The Happy Burro

originally published January 23, 2007

As part of my 2007 goals, I signed up for a beginner’s art class at a local art academy.  I don’t see myself especially gifted as an artist, so I figured this would be a great way to find out how right I am.

Guess what?  There is a process to drawing!  It isn’t just trance-like inspiration.  The master artists, Cezanne, Picasso, Calder; they all started with drawing.  It is the beginning, the genesis of all great paintings and sculpture.  I learned more in that two hours than in the past two decades about lines, angles, apathy (danger!), and perfection.

1.  Relax

2.  Concentrate

3.  Draw lightly

4.  Big shapes first

5.  Compare back & forth

6.  Turn it upside down

7.  Find mistakes

8.  Put arrows down (next to mistakes)

9.  Turn it right side up

10. Correct mistakes

11. Erase arrows

12. Check positive & negative shapes

13.  Correct mistakes

14. Stop & rest

15. Check it again

16. Correct mistakes

17. Raise your hand & ask for help

18. Ghost your line

19.  Add details

20.  Ask for help one last time

Perfection, as defined in art, is ‘done right’.  Perfection in business tends to go down the road of ‘analysis paralysis’ or delays to a product launch while everyone worries about getting everything “perfect”.  This isn’t what we’re focused on.

As our instructor mentioned, “Everything you draw or paint, it should be able to be displayed.  Work on it until you’ve perfected it.  Apathy is your enemy.  There are a lot of crummy painters out there.  You don’t have to be one of them.”

There is a fine line between being ‘perfect’ and ‘doing it right’  – and  I am 20 steps closer to that line.

Joe Raasch :: Jul.12.2010 :: Innovation, Life, Personal :: No Comments »

There are countless people that work hard, getting things done on time, on budget.  Turning in or turning out ‘quality’ work.  Work that is expected, asked for, paid.  But is it really amazing?  How much of your daily work is good, expected, safe?  How much is so good no one is doing it quite like you?  For me, it takes a constant inspiring reminder to figure out how and when to elevate my work, my ‘game’, to be more than just good enough.

Totally Frickin’ Amazing

I did it.  After years of following his work, reading his missives, printing out his ‘cube grenade’ cartoons and taping them to my wall, I finally bought one of Hugh’s prints. (If you are unfamiliar with Hugh MacLeod, you can get a glimpse of the artist here.)

The Order

In true Midwest fashion, I waited until a coupon was available.  It might have been as simple as free shipping, I don’t recall.  Even though I had wanted the piece for months, it took a small savings to spur me to my first purchase. I was completely thrilled as I hit ‘send’ on the order.  If only it didn’t take so long to get here!  (the second one, here, purchased at full price with no hesitation.  In fact, did it from the airport, on my Droid!).

The Arrival

Due to the excellent tracking available through Hugh’s shipping method, I was able to know which day the art would arrive.  I may have even left work a few minutes early so I could open the box…

The Installation

I have the art on my wall at work.  I remember the giddy feeling as I pulled the framed piece from my car’s back seat, rode up the elevator in the parking ramp and walked through the skyways to work.  I wonder how many people noticed what I was carrying?  Or the stupid grin on my face.

Recommendation

Find what inspires you.  Keep it ever-present in your life, visually, audibly, always.

And…be totally frickin’ amazing!!

Joe Raasch :: Jun.13.2010 :: Employee Engagement, Life :: 2 Comments »

(originally published January 2007)

1.  Allow people their moment.

2.  Smile for a photo, don’t just say ‘cheese’.

3.  When you spend time with someone, remember something personal they told you  and bring it up next time you meet up with them (How IS your grandfather doing?)

4.  Buy coffee for the person behind you in line once in a while

5.  What fascinates someone else may not fascinate you.  So what.  Give them some attention…it is just like love sometimes.

6.  The next person you meet may have just won a million dollars, or lost a million dollars.  You don’t know. Assume the latter.

7.  Give flowers to your Mom on your birthday.  She was there.

8.  Listen to learn, not to get your next point across to the person talking.

9.  Enjoy success, yours and the success of others.

10.  Use the phone or meet in person when possible.  Email sucks – no tone, no voice, no warmth.

______________

What would you add to the list?

Joe Raasch :: Apr.07.2010 :: Leadership, Life :: No Comments »