Comments on: Create Your Own Experience

By: Derrick "Captain Dutz" Utz

Derrick "Captain Dutz" Utz — Wed, 09 May 2012 03:40:03 +0000

I love this post!!! Thats what I’m talking about, dang experiences and the ghostly vapor..y Captain! I’ll get in your door..then under your skin, cuz I’m weird like that.

This post is what reminds me of your words that have so seriously changed my life this last year, “Do great work and be great to work with.” This progress driven mentality is what I really think was missing from my growth and it has made a world of difference.

Thank you Chris, I will continue to seek the opportunities and we have many great things ahead!

Dutz out!

By: ChrisOatley

ChrisOatley — Wed, 02 May 2012 20:32:06 +0000

Very true, Frank. Thanks for the compliment, too!

By: ChrisOatley

ChrisOatley — Wed, 02 May 2012 20:31:34 +0000

You’re right, Joey. It does take time, but all you need are a couple of strong relationships to help get you started.

My industry-break was triggered by ONE friend who recommended me for a gig. You can read about that in the post called “Ask for the Job” and hear about it in the episode of The Paper Wings Podcast where Lora interviews me:

http://chrisoatley.com/2011/07/11/ask-for-the-job/

http://www.paperwingspodcast.com/2011/08/pwp13chrisoatley/

By: Frank

Frank — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 04:20:45 +0000

This is probably a good advice to any professional. Are you an engineer? Get out there and invent something! A patent is worth more than experience! Are you an administration major? Get out there and start a company! Founder credits are better than managing a really big company! Are you a computer guy? Get out there and write an app! etc. etc.

By the way, digging the new site design!

By: Joey McInnis

Joey McInnis — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 23:48:46 +0000

I feel like this is an issue no one addresses,thanks! At the same time I find it difficult trying to establish relationships through email and self promotion.

By: ChrisOatley

ChrisOatley — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 21:48:28 +0000

Thanks for your encouragement about the new site design, David. Interesting you bring up Art School. Even though I did go to Art School I did not focus on working for the animation industry and thus, I wasn’t prepared. So I had to learn these kinds of lessons the hard way.

By: ChrisOatley

ChrisOatley — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 21:44:57 +0000

Thank you, Scott. You’re a PRO at this!!!

By: ChrisOatley

ChrisOatley — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 21:44:34 +0000

That’s a great point, Mark!

Miss you, buddy!

By: Mark Dachille

Mark Dachille — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:45:26 +0000

Thanks Chris! I agree! One thought that I had, in addition to what you mentioned was to volunteer (carefully). In fact, I’ve had one volunteer position turn into a small job. For every full time job there are hundreds if not thousands of volunteer positions. There’s a win-win position out there for someone. Volunteering = portfolio building + references + publication – money (usually).

By: David Hansen

David Hansen — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:43:25 +0000

Good advice, especially for those of us who have dropped out of art school, but haven’t given up on art. Also, I love the new site design, it’s great for desktop and iPhone reading!

By: Scott Wiser

Scott Wiser — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 19:51:22 +0000

Absolutely, don’t wait for someone to invest in you … invest in yourself! You’re the best, Chris!

By: ChrisOatley

ChrisOatley — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 19:48:21 +0000

Thanks, Jose. You are just such an encouragement.

By: Jose Gonzalez

Jose Gonzalez — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 19:42:15 +0000

Great looking site, my friend!
A toast to Oats!