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What does a successful artist look like?
Many of us define success by the size of our fan bases, the popularity of our best clients and the amount of money in our bank accounts.
But very few of us would agree that these are the most valuable aspects of life as a professional artist.
Nothing is valuable without meaning.
…which is why friendship, generosity, self-sacrifice and family are, to most of us, our definition of true success.
But is it even possible to afford both financial and familial success as a professional artist?
Is the decision to pursue your creative dream a deal with the devil that will leave you tired, broke and lonely forever?
Pascal Campion – one of the most popular independent artists working today – is living proof that success in all areas of a creative life is possible.
In the following interview, you’ll see the contagious passion, the persistent positivity and the disciplined focus that have enabled Pascal to experience success on his own terms…
“Pascal, You Aren’t Good Enough To Succeed…”
Pascal Campion’s sixth grade art teacher told him he wasn’t good enough to succeed as a professional artist.
The harsh comment kinda rocked Pascal’s world but he certainly didn’t give up.
The illustration curriculum at his art college was unusual.
Instead of technical training, Pascal’s teachers were more interested in pure storytelling. The medium, style and level of draftsmanship with which the story was presented were not priorities.
“You learn you’re so limited in everything you do. …and not knowing anything helps you go over and break those limits to explore. …which is something I still do.”
-Pascal Campion
After college, Pascal became a storyboard artist in Portland, Oregon. He eventually found his way to LeapFrog in San Francisco.
A few years later, he abandoned full-time, in-house work to become a freelancer and independent artist. …a decision which was driven by his desire to spend more time with his family.
While Pascal’s freelance client list now includes high-profile companies like Disney, Nick Junior and DreamWorks, his “Sketch Of The Day” personal work has become a phenomenon unto itself…
Listen To The Interview:
Read the transcript for this episode here.
Episode Highlights:
- How Pascal became a professional artist.
- How curiosity and creative risks have shaped his career.
- Balancing personal relationships with your art career.
- Why software doesn’t matter.
- How a weird art education influenced his unique personal style.
- How Pascal approaches each personal piece as a “controlled accident.”
Awesome Links:
Pascal’s First Ever Solo Exhibit: Pascal will be at Center Stage Gallery in Burbank, CA on August 2nd for a Storytelling Workshop, Kickstarter Party and Reception!
Will Terry: Are You Good Enough?
The School Of The Museum Of Fine Arts
The Magic Box: Digital Painting Tutorials
Are You Inspired?
Pascal has a way of inspiring his fellow artists by simply being himself.
Have the insights that Pascal shared changed your perception of yourself as an artist in any way?
Please post your thoughts in the comments!
Click here to listen to Part 2 of my interview with Pascal Campion.
