Finding Inspiration

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Hello friends,

So building off our latest episode in which we looked at various ways to motivate the artist in the middle of the long dark winter, we go over plenty of ways to stay fired up and to keep you doing what you do best, that is creating. I wanted to do a list however of videos that I have used in the past to fuel my imagination and drive to keep drawing and writing everyday. The best thing is that I have the videos here as well for you to take a look and see if it gets you to the next level…or leaves you incredibly confused. Or both.

These are a collection of ten videos but I wouldn’t say these are ordered in any real way, think of more these are different videos that get me motivated.

10. Master Morrison

I have a Mount Everest of comics in my mind, and the master Grant Morrison is there. He is the best reason to read Batman or Superman, two extremely mainstream icons and yet in the hands of Grant Morrison he is able to change the way we understand these heroes and the comics we have consumed for all these years.

And yes, you may watch this and walk away with nothing but for me, I see his words. The ability to reconnect with everything, the physical and metaphysical world. The ability to understand how you are reading these words, on what device, this internet, this time, everything is connected. If I ever am feeling out of place and disconnected, I like hearing the wisdom of the legend himself.

9. TYLER THE CHEF

I think this one is more to make me laugh, but it also reminds me of the freedom and creativity that Tyler the Creator has been able to afford himself from his music career. And I will note that this is from his more immature years, but the point still stands; he can do whatever he wants. He wants to make a sketch comedy show. Clothing line, sure why not? Bizarre cooking showing on YouTube? You betcha.

So whether Tyler is your cup of tea or not, the fact remains he is able to create in any way he wants, and that is something that can’t be understated. Because yes, I want to draw comics but I also want to be able to explore anything and everything in any creative way that I want. Why put yourself in a box? Be free, be creative.

Also if you haven’t had a chance, check out IGOR from Tyler, the Creator.

8. Kayfabe Effect

Do you like comics? Do you like making comics? If you said yes, then you most likely know the greatness of Cartoonist Kayfabe, the podcast and YouTube channel hosted by Ed Piskor and Jim Rugg. I am a big fan of this show, these two are doing so much for the comic book industry and the legacy of comic books in general. I hope to get a chance to thank these two one day in person, they have always been there to remind me to keep reading or keep making comics.

In this video here, we have Ed Piskor walk through the creation of his comic, Hip Hop Family Tree. And you can see the complete love and attention to details that he has for not only comic books, but for the music as well. Whatever project we are working on, we need to be devoted to the vision and to the content that we are working on. The art you create is essentially a piece of your soul, so you need to put it all out there.

7. The Dagger

I mean if this doesn’t get your blood pumping, I don’t know what will.

Well I mean unless you are a 76ers fan.

6. Welcome to Chicago

Okay, so imagine you tell yourself you are the best in the world. The best sprinter. The best hockey player. The best artist. Now imagine you work your ass off until the day you finally come back home, and you don’t need to tell anyone you’re the best, everyone already knows. Now, I get it, wrestling isn’t everyone’s bag. Also CM Punk isn’t exactly everyone’s bag either. But I mean come on, listen to this crowd! This guy went from wrestling in the backyard to selling out arenas across the globe, he took a dead product and brought it back to life.

Here is a guy who gave everything for his craft, his body and soul on the line. The fact that Punk now has the freedom to try UFC (he lost but getting into the fight deserves respect, would you join the UFC), write comic books, star in shows and movies, etc. CM Punk much like Tyler the Creator earlier has gained a freedom that we should all aim for, the freedom of creativity.

5. Growing up Childish

Do you see a theme here? Because it should be apparent. I mean let’s talk about the real Donald, Donald Glover AKA Childish Gambino. This man is talented. He makes music, he writes TV shows, he stars in TV shows, movies, etc. Not only does he do all these different things, but he absolutely kills it. This particular video is something I wanted to bring attention to, it is a companion piece to his album Because the Internet. Possibly one of his more under rated pieces of work, a concept album with an extremely deep look at human connections today, did the internet change us or has this cold detachment always been a part of the human experience.

It isn’t about getting it or not, whatever experience you walk away from is just valid.

As I said before, freedom of creativity is everything. Be free, be creative.

4. The Todd Father

Another icon in my books, and another extremely polarizing figure in his field. If I am being honest, I want the McFarlane throne. And I mean all comic book creators should, the man changed the game of comics forever! He changed action figures! He is in a league of his own if you ask me, because maybe he wasn’t the best artist or writer but he knew how to play the game so well, he changed the damn rules! He has over 300 issues of his own original character and he just keeps going.

If you aren’t familiar with the journey that Todd McFarlane has been on, watch this doc. You don’t have to agree with everything he does, but pay respect to the legend.

3. Elite is Being

Not any particular video in general, but look at the bigger picture. Two brothers wanted to be the best tag team wrestlers, they then decided to vlog their journey across the globe, they then kick started their own wrestling show. I have nothing but absolute respect for Matt & Nick Jackson, for the amount of work they put in every week and in every match they work, these guys have worked their butts off and I admire them for sure.

The vlog itself is fantastic as well and you see how much fun they have with fellow wrestlers on the road, the inside jokes they create in each episode.

2. Sound of the Soul

One of my biggest icons has to be the late hip hop producer, Nujabes. Another game changer in his field, Nujabes has a long lasting legacy on the world of music. You know that when you study music you listen for hours on end, you can thank Nujabes for that. But what I also take away from his work, is the love and attention to detail he had in every song he put out to the world. You just have to take a step back and listen.

And it is in the times of great stress and fear when we truly need to listen more, shut down your work and put on some Nujabes. Link your memory to the sound, paint the world in your mind with every beat. And when you are done, I promise you that you will be back and ready to work with all your heart and mind.

1. Image Your own Path

We met the Todd Father earlier, now meet the family. The Image seven; Todd McFarlane, Jim Lee, Rob Liefeld, Marc Silvestri, Erik Larson, Jim Valentino and Whilce Portacio. These men changed comics forever. And honestly if you don’t know their story by now, what are you waiting for? These guys took a chance on themselves, they rolled the dice and never looked back, they became their own bosses. And for artists, especially illustrators and comic book creators, this has to be our goal. Is it easy? Hell no. But anything worth fighting for will never be easy, you have to believe in yourself and the work you do if you ever want to convince others.

I have high hopes, but I also have an understanding on how huge the mountain is. I got my hiking boots on, let’s get to stepping.

So there you have it friends, what do you think? You fired up to draw up a storm of creativity? I know I am, so I leave with you that. Let us know as well what you thought and share with us your own sources of motivation and inspiration, as you can see from mine, it can be anything.

Hasta luego amigos.