Bunko & Art and Fear

The book Art and Fear is about how art, artists and fear all get along.  There are many bold statements in this text

-Art has evolved through centuries and the function of art has changed.
                  Caveman who made art, were not trying to make art but were perhaps depicting a scene they had experienced.  Lots of emotion is put into art (sometimes), either the artist or audience feels a certain way about a specific piece of art.

-People who made art weren't trying to make art.
                 What is art again?  All up to the individual.

- Complete your art.
                    Even if you don't like it, being able to finish ideas is a great skill when you come across good ideas.

- Talent vs. hard work/perseverance.
                  With hard work comes talent.  I think a steady mix of both sides would be the best bet to getting work.  People with all one side will either be bad performers or be talented but be performing in their mom's basement.

Johnny Bunko is a book about a fellow who is unhappy with his career choice but meets a magical "all knowing" Diana.  She tells him 6 important things to keep in mind.

-There is no plan
-Think strengths not weaknesses
-Its not about you
-Persistence trumps talent
-Make excellent mistakes
-Leave an imprint

I think all these ideas are good in theory but could be taken horribly wrong.  The idea that there is no plan can be depressing, but you have to make your own goals and get after what you want.  It wont be handed to you and life can change crazy turns in a moments notice.  Knowing your strengths is good, but I think working on your weaknesses is a good way to balance out your skills.  Persistences trumps talents....maybe in some cases but talent is required for musical performance.  Making mistakes is good for practice rooms.  Thats what they are good for.  Making a mistake on stage or in the studio can be the end of a job  in some situations.  Leave an imprint.  Stand out from the rest of the pack.  Sean McPherson talked about this.  Do the extra thing- lend a hand at all times, be kind, go the extra yard to put yourself above others.  This may be the best way to get "in" with folks.  People meet lots of people but leaving that extra impression will make sure they REMEMBER you.