It has dawned on me, dear artists, that
we're the same.
Although, on the surface, it seems that we're very different. After all, I make software and you make art. Most people would think that software development is a left-brain activity and art is a right-brain activity.
However, that is not true. What we both do at the end of the day is
make things. If we're any good, we try to make things that will appeal to other people. We try to become masters of our respective mediums. My medium is computer code, yours may be paint, pencil or clay. But you and I
are the same.
Among visual artists we call the great achievers "masters." But in my world, "masters" are known as "hackers." (The word "hacker", contrary to popular opinion, does NOT mean a teenager who breaks into other people's computers...although said teenager, if he's good enough
might be talented enough to be considered a hacker.). And yes, I aspire to someday be worth of the moniker "hacker." Because like all great artists, I desire to master my chosen medium.
Here is what hacker (and artist) Paul Graham has to say about this subject, "... of all the different types of people I've known, hackers and painters are among the most alike." (Source:
Hackers and Painters)
I'm not sure why I'm compelled to tell you all of this, except perhaps to let you know that
I understand you. I understand the isolation of working in my "studio." I understand getting into the "zone" ... and the frustration that occurs when someone interrupts me while I'm in the zone. I understand the desire to work with my chosen medium for the
love of the work itself....and the temptation to "blow off" other necessary evils like errands, phone calls, and marketing.
I share this with you so that when I suggest something in this blog or in my newsletters that you will know that I really do understand you...and that the suggestions are coming not from a naive "business guy" who doesn't know what artists struggle with, but from another "artist" who has taken the time to learn about business.
Sincerely,
Clint Watson
Software Craftsman and Art Fanatic
PS - Someday, if I ever feel worthy, I may change my title from "Software Craftsman" to "Hacker"
PPS - That day will probably never come because how does one really ever know that they are a "master?"
via web
I agree with you whole heartedly that "we are the same".
In fact, I believe that the fundamentals of being a "master" in any discipline is basically the same.
My boyfriend, Donald, is a master cutting horse trainer. He follows the same fundamentals.
I think olympians, singers, etc. all follow the same fundamentals.
Donald and I are constantly talking about the similarities in our businesses.
And we also talk about the goal to be what we call a "2 percenter" (which is our way of saying "master"). We figure that in any field, there are about 2 percent that are highly committed in both knowledge gathering and gaining experience... and who started with a heap of talent. They are the one's who really know what they are doing and can be innovative.
You, my friend Clint, are a 2 percenter. I know this as I came from the technology field (working as a project manager, process girl, systems thinker, strategic planning facilitator, instructor... rather than being a code writer). I worked there for 19 years. I know a 2 percenter from that world at a mile away.
And, let me point out, there is no magic moment when you "become" a master of anything. Being a master is a life-long venture, not a destination. Sometimes, you have to just declare it and work out the details as you go.
A gal in my art class said, I want to be an artist like you. I said, "Say after me... I'm an artist." And, there you go... she was "an Artist".
I cannot keep up with your new ideas and your great customer service. Not to mention your marketing tips. You are creating a great set of ventures!!! Mindbending....
You already ARE a HACKER. Embrace it, for God's sake, will you?
Sincerely,
Carol Zirkle