visiting with Scott Harben

I thought I might share some of the things Scott Harben (website/portfolio) had to say to us when we went to visit this past Thursday. It was really awesome of him to give his time to us, especially in a world where time is money. He was, unexpectedly, highly motivational and inspirational. We didn't expect it because, well, he wasn't asked to be. He just was, with his own passion about what he does.

• There is no reason why you should not have a sketchbook with you at all times. Don't create layouts or sketches with stock photography. That's lazy. Do it yourself. "The computer makes you lazy, lazy as shit." 
• "There are going to be people who will throw shit in your face and tell you, "You can't do that."" Don't listen. "You have to be tenacious. You gotta fight-- you gotta fight for your vision." Clients can't see it, they can't understand. That's why they don't do what you do.
  
• Work with people because of what they bring to the table, not because of their name or notoriety. You want to give people the opportunity to bring something to the table. You need to inspire everyone around you.
• "I have won every award but a Lion. But I don't own a single one. They don't mean shit to me. Because they're about what I have already done, not what I'm going to do next."
• Keep your art. Have an out, a creative release for dealing with frustrations and routines. Advertising can be rough, and you have to have some way to deal with it-- that way can't be alcohol or drugs. Most of all, keep your art because the true ART of our field is being LOST. (Amen.) Draw, paint, sketch, do whatever it takes. Do it as a part of your work. Do it outside of your work. Never stop.
• Get out of school, humble yourself, do the internships and the assistantships-- work for and learn from everyone and everything you can.

Anyway, it was a really great meeting. We hung around for a while, but it was awesome to hear from somebody who was just naturally inclined to do what he does-- he didn't bust his ass in school to get to where he is, but he is still there. And he is successful. 

Be passionate. Be tenacious.