It’s never too old to pursue your dreams
When I tell people about my dreams to start an animation studio and to produce a graphic novel which can be turned into a movie, I get mixed responses. Some people will encourage me and provide moral support. These are the people who I can trust and people who I believe will be with me throughout my journey. But there is also a large number of people who will tell me that I’m too old for that, or it’s too late to change, or worse….Alvin, grow up.
For example, just a few days ago, I posted my artwork in a local forum. I was looking for tips and guidelines as to how I can improve my art. I know it’s bad. After all, it’s been a while since the last time I used my cheap drawing tablet. But the reply I got was very demotivating – “Seriously, for your age, your art is very very bad”.
Actually, the person didn’t mean any harm but when you first read the message, you’ll have the idea that he is saying “you are too old to do this”.
It was very demotivating at first. But after a while, I cleared it off my mind because I feel that one is never too old to pursue one’s dreams. We see this in a lot of people, people who are very frustrated with their boring 9-5 jobs that they quit, and move on to pursue their dreams. And I’m not talking about people in their 20s or 30s, I’m talking about people in their 40s or more. Some people do that while in their retirement age.
Perhaps that explains the recent success of Susan Boyle, who at 40+, finally manages to achieve one of her lifelong dreams. A lot of people see themselves in her – people who have this unfulfilled lifelong dreams, hidden inside their heart for years. And she just shows everyone that it is still possible to do that no matter how bad things are (jobless, etc) as long as she believes in it.
So to those who are already not very young, but still have their lifelong dreams hidden somewhere within them…..don’t feel bad. You’re not alone. And the good news is, you can pursue those dreams of yours no matter how old you are. Remember that it is not age that matters, but your will to achieve what you want to achieve in life.
As for me, I have many dreams to pursue (ok, I’m greedy when it comes to this) and I will not give up no matter how old I am. After all, I only live once.
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If Stephen Hillenburg had listened to everyone, Spongebob Squarepants would never make it on air. Who would enjoy watching a stupid talking yellow square anyway. But the fact is Spongebob has become one of the most well-known characters in cartoondom, and not just in the 5-12yo segment. I bet he probably has more fans than Naruto and PPG combined.
One thing I learnt from the Spongebob and Powerpuff series is that the character of the cartoon reaches out more to people than the drawing. A perfectly drawn cartoon that’s flat on character has about as much appeal as toilet paper. But an imperfectly drawn cartoon set in a storyline that people find compelling… now that is a seller.
No matter how you draw, there will always be fans and non-fans. What’s more important to success IMO is to find out what people like about your creation and just build on it. Accept that you can’t please everyone. Just focus on those that you can. That’s your niche.
I forgot to mention South Park, a household name where I come from. The drawing is like a 10 year old kid’s. The animation is horrible. But it kicks ass. How it became a success ought to be a lesson to all cartoonist wannabes.
@ Damien
It’s true that no matter what we do, there is no way to please everyone. Whenever you get 1 supporter, you might get 1 or 2 more people who dislike your work. It’s natural, esp when you become more successful in the future.
For me, I think my art is still okay for simple comic strips but for my ultimate dream of doing an animation/graphic novel, i think my art needs to improve a lot more.
Oh, and the character is very important. In every comic/animation/story, the characters are very important. If you can make people “feel” the characters, then it’s already a success.
And Damien, thanks for being so supportive all this while. I will definitely try to bring your favorite guy in glasses back
I think your drawing is fine. Some of the ones I’ve seen in local newspapers are crap – drawing and characterwise. It would be cool if you could get syndicated in the local press.
Yeah, looking forward to seeing the full cast of the comic strip soon.
@ Damien
Local press? Haha. Is ok la, don’t want to think that far. I planning to start a dedicated comic blog soon. Will do the template this weekend.
But still need to practice for my dreams – to complete a graphic novel and eventually start my animation studio. LOL. Maybe shld try for IPCC.
Maybe people are just concerned? It’s different when you have no option and take a make-or-break risk and as result you achieve your dream, and different when you have the option of playing it safe – everyone will naturally encourage you to stick to the safe option. It’s how evolution shaped the brain to give everyone good survival rates
But dun worry, those who discourage you mean no harm, they just advise what they see most fit! =] And just because other see it as most fit, does not mean it is! I’m rooting for you to accomplish your dreams =D
@ AngMoGirl
Hey, thanks for dropping by.
Yeap, most people prefer to choose the safest path – in this case, sticking to whatever one is doing now. That’s the less risky path after all – the so-called comfort zone. But perhaps, it is due to this behavior that many people are not happy with their own life. This comfort zone might end up being the 1 thing which is making them unhappy.
Advice/opinions/suggestions are important, be it good or bad. After all, one has to be open minded in order to improve. They do hurt a lot at times, but in the end, it is up to us to decide how we look at them.
And thanks for the last line, it’s the kind of encouragement I need. LOL.
Encouragement to you my friend, for I am pursuing the self-same dream here in SE Michigan! The challenge I find is not that people doubt the quality of my work, but that they don’t see the potential for legitimate income. ‘You already have a thriving career as Video Preditor (producer/editor) – why would you want to give it up for a hobby?’ – ‘Because if I don’t, I’ll go crazy and chop your head off.’ – ‘Good luck!’
@ Sknygrydg
Thanks! Really appreciate it
Well, I wouldn’t call such thing a hobby. It’s more like a passion. Hobby is something that we like to do when we’re free, and that does not mean it is same with something that we want to do for a living. Pretty different actually
But honestly, your “Because if I don’t, I’ll go crazy and chop your head off” is rather scary. LOL. Thanks for dropping by!
I just wanted you to know I might quote you. I have been asked to give a talk to a group of churchwomen in Winona, MN on the topic “never too old” and I have lots of thoughts of my own on the topic. But I thought I’d check the internet for more wisdom and liked the way you said this:
So to those who are already not very young, but still have their lifelong dreams hidden somewhere within them…..don’t feel bad. You’re not alone. And the good news is, you can pursue those dreams of yours no matter how old you are. Remember that it is not age that matters, but your will to achieve what you want to achieve in life.
Marorie Pagel, Franklin, Wisconsin
@Marjorie Pagel
Hi Marorie, do feel free to quote me. It’s my pleasure.