Part 2: Overcome creative/writers blocks, Interview with Jeff Soto world renowned illustrator and fine artist
Oil Flyer
Did you experience any difficulties or obstacles when you started out, how did you overcome them?
Yeah, everyone will probably experience some sort of problems when they start out. It’s the easiest thing to do, make some excuses then you don’t have to worry about it, and you don’t have to worry about failing. I never had enough money to buy paints and supplies, somehow I figured it out. I’d do without. I didn’t have a car, I rode the bus. I bought my clothes from thrift stores. I spent money on my art supplies but didn’t have much else. If you want something enough you have to make sacrifices.
Brain Decay
Did you have any particular people who helped support and guide you in the early days?
I got excellent advice from many of my teachers, there’s a few that stand out- at RCC (Riverside Community College) it was Dayna Mason, at Art Center it was the Clayton Brothers and Alex Gross. Since school I haven’t really had any mentors but I have learned a lot from people like (Dave) Kinsey, Jonathan Levine, Mark Murphy, Jana DesForges, mostly artists and art galleries and publishers- all very creative people in their own right. The important thing is to pick and choose from the advice someone gives you.
Jeff as a child
You mention teachers, what were you like at school, did you hang with the cool kids or were you a bit of an outsider?
I was both in a way. I was in the advanced classes when I started high school, so I knew a lot of the kids doing student government and clubs and participating in sports. But I was also friends with the skater kids who were the nerds of the school. Then I got into graffiti and started meeting some of the criminals, some of the bad kids that did drugs and stole stuff. I guess I was just well connected and knew a lot of the different kids at our school, maybe cool in some people’s book, but I was mostly a dork.
Jeff with his mural on Brick Lane London
What do you think about having to sell yourself and your work?
I don’t have to worry about it as much luckily, word of mouth is a good thing. It makes me uncomfortable sometimes, and I’m slowly having galleries and others do that work for me. When I got out of college I did a lot of self promo and it worked out well. I think there’s this myth that you go through college and a gallery is going to see your work in your studio and make you this art star without you having to do anything. And maybe that does happen sometimes if you went to a very well connected graduate school, but for the majority, that’s a fairy tale. I don’t personally know a single artist that had it handed to them. Everyone works hard, does research and yeah, you have to do some self promotion. Unless like I said you’re a well connected graduate and know the right people.
Purple Star
How did you sell yourself and your talents in the early days when you were starting out?
Man, I tried to show in as many venues as I could. Coffee shops, stores, local art galleries, I wasn’t picky, just wanted a place to show my work. It was a slow progression. I sent out packets of photos to galleries I admired, got a lot of rejection notices, but kept at it. I tried to meet other artists too.
Jeff’s studio
It’s not just about talent, it’s a lot to do with attitude, what type of attitude do you think it takes to be successful
It’s easy to feel discouraged and down on your luck. I’ve done alright and I still feel like shit sometimes. Attitude is funny because you want to find that balance of feeling very comfortable with your abilities and have some confidence but also have a lot of willingness to learn. Don’t be a cocky motherfucker, be humble and listen to people. That’s something I learned, listen before speaking. And shit talking is not the best thing either. Never dis anyone unless you’re ready to back up your words with actions. My attitude has been all over the place but I always try to be respectful and cordial to everyone I meet.
Photo by Kelly Vivanco
Talking about listening, how do you handle negative feedback, and where does it normally come from?
I read a lot of blogs and online art forums, and I get a lot of positive comments and the occasional negative. Those few negative comments can be the tough ones that sit and rot in your brain for a while. Sometimes people are just trying to be critical, there have been times when I say, wow, they’re right! Sometimes the comments will make me think and I appreciate the dialogue. Usually though, people are just being rude and that anonymity of the internet protects them. I try to take criticism, both positive and negative, with a grain of salt. And I try to stay away from message boards.
What would you say are the biggest benefits of this type of life?
I get to make my own schedule; overall I have less time off but I can work whenever. There is a lot of freedom. It’s also nice to get to travel and meet a lot of very nice people. Money fluctuates quite a bit though, it can be stressful.
Lifecycle
Interview by Angel Greenham
Links
www.jeffsoto.com
www.facebook.com/people/Jeff-Soto
Additional photography
Kelly Vivanco
Lord Jim
Kathie Olivas
