I was asked by a friend to give advice to a young artist in high school. Here is what almost-50 year old Tony would say to daydreamy teenage Tony:
• Don't stop drawing. It's a talent that takes years to refine.
• Listen to what people say. Even if you don't agree with them. Teachers, friends, and family usually offer advice from the heart and their experience.
• Copy every artist you love. If you want to learn how they did it, you have to try to be them.
• Being afraid is okay. But pushing yourself leads to realizing what you're capable of.
• Failure is part of success. I never get it right the first time. EVER. Sometimes I never quite figure it out, but I take what I learned and apply it to the next drawing.
• Success isn't money and it isn't fame. Its a feeling of accomplishment and creating something that didn't exist before.
• Satisfy yourself first. If you love what you do, others will too.
...and, of course, good luck!
Instagram: Tony DiTerlizzi