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.

Passion and Puropse

I had the opportunity to speak to about 45-50 high school kids at a retreat a few weekends ago.

It’s been a long while since I’ve been in an environment like that. Once upon a time, into my late twenties, I spent 10 years in youth ministry with my local church’s youth group.

To add to my sense of nostalgia, it was hosted at a retreat center where I spent many formative years myself attending youth retreats and camps. It’s a place of life change for me. Although the grounds and buildings have been updated, I can still reminisce at every turn.

My topic for this informal talk was was “Passion and Purpose”.

I opened by asking a few questions.

“How many of you know what they were passionate about?”

Lots of hands went up with answers like - dancing, photography, sports, baking, fixing things, and so on.

“How many of you aren’t sure” A few hand shot up.

“How many of you wish I would stop asking people to raise their hands?” A brave snarky few raised their hands.  “You, my friends”, I countered, “might just have the gift of critical thinking.”

When I asked how many people knew their purpose, two hands went up. And I’d say that’s probably pretty spot on. Purpose is more slippery especially in our high school years. After all, we're still trying to figure out who we are. (Let’s be honest, many adults are still wrestling with these issues as well.)

So many times students hear the word potential.

“You have potential to be great at this. Keep it up.”

“One day, you’ll be a force to be reckoned with.”

But my challenge to them on this day was to identify something they considered a passion, and pair it with helping someone. Forget someday potential. You can do something TODAY. RIght where you are, with what you have.

Passionate about baking? Perhaps there’s a family near you that can’t even begin to think about food due to a new baby, or an illness in the family that keeps them busy with hospital visits.

Passionate about fixing things? Find that elderly neighbor who might need assistance with some household items that need fixing.

When we our passions collide with serving people, bringing them value, we can find a greater purpose. We get to use our gifts and talents, and other people get to be blessed by them. Everyone wins.

The thing is, it takes intentionality. We have to look beyond our own issues, hangups, hurts – all the self-centered things that can keep us preoccupied so that we don’t even notice the needs of those around us, let alone try to creatively serve them.

My hope is that if even a few of those students walked out of there with a different perspective, perhaps there could be a huge impact on their lives, and the ones they serve. A ripple effect of passion and purpose.

What about you? What are you passionate about? Do you have a sense of purpose?

Are there things that are causing you to not see the needs of the people around you? Who could you serve with your talents and passions?

A Funny Thing happens When You Show Up...

Global Citizen's Word on Stage event at the NYU SKIRBALL CENTER.

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a private Global Citizen's event, World on Stage. It was an evening filled with a who's who of influential people coming together for world change. Former Prime Ministers, executives of big business, musicians, actors, celebrities of all sorts, and even three NASA astronauts (WHAT?!). But I don't want to write a blog post filled with name dropping (ok, just one, Paul Simon showed up and played two songs...) or take away from the very important world issues that were discussed (poverty, clean water, gender equality...). Instead, there's another story I want to tell. How in the world did I find myself at this Global Citizen's private event in the first place? And How was I commissioned to create art centered on social issues, incorporating major headlining acts like Rihanna and Metallica?

The short answer is that I just kept showing up. Every day, doing the work and putting it out there. 

“Eighty percent of success is showing up.”

— Woody Allen

About three years ago, I was contacted by someone via Instagram, inquiring about commissioning me to do some art centered around a NYC central park event, the Global Citizen's festival. As it turned out, that person was Kweku Mandela (filmmaker, activist and yes, Nelson Mandela's grandson). How on earth did he come across my work? If memory serves me correctly, I had some a series of drawings based on some celebrities and influential people. One of those people was Caitlyn Crosby, singer-songwriter, actress, and founder of The Giving Keys. She loved the portrait I did of her so much she shared it on her own Instagram account. And Kweku follows her. Hence, the connection was made.

So, Kweku commissioned me to create some art for the Global Citizen's event in 2014. Then following year, he commissioned me to create some more art of the headlining musicians like Coldplay and Ed Sheeran, to share on social media. 

This year, Kweku contacted me about creating art of the five headlining acts placed in specific locations related to certain social issues. I created not only digital art to share on social media, but also physical matted prints that were handed to each artist following the main event. 

Five custom digital paintings for the headlining acts: Kendrick Lamar, Major Lazer, Rihanna, Demi Lovato, and Metallica. 

So how did I end up at the World on Stage event? Kweku graciously invited me to be his guest. I was finally able to meet him in person after a few years of working through emails and Instagram. I feel so very fortunate to have been connected to him, and to have been invited into the Global Citizen event, where I continued to leverage my art to help bring awareness. And to be a part of something for the greater good. 

I share this not to call attention to me or my work, but to hopefully encourage YOU. Do you have a dream you are pursuing (or want to)? Keep showing up. Keep sharing your work. Keep connecting to people you can serve with your art. Add value to other's lives. Leverage your creativity to benefit others. Don't just engage your talent, but your HEART. If you do, who know's the lives you might touch and the places you might end up. 

Today is a new day, filled with many opportunities to make an impact on the lives of others who are right around you. Maybe it's just to make someone smile, or bring awareness to an important issue. It probably looks different for each of us. But my challenge to you is to SHOW UP. You just might be able to offer just the very thing someone has been waiting for. 

A live sketch i created during Global Citizen's Word on Stage event at the NYU SKIRBALL CENTER, NYC, Thursday, September 22nd 2016.

Painting from the Soul

If you've been following me for any length of time, you probably know that I do Pet Portraits, Pop Culture Art, maybe even Graphic Design, but you might not be aware of another aspect of my life that is very important to me: my faith. A few months ago, I had the opportunity to do a live painting during my church's Sunday services. I did 4 paintings actually. One practice and three more, one for each service.

There's something that makes me come alive when I can get lost in music (centered around God) and paint what flows out of me. It's a response. It's part of my faith. 

You may or may not consider yourself a person of faith, but perhaps you have had the sensation of being so utterly passionate while doing something that you loose track of all time. It's a place where you're not critiquing or second guessing, But a place of creation, where you unleash something from deep inside. It's not about head choices, but heart ones. 

As I write this I'm putting the finishing touches on a recreation of this painting "Worship (Sensate)". I recorded a bit of the process of my painting in time lapse and posted below.

If you have any questions about this painting, my process or supplies used, just leave a comment. Also I am accepting commission on a few more recreations of this painting, so if you would like one, email me and let's talk about how we can get one in your home or church today!

One of the original paintings I did live during the worship service. It's acrylic on wood.

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!

Felicia Day Kicked My Ass

If you’ve been following any of my adventures as of late, you’ll know there’s been some mention of Felicia. I know, you're like, “Dude, I know already… you gave her a painting you did of her… You’ve had some connection and contact online (that sound’s creepy now that I write it)… blah, blah, blah... what is she you new best friend?” (No. actually she hasn’t returned my calls yet. ...Yet. …Ok then, back to creepy).

So I’ve been reading Felicia’s new book “You’re Never Weird on the Internet (almost)” (which is on the NY Times bestseller list, so congrats Felicia)… Anyway, then it happened. Right there on the bottom of page 137. Felicia Day kicked my ass. (“Butt” doesn’t do it justice). Speaking about a time of depression and struggling to write creatively, she states: “…I was a fraud, Who was I to pick up a pen and expect anything good to come out of it? I expected perfection as soon as the pencil hit the paper…”

There it was. Her words just hung there. Stinging. “I EXPECTED PERFECTION AS SOON AS…”

I’m no stranger to battling Perfection. I’ve tangoed a few times in my life (all in the name of "pursuing excellence” of course) and every time got my toes stepped on. 

In the past, I told myself that I couldn’t really draw or paint because I wasn’t any good at photo realism. So I stopped. I didn’t draw or paint for 10-15 years. Until about 3 years ago. When I uncovered that lie and kicked it to the curb. Perfection wasn’t going to rob me of my art any more. And as a result I embraced my “mess”, which led to my loose, organic style.  I've created over one thousand works over the last few years with my daily paintings and drawing. Art that would never have seen the light of day had i continued to believe the lie.

So I thought I was done. But as I read Felicia’s words, I realized Perfection shifted focus from my art creating to my art sharing. Call it marketing, PR, sharing… it’s what follows the act of creation. The desire to get my art out there for people to see, engage with, hopefully be moved by (and even purchase).

So I do what I’m supposed to do - I post to Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, a blog post, an email newsletter.... the list goes on. Perfection say "send it out there and just watch." And then… crickets. Perfection then jumps on the other side of the table and says “Who are you to think anyone really cares about your art. No one want to buy it. No ones even noticed it.” So discouragement settles in. And truthfully, it’s all so tiring.

I EXPECT PERFECTION AS SOON AS I… post about that new painting for sale. People will be clamoring to buy it. But they don’t. 

I EXPECT PERFECTION AS SOON AS I… post that new image. Just watch the likes and follows and reposts and… it floats by in everyones feed until it quietly disappears. 

This might feel a bit "Dear Diary" but if I can be honest and authentic for a moment here (I think it's popular to say it's ok, but really it makes some people uncomfortable, so they fuel the image that you have to have it all together, in public at least... but that's another blog post, for another day), somewhere I let Perfection tell me the lie that if “success” was to come, it was going to come instantly. And if it doesn't, it’s FAILURE. But there are no overnight successes. They’re only overnight to us because we haven’t known about the hard work they’ve been putting in for years in obscurity. 

No, I cannot expect perfection. And if you relate, you shouldn’t either. We need to allow ourselves some GRACE. Some Room. Some Time. As we continue to work hard at our craft.

It makes me have to face another uncomfortable question: What if no one ever notices me or my art? Is the only reward of “success” recognition, sales, shares, and fame? What if i’m destined to create my art in quite, no one watching. No crowds. No money. No applause? Would I still create? Thankfully I know my answer is YES. because to not create would cause a part of me to die. I HAVE to create. It’s part of who I am. But all the other trappings are not guaranteed. 

So while I may have to go apply some BenGay to my hind-quarters, Felicia, I want to thank you. Thank you for being transparent and vulnerable with your story. I needed it. And in turn, I hope that someone benefits form my transparency and vulnerability. Let’s keep kicking ass.

What's your next step?

I've been pondering the question of "What's next?" as of late in terms of my passion to create. That is, when I'm not taken in different directions in the busyness of my project lists and the tasks of life. The question is always there in the quietness, when things do finally slow down.

To be honest, I have no big revelations. At least not yet. But what I am convinced of is simply showing up and taking the right next step. Some days that's making sure I get myself in my sketchbook. Or recently, signing up to take a watercolor class (which I'm loving BTW). Still, others days, it's finishing a project I've set out to do (like the art above, commissioned to do based on a page in my sketchbook project) or reading another chapter in The Artist's Way. The only thing that is certain for me is that I must find new ways and opportunities to keep creating more. Creating the stuff that flows out of my heart, and hopefully finds a way to touch someone else.

Part of me feels like it's starting to wake up to more of what could be. I'm leaning into a phrase found in the Bible in the book of Ephesians - Immeasurably more. I want to know what that looks like in my life. For my Art to be immeasurably more that I could ask or imagine - for it to go places and touch people that I don't know.

I'm not talking fame or success. I'm talking usefulness, and being a blessing in some one else's life. I'm not talking grandiose dreams. I'm talking me - fully alive, using my gifts and abilities, and trusting God to use what He desires to - in breathing life into what I create. You might think that's crazy talk. Or prideful. But, you see, for far too long I haven't given my art the value it deserved. And at one point, I almost let it die.

So at this stage in my journey, I'm not interested in "playing" art. I'm interested in real and true creation. Creation that moves me and the people around me. Creation that somehow brings a smile, or a tear, or an acknowledgement of some beauty around us that we miss most of the time. Creation that I'm is born out of passion.

I saw the following video by artist and design Elle Luna (love her name BTW) on a talk she gave entitled "Find Your Must". That's where I am. Where I've been. Where I will continue to be... (at least for a little while I think). Finding and rediscovering my "Must" - what I and only I can & must do.

I resinate with the journey. Maybe you will too. And just maybe it will help you take the right next step on your journey, leading to a new path.

http://vimeo.com/77436516

The "H" Word

Hobby.

It's become a dirty word.

"I'm not a professional, or even an amateur. I'm a hobbiest."

I don't know about you, but growing up the word hobby always had a "lesser than" connotation. People would say things like "Oh it's great you like to do that. It makes a great hobby. But what are you going to do for a career? To make money". It was all very patronizing. And then the strong internal sense of responsibility comes along and puts hobby in a stranglehold. Because really, who has time for a hobby? There's too much to do. Too much to accomplish. There are bills to pay.

The problem with this thinking is that you end up eliminating something that feeds your soul. Something that make you feel alive. And in turn, that effects your work life, relationships - the whole of your life.

I think sometimes Art is put into this lesser than category by well intentioned adults when speaking to kids. After all, the world doesn't need any more "starving artists". Perhaps art should be kept as a hobby. (Which there's nothing wrong with, as not everyone should become an artist as a career). I know far too many people who like to create art in some way, but it got sequestered to the back burner of hobby only to no longer see the light of day. Perhaps, once in the proverbial blue moon, it comes out and is met with comments like "You know, I really should start doing this again. Perhaps someday..."

I love the way Austin Kleon describes a hobby it in his book "Steal Like an Artist":

It’s so important to have a hobby. A hobby is something creative that’s just for you. You don’t try to make money or get famous off it, you just do it because it makes you happy. A hobby is something that gives but doesn’t take.

Kleon, Austin (2012-02-28). Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative (Kindle Locations 334-336). Workman Publishing Company. Kindle Edition.

Even though I'm a "professional" artist, there are some art forms for me that I consider hobbies. And I have learned the art of doing them just for me. And I'm much better for it.

What about you? Do you have a hobby (or hobbies) that you keep up with regularly? What makes you feel alive?

{photo credit}

Confession of a Dying Artist

Something inside of me started to die. It was a slow death. Barely noticeable. It went on for years. Somehow, I think I knew something was wrong but I couldn't put my finger on it.

I've spent years using my art (mainly graphic design) to support the cause or endeavors of others. That's what I get paid to do. To use my art to create a logo for someone's product, someones else's message slides, someone else's company and ideas. Nothing wrong with that. But, I finally realized what had been slowly dying all these years. My personal art expression. My message. My voice in my art.

Doing design for others isn't the correct place to insert your personal message/expression. I'm hired to communicate their message, their identity. BUT I came to realize that I had stopped pursuing avenues of my own expression. And it slowly began shortly after graduating art school.

Earlier this year, I began a journey back to my passion - creating art "just because". Creating because my soul needed to. Creating art not for the masses but for personal expression. And something wonderful happened. I felt the cold dead place inside start to come back alive.

I made a fatal error early on in my design career. I don't even know if it was conscious (I don't think it was). I took on an either/or approach to my art. Either I could do commercial work (and get paid for it), or do personal art expression (and not get paid for it). And just like the carpenter who lives in a home where the carpentry needs go unmet - I felt like after doing "art" all day long who had time or energy for more when I got home?

When it comes to creating commercial and personal art, it isn't about either/or but rather and/both. Both are vital to creative health. Who knows, maybe one day the two lines will blur more for me and I'll get paid to create my personal expression art. But until then, I'm making sure I don't loose sight of pursuing both.

What about you? Do you ever feel that tension?

Illustration by Mike Brennan