• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

ChrisOatley.com

Disney Character Designer answers your questions about Concept Art, Character Design for Animation, Digital Painting & Illustration.

  • PODCAST
  • TUTORIALS
  • MENTORSHIP
  • ABOUT
    • ART
    • CONTACT
  • SUBSCRIBE

Wanting = Working

By Chris Oatley

ariel_burn_220w“You have to really want it.”

We hear this all the time from creative people who have gone before us and attained the same kind of success to which we aspire.

But although this mantra is popular, I don’t think it’s particularly helpful.

…because we do really want it.

For most of the aspiring and pre-professional creatives I know, wanting it isn’t the problem.

The problem, as I see it, is that too many people think that wanting = wishing.

Our actions often expose a deeply-held (often subconscious) belief that if we just wish harder, then one day we will wake up to a personal creative renaissance, a new, inspiring career or an impressive level of skill.

…but wishing is NOT the same thing as wanting.

Wanting = working.

Most of us can actually do something in response to our occupational frustrations but we have to stop complaining, wasting precious time in front of screens, attempting to satisfy our creative hunger with consumerism and obsessing over the “competition.”

It’s time to build something real.

I think you know, in your heart of hearts, what the real thing is.

…and if you don’t, start here.

For The Road:

How To Keep Going If You Hit A Dead-End

Why Giving Up Won’t Solve Your Problems

21 Butt-Kicking Questions To Help You Stay Focused On Your Creative Dream

Please Share:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest

Subscribe To The Visual Storytelling Podast

Disney Visual Development Artist/ Illustrator Chris Oatley helps Artists and Writers find healthy, fulfilling careers in Animation, Games, Comics, Film and Illustration.

iTunesRSSEmail

Footer

Become A Professional Visual Storyteller

Art careers in the Entertainment Industry are flourishing. Subscribe today, never miss an update and learn what it really takes to break in…

Subscribe Now >>

  • VisDev
  • Character Design
  • Concept Art
  • Illustration
  • Mindset
  • Story

Copyright © 2023 Visual Voice, LLC · Privacy Policy · Terms Of Service · Cookie Policy · Community Guidelines · Log in · Contact

 

Loading Comments...