Days are getting shorter

I just watched a TedX talk (Diana Laufenberg: How to learn? From mistakes) and one of the points made was how in the past, you had to go somewhere (the schoolhouse) to get information. Now of course, information is everywhere. But I find there’s still a distance you have to travel to get information, and while it’s not a physical distance, it’s a barrier nonetheless. I find what stands between me and information (and inspiration and learning) is quantity. There is so much competing for my attention every day that at this point, the biggest obstacle I face is distraction. From Red Sox news to facebook to the myriad quick hit blogs, I am constantly lured away from content with more substance. So I’m challenging myself to resist this in a new way. I will take 20 minutes out of every work day, close my door and all the other windows on my computer, and focus on a Ted talk. I know I’ll be glad I did, and the rest of the world, Red Sox included, will still be waiting for me when it’s over. 

http://www.ted.com/talks/diana_laufenberg_3_ways_to_teach.html

Substitute "whatever you are most passionate about" for "illustrating" in the answer below.

In a sentence, what advice would you give to young, aspiring illustrators? What was the best advice you ever received?

Maira Kalman: The best advice I ever received was “keep working” and “never never never give up.” That was actually said by Winston Churchill. Not to me of course, but still. That is the only advice I can give. If you actually like illustrating, find a way to do it, even if you need to have other work to pay the bills.

Read more at Design*Sponge http://www.designspongeonline.com/2010/10/whats-in-your-toolbox-maira-kalman.html#ixzz14AG9jmI6