Chapter 1: The Challenge of Creative Attachment

In the realm of artistry, it’s crucial to distance oneself from perceived failures. Robert Genn, a renowned painter and writer, aptly stated, “The job of an artist is to move away from what he considers his failures.”

I’ve been attempting to engage with the new "Rings of Power" series, inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s iconic works. While the movies were a masterpiece, this series, unfortunately, lacks excitement. Despite the stunning visuals and the hard work of many talented artists, the narrative feels uninspired. It’s disheartening to witness thrilling scenes that simply fail to captivate me. Here’s hoping that the creators can enhance the storytelling as the series progresses.

Hollywood often resembles Gollum, clinging to its "one ring"—the nostalgia of past successes. The original "Lord of The Rings" films, directed by Peter Jackson, were monumental achievements, yet this new show feels like a beautiful yet uninspired retread. The creators seem intent on winning over a younger demographic, but I wish they would have introduced a fresh antagonist instead of relying on Sauron.

Amidst the debates about diversifying the cast, I appreciate the inclusion of varied backgrounds; it enriches the tapestry of Middle Earth. However, the storyline needs to be invigorated with originality.

This brings us to a common dilemma faced by many creatives. You might feel confident in your idea, buoyed by support from friends and family, yet continue down a path that lacks audience engagement. If your work isn't resonating with strangers online, it may be time to pivot to something fresh.

Your time and energy are precious, even if you aren't risking millions like the producers of "Rings of Power." Do you really want to invest your efforts in a project that isn’t flourishing?

“The idea of preciousness in your work is well worth guarding against. There is the likelihood that you will keep track of your winners and repeat them. Even worse is the possibility you will keep track of your losers. Bad work can haunt you, jinxing your current work, and pull down your spirit.”

• Robert Genn

If you cling to ineffective work, you risk losing your discerning eye. Becoming fixated like Gollum on a singular idea may blind you to transformative opportunities. If your creation isn’t remarkable, it won’t attract attention.

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, it’s quick to gauge if something captures interest. A year of regular posting can reveal much about your creative direction. Establish a timeline for your projects; if they don’t lead you toward your goals, it’s time to explore new avenues.

Creative endeavors often take longer than anticipated. Look for incremental signs of progress that build on one another. For example, I dedicated a decade to my "Fried Chicken and Sushi" comics. Although the original series had a solid following, I foolishly abandoned it to pursue a child-friendly version, "Little Fried Chicken and Sushi," after a syndication opportunity arose.

I ended the original series, believing that a new audience would emerge for "Little FC&S." However, that didn’t pan out, leading me to cease production after four challenging years. I spent another year trying to pitch a different comic, "The Honeybuns," which also failed to garner interest. Ultimately, I returned to "Little FC&S" for an additional two years, convinced I could improve it. Once again, it didn’t resonate.

The truth was evident: my strip wasn’t connecting with readers, but I was blinded by the sheer joy of creating. I eventually let it go, recognizing that my time could be better spent on new projects that would allow me to grow as an artist and writer. Perhaps this newsletter is a step in that direction.

Chapter 2: The Balance of Persistence and Adaptation

They say the One Ring CANNOT Be Destroyed - Let's Find Out

In this video, we explore the enduring legacy of the One Ring and its significance in the "Lord of The Rings" universe.

The One Ring Problem

This video delves into the complexities and challenges surrounding the narrative of the One Ring and its impact on storytelling.

Knowing when to persevere can be just as challenging. Reflecting on my time as a caricature artist in Orlando two decades ago, I realize that I left an opportunity for growth behind. Although I enjoyed the income from live drawing, I found it disheartening to face negative reactions when clients weren’t satisfied with the final product.

After enduring a year of such experiences, I quit. However, I might have built a fulfilling career had I persisted. The skills gained from hours of drawing for diverse audiences would have been invaluable.

Conversely, I’ve discovered that returning to past passions can yield positive outcomes. Drawing portraits and caricatures has become a significant part of my freelance work recently. Initially, I was frustrated by the lack of demand for comic work, but I’ve come to appreciate the fact that earning from art—regardless of the medium—is a worthwhile pursuit.

It’s essential to recognize when to embrace what is working and when to let go of what isn’t.

Illustrated by the author.

What I’m conveying resonates with my own journey: stay attuned to what thrives.

Consider this your assignment: identify something you would benefit from releasing and create a piece reflecting that sentiment. Conversely, produce something inspired by your current successes or past triumphs. Share your creations in the comments; you may uncover new strategies for enhancing your achievements.

“Invest as little as possible in an idea unless it proves to you it has some ‘legs.’ You can do this with your friend’s honest reactions, and you can also use your intuition—just don’t be blinded by your love for the idea. Be willing to ‘kill your darlings.’”

• Taylor Forman, The Creativity Gap

Innovate and continue to create.

Have you heard of Soichiro Honda, the founder of Honda Motor Co.? Before building his global enterprise, he worked in a foundry manufacturing piston rings but struggled to secure a contract with Toyota for his innovation. He eventually received the contract, but WWII disrupted his plans, and a bomb destroyed his factory. After rebuilding, an earthquake further devastated his work.

Despite these setbacks, Mr. Honda never ceased innovating, embracing the Kaizen philosophy of continuous improvement. He ultimately developed a motorized bicycle, paving the way for Honda motorcycles and cars as we know them today.

His “precious” could have remained limited to piston rings had he not remained open to new possibilities.

As for "Rings of Power," I hope it evolves creatively into something remarkable. If the show fails to innovate, perhaps it’s best to conclude it and redirect resources to new ideas.

Share your work with the world and inspire others! For more artistic insights and illustrations, consider joining my newsletter.

A New Creative Life

Join a cartoonist's guide to enhancing creativity, productivity, and understanding our modern landscape. Click to read A New…

khalidbirdsong.substack.com