Dream On

My name is Travis and I'm a dreamer...

Yes, it's true, and I can't help it. I only know how to think "outside the box". I constantly aspire to be more than I am. I'm not satisfied working day in and day out for someone else's dreams. I have too many of my own.

People tell me I need to "grow up" or that I should settle for what's "obtainable". They tell me to get a "real job" and that I need to own up to my responsibilities. "That's life" they say. "Get used to it" they say. My friends and family, the ones closest to me are the biggest advocates for this. Not that they don't love and support me. They just can't help but try to keep me grounded. They call me a "Dreamer".

A Dreamer....

Like it's a bad thing.

Dreamer...

Like I've got some bad habit I need to kick.

Why can't they see it? Why can't they understand? Dreamers are the only ones that ever do. They create what has never been created. They accomplish what others say can't be done. They are the ones responsible for anything with any significance. Look at any notable figure throughout history. All Dreamers. Good or bad, it all starts with a dream.

If anything, the world needs more dreamers. We need to encourage those who would venture forth into the unknown to do something that has never been done. Where would we be if not for the like of these? We can't let ourselves be responsible for putting out that fire within another. We need to stoke the flames! Ignite the passion within one another. If there's anything that separates us from animals it's our ability to dream. Our innate ability to aspire to be something aside from what we are. For without that we're nothing but drones drudging about from one menial task to another.

So be a Dreamer! And be proud of it! For whether you are acknowledged now or in the history books of future generations, you'll never be if you don't let yourself dream.

Analysis Paralysis

This is something I suffer from a lot. I'll find myself with so many ideas or projects but no idea which one to work on. A large portion of this comes from the fact that it's sometimes very difficult to know what will yield the greatest return/ benefit. Or if there will be any benefit at all. Sometimes I feel like I've got a super great idea for an art piece. I feel that by completing it I will excel to the next level of my career. Perhaps it will be so profound that I will finally achieve the notoriety that all artists strive for in their careers. However as with most cases, once finished and put out in the world I will often get little more than a fleeting glance.

Now I'm not complaining. I mean every step forward no matter how small is still a step forward. Which is the only direction I care to go. But that's not to say that it can't be discouraging at times. There are art pieces that I literally pour my heart and soul into. They are a literal extension of my inner being thrust upon canvas and displayed for all to judge. Yet people look at them for all of two seconds then continue on with their lives unphased. It's hard not to take that personally although I do have to say that I've become quite good at it. More of a desensitization rather than symbol of my maturity however.

This is why it's so hard though... I want so bad to do something noteworthy. Something people stop and say "Hey, wow, That's interesting!". And for it to really resonate. I want to be one of those artists whose work people can't help but share with their friends. It's just so hit and miss. So when it comes time to deciding what to work on next I often am hit with hesitation, not wanting to invest time in something that's not going to achieve ideal results.

The Answer for this is just to do... Regardless of whether or not the results will be there. There's simply never a guarantee they will be. If I sit around trying to think up or decide upon what's the absolute most effective use of my time and ability I will likely never create anything and therefore waste both. The only way is to push forward into the unknown, hoping the rest will follow. That's actually why I began writing this blog... It's a form of "doing". And here is a gem of wisdom for ya; As long as you keep on doing you will get stuff done! Yes, that's right I'm quite the genius, I know.

So that's my plan... Do stuff.. So if you sometimes wonder why some of my creations/ ventures make no sense, it's because they don't have to. I just need to "do" them.

 Until next time
Don't hate, [ART]iculate!

Another Day, Another D'oh!!

Figures.... Just when things seem to be looking up, that's when I get hit in the face with life. Now don't get me wrong. I'm a very positive person, and it will take a lot more than a few bumps in the road to halt this journey. I have a high level of tenacity and never give up. Even when sometimes it's best that I do...

Anyway, it just seems that circumstances like the ones I'm about to describe are far too common in my life. But again, this is not to gain pity or any hand outs. This is just to maintain the reality of this blog. *Stuff* happens. It's not always good, happy life is amazing stuff although that is exactly what keeps me moving forward. And as I have mentioned previously, this blog is an unabashed and honest look at my experiences existing as an artist.

You may remember me saying that one of my sources of income is as a graphic designer. This is a significant blessing to me as it provides a certain amount of stability to my income. Generally speaking work as a graphic artist is much more consistent than that of a traditional artist. At least in today's day and age. There's just so many online and print publications that use these services that it just comes a lot easier. Actually I just landed a job working for a local discount coupon magazine. This is big because it's a small but consistent pay check. However it seems that no sooner did I acquire this employment that my computer decided it doesn't want to work anymore. At least not reliably. As a matter of fact, it would be a miracle if I make it through writing this blog without it crashing.

Luckily for me one of my good friends is a computer repair specialist. Now that doesn't mean I have all my repair needs handled for free. But at least he's someone I can trust and is flexible with his work time and schedule. Also he is willing to trade some repair service for some ad time on The Chalkmobile! So overall there are certain benefits to the connection for both of us.

Speaking of The Chalkmobile however... it is in dire need of some TLC! The poor van is starting to show it's age. I feel like I'm in a race against time. What's going to happen first? Will it really take off and become a genuine viable source of self sustaining income? Or will it break down before I have the funds to maintain it?.. I'm a single father of 3 so these questions plague me daily. But in the end all I can do is keep going. I'll never know it's true potential unless I keep pushing forward. And like I said, I never give up! I've always got by through prayer, hard work and determination. Nothing is going to change that. And if I could be any example to my children it would be just that.

Well what do ya know, I made it through writing this post. Maybe things are looking up after all.

Until next time
Don't hate, [ART]iculate!

Networking is Key

Today I spent some time at the Community Expo put on by the Glendora Chamber of Commerce. Okay, okay... I spent the WHOLE time at the Community Expo. And let me tell ya, I'm glad I did. I met a lot of great people and am excited about what will come from that. I knew it would be smart for me to go down there and promote myself a little bit, but I had no idea what benefits would start to present themselves.

I went there expecting to introduce myself to some of the local businesses and hand out some cards. Then return home and hope the effort would eventually pay off. Instead I found myself really connecting to people. As a matter of fact, I almost didn't have enough time to hit every booth! Everyone was very friendly and interested in The Chalkmobile. I couldn't have asked for a better experience.

I think one of the best aspects regarding The Chalkmobile is how it allows me to be more involved in the community. In turn it thrives on that involvement. After today I not only feel more involved than ever but also have a clear direction I am heading toward being even more so. The Chalkmobile will no longer just be that crazy van people see driving around... I mean it still will be... But in addition there will be even more interaction with it!

I won't be giving away too much more just yet. Just be sure that you are going to see a lot more of it in the coming months. Including art, advertising, community events and collaborative efforts with local businesses. I can't wait till you see what I'm chalkin' up next!

Until next time
Don't hate, [ART]iculate!

Inspiring Young Artists

As an art teacher I pride myself in not only delivering the "how to" process but also taking opportunities to show the students the applicable side of art. For instance last year I had the honor of illustrating the children's book And Teddy Too with my brother who happens to be a writer. I would bring it in and show it to the students. They really enjoyed seeing a tangible example of where a passion for art could lead them.

This year I am doing something similar with The Chalkmobile only this time more interactive. Not only am I showing them one more facet in which art can be applied but I'm also inviting them to take part in a special design contest. They are able to actually submit designs for a chance to have their work featured on the actual vehicle. That's also available to absolutely anyone. You can learn more about it here.

Meanwhile, at home there's my own kids. My oldest Amber (10) often tells me how much she wants to be an artist just like me when she grows up. I feel that this is pretty common with kids to want to be what their parents are no matter what. At least at this age.... But I can't help but see an opportunity here. She spends an awful lot of her time drawing and then trying to sell her work to family members. She usually doesn't charge real money but every once in a while that's exactly what she gets.

She has come to me countless times asking if I would put her work up for sale on any of the venues I use. My initial instinct is to to say no. Not only is it not what you would traditionally see for sale in these places but also I feel the need to shelter her from some of the difficult aspects of the art world. There tends to be a a lot of rejection. As a matter of fact an artist will almost always encounter more "Nos" than "Yeses". It's simply the harsh reality of the art world.

However, I got to thinking and I started noticing the benefits of letting her try. It's much like letting them participate in any type of competitive sport. There will always be losses and defeat. That's a fact of life. It's our job as parents to be there for our kids through those times to encourage them to keep going and not give up. After all, that's where all the reward comes from. You can't ever win if you don't try. When you fail at something it presents a unique opportunity to grow and improve. Maybe now is as good of a time as ever to begin easing her into that cycle.

Who knows? Maybe she'll be the next big thing in the art world. I'm not about to sit here try to sell her as a savant but honestly speaking she is very talented. More so artistically than I was at her age. And I only see that talent growing as she does. Any money she brought in would go straight into her savings and/or be monitored and spent wisely. Which allows her to learn about making mature financial decisions earlier rather than later. That's a benefit generally not present in youth sports.

I guess the bottom line is that I can see the learning potential in her doing this. And I would rather believe in her and be wrong than not believe in her and be right.

I'd be happy to hear your thoughts on this.

Until next time,
Don't hate, [ART]iculate!