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Date Posted: 16:47:17 09/10/03 Wed
Author: Jack Masters
Subject: Art and work

Aaron Farber of Men In Hats recently posted this to his journal, mainly as a result of a conversation I had with him:

"I've been hearing the word "inspiration" a lot lately. More specifically, as an excuse for someone not creating some work of art (or entertainment) that they want to. Apparently, most people think that everything great must be the product of an epiphany, and if you don't find yourself jumping up and yelling eureka, then it's not worth your time.

Well I have news for you. Sitting on your couch, eating old cheese out of a pizza box while watching TV and waiting for a moment of brilliance doesn't end with the production of anything. Creating isn't about inspiration; it's about work. Steady, dedicated, hard work. If you're like everyone else, the first story you write, or painting you paint, or comic you make is going to be an absolute monstrosity, sloppily pieced together from previous works of your idols. The only way you ever progress beyond that point is just to keep on plugging away until you find your own voice, and gain enough of an understanding of yourself and your craft that you can make something unique and interesting. That's how great things are created.

So shut up about inspiration already."

This is the same crap I generally get from anyone I talk to. The general sentiment is that no one can do anything worthwhile without first blindly churning out a mountain of failure. These same people also generally say they can't tell you where they get their ideas. Are they just being obnoxious, or do they actually experience the process of creating art this way?

Anyone?

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