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I’ve decided to stick with my original blog url, and ditch the ‘asphalt dream’ …so find me at:
http://luisishere.wordpress.com
See ya there.
Vampires are popular again, and it’s got me thinking about the mechanics of the characters involved in these vampire stories, as well as the story structure for the book Twilight.
As the movie Twilight approaches, I’m noticing some of the females in my life getting caught up in the books and can’t wait for the movie.
My wife started reading Twilight because a friend from work wouldn’t stop talking about it. This was a couple of weeks ago, and my wife already finished the book and is all set for the movie. Another friend has been obsessed for months over these books. She just started talking about them one day.
I’ve become fascinated by the rising popularity of the Twilight series. I’m more interested in the mechanics of the books and the characters. As I understand, Bella is a character that many girls (and women) can relate to because she’s just your average girl who suddenly gets caught up in this dangerous adventure.
I think it’s easy to put yourself into a character such as Bella. Wouldn’t we all like to be involuntarily swept up in some sort of crazy adventure by a mysterious person of the opposite sex, and of course, fall in love with them? Add to that, you being a major part of the big picture.
This seems to be a successful formula for a story. Neo is a loner computer hacker who is confronted by the mysterious Trinity. And of course, Neo is The One. Another story that comes to mind is Wanted. Wesley has an undesirable life, and one day a mysteriously beautiful woman sweeps him away from his unhappy life into a world of danger.
These stories go to show that this re-used formula works. If you stick to that basic formula, I wonder if it’s other details that make the story unique? Vampires, assassins, revolutions in a futuristic setting, I’m starting to see how these sorts of details are what make the story interesting.
I find the word ‘creativity’ intimidating. It’s a mysterious concept, and I think it has many interpretations.
Creativity is subjective. You may not necessarily agree with my idea of creativity. So, where is the line between acceptable creativity and utter drivel? Who draws that line?
Perhaps my approach is flawed. Danny Gregory (author of The Creative License) says creativity is fun, and people NEED to create. I’m struggling to return to that way of thinking. In an interview, David Carson said in an interview that if you’re bored or not really enjoying it, then it’s ‘work.’
My best friend (a very creative illustrator) suggests rearranging my environment. He also links creativity to ‘fun’ and not ‘work.’
Perhaps the road to solving my problem is as simple as finding fun in creativity again. Maybe that’s the answer I’ve been seeking.
The long, hard road to any creative endeavor is filled with obstructions. Writers have the dreaded writer’s block. Graphic designers have the slump, or in extreme cases, burnout.
What causes these blocks and burnouts? In my own experience, the root of fear started with diminishing confidence, losing focus, and experiencing self-dout. Allowing these things to fester inside me has seriously hurt me. “Fear is the mind killer.” I firmly believe in that statement.
So, how does one break through the blocks, regain focus, and confidence? I don’t have that answer. To be honest, I don’t know if it’s any ONE answer. I think it’s something I have to work out for myself. Once I find it, I’ll write a post about it.
There are tons of blogs and books on creativity. Two great books are: The Creative License by Danny Gregory, and War of Art by Steven Pressfield. The former is more about drawing, & rediscovering creativity. The latter is geared towards writers, but the core ideas can pertain to any creative discipline.
When I was 15, my dream was to draw comics. I was misguided into graphic design instead, and by 19, it was my major in college. While I don’t regret my experience over the past decade, I realize I strayed away from my childhood dream.
I know drawing is a skill anyone can learn, but the craft of sequential art is very challenging. Realistically speaking, I don’t have what it takes to learn sequential art, and make a living off of it.
However, as a hobby, I’ve been writing for years. It’s satisfying. I believe the craft of writing is also a learnable skill.
I’m not an idiot. I know this is not going to happen overnight. I understand that breaking into comics & graphic novels is even harder for a writer. It took years and years for all of my favorite writers to come to prominence.
I’m prepared for the long, hard road.
Funny that the last post was about our baby’s due date coming and going. Four hours after publishing that post… around 4:30am, February 8… Raquel woke me up to tell me she was feeling some strange ‘waves’ of tightness in her lower back.
Our new arrival, Gabrielle, was born at 9:49pm, Friday, February 8th. She was 6 pounds, 15 ounces and 18 inches long. These past couple of months have been a challenge. Most of all, they’ve been fun. It’s a very happy time in our lives.
The Due date has come and gone, and still… no baby yet. As you can see, my wife can’t wait till our tiny dancer is born! One of the tips I’ve heard the most from people is that the first born is usually late. Today’s doctor appointment confirmed no progress. Wednesday was the start of her 40th week.
My wife’s due date is next week. Today, my co-workers TOTALLY caught me off guard with a surprise mini-shower thing. I’m usually good at sniffing this kind of thing out, but when I’m called into a meeting about a design project… I come prepared. Little did I know it was only a ruse. Still, great laughs, and great cake.
Well, let’s run it down, shall we?
• Experienced roller-coaster of emotions with pregnant wife.
• Extremely excited over new baby (due soon!)
• In the graphic design world, I’ve hit a cross-road.
• Discovered a key element in my emotional upheaval over the past couple of years.
• Had artwork hanging in a group show for the very first time.
• Turned 30
• Reconnected with a few old friends.
About my design cross-road… I don’t know. That’s it.
I achieved one of my goals in life… to see my art work hanging on the wall of a gallery. It was at the local community college’s alumni group show. It felt strange to see my work up on the wall, with my name and bio attached to it. I even commented to Doug that it looks so ‘legit.’
I hung around my paintings to see what people would say. The general opinion was favorable.
