I began my art journey in 2002 as a mature student, applying to @LeithArtSchool for their portfolio preparation year and then to @eca_edinburgh for the 5 year MA Fine Art program. I was 38 years old at my graduation. My classmates called me 'Grandpa Jones', seriously. 😂 I spent the next 7 years working 3 or 4 jobs/100+ hours a week (waitering, art tutoring, charity director, Airbnb host) so I could pay for my very expensive painting habit and paint enough for an annual solo exhibition (that I had to organise and pay for myself for most of them as no commercial galleries were interested in QR code/AR tech infused paintings)... and every year but one I lost money. I was my accountants biggest loser over and over and over. 😅 So, from 32 to nearly 50 years old with my art career being a horrendous detriment to my financial future I questioned my life decisions... daily. But I never gave up. In fact, it was the opposite. With every rejection letter, with every let down and disappointment, with every financial loss, with every exhibition that didn't sell enough to even cover the costs of paint, canvas and framing, I pushed even harder. I worked even harder. I looked for new ways to differentiate myself from all the other artists around me and I invested everything I had into me and my future. Fortune favours the brave. If you're willing to put in the time, the work and the risk you will be rewarded. It may take 5 years, 10 years, 20 years or more but eventually, if you keep working and taking the risks that the rest are not willing to take (creatively and financially) you will succeed. Don't blame others for your failure. Take the knock backs, take the disappointments, take the rejections, and use them to drive you. If you are willing and able to commit 100% for however long it takes, you will succeed. This is a fact and I'm proof of that. Stop listening to the FUD, stop listening to those who don't believe in you. Show them how wrong they are. Again, it may take years, even decades, but fortune favours the bold and this is undeniable. Will you give up or will you keep pushing, learning, growing, expanding your ideas and your creative output? If you are, I look forward to seeing what you're doing, what you're creating and where you'll be in the next few years and beyond. Comment below and then connect with me in 2 years and tag me. I want to see how many of you will still be here working, grinding and creating art regardless of bear or bull markets. Artwork: EthGirl - Genesis NFT & collab with the great @money_alotta
@trevorjonesart @LeithArtSchool @eca_edinburgh You are living proof we are never to old to learn and dedication pays off with consistency. I have no doubts this tweet will inspire and resonate with artists here who need a reminder that we all have to go through the ruff to get to the smooth
@trevorjonesart @LeithArtSchool @eca_edinburgh You are so inspiring @trevorjonesart 🫡
@trevorjonesart @LeithArtSchool @eca_edinburgh Thank you so much for sharing Trevor, most often than not we forget that behind every successful artist is a ton history of rejections, broken hearts, education, grit, will, money, etc. More than ever these words resonate with so many of us...see you in 2 years 😉
@trevorjonesart @LeithArtSchool @eca_edinburgh Grandpa Jones 😅 Thank you for sharing your inspiring journey :)
@trevorjonesart @LeithArtSchool @eca_edinburgh Love this. Thanks for sharing Trevor. 🫡