So You Wanna Be a Creator?
My entire life has been dedicated to being a creator. My father and grandfather were architects and artists, and other relatives were fine artists and musicians, so making things is in my blood. I drew constantly in grade school and was lucky to be encouraged early on. As I grew older, especially in high school and college, I learned how powerful constructive criticism could be. The teachers I remember most are not just the ones who cheered me on, but the ones who asked hard questions—who pushed me to see my work clearly and honestly. They helped me refine my talent, sharpen my skills, and strengthen my vision. Over time, I learned to carry that voice within myself. And here we are.
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If you want to be a published illustrator, the path is built on motion—on creating, sharing, and continuing forward. You don’t wait for the work to find its audience; you send it out into the world, again and again, trusting that something will connect. Social media can be part of it, but it is not the destination. The real work is in generating ideas, shaping them, and putting them into circulation—over and over, with persistence and belief.
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If you want to be a published author, the same rhythm applies. Read widely, write often, and stay close to the craft. Even a little every day builds something larger over time. Critique groups, daily habits, and a willingness to revise are all part of the journey. Storytelling is a lifelong practice—one that asks for curiosity, discipline, and emotional honesty. And along the way, most writers find they need partners in the process, including agents, editors, and collaborators who help carry the work forward.
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If you want to be a creator who does it all, like I try to do, it becomes a life of continuous making, listening, adjusting, and trusting the process. Some ideas will land beautifully. Others will not. There will be moments of clarity and moments of starting over. But even those resets are part of the work—they are where growth often happens. And when everything finally clicks—when writing, image, and intention align—it is deeply rewarding in a way that makes the effort worth it.
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The real question is not whether the work is hard—it is. The question is whether you are willing to stay with it, to keep showing up, to keep refining, and to keep believing in what you’re building even when it’s uncertain.
And just as importantly, none of this happens alone. Family, friends, collaborators, and fellow creators are part of every step forward. I know I would not be here without that support, and I don’t think any creative life is built in isolation. There is struggle, yes—but also connection, generosity, and shared joy in the making. That, more than anything, is what carries the work forward.
