AMERICAN IDOL
Right now... my state of mind... I feel like I a contestant on American Idol. WTF? is probably what you are thinking right now. But it does make sense.. just without the millions of people watching me. Take that part out and that's what I feel like.
Here's what led me to be at this point. For years I have been trying to chase a myriad of rabbits all at the same time, catching none. Recently, whether it be my age, maturity or other I decided enough was enough. It was time to pick one and get it no matter what it takes. I decided I was going to put my mind to doing what ever is necessary to become a professional artist.
One of which was to learn, learn, LEARN! The first step I took... google to see what resources I had in my area. Boy that was ever a disappointment... let me tell you something... Connecticut is the world black hole when it comes to creativity. No comic companies, gaming companies, no creative companies of any kind... at all. ( cue sarcastic tone here ) I mean I live in the insurance capital of the world... shouldn't this place teem with creativity?! ( end sarcastic tone here ) After hours of painfully disappointing googling I came upon one light in the black hole of the Connecticut... Gilchrist Studios.
Soon I made an appointment to meet with Guy. I wanted to put some feelers out there to see what was available. Unfortunately, there wasn't much that he could do for me. On the other hand the portfolio review and ensuing conversation ended up being what I sorely needed... an honest review from a consummate professional. The guy was great ( even if it did leave me a little preplexed)!
Now, here's where I make the American Idol connection...
When he looked at my stuff, he said, "You're good... REALLY good but your stuff all looks the same...". At which point he points to my drawing "Scottish Rebellion". All I could think was, "?!... but I made all the effort in the world to make all the faces different!" But then he expounded... " What I mean is, your stuff looks a lot like the stuff that is already out there. If you want to really last you need to have a style people would be able to recognize anywhere anytime. You need to find what makes you, you..."
I have always, on some subconscious level known this. However, I am still at a loss at how to arrive there. Is it the mileage I need to put in? Is it some change in my line work or something else that eludes me? All I know is that right now... I feel like one of the singers who is struggling to find out what I am....
Here's what led me to be at this point. For years I have been trying to chase a myriad of rabbits all at the same time, catching none. Recently, whether it be my age, maturity or other I decided enough was enough. It was time to pick one and get it no matter what it takes. I decided I was going to put my mind to doing what ever is necessary to become a professional artist.
One of which was to learn, learn, LEARN! The first step I took... google to see what resources I had in my area. Boy that was ever a disappointment... let me tell you something... Connecticut is the world black hole when it comes to creativity. No comic companies, gaming companies, no creative companies of any kind... at all. ( cue sarcastic tone here ) I mean I live in the insurance capital of the world... shouldn't this place teem with creativity?! ( end sarcastic tone here ) After hours of painfully disappointing googling I came upon one light in the black hole of the Connecticut... Gilchrist Studios.
Soon I made an appointment to meet with Guy. I wanted to put some feelers out there to see what was available. Unfortunately, there wasn't much that he could do for me. On the other hand the portfolio review and ensuing conversation ended up being what I sorely needed... an honest review from a consummate professional. The guy was great ( even if it did leave me a little preplexed)!
Now, here's where I make the American Idol connection...
When he looked at my stuff, he said, "You're good... REALLY good but your stuff all looks the same...". At which point he points to my drawing "Scottish Rebellion". All I could think was, "?!... but I made all the effort in the world to make all the faces different!" But then he expounded... " What I mean is, your stuff looks a lot like the stuff that is already out there. If you want to really last you need to have a style people would be able to recognize anywhere anytime. You need to find what makes you, you..."
I have always, on some subconscious level known this. However, I am still at a loss at how to arrive there. Is it the mileage I need to put in? Is it some change in my line work or something else that eludes me? All I know is that right now... I feel like one of the singers who is struggling to find out what I am....
Labels: Jeff Wamester
7 Comments:
Well I couldn’t disagree more Jeff. Personally, I could pick you out of any artistic lineup. Sure I see influences of others in your art, but your stuff is pretty darn unique. Now one has to consider that I have VERY discriminating tastes when it comes to art. I notice the little things. I’m an artist too of course. Perhaps those who are not as in tune wn’t see the sublties that I do, but I doubt it.
Don’t beat yourself up over what this guy said. There are so many intangible, yet tell-tale signs that scream Jeff Waremaster all over your art.
This is no lie. I’m your friend and I want to see you go far. I wouldn’t atempt to sabotage what this guy has said about your art if I didn’t feel that he was way off of the mark.
That said... There is always room for you to become more YOU. Dig deeper into your own style, and push it further in the directions that make it so darn tasty. Don’t look for a style to set you apart. You already have it. Let it fly!
Jeff,
I really have to agree with Ben. In all honesty, this kind of shit really irritates the hell out of me. Ugh.
I think you do, absolutely, have your own style. I can't honestly think of any other person out there that draws exactly like you - you are certainly no Silvestri, Jim Lee, or one of the myriad clones out there. Like Ben, I can quite easily pick your work out of a line-up with no problem.
And this big hang-up on style that some people have. It is honestly something I've never even thought a whole lot about - I just draw how I draw. I've never tried to do things in a particular way, it is just the way I do things and I think it's silly to do it any differently. I don't even like emulating other styles and I avoid that kind of work, actually. But, anyway.
Yeah, I don't think I'd take this guy seriously. I think you should just keep doing what your doing and drawing how you draw, because I absolutely love your work the way it is. I mean, there is always room for improvement - but that is the same for EVERYBODY.
Blah. I'm steamed. I better take a minute.
Bullshit! I'm sorry for the language here, but that guy really pisses me off!
Jeff, I have to agree 150% with Ben and Jeremy. I don't think you should lose sleep over what one guy says. Like the others, a HUGE reason I started watching you on DA was because I saw something that really distinguished you from most of the other artists out there. Your stuff really stands out to me, and I just can't emphasize that enough.
I envy your style in a lot of ways and like Ben and Jeremy said, just keep working man, you will only get better.
Aw, there's some creativity down here on the shoreline! Like, um... Well, there's two publishing houses (one university and one travel). And there are a couple of very very small children's book publishers.
All right, you got me. Not a lot here. But at least this is a small state--I suspect there are fewer game companies or comic companies per sqare foot in Iowa, where I grew up. ;)
Alana, who is based out of New Haven area
Y'know, another thing I might also add -
His comment on "if you want to last" was somewhat off base also. If you want to last in the industry, it's definitely not about what your work looks like. Not to say what your work looks like isn't important, but it's really more about your work ethic and your ability to make deadlines.
I mean, look at all the shitty art out there! Do you think those guys are getting hired because their art is fantastic? Nope. It's because they can hit deadlines and are considered dependable.
An editor will always take somebody they can count on over unknown or undependable talent - no matter how great they are.
I'm still annoyed at this guy.
CHEESE AND CROWS! You guys are way too nice! Thanks for all the votes of confidence, I have already rebounded with even more drive to make this happen :)
In a manner, he is correct. But hardly anywhere close to truth.
Yes, to be truly recognized if you have a competitor you have to have a style that is yours and none others'. BUT this is hardly necessary if you, as said before, cannot be depended on.
Being able to be depended on is first priority, style comes after that. Slightly.
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