It was New Year last month, and I can't believe it’s already February.
2017 came with a lot of surprises as I started to count my blessings and cherish every moment I’ve had. I’ve faced many first-times and challenges in these 37 days of 2017. It is frightening yet so exciting.
Sharing is one of my big New Year resolutions this year, so I decided to have my own website and blogging there to share my thoughts, experience, technical process, and many other exciting updates. Having a website with my name as a domain is the best channel for that, I think.
I’m so glad that the opportunities keep coming ever since I felt the passion to share. I believe when you sincerely want something; the universe will conspire to help you achieve it, as quoted by an author; Paulo Coelho . Recently, I had been invited to be interviewed at Idenesia, a TV show in Metro TV, a local news channel. Idenesia is a talk show hosted by Yovie Widianto, a musician (you might know him as the keyboardist of Kahitna and also Yovie & The Nuno), displaying everything great about our country in a casual way.
The talk show took place in Galeri Indonesia Kaya, Grand Indonesia, Jakarta
Photo by Rojih Azka
I was there with the other respondent, Andre Surya. He works in 3d and animation. Apparently he has more experience in appearing in TV shows, while this was my first time. Yes, I was very nervous, but thanks to the host, the producers, and all the staffs that were very humble and helpful. They made me feel comfortable. There were also a makeup artist and a hairstylist, I felt like a celebrity, getting my makeup and hair done.
Yovie Widianto, me, and Andre Surya after the taping
Photo by Rojih Azka
I thank everyone who watched the show two weeks ago. It was aired on Thursday, January 19. I received a lot of positive feedback; it boosted my spirit so much. I didn’t expect my appearance and poor speech would be useful to other people. I still have a lot of things to learn though. However I believe that positive vibes are contagious. Hence in this post I’m willing to share about the things I learned from my first TV appearance. Here we go:
1. Patience and Perseverance
We are all artists at heart, no matter what our labels are, whether it is illustrator, graphic designer, toy designer, or photographer. As an artist we are often confronted by fear. We are afraid of not being the best artist (there is no such thing as the best artist anyway), not improving well enough, or not getting much likes or followers. We also tend to compare ourselves with the other artists. You know what? Forget all those things, put them away from your mind, and focus on YOU! Remember why you started, and just continue doing what you love. If you love art that much, you will never stop making art. Everyone has his or her own timing. I always believe that everyone has their own time to shine. Just create more and more art and show them to the world. You’ll be prepared when your time comes!
Me while drawing for Idenesia, pardon my sagging eyeglasses
The artwork I made for Idenesia, using Javanese Batik ornaments
2. Work hard, stay humble
Yes, you have to work very hard. You will have to give up your time and energy to research, practice, and continue making art, until you are all set when the opportunity hits you. However you have to always be humble. I love the saying “keep your head in the clouds, and your feet on the ground”. So, whenever you get big gigs or huge deals, remember you’re just one lucky guy. I believe in luck. There are bunch of great talents out there, and sadly you’re not the only one. Work hard, stay humble; take that as your mantra.
3. Spread the light
When you get the opportunity to shine, you have to spread the light. Don’t be blinded by the exposure of the spotlight, instead you have to spread it, then you’ll achieve bigger impact. Spreading the light means sharing inspiration, positive vibes, and just anything good to people. Speak modestly and appropriately. You will never know how much it blesses other people.
4. Dress to impress
We are used to express ourselves in our artworks, and not our appearance. I’m not asking you to be pretty or handsome, but I do think we all have to dress appropriately, yet still representing ourselves as the artist. Additionally, we have to respect the norms and culture in the country we live in, try not to offend any party. When the spotlight is on us, it’s a must to bring out our best.
Note to self: I really need to invest on a good pair of trousers
Photo by Lius Lasahido
5. Be responsive
It was such pleasure to receive many feedbacks from people who watched the TV show. I really appreciate all those comments and messages, and I replied them one by one. I want to give back the positive vibes they gave me. Fast response is also one of my New Year resolutions. There are artists who are “too busy” to respond messages and feedbacks, but I hope we are not one of them. Reply every comments, emails, or messages from people who support you, you will not know how much it can brighten up someone's day.
Watch the full video of Idenesia here:
With love,
Renata