Trev

I make stories.

How To Launch Your Art in 30 Days

If you are an artist or creative, the best piece of advice I can give you is this: start.

In one word.

If you have an idea, any idea, just start. Grab your iPhone, your paintbrush, or any basic tool to do what is necessary to create.

I learned how to write, illustrate and launch nine children’s books in less than 30 days with no prior professional experience in writing, art or publishing. I decided it was something I wanted to do after reflecting on my past joys in life.

I wanted to relive my childhood again. I wanted to be a kid again.

I sat down and created everything that came to mind. I even managed to write and illustrate an entire children’s book in one day. I was so passionate about it.

In prior months I created t-shirts, hats, nonfiction short stories, and music. Very random, I know.

Nothing has brought me more joy than creating a book for children. Growing up and exploring the contents of a book really showed me what was possible in the world. We often forget what it’s like to be a kid when we grow up and follow routines, schedules, and structure.

When creating something you absolutely enjoy, something that makes the time fly by, you are in your element.

Since March 2017 I have spent my waking hours exploring what brings me the most joy (aside from my family and girlfriend). I never stopped exploring until I could find it.

Right now my joy is inspiring children to read, write, and draw at any age.

For the parents out there, I hope you will listen to your children more. Watch your children more. Take notice when they create something out of thin air. Those moments are fleeting, enjoy them.

In order to create my books in such a quick time, I broke some rules (which I encourage you to do).

I didn’t use a fancy publisher.
I didn’t go through 100 crazy revisions to reach some weird level of perfection.
I didn’t ask for too much feedback (too much advice can stall you).
I didn’t create a pitch deck to sell my idea (I’m a crummy salesperson anyway).
I didn’t think too much about the ‘how’ or the process.
I didn’t use a paper or pen in the process.
I didn’t take four years of art school to learn all the things I didn’t need to know.

Instead, I opened up my drawing app and drew out my stories. Everything was digitally created, direct from my head.

I wrote and drew what I knew. I kept my art process simple.

If you are creating art, please start.

Chances are you have all the equipment you need to create your masterpiece.

Plus I want to see what you’ve always dreamed of creating. No one else is going to create it for you. If you are proud of your art, share it in the comments below (links are welcome).

Show the world what you can do today. Don’t live with regret for not having shared your talents with others.

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Launching Children’s Books

I have found something I really enjoy: writing and illustrating children’s books.

Right now you can check out my new creations here.

I have always loved creating things, and now I get to create stories to inspire children.

Books will be in digital PDF format to ensure you can enjoy the story on any device, anywhere.

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What High School Students Need to Know Before College

High schoolers are constantly given a rude awakening when they graduate from school. They have to start making their own decisions in life. It sucks, I know. Been there, done that. But if you can get past being a spoiled brat and actually take ownership of your post-secondary life, you might have a chance to make something of yourself. Here are some words of wisdom:

If you don’t know where you’re going, explore first.
Don’t waste your time locked into an institutional system yet. Harsh but true. You need to find what you’re passionate about first before you start school. Explore what’s out there. Do your research. Don’t aimlessly enter into school thinking you’ll figure it out after years of college debt.

If there are too many choices, pick none and walk away.
You will know what feels right when the time comes. Don’t overthink the sheer idea that there are shitloads of courses, majors, certificates, diplomas and degrees to choose from. The choice will become obvious naturally, over time, when you get to know what you’re good at.

Say goodbye to the standard structure.
You are in charge of your success going forward. Your parents can’t make the next decisions for you. They can’t tell you what major to choose. They can’t cook your Kraft Dinner while you’re in the dorm room. Set out to be independent now. If you haven’t been making many decisions up to now, stop reading this, go to the grocery store, and buy yourself some fruits and vegetables.

You’re going to lose some friends if you want to be happy.
Your path will piss off some people. They don’t get you. The people who support you will be your real friends. In a sense, the time leading up to college will define all of the excess and important things in your life. Distinguish between the two.

Enjoy it or forget it.
Life is too short. Don’t do something if you’re not driven to do it. Switch directions while you’re young, go where the fun is. Start something. Build something. Make mistakes. Hustle.

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