#twobitart

I think Scott McCloud said it best: "Learn from everyone, follow no one, watch for patterns, work like hell." I believe by "watch for patterns" he means be aware of what's trending in popular culture - if not, it's still good to pay attention to that sort of thing.

Neil Gaiman's speech I mentioned is really good. You really have to listen to it carefully, but I listen to it at least once every week or two to remind myself: http://youtu.be/ikAb-NYkseI

There's always going to be someone better than you. There are people less known than myself who are loads more skilled. As much as I feel bad for them, I am completely grateful to have more renown, because they would destroy me in the open market. ;) Never consider yourself better than anyone - consider instead that you are merely in a better position, or that they are. Talent makes you lazy, skill means you're a hard worker.

As far as the art end goes - do not be afraid to copy, to imitate, and to flat out remix anything you see fit as long as you're learning. Obviously, never take credit for it, as that's stealing ;) But I'm of the mind that using what you need in order to learn should take precedence over everything. Draw every day - as often as possible. Draw on your lecture notes, draw on your required reading books for school, draw on your desk (don't get caught), draw while riding the bus, draw the people and places around you. Question everything. How does it walk? What does it like to eat? Why is its hair red? It doesn't matter if you are unable to figure out the real answers - make up your own, it's often more fun! :)

Also, have fun! If you're not having fun - you're not doing what you love. There can be fun in the mundane and beauty in flaws, you just have to find it. Make mistakes and laugh.

Hopefully, that email made his day and maybe he got something helpful from it. Even if he didn't - I did. All this wisdom I'd come across from people more learned and worldly than myself was now conveniently stored in one place.

  I'd rather learn from someone who is awed and fascinated by all things and has the creativity and patience to say something constructive about poop than someone who only dismissively calls it s**t.