I don’t know how they do it week after week… but cartoonists seem to have something I don’t have a yet….
A life! Or at least a keen eye into people.
My latest project is doing work for a mobile phone content provider. Making cartoons for mobile phones. And I’m glad it’s once a month, because if it were any faster I’d be running out of ideas.
So after a year of Viscom in the University of the Philippines, I’ve decided not to continue. Filed for Honorary Dismissal.
I was struggling whether to file for a leave or just dismiss myself. A leave would have left the impression that I was still intent on getting a degree. Unfortunately that is no longer the case. As much as a degree is helpful for artists to get into companies - the obvious kept staring at my face - it boils down to connecting, skill, and portfolio.
I got honest with myself. My initial impetus for the tryst with visual communications was really just insecurity. Thought a diploma would ease the way into a secure job and steady income. Probably in an ad company or a media company. But that insecurity is gone, replaced with a new direction brought about by plain and simple hard work & prayer. Seeing God work in my life made me want buckle down to work too - the work He’s given me already.
The decision to get dismissed was also driven by the fact that 1. it’d still take 3 years to get a Finearts degree.
2.transportation isn’t getting cheaper.
3.there are other things I should be studying (like business & cooking)
Time is very important. More important than the degree.
In about a week it’s back to school. But not for me! I will be going LOA for this school year… perhaps even the next. The projects have not ceased coming and since January - the good Lord has just drowned me in financial blessing. I’m even skipping today’s enrollment because I have my two workshop students coming.
Cinemacomics has gotten back on track and will be sending me pages on a regular speed. Good news.
Shreddedpress is just waiting for me to upload. Wish I had DSL. It’s too expensive.
Aleks Kern will be busy at a talk somewhere. So project HAT will be pausing for a couple of weeks.
Nautilus Comics is waiting for me to pickup the pencils to start coloring an issue.
I’m counting 4 projects now. I’m even planning to do a monthly comic strip!
Features artwork, production notes, daily events, and other musings from the artist Joel Chua from Metro Manila, Philippines. He works for the publishing,animation, and gaming industries.
