Fallin’ In Love, A tribute.

Sunday in the Park

When I started this post it was going to be something a bit different, but what happened was in the middle of the title I learned of the passing of Steve Jobs. So I want talk instead about the meaning of heroes.

The Men In My Life.

As an artist there are a few heroes in the field of art that I admire. Charles Schultz, Peter Max, Dr. Seuss, Jim Henson and Walt Disney. All creative people who made their living doing what they loved, art.

After leaving college I started to do work as a graphic designer. I was encouraged to learn how to use a computer. This was not something I had any interest in doing as “Art” can’t be done on a machine.

I was encouraged by a friend to go look at a program that would change my mind and my life. It was a program called “Sketcher” using a device called a Wacom Tablet on a computer called a Mac.

Think Different.

I learned more about the Mac and it’s creators. I was in love. This wonderful machine spawned some incredible programs like, Painter, Illustrator and Photoshop. While these weren’t the typical tools found in most art studios, they became the tools in mine.

There were designs in my head that I could not get out any other way than with the use of these tools. The more I learned the more my art and style grew. I had the opportunity to work with these tools creating new art for Winnie the Pooh, a job I never would have gotten without learning and growing with this new medium.

More art, More love.

I continued my path of art and design, and while I did I was afforded the opportunity to work for Apple. I was so excited. I didn’t work in their art department, I worked as a Business Consultant in one of their stores. Daily I worked with creative people, taught people how to be creative with the wonderful tools and programs that Apple developed and I loved what I was doing. I went to the annual Mac World Conventions and saw Steve there. My last year at Apple I entered the art contest that accompanied the convention.

Heroes and Art Colide.

I was one of the featured artist at the convention. Peter Max and “Woz” were on the judging panel. This was the beginning of what has now become my business for good. I owe my life and career to these inventions that have revolutionized the world as we see it. I am grateful for the vision of Steve Jobs and his team. His vision will be missed, but his legacy lives on. I am saddened by his loss.

Follow your dreams!

I will continue my art and the love of my heroes. What better way to honor them then by following my dreams. We will all eventually be gone from this earth, what impact or legacy do you wish to leave? I wish to leave art that makes people smile, that warms their hearts, that gives them a hug when they need it, this is what I would like my legacy to be.

Thank you to all of my heroes, I am grateful beyond measure!