"99% of people are convinced they are incapable of achieving great things, so they aim for mediocre. The level of competition is thus fiercest for ‘realistic’ goals, paradoxically making them the most competitive.”"
I find this idea obvious, the big 'secret', counterintuitive and so true all at the same time. Interesting anecdote, a friend who is a jewelry designer had been producing a lot of pieces, working very hard at trunk shows etc etc to sell her work. And then, she switched materials and started working w/diamonds. People took her more seriously, she makes far fewer but far better/more fulfilling/more personal pieces and makes ridiculously more money. Et voila!
I finished both picture book courses with Claire Alexander at House of Illustration and we asked if we should be selling our work on Etsy. Making cards etc. She said yes - if you want to make cards for a living. If you want to make picture books, make picture books.
I find this idea obvious, the big 'secret', counterintuitive and so true all at the same time. Interesting anecdote, a friend who is a jewelry designer had been producing a lot of pieces, working very hard at trunk shows etc etc to sell her work. And then, she switched materials and started working w/diamonds. People took her more seriously, she makes far fewer but far better/more fulfilling/more personal pieces and makes ridiculously more money. Et voila!
I finished both picture book courses with Claire Alexander at House of Illustration and we asked if we should be selling our work on Etsy. Making cards etc. She said yes - if you want to make cards for a living. If you want to make picture books, make picture books.