Comments on: Stupid Advice From Smart People

By: Joke

Joke — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 04:22:19 +0000

Ironic how this article is talking about bad advice…

By: Allison

Allison — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 13:09:34 +0000

I think some people stomp on creative aspirations not so much because they think you can’t do it, but because they’re jealous because they think *they* can’t do it.

By: Fian Arroyo

Fian Arroyo — Wed, 12 May 2010 18:58:01 +0000

Maria,

Great article!!! I remember my mother wanting me to be a dentist like my father because it was more respectable than an artist. She once told me when I grew up I would have to get a job, have a boss, wear a suit, cut my hair if I wanted to succeed in life. I responded with: “Your wrong mom, one day I will be my own boss with my own business and grow my hair as long as I want!” It was a self prophesy. When she found out later how well I was doing she was glad I went down my own path.
Or one of my favorite quotes is by Kinky Friedman “You don’t accomplish much by swimming with the mainstream. Hell, a dead fish can do that.”

Thanx Maria!
-Fian

By: Marty Qatani

Marty Qatani — Tue, 11 May 2010 16:28:43 +0000

Maria:

Very sound advice, both for the new and the seasoned pro. I think it’s part of the creative’s nature to doubt him/her self from time to time. This post is like a vitamin… keeps the inner strength up. Thanks for the good medicine.

Marty

By: Dennis T Panzik

Dennis T Panzik — Mon, 10 May 2010 03:50:47 +0000

My 3rd grade teacher told my parents in front of me that I would never amount to anything. My parents wanted to deck right there. To tell any young child that is ridiculous. Just because a teacher can’t hold a kids attention… Who’s really to blame? The fact is that everyone learns in their own way. Well I can say I am one of the most talented people you’ll meet. Multi-talented.

In school my teachers would send notes home saying I needed to no doodle so much and do my work. Fair I suppose but then who knew I’d want to make a living as an artist. That advice to do the work was good. My 3rd grade teacher, well that was some stupid advice.

By: Greg

Greg — Thu, 06 May 2010 16:53:28 +0000

This is my first time reading your blog. Very enjoyable and inspirational. I just turned 50 and it’s been a long time since I experienced all those negative advisors but I still remember them like they were yesterday. Although I still work at a regular job, I just keep plugging away at my dream of being a fulltime artist. If anyone knew my real plans, they would definitely try to stop me. Why would anyone leave a 6 figure career to pursue the uncertain life of an artist? Because we have something to say. BTW, I’m a big fan of your husband. His work has really inspired me over the last few years.

By: Maria

Maria — Thu, 06 May 2010 13:42:01 +0000

Thanks Maria! And thank you for such an inspiring blog! We all need to hear this stuff!

By: Archan Mehta

Archan Mehta — Thu, 06 May 2010 12:48:23 +0000

Maria,

I am sorry, but I just can’t resist and have to report the following conversation.

“Why you good-for-nothing…whatchamakalit that pretty lady?”

“Maria Brophy”

“Yeah. Just because she published one of your stupid poems on her blog ain’t makin’ you no Walter Shakespeare.”

“That’s William.”

“Yeah, ain’t make you no William Walter.”

“No, man, that’s William Shakespeare.”

“Yeah, whatever. One find day I’m gonna make a man out of you. And stop talking to me like I don’t know nothin’ about art.”

“You won’t have to, Dad, the strip club is just round the bend. I am a regular client.”

And so it goes. You just can’t win with some people, especially when you are related to them or they happen to be your neighbors. Cheers!