1. Stop spitting out exactly what the requirements tell you.
Just stop...unless of course you are just learning your way around yourself, are a freshman, or are brainless. If you don't carry a single shred of self awareness then always follow the requirements, you need them desperately.
2. Stop being so friggin' anal. Sometimes we can't give 100% to everything we do, and it is okay. You will never give 100% if you are being anal anyways. Think of all the energy you are wasting!?
3. Don't waste time doing things. Waste time doing nothing, you need space in yourself.
4. Spend time talking to your peers, ask them questions about anything you can think of. Art touches us deeply in unexpected ways.
5. Do not rush yourself. Enjoy the process of figuring out what you want to spend time on. The process influences the product. Being "stuck" is only that when you are trying to get somewhere. Stop focusing on that.
6. Try to stop hunting for a higher calling with your work. It will wind up being forced and awkward. (i.e. I always wanted my work to be political, when I had no real ambition to deal with those issues)
7. Remember that you are not so "different", "special", or "unique". Your Mom lied when she told you that. We are all more similar then we think. Do not isolate yourself with these ideas of your exceptional artsy fartsy personality.
8. Always collect things. Hoarders are just misunderstood.
9. Force strangers and friends and professors to look at you and what you think and what you make. People can be shy with their own opinions, especially if they feel like no one wants to hear them (a frequent occurance amongst the jaded artists).
10. Love talking, Love listening. Learn to look into other people. It will serve you well.
xoxo,
Charlie
