Frogs on Rocks

Making time for personal projects while venturing slowly into the unknown.

There will always be frogs sitting on rocks, trying to steer us in the direction that everyone else has gone. These frogs don't like risk. They're terrified of the unknown. They don't want things to be different, and they do not like change. They want to keep us on the same path. But what if the frogs are wrong? What if the direction we want to go leads us somewhere amazing? Somewhere unexpected? The only way to know is to set off into the unknown and follow our own paths. Will there be setbacks? Yes! Will it be scary? Most certainly. Will we meet other frogs who tell us not to do it along the way? 100%! But we have to try! Life is too short to wait until the time is right or when things are less chaotic. 

When I started working in animation, I always put aside my life and personal projects to focus all my attention and time on my animation job. I'd tell myself I'd work on my personal stuff or take a vacation when I finished the mega conglomerates' project. Then the job would end, and I'd be too afraid to spend money on a vacation because I never knew how long it would be before the next animation project came along. Or I'd be so stressed about finding another job that I couldn't focus on creating my own projects.

Every time I'd tell myself I'd do it when I got a new job, that's when the time would be right. But the time was never right! The cycle kept repeating over and over again, and I realized there would never be a point when the time would be right to work on my projects. If I wanted to break the cycle, I needed to prioritize my personal projects. So I started working an hour or two each night on my own stuff after coming home from my animation job. Was I tired? Yes. Did I burn the candle at both ends? Also yes. Do I have lots of grey hair to show for it? Unfortunately, yes, I do. But the hard work and sacrifice eventually paid off and, after a few years, led to me unexpectedly writing and illustrating books and a side career in children's publishing. Which allowed me to break free from being so dependent on finding work in animation. Now, I’m able to do both and have a bit more flexibility in my life and career.

What am I trying to say? I guess it's to make yourself a priority and not be afraid to venture slowly out into the unknown, and most importantly, beware of the frogs on rocks you meet along the way. Bring some light snacks and plenty of water for the long journey. Good luck!

If you want to pick up a copy of one of my books, here's a link to bookshop.org. https://bookshop.org/shop/jamesburks Or better yet, pick one up at your local indy bookseller.

You can also visit my website for information on booking an author visit or other book-related events. www.jamesburks.com