Kindness Conspiracy Challenge

The old saying (not that old really) is that everything lives forever on the internet. This is absolutely true. I just stumbled upon an old Wordpress blog I had from a number of years ago.

As I scroll, and occasionally winced, I did come across some things that still hold true today, or I can see the germ of an idea that has now come to fruition. (Then there's all the old photo and such that makes it feel like a full on nostalgia fest)

One of the posts still holds very true to the core of who I am, so I figured I'd repost it. It's really what is behind every piece of art I create and my desire to bring value and benefit to your world. Enjoy!

When I was a kid, my mom used to drag me out to stores. Not toy stores, but stores where she would go clothes shopping. Bored out of my mind, one day I decided that I would start holding the door open for people entering the store. (Obviously in this day and age, a kid by himself by the door would be an easy target to snatch – but let’s hold onto the innocence of another time for the moment). What I encountered was pretty interesting. People smiled and said thank you. And I felt pretty good doing something kind for people that was pretty easy. In an otherwise hurried existence (and maybe holding doors open in a non-hurried culture is more of where you may be from, but probably not) a simple act like holding open a door could brighten someone’s day.

Ever since then, I have made it a habit to hold doors open for people, and say thank you to people (Instilled by my grandma too). Try it today. For one whole day, go out of your way to hold open doors & say thank you. See what happens. You just might brighten someone’s day. And you’ll also be acting according to the “golden rule”  – Do for others what you would want them to do for you.

If you try this, I’d love to hear any stories that might come from your experiences. Feel free to post below. Let’s start a kindness conspiracy!

Bringing Smiles Through the Art of Social Media

If you've been following me for any length of time, you know that I practice a daily art habit. I create at least one piece of art a day, and post it to social media. As of late I have also been incorporating public images I find through my social media streams, namely Instagram.

Some people have wondered why I would choose to pick a random stranger and use their post for inspiration to create a daily digital drawing. Aside from looking for ideas and inspiration, I have found that when I create a piece of art centered around someone else, it brings surprise and delight to that person (expect only once, where the person was a little apprehensive). 

There has been so much noise on social media with everyone airing their opinions on current events and politics. So much hate and division. Rather than add fuel to the fire or checking out completely, I'd rather start another conversation - using social media to spread JOY and KINDNESS. 

Below are two recent examples of recipients of my daily art from their posts to Instagram, along with their reactions. This is why I do it. To make people smile. To make them feel noticed and loved, even if for a moment in their day. You never know what someone else may be going through. And as an Artist, you have the power to use your art to benefit someone else's life. I mean, it's blessed you in the act of creating it right? Why not share that blessing?

Where can you share your talents or art to enrich the lives of others? Try it for 7 days straight and see what happens. I'd love to hear about it!

One of the many Yoga inspired digital drawings I've done as of late. @flyandreleaseyoga

This drawing was following a recent Walker Stalker event, where I was part of the Artist Alley. So many fans of The Walking Dead were excited to meet their favorite stars. I just had to capture this moment from @ProducerJamieNYC with #NormanReedus @BigBaldHead