Mission: Friendship & Exploration

I was driving on Route 18 yesterday and decided to check out Wilson Tuscarora State Park. Instead of heading to the water (Lake Ontario) I grabbed my camera and followed a trail into the woods. The colors were all warm ones: browns, tans, yellows, oranges, reds. I got some photos, but my posts are rarely about the photos themselves. So, this post is really about Marty. He was walking his puppy, who seemed to have more hair than body. Marty noticed my Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 II IS USM Telephoto Zoom lens and commented something like, "Whoa, look at that thing." I don't know what the hell he said, really, but he broke the ice, and I'm glad he did.


Marty designs and builds violins...just because he enjoys it. He doesn't depend on it for money; he's a retired engineer. I mentioned that I used Rhino3d in my previous job as a concept artist/designer, and Marty knew of the software, but he designs by hand, with a pencil and paper. His violins aren't the traditional look/shape. He said musicians are very open to his innovative instruments, but where he meets resistance is from music stores. The owners/managers are worried whether the violins will sell or not.


Does this sound familiar to you? Do you have clients/coworkers/bosses who quickly shoot down ideas they are unfamiliar with? It's even more frustrating when they actually like the idea, but make the assumption that it wouldn't fare well if released to the intended audience. All creative people deal with tyranny, fear, or ignorance to varying degrees. I'm not saying that the music store owners are bad people, or that they're wrong. However, when customers like the product, but stores aren't willing to sell the product, it's time to at least attempt circumventing the stores. Don't wait on the approval and permission of others when you're sitting on something good.


This might be the nudge some of you need and are looking for: Keep your day job (and don't blow all your money), but try doing something on the side, and do it exactly the way you want to. Time is precious, yes, but you don't know the amazing places you can go unless you leave the herd sometimes and explore.


To wrap it up, Marty has a son who is the graphic artist for a magazine. I gave Marty a card and hope they check out my websites and maybe contact me sometime. I'd really like to see your violins, Marty, and I hope they get played worldwide. Give the puppy a pat for me.

Mission: Stocking the Shelves

Well, the site is live and I'm in the process of uploading thousands of images. Only once the site is full will I start advertising and spreading the word. Can't wait for ya'll to start using the photos. If you make something cool using a TexturePunk photo, I'll post the image here on the blog along with a mini-interview and mini-bio. I really want to promote you guys (y las ninas). I'll also include a link to your company's site, or your online portfolio, or whatever.

Until we meet, I wish you, the spouse, and the kids good health and happiness. And the dog, too. And the people you keep in the freezer (I'm talking about Ginger Bread Men, you freaky blasturds).