Everyone has been endowed with some sort of talent or another. Some are visual, others are not. Not all talents though are easy to be found in one’s soul. They must be looked for and to do that means one must be willing to try something new, something different and something unique. They must keep trying until they find the talent that clicks and then continue to practice, nurture it and cultivate, until that talent becomes a skill.

To often people excuse themselves from finding talents, with the lie that they just have none, that there is not enough time in the day, or that they are just too old . There is no drive there, no motivation to try something different and it’s a lie that can really deflate the moral of a person’s spirit.

So that is the challenge. To stop making excuses and start experimenting. Try something different, something unusual. The age-old adage of “you don’t know if you like it, til you try it.” is true. You will never know what your talents are, until you get out there and try and then try again. This might even mean making some changes in one’s lifestyle and surroundings.  It means turning off the zombie machines and to start actually doing something, as hard as it might be.  It means to start meeting people and surrounding yourself with others that are supportive and also exploring their own gifts and talents. There is something to be said to phrase “creativity breeds creativity.”

Every artist, musician, cook, dancer, singer, writer, jump-roper, crafter, etc… started by trying something new one day, and then doing again and then again and then finally again. Finally finding something they truly enjoy and that they were good at. Yet it came down to trying, failing and trying again. Learning that before you can truly appreciate the gifts inside you – you must first work to seek them out, to stumble at times, and even be a little frustrated. I will tell you though if you become persistent and patient, you will find something incredible things about you.

So take a moment and get up and go try something new. Try something you have never done before, if you have troubles with finding something, than it’s time to watch a documentary or two… I personally learned how to make a fancy cake because I watched cake boss with my family. My daughter wanted to do are own, so we researched it out and then did it. I had blast, it was mess,  yet we learned something really really cool and more importantly we did it. By the way buttercream oreo frosting filling made from scratch is incredible. Now go out there yourself and maybe build a model, give a talk,  learn to can fruit, build and fly a kite or even just learn to be a good listener and you might find some of the unique and incredible talents that are locked deep down inside you. The misconception is that talents have to be visual. That is not true, there are many talents and gifts out there that are not visual but emotional. Each is powerful in it’s own way.  The important thing is to keep exploring and keep enjoying where those gifts can take you. Then when you have figured something new out… go out and share with it someone else.

Yet it all comes down to one thing….

and that is you and you alone have the power to unlock the gifts hidden inside you.

Keep Creating,

trav-

I am heading home from one of the most incredible shows on the west coast. I had a blast and let me tell you the adventure was worth it. I would hope if you are ever up in seattle you need to check out the show, which happens in march.

I’ll do a full write up later, but i wanted to say this is how a show should be run.

The kickstarter panel was a blast. Jason Brubaker of remind did a great job and I am looking forward to do a few more panels with him in the future. It was standing room only, and they only let half the line in. There was no room in the room. I would think they would need to give us a bigger room next time if we were to do that.

well here’s to a safe flight back.

keep creating

trav

WELL I AM OFF TO EMERALD CITY COMIC CON!

It’s gonna be a fantastic weekend- even though i did a very costly boneheaded travel blunder and booked my flight for last weekend and not this weekend. It cost $1400 to rebook for my crew and I. A learning lesson for sure, one that was quite painful and will prob affect my next big print printing…. Yet I am still upbeat and I am going to have a good time.

Our booth is 315, so stop by say hi, pick up a sketch and maybe buy something (please). Also I am doing a panel on Sat with Jason Brubaker of Remind.

Guide to Creating Your Own Kickstarter Project
Room: 201
Time: 4:00 – 5:00

Eisner nominated Web comic artist Travis Hanson (the bean) and artist Jason Brubaker (Remind), both of whom are coming off three successfully funded Kickstarter campaigns, talk about the Kickstarter process. They will be focusing on how to start, maintain and fund a successful Kickstarter campaign and some of the pitfalls you might encounter.

Also 2 new prints will be debut at the show. click to enjoy them

you can also buy them at the store- (though i only have very limited quantities) –

Well keep creating

trav

This week is Emerald City Comic Con- I will be there doing a kickstarter panel at this show. If you are in the area stop on by, it’s going to be an awesome week.

Also I have a tumblr account- just another outlet for my creativity. I am also changing my artwork section again- I am not pleased with a few things and I am looking at improving things.

Thanks again for all the support and…. Kickstarter rewards start going out this week, look in your mail:)

trav

We learn a little more of our mysterious new elf. I would also recommend going back and reading the first few 100 pages- a little bit more of the puzzle is completed.

Also I have had the opportunity to go and play a bit with watercolors. It has been 14 years. I am using a watercolor brush/pen. It has been fantastic. I am creating pieces for my next show. limited and one of a kind.

Here is the 2nd one….

I hope you enjoy them- i will have more later.

also help us keep the art flowing- visit the store –