josten dooley

A part of my process

Here’s how I go about working on a Calligraphy/Brush lettering piece.

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What ruined Nickelodeon?

Nickelodeon was a part of my childhood and I always get a bit excited whenever I see a clip from a show I used to watch as a child. Because it brings back the memories of me wanting to be on the show and etc.

Taking Actions On Ideas

Taking Actions on our ideas at first is a very scary thing to do. Because we can either be scared of the success that will come from achieving our goals. As well as not knowing how to deal with the success that comes from the hard work we have put in. You may think what are you talking about being afraid of success and what comes from it.

I am only speaking from what I used to deal with mentally awhile ago. So I’d say if you know deep down in your heart that you want to be successful prepare yourself for it. There are going to be a lot of things that can seem to come all at once. Which will lead you to be overwhelmed.

I am very thankful for my parents and family for raising me the way that they did. Even though at times I was a very rebellious type and wanted to do the things I wanted. But you know they never ever forced me to not think big. Nor did they ever tell me to not go after what it is that I wanted.

So this leads me to the mindset that many graphic designers/creative individuals fall into, which is creating just to create. As well as not sharing my work with everyone. There are certain projects that seriously should not be shared. As well as not feeling accomplished enough to put out products for people to have and enjoy.

When I started selling products on my Etsy shop and seeing them in the wild I was even more fulfilled. Because instead of them sitting in my bedroom office collecting dust they are being enjoyed. Learning to think bigger has been fun.

As well seeing the value in my work, whether it be graphic design, Calligraphy and Products I create. But I do not want you to think I was not afraid to start selling my own products. The main thing I had to do was make a decision. Making the decision of I am not going to create products just for me.

Then having the mentality that I am going to make sure that I will create items that I would hang up in my home and use. This mentality is what helps me continuously create work that I am proud of.

If you are just starting out creating products and being a designer be honest with yourself. First by knowing whether you work is something you are proud of. Also whether it is something that you would like to have your name attached to. The reason I mention that is because you want to have the types of clients/Customers who appreciate the quality of work that you do.

Think of the possibilities that your work can turn into.

Believe in yourself more than anyone else

Learning as a creative person you have to believe in yourself more than anyone else. This is definitely a requirement that helps you get through the rejection letters. The rejection letters that are pre-written and say the usual “we’ve decided to proceed with a different candiate”. I do not let those demotivate me.

Instead of getting upset by them I don’t really care who turns me down. The reason is because I learned that I do have the ability to go beyond, what the person who sees my resume sees. I also had to take back the power of those people whom we’d think are in charge of our careers.

The best thing to realize that you are in charge of your career. Then you have to be willing to be honest with yourself. Also being willing to go through what you have to do what it is that you want. Believe me creating youtube videos, writing blog posts, running an etsy shop are not easy. As well as posting daily to instagram.

The way how I am able to do these things without getting burnt out is that I enjoy them. Also knowing that I know what it takes and that it takes time has helped me. Believing in yourself is not something that comes overnight and never will.

Each day is more of a test on yourself and if you can believe in yourself and or sit around and waste time. Doing things that you enjoy repeatedly can become habitual and easy. If you are going through a creative block take time to realize why you are in one and then what fires you up.

So with all of this said please do your best to not let anyone believe in you more than yourself. As a creative individual and or a business person stop being scared and just go for it. Whatever it is that you want to go for, do it the smart way. Don’t make the mistake of putting yourself in a bad situation. An example of being at a job that is ok for you and then just deciding one day, “I’m done and I quit”.

Then with making that choice you will put yourself in a tough situation and starve yourself of the needed mental clearness. I’m not saying doing that is a bad thing. More so to be more strategic with your plans you make.