It all began with a simple mantra; “This is my life.” I put my hand on my chest and feeling my heart beat, closed my eyes. I try to embrace the idea that my life’s direction is at least partially under my control and I’m responsible for where I find myself years from now.
As a multidisciplinary artist, I divide my time between my writing, artwork, photography, music, and keeping up with my social media sites (along with working full time and spending time with friends and family). I am a very routinized and self-disciplined person. My day includes at least one hour working on my art, more than an hour posting and responding on social media, a half hour playing the piano, working on lyrics and songs I’ve written, and in whatever time I have left I devote myself to writing.
I was horrified when I realized that while my writing is something I consider to be most important, my purpose and reason for everything, that all my compiled writings and notes and drawings related to my written works were buried and disorganized on a book shelf that was covered in dust! I bought some binders, dividers, folders, and organized everything.
I encourage you to ask yourself; what is most important to me and how much time have I devoted to these passions lately? Maybe if you’ve been feeling tired or worn out you need to take a step back and focus your energies on what you value instead of just being “busy”.
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What are you doing today that is putting you in the right place, preparing you for what you want to do tomorrow and in the future? Narrow down what makes you feel most happy and at peace and also what does not, the headaches you don’t want to have; then act on these realizations! Don’t be afraid to say “no” if something doesn’t feel right or fit right with your passions and what’s important to you.
Whenever I feel overwhelmed attending events, keeping up with social media platforms, and working on my art and photography, I remember another mantra of mine; “Everything I do is for my writings.” I almost never discuss my writing plans because it is very dear to me and I want it to be a secret until I officially release something. Currently, I’m working on copyrighting and self-publishing the first of a 6 book series followed by a compilation of short stories I’ve written for the past eight years.
I’ve written and re-written songs specifically to go along with my books, drawn scenes from them, and taken setting photos around the cities where they take place. My dream, my purpose, and what I’m most passionate about is using all of my talents for one unified purpose which is to create this, I admit, pretty gargantuan project of publishing these books which include art, music, and photos.
A glimpse into just one dream of mine is to have my photographs and art relating to one specific book featured in an art gallery type of environment while selling my book at the door and performing the songs live for the crowd, and then traveling with this around to different cities. At the same time, I’d like to travel to different cities, photograph and document in writing my experiences, and then come home and draw the city. I’ve already drawn 20 cities and plan to draw many, many more!
Even if you can’t see the big picture clearly or fully grasp the entirety of your dream, keep following those little tugs inside of you that tell you which way to go, what to devote time to, and what to avoid or let go of. Don’t be afraid to try new things, step out of your comfort zone, and take chances. I used to say I didn’t like nor did I want to do photos of people, but I’ve found that I really enjoy one on one photo shoots! I’m an outgoing person and I’ve been in customer service for more than ten years, but I’m also a little shy and I struggle with extreme doubt and sickening anxiety before social encounters. The more I go out and attend events, the easier it has become. I’ve also learned that in networking, don’t be afraid to tag, add, offer friendship, correspond, and encourage people that you admire. I’ve made many connections and friendships by these simple actions. Something as simple as, “I really like your work” can mean a lot to an artist, because all of us artists yearn for encouragement and to know our hard work is noticed and appreciated.
An example of this, is an artist friend that I admire commented to one of my posts on Facebook to “Keep grinding” and this meant a lot to me since I was feeling discouraged that day. One last thought. My Dad used to say, “See it big, but keep it simple.”
I’m currently preparing for my 5th RAW Artists showcase, my first in Houston, Texas on Wednesday July 29th at Studio Live from 7-11pm. Www.Rawartists.org/timothymcvain I’ve learned that failure and disappointment are inevitable- it’s going to happen, maybe often. I’ve had some art events that were not necessarily financially rewarding, but I focused on what good things occurred and learned from the experience.
The most important part of every art event I’ve attended or participated in has been meeting people! Perhaps, the times when the reward is simply networking opportunities, are good practice for the future. I’ve definitely felt more confident selling myself and my product, discovering and explaining what makes me unique with strangers during these types of shows.
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Learn more about my current Raw show here and future one’s I may be in. Also to take a look at my writing click here!
Artist, Musician, Photographer, Writer. I’m originally from Oakland, California but I’ve made my home in the beautiful state of Texas for the past seven years. I currently reside in San Antonio. Photography is a recent passion of mine. I am currently working on a series of novels, I sing, play the piano, and write songs, and I also do colored pencil art which mainly consists of architecture and cityscapes, but also surreal scenes. I’ve been an active photographer documenting my travels around the country and adventures around all of Texas for five years. My hope is that my art inspires people to never give up and is a reminder that there is still beauty and good to be found in the world.
Timothy, Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. It makes me proud to see all your dreams become accomplishments. You only one way to go; and that is UP! Congratulations.