My Children's Book Project- A Tip of the Hat to Mary Blair

Words and Image by David Finley, additional image by Mary Blair

Page 1 of ABC, Witch! illustrated by me, David Finley

 I'll bet you didn't know the letter "B" had a mustache. Recently, my friend Jonathan and I started working on a Children's book tentatively titled, "ABC, Witch!" It's a fun project I've approached with very basic shapes and textures to appeal to the sensibilities of younger children, who are the targeted audience.

 Admittedly, it's also the closest in style I've ever worked to the art of Mary Blair, my favorite artist. So, I would be a real buttnose if I didn't take the opportunity to pay tribute to her for what she taught me and inspired me to create.

 If you are an artist interested in children's books or animation at all, you've no doubt heard of her. For the rest of you, here is a peek:

3 Caballeros art by Mary Blair

You can look at her work for days without growing tired of it. It's deceptively complex while appearing quite simple. Her work is timeless, continuing with each passing generation to inspire hoards of emerging illustrators and animation professionals.

 So, I say thank you to Mary Blair. I would not know half of what I know about creating illustrations if I had never studied her amazing and charming illustrations.

 To see more of her work you can visit this online gallery.

Thanks so much for reading!

-David

The Benefits of Being Filthy Rich

by David Finley

 I've never been rich, and I don't want to make any assumptions, but most of you are probably in the same boat. In the past, being rich was never very important to me. Maybe you're the same. Perhaps you always thought just being able to do something you love, or even just like, and able to cover your living expenses was enough.

 Well, you're wrong. It's way better to be rich. When I say rich, I don't mean comfortable. I mean 'donate a million dollars to the children's hospital' rich. Billionaires are funding private space programs, looking at mining asteroids, and planning trips to mars. You could go to Mars!

 With vast amounts of wealth you can make a difference in the world. You could build schools in impoverished African nations, revolutionize the internet, raise social awareness for various causes, fund research in disease prevention, and best of all, get showered with free gifts from other rich people.

 Rich people get colleges named after them. How awesome is that? They get to eat consistently good food, wear clothes that aren't threadbare in places, and never worry about gas prices making them skip an outing they had planned and were looking forward to. When you're rich, you can freely buy that gluten free bread that costs so much.

 You might tell yourself the same thing about being rich that I always have. Perhaps you tell yourself there are huge drawbacks. It's a lot of responsibility to manage that much money. It might corrupt you until you are transformed into the kind of person you would not admire on this side of things.

 That's why you should make good objectives for your wealth and have solid accountability partners who will tell you the solid gold toilet and the endangered panther fur carpet you have your eye on are no-nos.

 It may be a pipe dream, but I'm planning now. When or if I become rich, I want to establish a series of high quality art programs and scholarships for kids who show merit in art, but don't necessarily have geographic or economic means to pursue the arts. I hope all of you will hold me accountable to my vision should my economic status dramatically change from good to obscenely wealthy.

 I'd be happy to do the same for you.

 One final note: if you are rich and reading this, I hope you are making a difference where you can. If you've already purchased that solid gold toilet, don't fret. We can probably still get a good price for it even if it's used. Just get someone like Oprah or Paul McCartney to use it at least once, first.

Thanks for reading!

-Dave, Grand Poobah of all Scofflaws.

P.S. If anyone would like to help me on my road to obscene wealth you can start by either contacting me for a commission or visit my shop and purchase some prints.

What are you so Afraid of?

by David Finley

 What are you afraid of?

 Zombies, robot vampires, televangelists ... There are all sorts of things we enjoy being afraid of when we watch television and go to the movies. They make our real fears seem less imminent and more digestible. But, what about those common everyday fears?

 Do you suffer from social anxieties? Are you afraid of putting yourself out there only to be laughed at? Or maybe you are afraid that you really aren't as creative as you thought you were; that your entire identity has been tied up in a lie.

 Unfortunately, those fears will smother your creative spirit, bounding it in cold iron shackles and prison walls. Your creative identity can and will die in that prison unless you rescue it.

 But, here's my confession: I'm afraid, too. Even as I write this, a choir of doubt sings a chorus of discord. I'm afraid that my words aren't connecting with you, and my writing isn't helping anyone. I'm afraid the original art I draw and post with all my articles will just be ignored. You think my art sucks. I'll never sell anything again. I'll run out of ideas.

 You might feel that way, too. Yet, there is hope, and hope is a great and powerful thing. Hope grows wings, breaking your shackles and lifting you from the prison walls.

The Great Equalizer

 A few years ago I came to realize just how much alike we all are. Everyone at some point has spent a night sitting on a toilet with tears streaming down his or her face, suffering the great and humiliating rigors of diarrhea, begging God to make it stop. I call it the great equalizer. It's the realization that eventually gave me the courage to ask my wife out when we first met. (by the way, my wife claims to have never experienced the great equalizer, but I am dubious)

 It means no one else is any better than you. Whether it is Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway, or John Lennon, the great equalizer affected them all, and like you and me, they struggled with doubt and anxiety, too.

Overcoming the Fear

 Even after these realizations, you will still have fear, but my hope is you will work through your fear and persevere anyway. What you dream about can be achieved. It all starts one day at a time allowing failure and success to both wash over you. Failure just means you tried.

 My fears have held me back in the past, but I refuse to let them hold me back anymore. I write this to you in spite of my doubts and I keep drawing in spite of the rejection that might be waiting out there. Believe me when I say I am definitely no better than you.

 Now go chase your dreams, and let your creativity fly free.

 Thanks for reading, Scofflaws!

-Dave, Grand Poobah of all Scofflaws

The Children's Illustration of David Finley

by David Finley

When food goes bad

Anger

The Bear who hated his job

Carl and the honey bees.

Dennis Dinosaur's delighfully destructive day.

Dennis Dinosaur has a tea party

Epic- Dennis Dinosaur versus Chimpan-Steve!

Past the unicorns, across the Yoo Hoo sea

OJ for my Hoe-Jay!

Little owl- letterpress style

Not again!

Pinkerton Snake is stuck in a tree. Go get help Skelly!

Two at sea- Bucket and Skelly

Musical Dinosaurs make thunder in the weather factory

Gumba- Mario's least dangerous foe.

Reach- Your dreams are closer than you think

Why You Won't Ask For What You Really Want

by David Finley

 Being an artist in this lean economy is pretty hard work. It's increasingly difficult to find buyers who have the expendable income to pay for art. The work you do has to be truly remarkable, standing out from a sea of your peers.

 Yet it seems there are artists out there who are selling a good deal of their material. What is their secret? Are they just more prolific, or is it *gasp* they are just more talented than you?

 Here's a spoiler: It's not about talent. Often it comes down to confidence. How many galleries do you approach? How many publishers? Are you establishing good relationships out there? People who like you are far more likely to buy from you. People who trust you are even more likely to do so.

 What you really want is for people to buy your work so you can continue doing what you love for a living. So what's stopping you from asking for it?

Your Lack of Confidence is Stopping You

 It's likely you undervalue yourself and your work. Because you lack confidence, you hold back as you try to make new friends and meet potential clients. Remember that gallery open house where you and your friend Sue sat in the corner sipping wine, looking like scared mice at the cat convention? Did you talk with any of the artists whose work was on display? Did you mention to the gallery owner how much their collection appeals to you and what you're trying to accomplish with your own work?

 As long as you undervalue your work, it will never get the attention or chance to be seen it deserves.

 So, make new friends in the art community with confidence. (Nice to meet you!) Let people know about your online store. (hint: click the shop link at the top of my page) Ask for that appointment to speak with a gallery representative. Ask people to "Like" your Facebook page. Trust me when I say there is art out there that's not even half as good as your work that has been sold because of confidence.

 Go out there and ask for what you really want.

-Dave

The Fun of Being an Arty Farty Know-It-All

by David Finley

 Snobbery is delightful.

 Injecting your knowledge where it isn't wanted is even better, but what tops it all, is lording your artistic and creative superiority over the common person.

Finding a Place

 That's why you became an artist in the first place. Admit it. You noticed pretty early on you were a bit different from the other kids at school. Being creative and, what was it your uncle called it? Oh yeah, "quirky". Being quirky can be a lonely road to travel. Sometimes you got other kids to like you more by drawing things for them. Even though you knew it was cheap to use your art in exchange for false friendship, it was better than rejection.

 Now it's all changed and you can show those uncultured hillbillies just how much better than them you have become.

How to be an Arty-Farty Know-it-all

 In art school you found your purpose learning about artists like Giacometti, Cezanne', and Chagall. Now, you discuss the impact of Fauvism over coffee with your artist friends as if you are discussing the weather. and banter about how the nuclear bomb birthed the art of Rothko and Pollock. It feels good to be a member of the elite, set apart from the common man. You spew out a few more artists names.

Admittedly, you threw out a few obscure names in addition to the famous ones just so you might have the opportunity to don your crown of intellectual superiority. Happily, the crown fits beautifully. A contented sigh escapes your lips.

 You're practically a hero.

 From time to time, a friend who isn't an artist mentions he might like to see your work, you make sure to let him know you would be happy to show him your work in person so you can explain it to him. After all, it is quite complicated, and yes, you did attend art school so it might be outside of his realm of taste. You then complain how your work needs to be in more urban areas where the audience is cultured enough to appreciate it more even though you are aware your friend lives nowhere near a big city.


Dealing with the Common Man (A.K.A. your Customer)

 For a brief moment you consider the possibility of doing work the local audience might relate to and connect with a bit more, but luckily, you remember that pandering to the masses is what those lousy 'commercial' artists do. You are a fine artist, part of an elite group of creative purists that make expressive works that truly matter.

 But what could come from high art society breaking down walls to welcome the common person in on the discussion?

 Educating the average person more on art, which, if you're being completely truthful, isn't really that complicated or difficult to grasp, also occurs to you. Art is more about interaction than complex technical formulas. It provokes emotional reactions.

If the average person understood contemporary art in a way they could relate to and understand, they not only could join in the discussion, but they would probably be more eager to buy your work and the work of other artists, as well. Then you wouldn't be laboring in relative poverty as you waited for a rich collector or museum curator to finally notice you. More people buying art because of a dawn of new understanding could create a society that is more art friendly as a whole. They might even start funding more art programs in schools again if an increased number of people became interested. By giving up an elitist superiority complex, a whole realm of possibilities open up.

 But, that idea is just stupid.

 You once again come to terms with your own misunderstood genius. Sure, your brilliance makes it easy to grasp the high mind of the art world. You went to Art School. The common person is not capable of truly experiencing art. And while we are at it, who would teach these people anyway? You? Heck, no!

 You need that time to make your next masterpiece.

-Dave

The Importance of Doodling

by David Finley
 It's 1:30pm. Your high school world history teacher is on day three of her lecture on the life of a feudal peasant in 15th century Britain as a post lunch malaise is laid on you like a comfortable blanket.

 Her incessant droning is now sounding more like a lullaby than a history lesson, so you do the only thing you can think of before you fall comatose into the classroom floor.

 You doodle.

 At first it's simple, but it starts to grow, making the lecture on peasantry far more easy to digest. Oh, peasants were generally called serfs, who lived on and farmed lands belonging to Lords who had land granted to them by the King. Worlds come alive as your pen whizzes across your notebook filled with pages quickly becoming a living residence to the likes of Mickey Mouse and Spider-man as he fights off Gormouth the living Poop Monster.

 Then a ruler slaps down on your drawing, startling you from a trance where you earnestly were digesting the lecture while simultaneously fending off the sweet lullaby of boredom induced sleep. You follow the ruler up a tense arm, across boney shoulders, then up a weathered and frowning face, until your eyes meet the disapproving glare of your teacher. She peers at you from behind a pair of glasses she has worn since the Nixon administration and snatches your drawing from your desk.

"Pay attention." she says, as she crumples up both Spider-man and Gormouth the living Poop Monster depositing them into the waste bin.


The Reputation of Doodling
  Doodling gets a bad rap, when in reality it can be a very positive thing. Artists across the planet know this instinctively. Sunni Brown talks about this in a TED Talks lecture in a far more intelligent way than I could here. So I'm going to let her do the talking. Check out her talk here:



Remember to hold your head high Scofflaws, and doodle away!

-Dave, Grand Poobah of all Scofflaws

P.S. I've recently signed up with Google's affiliate program, which will add a bit of advertising to my site, but I promise that I will try to just include products I believe in or would use myself. For instance, I have used and have had a lot of success with Prismacolor markers. So, I feel comfortable recommending other artists buy a set like the one below. Click the image below for more information.

3 Ways Facebook is Making You a Better Artist

by David Finley

I drew this for my profile picture to get attention.

 Facebook.

You've read countless smarty-farty articles about the Social Media one-eyed giant and the humongous ball-crushing power it hasl. It makes sense. Facebook is the #2 website in the world second only to Google itself. Yet, I don't intend to talk about Facebook as a marketing tool. Nope.

 You may not realize it, but Facebook is improving your art skills, and I will prove it.

3 Ways Facebook is Making You

(Yes You!)

a Better Artist.

Now before you start mouthing off about this, look at that picture there of me as a Muppet. Do I look like I'm in the mood for your objections? No? Good.

 First off, it's not because Facebook sometimes features links to art tutorials. Those are nice and they might even help, but Facebook isn't exactly the best source to compile that sort of information. No, it's more that Facebook is very public, which brings us to reason one:
.
1. Accountability

 You fancy yourself a talented artist, and why not? You've been published, and have had a few semi successful shows in a few local galleries. You want others to know what is happening in your career so you set up shop on Facebook. Before long, you not only have a personal profile, but you've taken the initiative to give your followers a fan page specifically dedicated to your work.

 But in this public forum, your work will drown in if you don't keep updating it with new art and material. What's more, if you don't produce your best work, you will look like a total wang in front of Jill, that girl you had a crush on back in high school and worse, Brian, the bully who used to call your drawings gay before punching you in the kidney. (Why did you accept his friend request anyway?) It's a matter of reputation and consistency. Worse, there's something more on the line:

2. Your Ego

 Facebook is like a virtual fridge to put your favorite new drawings on. "Thirsty for milk, Dad? Look at my drawing of a giraffe I made with this vintage civil war fountain pen that you forbade me to touch!" (Mom "likes" this.)

 You don't want to admit it, but as Grand Poobah of this Haven and a self professed artist myself, I know your scofflaw secrets. Deep down in the darkest parts of your artistic soul, there is a craven and self absorbed ego monster that loves attention. If you deny it ask yourself whether you've ever visited Facebook more than four times in one day to see if anyone has commented on your new Ninja Turtle drawing. You get two more scofflaw points if you smugly expected the response comments to number more than ten .

 Just like accountability, your ego will also keep you working at 2 am just so you can post your picture on time for what marketers advise to be the best traffic hours. You will labor tirelessly to better your skills when you discover Scott, the guy who had his easel across from yours in your college Drawing 3 class just signed a five book children's illustration contract. Moreover, your ego wants to be accepted and liked by other artists. Just admit it.

 However, like any wild beast, even ego must sleep from time to time, and for a fortunate group that opens up a third way to better your artistic skills:

3. Creative Collaboration

 Eventually, you realize it is possible to branch beyond the scope of your current group and see Facebook as a vehicle to interact with artists you admire. Remember all those Batman comics you used to read? Well the guy that drew them just accepted your friend request because he saw you were a fellow artist. What's more, he "likes" your fan page, and even commented on some of your art. As Eugene Levey would say, "Your cool points are out the window..."

 Now you have a unique opportunity to create a dialogue, not only about your work, but the art of others. All that talking back and forth can strengthen your week spots and inspire you to take greater risks because you now have champions to encourage and advise you.

See the note on the picture above and replace the word "profile" with "timeline cover".

 As you can see, I've proven my point beautifully. If you keep using Facebook, you will see a dramatic increase in your artistic skill. Now if you'll excuse me, there's a picture of Darth Vader getting kicked in his baby maker by Kermit the Frog that needs to be posted to my timeline soon.

Thanks for reading!

-Dave

Artistic Nude Figure Drawing- Artistic Tradition or Scandal?

by David Finley
What comes to your mind when you hear the words, "nude figure drawing"?

 Do you equate those words with neon lit signs that say "Live Nude Girls" or club marques that say "We Bare All"? Perchance, might you picture an over-crowded sin filled room of leering male artists, eye pawing the delicate flesh of a young girl who has thrown away her self esteem to pay for college? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then I say welcome. This open letter is for you, friend:

 Dear Sir or Madam,

 I'm sure you've heard the usual defenses: "Artists look at the nude human body much in the same academic and objective way a doctor does." "There's nothing sexual about the study of the nude form in an academic setting." "Studying the nude female and male form in a live sitting is the only way to train the mind to understand the composition and visual make-up of the form."

 To these arguments you say, "Phooey and fiddlesticks! That rubbish won't turn my moral compass."

 I hear you. We artists are after all a bunch of scofflaws, which is why this Haven was started in the first place.

 Let me be the first artist to applaud your virtue, but also let me pose a question if I might... Are you being completely, totally, and one hundred percent fair in your opinion of nude figure drawing?

 I will concede you might be. In which case, you've attended these figure drawing sessions in person, judged them for yourself, noticed a good majority of the artists are women, not men, and still thought lust an issue as you meticulously drew a foot, laboring fervently to get the placement and shape just right. I must say, your commitment to detail and self examination makes me like you all the more.

 Of course you didn't form your opinion based on TV shows or movies either, which glamorize and sexualize the experience, showing a fantasy world where the artist woos his diamond necklace adorned model in a tawdry affair. You're far too savvy to have fallen for that. Besides, your virtue is too ironclad to allow you to watch movies like that in the first place. It's obvious you formed your opinion carefully, without preconception.

 Indeed, I can hardly contain the sunburst my respect for you has become. So, I fold my hands in surrender. I will no longer endeavor to persuade you away from the concept that it is a  shameful notion to pursue the study of life drawing and its associated moral depravities.

 I should thank you for saving me many future headaches.

 Ever your friend,

 The Artist

Dennis Dinosaur vs. Chimpan-Steve

by David Finley

  Just a simple update today with another Dennis piece. Once I get about ten of these in this series done, I'd like to start really looking at publishing as an option.

 Eventually, I'll devote a series of articles on my blog here toward chronicling my journey towards children's books. Hopefully, my own journey will help you aspiring illustrators in your own pursuits and you won't have to stumble through it like I have.

-Dave

Dr. Sketchy at the Cameron Art Museum

by David Finley

 This past Friday I attended the Dr. Sketchy figure drawing session at the Cameron Art Museum. I can't tell you enough what a fantastic time I had there, drawing, meeting local artists and gallery owners, and just having a fun being in a really unique atmosphere.

 The concept behind a "Dr. Sketchy" session revolves around a specific theme instead of just body study. The models dress in different costumes and pose situationally while you draw them. There's an element of performance art meeting standard posing.

 For this particular session, the theme was the disco era, studio 54.

 I've never attended a figure drawing session that served alcoholic beverages or had a DJ working before, but after getting used to it, the volume of the music actually helps you drown out distractions and focus.

 It was the kick in the pants I've been needing to do some good old traditional medium work, i.e. charcoal, conte', and ink. I've had a lot of success working digitally lately, but before Friday's session I had been hitting a wall with more standard materials.

 The whole experience reminded me again just how important it is to participate in community as an artist. When you spend hours in your studio laboring over your work, it is easy to become insular. Engaging other artists not only provides companionship, but also helps you improve your work with valuable feedback, and creates opportunities to work with others to help advance both your career and the careers of your peers.

 I've decided to attend more drawing sessions, despite the drive. Cameron Art Museum is also host to a more traditional weekly figure drawing session. Maybe I'll see you there.

Reaching Out

by David Finley

 Do your dreams ever cause you to feel out of place?

Maybe you feel what you do is unconventional, almost like you could look to the night sky toward the planet you truly belong to. You feel misunderstood, which feels a whole lot like rejection.

 Over time, it grows tiresome having to explain your artistic process and who you are, especially when your work is so personal, to a world that, frankly, isn't educated enough about art to appreciate what you are trying to do. There is a great deal of hurt, when even family looks at your form of personal expression, and rejects it as "not their taste".

 It can make your heart sick.

 Sometimes, working toward your passion is a lonely uphill climb. The path is peppered with those who criticize, deter, or warn, you to climb no further. Yet, climb you must. It is important not to give up.

 We must fight for our dreams, as artists and creative individuals, and continue regardless of the detractors. Additionally, it is important to educate non-artists about art, so they too can appreciate and enjoy it. The high art world has done the average artist no favor by being so snobby and elitist. If we want more art funding, more educational art programs in schools, and even more people buying art, we must bring an understanding and love of art to the average person.

 A society where more people appreciate, love, and talk about good art is an exciting society.

 So, keep working toward your dream and believe in your artistic expression. Be patient and understanding: art is alienating to the average person, however you can change that. Look for opportunities to teach others about, not just your art, but the art of others.

 How will you reach out to bring art to others? Will you host a get together at a local museum to talk about art and answer any questions, teach a free art class, or invite your family to a gallery open house?

 Feeling like an alien on your own planet is lonely and discouraging, but if there is anything I learned from watching hours of Star Trek, making meaningful contact with other life begins with reaching out.

Thanks for reading!

-Dave

 
 



 

A Dream I Had Recently

by David Finley

Great Moments in History- FDR's Inaugural Address

by David Finley

Click to see a larger version.

Thanks for reading, Scofflaws!- Dave

The Folly of Not Behaving Like a Rampaging Dinosaur

Words and Images by David Finley

 Dennis Dinosaur. He is a rampaging, pea-brained dinosaur with a voracious appetite...

 

 ... and we all should be more like him.

Sure, eating casual citizens, destroying cities, and spreading wanton destruction may not be your slice of bread, but Dennis is doing what he loves the most. His objectives in life are uncomplicated. There is little to no thought put into these desires. He's just being who he is.

 So, stop pretending you are someone else. You try to draw like someone else because you believe they are a better artist, or write like the most wealthy and successful of authors because you want the money they make, but your audience will be able to see through your mask. You need to stop right now.

 Imitating others might be a good way to learn, but there comes a time when you must speak clearly with the creative voice that you, and only you have. Not being yourself will only lead to unhappiness. Again, take it from Dennis:

Thanks for reading, Scofflaws!

-Dave, Grand Poobah of the Haven for Scofflaws

Fighting Racism Through Art

Words and Images by David Finley

Taking on Racism

  I never felt like I really had the right to talk about racism with my art. After all, I am a white guy. But, that changed when I found myself trying to come up with Saturday Night Live style comedy sketches with some friends of mine. An idea came to me about an infamous racist organization's (I won't say their name, but they dress up like ghosts) rally where all kinds of hate was being spat out via a bull-horn, until the party is ruined by a confused pac-man running through the crowd eating them all. It made us laugh.

 Of course, my friends and I didn't have the costuming budget to make something like that happen, so I started thinking of other ways to communicate the same joke. Was their a single image that could do the same thing?

 As silly as it is, I got nervous about making a drawing like this public. What if I offended someone? However, that also got me excited. So, I made the drawing public.

 It didn't offend anyone, or at least not yet it hasn't.

 In fact, people seem to really enjoy it. The rebel inside me is a bit disappointed, but it is still nice to speak out openly on such a hot button issue.

-Dave, Grand Poobah of all Scofflaws.

P.S.  I made my "End Racism" design into a shirt. If you feel so inclined to join the cause and wish to purchase this shirt, please visit my shop by clicking the picture below.

Thor in Real Life.

by David Finley

 Sometimes, whether I want to or not, I end up shelving a project for extended periods of time in order to devote more times to other projects. It's not that the idea is bad, it's just that I am mortal and have limitations when I stretch myself too thin. Such is the case with my Thor character here.

 As the story goes, one day, my friend Andrew and I were brainstorming a story concept that involved, Thor, norse god of thunder, and the modern society. Much of the story idea involved how out of place the thunder god would be ordering a latte' at the local Starbucks. He would stand in line and complain about the prices, then mispronounce Venti, while trying to flirt with the girl behind the counter. I also had this idea that Andrew would draw the comic, and I would write and ink it. So, it would be crude, simple art with a very streamlined finish on it. We were really excited to get started on it.

 However, we needed to table the concept because we were already working on so many other projects. Sadly, Thor sank into the deep waters of my doodle files.

 After rifling through some old sketches, I came across a rough concept drawing I did for the character so Andrew would have a model to work from. I still like the design very much.

 Here's that sketch:

 It appeals to me for some reason that Thor would be a fat guy with a big red mustache instead of the long-haired blonde romance cover model Marvel portrays. (No offense Jack Kirby, you're still king!)

 The sheer roundness of the character makes him fun to draw, so recently I tightened up the sketch and inked it to produce the drawing at the top of this article. Of course, it so happens that I am currently working on some other projects, so poor Thor will have to wait even longer. (cue sad music)

 Perhaps one day this Norse Legend's modern adventures will unfold, but until then at least there is this drawing to commemorate him.

Finding Your Purpose in Life- 5 Helpful Tips

by David Finley

  What is your purpose? Have you ever been confused about what you should be doing with your life? Maybe you feel adrift in a large ocean of questions.

 It's a very lonely feeling. But, trust me when I say you're not alone. There's a lot of pressure to figure everything out early on, but we all face it. Just talk to any kid about to graduate high school or the college sophomore that needs to declare her major.

 To clarify, when I talk about purpose, I'm addressing career and life goals. In my own experience, I have dealt with the question of life purpose on and off my whole adult life.

 While I always knew deep down what I really wanted, I was afraid of making the wrong choice. Recently, I decided it was worth shooting for my artistic and creative dreams despite the chance I might fail.

 My passion is and always has been art. As a kid I knew it, but somehow once I entered adulthood I let a lot of doubt seep in. Happily, I have it sorted out now.

 So how do you figure it out? I'm no expert, but I thought I would include some things I've learned on my own journey. Hopefully, it will help you as you pursue your own.

Finding Your Purpose in Life (In 5 Helpful Tips)

1. What are you interested in?

This seems obvious, but it is often overlooked. What interests you the most? Can you watch the History Channel for hours? Do you experiment with new ingredients trying to perfect new recipes? Maybe you've thought of an invention that will change the way people watch television.

 Our passions guide us. They are a blueprint of possibilities. In my article, What Really Matters in Life- I posed this question, "What is that thing you can spend six hours doing and it feels like six minutes?" If time seems to fly by at lightening speed when you're making cookies for your church bake sale, maybe you should consider baking for a living.

2. Don't be Afraid to stand out.

 We often don't pursue things because no one else has. It's uncharted waters, and there seem to be sharks out there. If your passion is unconventional, maybe you should try it anyway. Failure may be all but certain, yet that passion will still continue to press if you don't act on it, eventually settling into a big pool of regret.

 Standing out does invite criticism. It also invites a whole lot of well meaning advice that would encourage you not to move forward. As you cross into uncharted territory it will most certainly make others, both friend and foe alike, uncomfortable.

 There was no such thing as a full length animated movie before Walt Disney made Snow White. Disney sunk a ridiculous amount of money into making the film when almost everyone out there said it would never be a success. If it had failed, it most likely would have spelled the end for the Disney studio. Fortunately, it was very successful. Yet, Disney didn't stop there. He continued to take incredible risks on creative projects, eventually opening the first theme park, Disneyland.

 It's an incredible and inspirational story, but it never would have happened if Walt Disney had been afraid to stand out.

3. Don't wait for a sign.

  Signs from the heavens don't usually direct us toward our path. I'm not saying it has never happened, but typically conventional wisdom guides us a bit more. Often, the answer is a bit more mundane. 

 When I was four, I could sit for hours and watch my Dad draw at his art desk. He was my hero. I remember sitting at his desk at home when he was away at work, turning the lightbox on his drafting table on and off, and also slicing my fingers on a pair of scissors when I was eight, but that is a different story.  Eventually, I found myself drawing all the time hoping that one day I would be as good as my Dad.

 No star fell from heaven. No divine voice told me what I was supposed to do, and recently I came to terms with that being okay. Truth be told, it was the misery of not pursuing my passion in art that lead me to the certainty I have now.

4. Stop putting so much pressure on yourself. There is no deadline.

 Putting pressure on ourselves is a form of perfectionism, and as I wrote earlier this week, perfectionism is a dangerous obstacle when it comes to pursuing dreams. Things don't have to be perfect before you start doing them. You also don't need to be an expert before you start either. 

 Set realistic goals for yourself. If you want to be a chef, be a chef. Know that you are a successful chef when you cook for others to purchase and enjoy. Success doesn't have to be a show on the food network, with three cookbooks on the National Bestseller list.

 I placed all kinds of pressure on myself to succeed at very high levels. I've been published in magazines, books, and had my art hang in galleries, yet I still had the feeling that I hadn't made it yet. The result was a constant feeling of defeat and failure. More recently, I've just decided that as long as the majority of my workday is filled with art and writing, and our living expenses are met, then I am living out my purpose. I have made it.

 Also, despite what anyone else says, there is no deadline on any of this.

5. The right way presents itself through action.

 If the path you choose isn't the right one, the right way usually presents itself as you move forward with your choice. When you sit and wait, the path remains obscure, and might never actually materialize. Taking action, even the wrong action can help you determine your path, or at the very least, show you what you don't want your path to be.

 Both of my Grandfathers were Christian pastors. Despite my passions, I wrestled with whether I too had that same calling on my life. I pondered whether I should give up my passion for art to pursue a higher, more divine calling. 

 While I never did attend seminary, I was employed at a ministry for a number of years. During my time working in the ministry, I fantasized and dreamed about a life pursuing art instead. Now, I can look back without regret knowing that pursuing art was the right choice. So, even the wrong path taught me about what I really wanted to do, and the question about whether I should follow in the footsteps of my Grandfathers was finally put to rest.

Finding Your Purpose

  

 Let me encourage you as you search for your passions and chase your dreams that so much of the richness of life is in the pursuit, and not just the goal. Searching for your purpose can be difficult and confusing, yet it is a journey filled with lessons, adventure, and a richer life.

 So as you navigate the waters of life, I hope all of you will find what you are looking for.

 Thanks for reading, Scofflaws!

-Dave

David Finley: Scofflaw?

Guest Post by Jonathan Hickey

Self Portrait- by David Finley

David Finley is a nice guy.  He's what my father would call, "sensitive."  Not at all the scurvy villain he pretends to be.

He loves sipping tea, taking long walks on the beach, and drawing cute, cuddly animals.  I once saw him blubber like a baby because a infant duckling died of "natural causes."  Honestly, it made me very uncomfortable.

David calls this blog, "The Haven for Scofflaws, Roustabouts, and Ne'er-Do-Wells."  You may consider this title just another example of David's clever wordplay but I wonder; do you, gentle reader, realize how much you have been duped by this so called "scofflaw?"  This self-proclaimed "roustabout" who is nothing more than a man-child hiding behind his southern charm and dogeared copy of Roget's Thesaurus.  Well, I for one, am not fooled.  The time has come to settle accounts.

By definition, a "scofflaw" is someone who not only breaks an ordinance but does so repeatedly.  They have zero regard for law enforcement and if they should receive a summons for court, they simply disregard it.  They relish in a total disgust for the establishment.  Well I have it on good authority David Finley voted Democrat in the last election and plans to do so again.  Scofflaw?  I think not.

"Roustabout" is a term that applies to unskilled laborers.  Oilfield workers, deck hands on the Mississippi River, and your run of the mill circus folk typically have the moniker attached to them.  Sadly, David's last "real" job involved a brief stint in middle-management.  How can anyone who uses Excel be considered a roustabout?

Which only leaves "ne'er-do-well" - a Scottish expression from the 1700's referring to an irresponsible, and lazy person.  Any regular reader of "The Haven" knows this also to be a misnomer; especially considering David's recent output.  The man is many things, but irresponsible and lazy simply doesn't enter into the equation.

So I offer a new name for your blog David; "The Haven."  It's short, sweet, and certainly more accurate.  Apply it immediately or suffer the consequences of dwindling readership and a life of cyber obscurity.

And you, gentle reader, let this be a warning.  Take all this man says with the proverbial "grain of salt" for he is more "wag" than "scally."  More "muffin" than "raga."  I have lifted the veil.

Tread lightly.

Jonathan Hickey - writer and part-time vagabond. Watch as he wrestles the angels of art, faith, and punctuation all while keeping his lovely wife and 5 beautiful children (gasp!) happy, safe, and well-fed. You can find more of Jonathan's musings at his blog: 
Work From Home

Blackbird- A Paul McCartney/ Beatles Tribute

by David Finley

How do you convey the emotion of 'hope' as an artist?

Hope is a strong and powerful emotion, much more complex than just happiness or relief. It inspires and connects. Hope is beautiful.

 So, as I began my second piece in my Beatles series, this time dedicated to Paul, I faced the challenge of trying to create visually, the message of hope McCartney so eloquently captured with his music and lyrics. It was a much different challenge then capturing the raw emotion of 'Don't Let Me Down' in my Lennon piece before.

 'Blackbird' is a simple song of sweet vocals backed only by an acoustic guitar, and a light tapping for percussion. Through the song, Paul McCartney lightly builds tension by progressing upward with his chords, then gently releases that tension by coasting back down again. It's almost like listening to a fairy tale where you know in the end, all will live happily ever after.

 The challenge of producing such strong feelings visually proved very difficult, with my first attempt not quite portraying the emotion as effectively as I would have liked.

version 1- okay, but not quite what I was shooting for.

 I think I captured sweet and simple, but didn't quite convey the warmth of hope. There needed to be a bit more warmth visually, and a higher degree of tension for the purposes of contrast. So, I warmed the color scheme, created areas of dense, angular tension, and used open negative space for the bird and McCartney's face to show freedom.

 So that's how I approached showing, "hope" from a visual standpoint. In the end, I'm much happier with the new results. With that said, I leave you today with a Youtube video of Paul McCartney working on 'Blackbird' in the studio.



Thanks for reading!

-Dave, Grand Poobah of all Scofflaws