Phase 2
It’s coming up on two years since I opened Art Machine Productions. I’ve renovated, had a few changes in artists, and I’m finally feeling settled and positive about the future of the studio. So what happens after this?
Anyone who knows me knows that I am a person of endless drive. I’m extremely goal oriented, and push harder than most people would consider reasonable. I’m hard on myself. I have raised the bar on expectations of myself to a stupid level. It’s as much of a detriment as it is a blessing. So where to now?
I’m not sure. I don’t really know what’s next. Being the hard driven workaholic perfectionist I am, I naturally want to move forward with new and exciting projects. Problem is I don’t know what to do. I suppose I should take a moment and try to appreciate the achievements I’ve made up to this point, but that’s the hard part for me.
It causes a myriad of philosophical debates within me. If I don’t take the time to appreciate what I’ve done, was it worth doing it? Will I be able to stop and enjoy my next achievement or will I simply think I could’ve done better and move to the next one? What is the purpose of setting goals if I always feel I could have done better? Is self improvement worth it if you cannot achieve perfection? I could (and often do) go on for hours about this.
Everyone tells me that the point is to appreciate what I’ve done and be thankful for my blessings. There’s a part of me that can’t easily stop setting new goals though. So I think the big part is to learn how to look at what I’ve done with love instead of harsh criticism, all while working towards something new and exciting.
Here’s to the past, the future, and the ever present moment.
baconbeernboobs asked: How much would I have to pay you to come to CA and tattoo me?
Well, my flight, hotel accommodations, maybe a meal or two, and the cost of the tattoo. So a whole bunch.
jaythedachshund asked: Let me first say that your work is amazing. Your level of artistry and the depth of your color is unlike most work that I've found. So I just wanted to ask, do you have a new school tattoo that sits at the moment as the favorite that you've done? Or is it hard to really nail down a favorite?
Thank you! I really appreciate that. As far as a favorite new school piece, it’s really up in the air. I enjoy so much of the work I have the pleasure of doing that it’s hard to pick. One of my favorites is the koala in a top hat eating cake. That one was just fun. There’s some others that I just laughed the whole time we tattooed, and that’s always a good day. Overall I can’t give a specific favorite though.
