I had only read the script several hours earlier, so I had not yet become comfortable enough to offer too many of my own insights yet-but this afforded me a fantastic opportunity to really absorb all the ideas and discussion.  The conversation took place between the director, scenic designer, and costume designer, and the majority of the time was used discussing the abstract ideas of the play, not getting to specific scenic or costume questions until the very end, and even then, those elements were only discussed in a conceptual manner.

It was the type of conversation that reinvigorates an artist.  Each person in the room had their own vision, but none were fighting to convince the others; they were contributing pieces and helping to create a central idea.  The free flowing nature of the discussion, where all ideas were heard, grown, abandoned, and understood provided for an energy that is indescribable.

I have intentionally stayed away from going into specifics of what was discussed-but the following are a few phrases, questions, and ideas to give you an example of the engaging and unique discussion we had:

“Repeating without becoming redundant”

“What does sound look like?”

“What does language look like?”

Decaying leaves and the autumnal nature of life

Safe to say, I am excited for this project, and seeing how it continues to evolve with all the talented people.