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!

I'd Like to Do Something For You

Art inspired by @jujusart on Instagram

The other night, I was sitting in a Shake Shack (sucking down a delicious chocolate shake), waiting for my daughter’s dance class to be finished. It feels like one of those moments, where you finally find yourself sitting still.

It’s catching up in the margins, wherever we can. You know what I mean? In between appointments, at red lights, in line at the grocery store… And on the front of my brain is the reminder of all that I'm behind in accomplishing. Even getting a bit behind in my blogging.

Can I be honest? It makes me pause. I don’t want to create more content just because that's what you're supposed to do in today's culture. I don't want to send out another email to my PACK that clogs up their inbox. Another post or one of "those" emails, the ones that just creates more noise in your world. Or something else to make you scroll on by.

Our attention is precious these days, so I want you to know that I greatly appreciate that you are reading this. My hope, since you’ve come to my site, that my art has added value to your life at some point (or if you're new, welcome!) . Maybe It was during a pet show and our mutual love of animals brought us together, or we geeked out together a Walker Stalker Con or FanFest, or you clicked on a social media link, visited my website and saw art that resonated with you.

However you came upon my art, we’re connected. And to be honest, that’s a big part of why I do what I do. CONNECTION.

I want to create art that adds benefit, beauty, and value to your life. And I highly value our connection in the process.

The art I create might take different forms - a custom pet portrait, Star Wars | The Walking Dead | Pop Culture fan art, Yoga art, and so on - but I hope the end result is the same - something I create touching your life.

I hope I can bring more of that in 2017.

So how can I bring value to your world through my art?

Are you looking for a unique Valentine’s Day gift? Maybe a custom pet portrait would be perfect.

Do you practice yoga? Would you like to commemorate a special pose achievement by having me create some art to encourage you on your fitness journey?

Recently, I even created a custom portrait of a home for a real estate agent whose client sold their home of over 30 years. He wanted them to have a special remembrance they could hang in their new home that would remind them of all the special moments they shared as a family.

So may I ask -  how can we connect so i can serve you through my art this year? Would you take 2 seconds right now, leave me a comment and let me know?

Whatever form it takes, I hope I can create some more meaningful art for you this year. Thanks for traveling with me and I look forward to the connections we make soon!
 

Holy Sidekick Batman!

Recently, I was at a conference called "Tribe" hosted by author Jeff Goins. In his opening, Jeff talked about the power of being a side kick. Being the comic book / pop culture geek I am, he had my attention instantly. 

Everyone naturally wants to be THE hero. The one who swoops in to save the day, and also receives all the accolades. But what we really need more of are the sidekicks. Everyone wants to grow up to be Batman. No one wants to be Robin. 

We tend to think the sidekick is "lesser than" somehow. But it's time to rethink that. The sidekick comes along side, and helps. He leverages what he has for the greater good. He provides a service and value. And THAT should be our goal as well – leveraging our craft to benefit the lives of others. To bring them value. To serve them. 

Later during the same conference, another speaker, Carlos Whittaker challenged us all not to look for spotlight moments, but moments where we can take others along with us. He posed the question "How can we use whatever platform we have to help someone else?"

This idea of serving, offering true value and help to others keeps coming up in my world. Even this morning, while I was in a networking meeting, this very topic emerged again. It rings so true to my own personal values of wanting to be help to those around me, both personally and professionally, that i have included this in my overarching purpose statement:

"To create engaging visuals and ideas that bring value to people, and glory to my Creator."

So, I'm ok with being Robin (just don't ask me to wear tights). The more people I can help with my art and craft, the better. You won't see a "Robin" sign in the sky, but if you look around, there is always someone in need of help.

So, what about you? Where can you provide value and service in your craft to be a help to other people? If you're doing that already, where is a new opportunity or expression you might be able to explore? Leave a comment below. I'd love to hear what you think!

Until next time, Same Bat time, Same bat channel.

For more sidekick fun, check out this list of Robin's exclamations!