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Rich Murray: richtoons.com, Instagram @richtoonstv
Whether it succeeds or fails, each project you launch is a stepping stone towards your next idea. Don’t bank so much on the success of one project that you don’t move on to the next one.
Do common things uncommonly well to set yourself apart.
Don’t force every idea to become a cash cow; leave some art just for yourself. You might still make money off of it, but don’t create it for that cause. Focus on the purity of the craft and let other endeavors (artistic or not) pay the bills.
Time spent perfecting your craft is not time wasted, and neither is time spent earning a living. Find the balance and appreciate both pursuits.
Listener Rich Murray, a Canadian illustrator, animator, cartoonist, and graphic designer (among other things), wrote into the show with his perspective on AI. Rich says,
“I've been seeing a post going around on Facebook from a ‘displaced graphic designer’ about how they ‘lost their job to AI.’ It goes on at some length about how they were let go and can not find further employment for what sounds like their fairly singular skill. I do feel for this person. BUT. I’m a freelance animator and I’m booked for work through next year for projects that will earn me six figures a year. But I also illustrate, do graphic design, program, write scripts, edit videos, and market myself in a way that works for me (mostly on LinkedIn). I've designed apps and mobile games, illustrated kids' books and comics, designed brands, and animated numerous explainer videos (many of which I authored the scripts for) for high-end clients. I also adopt new technologies into my process, including about a dozen different AI technologies so far.
“I’m tired of hearing the whining about AI from artists. If you were banking on one skill for the rest of your life in these times, you set yourself up to lose. Ted Serandos, CEO of Netflix, said it best: ‘AI won’t take your job, but someone who knows how to use AI tools well WILL take your job.’ I'm currently turning down projects because I can't fit them in between now and next spring, and I'm what most artists would consider an old guy. I'm close enough to sixty that I can punch it in the mouth. And there's no end to work for me in sight. I know this sounds like a brag, but it's more of a call to artists to learn how to tell compelling stories for their clients in different ways, to communicate with their clients in clear and effective ways, and to do great work no matter what the medium. I don't need AI or even a lot of software to do this. I can always go back to a pencil and paper. But everyone needs to be prepared for their marketplace to change. Be interested in these changes. Be ahead of the curve instead of complaining that the world has left you behind. I'm having more fun and being more creative than ever.” What are your thoughts? Share them in the YouTube comments or on our forum!
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