To pivot or to persevere? Or more bluntly – to give up or to not to give up? This is a haunting question, a question that has ramifications far after an answer has been chosen and it’s also a question that almost everyone in our community has had to face at one time or another. How do you know when to give up and when to keep trying?

David Lloyd | Artist

I guess for myself, the simplest answer is that I don’t even ask the question at all. Many creative people are encouraged at a young age to have a “fall back” career. Parents will say to their college bound kid “sure major in art but do a minor in economics so you have a backup” or “study painting but learn graphic design too”. I’ve always believed that strategy to be wrong. Always having, at the back of your mind, the thought that you could give up and go back to a safe career has the potential to undermine commitment and sow seeds of doubt. Maybe in some ways it’s been easier for me because I’m not technologically-inclined or proficient at office work so I’ve never identified another profession that I’d be as good or better at than being an artist. I decided early on that art was what I was going to do and I’ve invariably found ways to keep my practice going, pivoting when necessary, taking a few steps back occasionally and moving forward when there’s opportunity. Read more>>

Bruce Foster | Pop-Up Book Designer and Artist

Gosh, there have been so many moments that have been crossroads. Whether it be a downturn in business, a disagreement with a client, or moments of self doubt. But every time that has happened, I look back at what I HAVE already accomplished. I put myself back to before those accomplishments that I thought would never be achieved and realize that there are so many more successes still to come! If I laugh at myself for those earlier doubts, it seems reasonable that in the future I will look back on THIS moment of doubt and yes, laugh once more. I pick myself up and start again, confident that only moving FORWARD is the correct path. Reversing paths or second guessing oneself is only a recipe for frustration and failure. Of course, stay cognizant of my current deficiencies, because those are the next challenges and paths to success. Read more>>

Amanda – Eye of the Day | Musician

For me as I grow older I realize more I am supposed to be here. I hold on to the gems in my life. I am forever grateful to have found a few in this time. When I want to give up the universe speaks back, it always reminds me to keep going look up at the sky we are only here for a minute, be kind to yourself and hold on. Reflect on yourself always the truth is inside each and everyone of us. “We are not going in circles, we are going upwards. The path is a spiral; we have already climbed many steps.” Read more>>

Glen Ackerman | Bassist/Composer/Educator

There is a constant in my life. That being; if I continue through adverse conditions… stubbornly push through.. it will yield results. So my default is always to be tenacious and give it my all. However, I always know when it is time to change my strategy (to ‘give up’ as it were) when after all the struggle and hard work, there is no progress to the goal. Read more>>