Start with what’s in your hand

Start with what’s in your hand.

It just might be seeds of greatness, but to you, right now, it looks like something so small and useless.

Don’t be so enamored by huge dreams that you don’t use what is before you today. Remember what seeds are. They are beginnings. They are carriers of dreams, hopes, and our desires to make great things that can impact the world around us.

But if we never plant them, they won’t be able to do what they’re supposed to do. They won’t take root. They won’t grow.

They need to go into the dark, cold ground, where sometimes it seems like we’ve buried the dead. But they are waiting for the right time to burst forth with new life, and fruit.

Don’t give up. Don’t wait for the perfect time. Don’t despise humble beginnings. Use what’s in your hand right now and plant it where you are.

The Art of Being an Underdog

I watched the movie joy recently, starring Jennifer Lawrence. In my opinion, it's a must for anyone who has a dream they need to follow. But the thing about this movie that got me thinking, wasn't only the pursuit of a dream but how Joy was surrounded by people who continually spoke doubt and fear rejection and negativity into her life and dream. But (spoiler alert) she becomes the underdog, and lives up to her name.

We all like the underdog story don't we? The character that faces odds that are slim, enduring hardship and struggle, only to emerge victorious. We love that, except when we’re the ones called to play the role of the underdog. No one wants to endure hardship or struggle. No one wants to go through pain, missteps, failure. We just want the good stuff. Fast forward through the valley. But the truth is, there is no victory without all that pain. In fact, it is usually because of the pain that the underdog becomes a hero at all. 

“...I want you to remember something, because a lot of times people get nice things and they start to think differently. We got here from hard work, patience and humility. So I want to tell you, don’t ever think that the world owes you anything, because it doesn’t. The world doesn’t owe you a thing.”

— Joy Mangano (Jennifer Lawrence) from the movie "Joy"

And can we talk about those voices that surround the underdog when he/she starts talking about a dream they have? It's like some people speak to them out of pity. "Poor guy, he doesn't even realize how unrealistic he is. I wonder if he knows the odds of succeeding?" "I hate to be the one, but somebody's got to remind her of reality. Dreams don't pay the bills. You've got to be responsible. Practical. Why put yourself and those you love through such unnecessary pain?"

“For me personally, there was no path. A mom and a woman way back then, to sit at a coffee table and say, ‘Yeah, I’m an inventor?’ It was like, ‘Okay. She needs to go to therapy.’”

— Joy Mangano, Vogue, December 2015

They mean well, usually. Maybe they are victims of their own delayed or derailed dreams. Maybe that's how someone spoke to them, so they in turn continue to spew the same sentiments to those around them. Maybe they feel threatened, because change for you, means change for them. 

And those are the external voices. The internal ones can be just as cruel if not more so. Because they play dirty. They know how and when to hit you. 

Maybe that's another reason we love the underdog so much. Because we see how close to the edge of failure and disaster they walk. And when someone endures in that face of all those odds against them, it's inspiring.

So who is your favorite underdog? What's their story? Leave me a comment. I'd love to know who inspires you!

There's no need to fear--
Underdog is here!

Did you ever have a Dream?

“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. ”

— John F. Kennedy

When I was a kid, all I ever wanted to do was draw, make cards and watch cartoons. I could get lost for hours in the act of creating. Growing up has a way of striping out one of the childhood joys, although I did manage to hang onto small parts of what was inside me in those early days. Even when it came time for college, I knew I had to go to art school, or I wasn’t going at all. It’s debatable as to whether or not I should have majored in graphic design. Some of that decision was guided in response to what kind of art doesn’t leave you as a “starving artist”.

Several design jobs and a career change into ministry, there came an inevitable ache that surfaced and wouldn’t go away. You know what i’m talking about? The kind that gnaws at you over time, always just beneath the surface. No amount of job or career change resolves it. It’s deeper than that. It’s hinged on purpose. This goes way beyond working just so you can pay rent, have a car, provide for a family. Beyond working to pay bills and for possessions and vacations. I think most people may not hate their job, but they’re not loving it either.

What I’m talking about is the stuff of dreams. That place where your very being comes alive, and intersects with your talents. That place where you are fully alive.

I’ve been on the journey towards that place for a long time. There were pit stops and false destinations along the way. But it kept calling.

What’s my dream? To create art that engages people; that connects with their hearts and moves them. Art that is helpful. I want to give myself to this pursuit fully, while being able to “make a living” from it. It’s a dream that is filled with creating in multiple formats utilizing all my talents and abilities. And the more I press into this, the clearer it becomes.

Do you know what I’m talking about? Having a dream and passion so consuming that you don’t have a choice but to lean into it?

Most of us turn back in fear at some point, or hear the “voices” of reason, responsibility, etc. They tell you you can’t do it. And too often so many of us believe them.

For me, as the passion grew, and the dream beaconed louder, all I could do was take the right next step. One after the other.

And now, it feels like my biggest step of all. I’m pursuing my dream. All in. What does that mean?

....I’m going full time into my own art business.

Sometimes it takes an event to interrupt your routine. Mine was my previous employer eliminating a few positions (mine included) due to financial difficulties.

I’ve been pondering my next steps for a while now, and it feels a bit like God has pushed me out of the nest. I’ve been doing my own art in the margins, but it feels like God has orchestrated recent events for me to seize this opportunity. To lean in to where He is calling me.

I will be looking to build up my “ARTrepreneurial” business in what has been referred to as the “Portfolio Life”. Think of it as a wheel with spokes (see drawing below). Each spoke represents a different facet of what I will offer.

• Graphic Design services
• Pet Portraits
• Pop Art (Star Wars, The Walking Dead, etc.) and Art Fairs / Cons
• Original Paintings
• Teaching (via online video courses, workshops)
• Communication (public speaking on Art & Creativity / blogging, writing, maybe even a book)

My desire is to use my art to touch people’s hearts, to provide a help or needed service. And I want to share my own journey and learnings with others, specifically artists, who may be struggling in their own creativity. Some of these areas have already been in the works, while others will be built over time. I’m sure things will look different down the road, but this is where i’m starting.

So, why am I telling you all this?

Because you have journeyed with me. You view my daily art that I post. YOU are part of MY story. The truth is, I’m chasing a DREAM. And I can’t do it alone. So I’m inviting you to PARTNER with me.

What am I asking?

1. I’m looking for new clients with Graphic Design needs, and those desiring Pet Portraits and/or Original Art and prints. If you know of an opportunity that might be a good fit for my talents, please let me know or pass my info along.
    
2. I would greatly appreciate shares, comments, and likes on social media. The more people who can see my art and know about my services, the better. Please share my website:  www.MikeBrennan.me / Instagram / facebook
    
3. Would you consider purchasing a piece of art from me? Take a look around my website or social media posts to see if there is something that speaks to you. This would greatly help me with some startup costs I have. I appreciate your consideration.    

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and journey with me. You have been an encourager of my art over the past few years, and I deeply value that. I am excited, nervous, thrilled, scared all the the same time for what comes next. My family and I are placing our complete trust in God, His leading and provision as we set out on this new adventure.

To infinity and beyond...

Twisted Advice

“...Most of my songs were about believing in yourself, standing up for yourself and fighting for what you believe in. ”

— Dee Snider

Sometimes you find a voice speaking into your journey in the strangest of places. Even places where you're not looking for it.

The other night I watched a documentary on the band Twisted Sister on Netflix called “We Are Twisted F***ing Sister!” I was 14 years old when “Stay Hungry” was released including the hits “We’re Not Gonna Take It” and “I Wanna Rock”. I vividly remember their videos being played on MTV (back when it really was MUSIC television). I haven’t thought about this band aside from the occasional 80’s station playing a song, and “meeting” lead singer Dee Snider at a stop light when I lived on Long Island (But that’s another story for another day…).

I flipped on the documentary because I was curious, perhaps a bit nostalgic and let’s face it, Netflix’s library can be seriously lacking at times. I have to admit though, I was pleasantly surprised. (I know, right?)

There were two ideas that really stood out to me through the telling of their story:

First, they didn't let the music system they were in block them from attaining their goals. Instead, they created a new system. When they couldn't get their music on the radio airwaves or get signed to a record deal, they bought advertising space where they played their own music. As a result, when people heard the snippets of their songs over and over again, they thought that they were hearing Twisted Sister being played on the radio. And It seemed that they were everywhere. It created a buzz.

Second. They didn't give up. The band was tenacious. They just kept going no matter how many closed doors they met with. All the failed attempts (and near misses) at getting signed. All the shows they played tirelessly and endlessly. They just kept going. And when they had exhausted all their resources and avenues, there was one last opportunity. Even though it seemed small and like one last ditch effort, they went for broke. It was a 25 minute spot on the British television show called The Tube. And they made the most that they could out of it to win over the audience. It was as a result of this appearance that they were eventually signed. Their dream they had became reality.

As it turns out, when the path you're on seems twisted, you just might receive some much needed insights from unexpected places. You just need to be listening.

What’s some insight you’ve received from an unconventional source?

Leave me a comment. I’d love to hear about it!