Scribbles and Scratch-Outs

I'm not much for going out and buying CD's when they're brand new. But when this one first hit the shelf at my local Starbucks I could feel the impulse buy creeping up in me from my toes to my wallet. Come on...It's the newest Josh Groban CD, I'd been waiting on it for like...a year!
Much to my surprise I restrained myself; thriftiness before artistic expression I suppose. I waited until somebody miraculously "guessed" that I wanted it for Christmas...they must know me so well.
I couldn't listen to it for a week. I was trying to savor it; after all it could be two years before the next one. Then I broke down and popped it in. I listened to the whole thing.
This album had some really stiff competition contending with his older ones, but I still enjoyed it. A few tracks were phenomenal. Others were underwhelming. But what do you expect when you've had two years to anticipate greatness. I prefer his album Awake; but for the Josh Groban enthusiast Illuminations is still a valuable part of a collection.
If you're not familiar with Groban's work though, I recommend starting out with Awake or one of his Live CD's. Those will stay in the favorites section of your iPod for another two years, don't worry.

The most important attribute an artist must attain to be successful is humility.
How to accept criticism with grace. Criticism is important, stressful, beneficial, and infuriating all at the same time. Having other people analyze your work helps you to learn from your mistakes, get new ideas, and perfect you unique style that makes your work yours.
But, sadly, artists are no more than normal people with an out of control hobby. Though we could claim to always have good taste or possess above average observation skills, the truth is we are just, well...average. We are not equipped with natural grace, humility, or temperance. In other words; just like taxi drivers, construction workers, or lawyers, we are not born with an incarnate ability to accept criticism. It is a learned skill that comes from practice and experience. Just like sketching, painting, or any other type of artistic discipline.
This is why you see the painter wincing while talking to onlookers at an art show. Or why some artists prefer to not be present while their work is displayed. Or the design student sweating over turning in an assignment. Criticism is never easy to swallow especially when you have invested your time and creativity into a project. Believe me, you will become attached to your piece. Whether you're a writer, photographer, illustrator, or sculpture, you are not impervious to attachment. At one time or another we all get defensive about our specific venue.
I wish I could tell you how to become a master at dealing with critics in five easy steps. Or recommend the newest "For Dummies..." book. But, unfortunately, there is no easy remedy or fast fix. But I can offer a few pointer on how to prevent you from yelling at a potential buyer, hiding your work from family, or decking an instructor in the face.

1. Do not subject a piece of artwork to criticism with five minutes of finishing it.

This is a bad idea. You have just become satisfied enough with the piece to declare it "finished" so you obviously like it. This is not the best time for you to hear what is wrong with it. My advice is give it a day, or at least a couple of hours.

2. Remember beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Remind yourself that all forms of art are subject to opinion and personal taste. It is impossible to please every palette.

3. Do not be afraid to discard advice.

Considering all suggestions is important; but not all suggestions are good ones. In the end, what a critique is saying may or may not be credible. Changing your methods to adapt to their advice may dampen your specific style or effect the appeal your work has on your target audience.

Writers have an unquenchable urge to explain, create, and re-tell; in ways that are fresh, new, and bold. And the truth is, they're also a bit stingy. Ideas aren't cheap. Sometimes the most essential aspect of writing...sharing; gets lost. No, I won't tell you what writing process I use... No, I've sworn to tell no one how I come up with story lines. Yeah, admit it. You've done it too, haven't you?
Well let my point you to a writer who has done a great job with sharing. Yes, even kindergarten students could be proud.
Meet Joel Stickely. Besides being a talented speaker and writer; he's also an amazing blogger who has a rare gift for spreading his genius around. Check out his blog, "How to Write Badly Well" or visit his website. Joelstickely.com. You can also keep up with him on youtube and twitter.

I've been gone for awhile...I apologize. I would explain to you what I've been doing and rattle off a few excuses like all bloggers do; but today I feel like being merciful so I will spare you.

Let's just say I've been reading.

A few weeks ago I wrote a nine page research paper on how to teach the Holocaust to high-school students. I know...please hold back your yawns or else I'll post the entire essay. The Holocaust is not a subject that most people enjoy studying. Yes, to my surprise the majority of the population finds it...(history buffs please plug your ears)...boring. But nevertheless it is a very important historical event that high-school students need to be acquainted with. But how do you grab their attention?
With stories. When a person can't absorb dates and names they can usually understand a story line. That's why the Diary of Anne Frank is required reading in school. Okay not the only reason; but be honest, how many of us only remember that book when asked about the holocaust? Biographies are good. But I recently found something else that I think is very educational and entertaining.
Historical Fiction.
I never thought I would say it; but it's true. Now, not the historical fiction that is basically a romance novel dropped into an important war or event; those do not count. (I will spare telling you what I think of that type of historical fiction...)I am talking about historical fiction with a point. Some authors have done an incredible job of giving an accurate picture of what took place, in a way that gives the reader a tangible essence of what that time was like. And they do it without cliches, without sappy story lines, and without gimmicks. This type of historical fiction should have a genre all it's own.
One book in particular has completely shattered the stereotype in my mind.
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne.

It's about...well, the Holocaust, if I told you any more I might ruin it. If you've seen the movie, I still encourage you to read the book. When I finished the last page I was literally blown away. The only words I could find were words like; brilliant, epic, who wrote this?, and does he have a Pulitzer?
The book itself is short, concise, and incredibly easy to read. You won't find a predictable endings, flashy storyline, or completely unnecessary plot. In fact, you won't find anything unnecessary. Boyne wastes no words.
You can pick up a paperback version of this book at Borders or Barns & Nobles for around $12, or if you're not into buying books the libraries are carrying multiple copies so you should have not trouble finding it there.

Thursday, in the middle of the chaotic dinner rush, I had the opportunity to serve an adorable family of three. The little girl was probably four or five with the cutest curly red hair I have ever seen. I tried to calm down for a minute and not think about all the other tables waiting on me. I introduced myself, and asked how they were doing.
The little girl though, had other concerns, and promptly made a request for crayons. (I had forgotten them in my hurry.) I assured her I would have her crayons in just a minute. Her fears at ease, she now had time to be curious, which was obviously her nature.
"What's your name?" she asked. She'd apparently missed that part of my spiel while thinking about her crayon catastrophe.
"My name is Brittany," I repeated. "what's yours?"
She told me her name.
I thought it was a very unique and pretty name, and told her so.
Then I began taking orders and announcing specials (yes, all those other serving duties.)
"I know my favorite boy's name..." the little girl interrupted.
I found this too intriguing, I too, must be curious by nature. She promptly rattled off the longest Latino name I'd ever heard, which sounded even more exotic in her four year old accent. Her father appeared surprised at his daughters enunciation. I was impressed, it must have showed on my face. I laughed.
I tried my best to focus again on taking orders; but continued to listen to this extraordinary little girl out of the corner of my ear. (Yes, if eyes have corners, ears can have corners too.)
As I was waiting for her father's order I noticed her staring at me inquisitively.
"Hey...are you a stranger?" she asked.
I thought about it for a moment and nodded as I continued jotting down meal and dessert choices. Waitresses are strangers too I thought. The little girl thought about this and a look of terror swept across her innocent face.
"Mom!" she whispered as I walked away, "I thought we weren't supposed to talk to strangers!"
I laughed and went to get her crayons.
I wonder how her mom explained that one.

I've been a compulsive doodler since I was four years old.
Getting into trouble for scribbling at the top of my math papers, or not paying attention because I was too busy trying to draw a giraffe. I'm sure many other people have faced similarly trying childhoods living with the condition. If I were to calculate the hours of my school years spent drawing, coloring, and painting, it would probably be equivalent to the time I spent sleeping. What has all these hours accumulated too? To be honest, I have no idea. But my doodling inclinations have not lessened, in fact, they've gotten worse.
I still doodle at the top of papers. I still draw faces whenever I have a marker in my hand, even at work. I end my sentences in smiley faces when I'm writing messages like a third-grader. And it is still absolutely impossible for me to resist sidewalk chalk.

Another symptom of being an obsessive compulsive doodler is the fact that we are very curious. We like it when others like us share their doodles. Which provoke MORE doodles. And so on and so on.
So this is a hopeless doodler sharing for the benefit of all the other obsessive compulsive doodlers out there.