Keep Working

In Chapter 10 of Steal Like an Artist I was reminded of the importance of working hard but still creatively. When creative work comes limitations mean freedom. There are no limitations. Do what you feel is right and what you like to do with the materials you are provided with. There shouldn't be excuses for not trying something out. Constraints can help you be creative by pushing you to develop something bigger starting with something smaller. For example, Dr. Seuss initially wrote The Cat and The Hat with 236 words. He was constrained by his editor to write it in 50 words and that lead to one of the most popular children's book of all time. Sometimes being constrained helps us get our point and work across better. 

Editing photography with cool effects has been something I wanted to do. This was a test shot for my project 4 collaboration. I was only given one photograph so I decided to add fire to each hand to give a surreal superhero look.

Be Active

In chapter 9 of Steal Like An Artist, the author Austin Kleon talks about the importance of staying active. He also talks about staying out of debt and enjoying the job you do. It also talks about the importance of marrying well. A good partner motivates you and believes that you can accomplish any goal you set your mind to. Throughout my routine I like to stay very active. Its also very repetitive but its also because I'm pursuing long term goals that I've set up. From the time I wake up at 5:30am I am already active. I head to my job at a large factory called Libman. Yes it isn't the greatest job because the pay isn't what I want but I am also a part-timer and it has its benefits. I like to look at the positives in every situation because in truth, it could always be worse. For example, the job works around my school schedule every semester so when I have class I can clock-out earlier. However, when I don't have class I am there until 3:30pm. As soon as I leave work I head home and change to gym apparel. At this point I'm very exhausted but I motivate myself at times by watching motivational videos, or looking at gym memes. I leave the gym around 6:30 and head home to eat, shower, and work on homework or projects. Usually the only free time that I have is the weekend, but even then I still try to maintain an active life. I don't like to stay in and nap all the time because I feel like once I start doing that I find it harder to go back to my routine. I think an active routine benefits greatly. It lets the mind be more active as well and its also better for your health. I don't currently have a calendar to keep organized but I think its something to explore from reading the book. I think being orderly helps being creative because it gives you time to think ahead at what coming and reminds you to keep an open mind. I think a log book can help be more creative by looking back on past events that occurred that helped your mind develop ideas. For example, if you found a book, site, or even a place that inspired you, it would be a good idea to write it in your logbook to look back on. I don't have a logbook currently but I will use it for the week and add it to my next homework assignment.

Make Friends Ignore Enemies

In chapter 8 of Steal Like An Artist I was reminded of the importance of surrounding yourself with positive people. The type of people that you look up to and want to learn from. It is important to surround yourself with these people in order to grow and become better. Many people find themselves getting hurt with negative comments and we should learn to ignore and erase those from our lives. Its important to use your energy on your work instead of trying to please someone else that feeds off of negativity. If you focus on the positive comments your work will benefit. You will develop more confidence and find yourself too busy to care about the negative comments. This chapter talks a lot about the difference between what people would say in person to online. Many people can be twice as hurtful online so it is important to be able to block out those naysayers. Following positive people can help your creativity. It can lead people to be inspired by what they have done. They will serve as role models to you and you will benefit from following them. I follow many positive people such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Will Smith, and Cristiano Ronaldo to name a few. These people share many positive stories of what hard work and dedication does. I think that is important when scrolling through a news feed on Facebook for example, coming across a positive post makes a big impact. It gets the mind thinking and sparks motivation.

Letter:

Dear Mr. Ronaldo,

I am writing this letter to thank you for the positive impact that you have had in my life. I greatly look up to you because of your hard work and determination. I strongly admire that you started from struggling in a small neighborhood to becoming the best soccer player in the world for 3 years. It shows great determination and inspires me. I appreciate all the good stories and posts you share. They are a good reminder of what you can become with hard work and dedication. Thank you for being a good role model and having a positive impact in my life.

Thanks,

Homero Garza

Cristiano Ronaldo