This was so sweet and real. I'm in a similar position, picking up my writing after years of trying and stopping, or of writing for money only (soul-crushing). I'm happy whenever I find late bloomers or someone who just took their time. It feels like the world is forcing people to pick something to become earlier and earlier. Love Bruno's eyes in the 3rd drawing!
Thank you for reading and for your kind words! It's lovely to meet you, fellow late bloomer. As much as I do get pangs of regret, as a late bloomer, I have 20 years of life experieces to express through my art. Bruno's eyes are very alert in that one lol it was fun just experimenting with no expectations, the best art right?
Awesome story. I find it scary, but fuck fear. I am slowly transitioning more and more to story and art, and away from building bathrooms and my contracting work. I still enjoy it, but my creative work (never stopped) needs to be in first position. When I grow up, I want to be doing everything I loved as a child. I kinda have been.
Hey Thomas, I agree, fuck fear, over the other side of it is often someone amazing anyway! I 100% hear you, like I said in my recent rant, why do artists have to put up with putting their creativity last and also how much we put up with in terms of settling for low pay. I know you’re going to make it, I 100% believe in you!
I loved your “stick it to the piece-of-shit art teacher” story. The saddest part? It’s way too common.
My son recently stopped writing because his English teacher told him he couldn’t write an essay if his life depended on it. That he couldn’t keep up with his classmates, who were apparently writing college-level essays… in 6th grade (seriously?). He even suggested remedial classes.
A few months later, my son, who had been watching me write on Substack, opened his own account—at first just to support me. But one night, he decided to publish something. And it was good. My community rallied around him, sent him love, and lifted him up. He dusted off his shoulders, sent the post to his teacher, and let the praise speak for itself.
Did he get an apology? Nope. But I made damn sure that teacher knew exactly how damaging his words had been. Suffice to say he’s no longer my son’s teacher, but the real win? My son refused to let someone else define him. Because if he hadn’t challenged that lie, he could have easily gone 20 years without ever writing again.
So congrats to you for daring to be you, for accomplishing all you have since, and for proving that no one gets to decide our worth but us.
Omg I love the first and last one of Bruno! I, too, have a furbaby, Peppa. But no closer to drawing her 😂 My great great grandpa was a famous painter, and I wish I had taken after his amazing talent. But not too late to start, right? Thanks for sharing your art, it's refreshing to see, and also great that you encourage others by it! 🩷
I like that you didn't immediately decide to try to make a living from rediscovering your art. It’s understandable that so many people do this, that's how we're programmed to think - if you mean it, it's got to pay your bills. But actually trying to make that work can just be gruelling and demoralising. This way you can be free!
This is not what I think, but you're truly talented! (I know you've already known, but can't help say this again). Is this possible to talk about how to start Art (as a form of life pursuit & living mode)?
I only have one question for you. You said teacher didn't like your art, but he couldn't have been more wrong on that. (your Art is charming, it is you & you only! Remember the Barbie film? "Ken is just Ken") I wonder what did the teacher say about your writing? (I am curious because your writing may be first-class. What did you do to your writing?)
Hello. My teacher said I can't draw large scale, I got really defensive about that for some reason. Insecurity I guess. I haven't see Barbie yet, but I think I get the reference. My art is my own and I try my best to confirm it to what I think it 'should' be.
Well, my writing. I have been very insecure about, I failed my GCSE English exam (I got a D), then I reattempted it twice but also got Ds. This made me feel very dumb moving forwards. Beliefs are funny things eh? Thank you for commenting on my writing, I guess I am just honest with my words but I feel like I lack in knowedlge of 'proper writing conventions'. I did love poetry at school come to think of it.
Like my art, I will just keep on writing alongside it, because I enjoy it!
Thanks for reading, and commenting! I'm quite shy about blowing my own trumpet, so let's say I am happy I have a unique style of art :-) Sure, I can write about that.
Love it, Soaring Twenties for the win, a fantastic debut piece, somewhere the naysayers are off in their corners thinking small while you continue to go big.
Trilety, thanks for taking your time to read my post and for your kind words. It's one of my favourites, it really captures his personality, with a dash of Oliver Read/Ernest Hemingway vibes.
This was so sweet and real. I'm in a similar position, picking up my writing after years of trying and stopping, or of writing for money only (soul-crushing). I'm happy whenever I find late bloomers or someone who just took their time. It feels like the world is forcing people to pick something to become earlier and earlier. Love Bruno's eyes in the 3rd drawing!
Thank you for reading and for your kind words! It's lovely to meet you, fellow late bloomer. As much as I do get pangs of regret, as a late bloomer, I have 20 years of life experieces to express through my art. Bruno's eyes are very alert in that one lol it was fun just experimenting with no expectations, the best art right?
How's your writing going?
Awesome story. I find it scary, but fuck fear. I am slowly transitioning more and more to story and art, and away from building bathrooms and my contracting work. I still enjoy it, but my creative work (never stopped) needs to be in first position. When I grow up, I want to be doing everything I loved as a child. I kinda have been.
Hey Thomas, I agree, fuck fear, over the other side of it is often someone amazing anyway! I 100% hear you, like I said in my recent rant, why do artists have to put up with putting their creativity last and also how much we put up with in terms of settling for low pay. I know you’re going to make it, I 100% believe in you!
I loved your “stick it to the piece-of-shit art teacher” story. The saddest part? It’s way too common.
My son recently stopped writing because his English teacher told him he couldn’t write an essay if his life depended on it. That he couldn’t keep up with his classmates, who were apparently writing college-level essays… in 6th grade (seriously?). He even suggested remedial classes.
A few months later, my son, who had been watching me write on Substack, opened his own account—at first just to support me. But one night, he decided to publish something. And it was good. My community rallied around him, sent him love, and lifted him up. He dusted off his shoulders, sent the post to his teacher, and let the praise speak for itself.
Did he get an apology? Nope. But I made damn sure that teacher knew exactly how damaging his words had been. Suffice to say he’s no longer my son’s teacher, but the real win? My son refused to let someone else define him. Because if he hadn’t challenged that lie, he could have easily gone 20 years without ever writing again.
So congrats to you for daring to be you, for accomplishing all you have since, and for proving that no one gets to decide our worth but us.
It’s great to meet you. 🤝
PS—loved #2. Lots of personality in that one!!
You write so vividly? Master! Teach me kung-fu. I am going to say this when I ever meet you. 🙏
Funnily, I used to study Kung Fu 🙏 Thank you
Omg I love the first and last one of Bruno! I, too, have a furbaby, Peppa. But no closer to drawing her 😂 My great great grandpa was a famous painter, and I wish I had taken after his amazing talent. But not too late to start, right? Thanks for sharing your art, it's refreshing to see, and also great that you encourage others by it! 🩷
Aw thanks so much, it means a lot. I’m really fond of those first drawings I did of Bruno. Aww that’s cute and a cute name! What breed?
Coool! What was his name?
And yes! It’s never too late!
She's a French bulldog cross pug, Peppa 💖
Aww cuteeee
I like that you didn't immediately decide to try to make a living from rediscovering your art. It’s understandable that so many people do this, that's how we're programmed to think - if you mean it, it's got to pay your bills. But actually trying to make that work can just be gruelling and demoralising. This way you can be free!
Thank you, you’re so right! It’s been a slow evolving of my work, and I’m grateful that my day job supports me.
Congratulations Slart. Glad you are finding your own way.
Thank you dear Michael!
I Iike Brunos 1, 3 and 8!
Hi Slart
This is not what I think, but you're truly talented! (I know you've already known, but can't help say this again). Is this possible to talk about how to start Art (as a form of life pursuit & living mode)?
Thank you!
Hi Slart,
I only have one question for you. You said teacher didn't like your art, but he couldn't have been more wrong on that. (your Art is charming, it is you & you only! Remember the Barbie film? "Ken is just Ken") I wonder what did the teacher say about your writing? (I am curious because your writing may be first-class. What did you do to your writing?)
Hello. My teacher said I can't draw large scale, I got really defensive about that for some reason. Insecurity I guess. I haven't see Barbie yet, but I think I get the reference. My art is my own and I try my best to confirm it to what I think it 'should' be.
Well, my writing. I have been very insecure about, I failed my GCSE English exam (I got a D), then I reattempted it twice but also got Ds. This made me feel very dumb moving forwards. Beliefs are funny things eh? Thank you for commenting on my writing, I guess I am just honest with my words but I feel like I lack in knowedlge of 'proper writing conventions'. I did love poetry at school come to think of it.
Like my art, I will just keep on writing alongside it, because I enjoy it!
‘Conform not confirm’ he notice a typo years later
Thanks for reading, and commenting! I'm quite shy about blowing my own trumpet, so let's say I am happy I have a unique style of art :-) Sure, I can write about that.
Riteous. Make it happen.
It shall happen🙏 thanks for reading!
Love it, Soaring Twenties for the win, a fantastic debut piece, somewhere the naysayers are off in their corners thinking small while you continue to go big.
I thank you, Mr.Rooster. 🎩
I apprecaite you taking the time to comment on my debut post. It's great to be part of the STSC!
Holy shit, love it and well done! That Rory pic is perfection. Look forward to learning more about you and seeing more of your art
Trilety, thanks for taking your time to read my post and for your kind words. It's one of my favourites, it really captures his personality, with a dash of Oliver Read/Ernest Hemingway vibes.
I love the 90s hip hop reference! Look forward to reading more about your art.
Thanks, Darren!