The Dinner Series is basically the craziest idea I could come up with. It's also the best damn workshop [party] of the year! The Dinner Series is a workshop and salon limited to 8 guests. Part brainstorming session, part professional development, this workshop is our most intense week of the year. 4 days of working in the studio and 4 evenings of amazing meals and passionate discussions about fear and creative courage with leading figures in the arts, creativity, and culture. The dinners are gourmet meals cooked by one of NYC's finest chefs in a private kitchen and dining room. Our special special guests this year included knifemaker Joel Bukiewicz, author and journalist Julia Dahl, renowned designer Jessica Walsh, illustrator/artist and "salad enthusiast" Jon Burgerman, celebrity photographer Nigel Parry, and blockbuster grafitti artist Steve ESPO Powers. I look forward to seeing you there next year. If you missed it, here's the wrap video! TWEET THIS VIDEO - http://ctt.ec/aqa88
Stress is a killer. We all have it in some form in our lives. A good vacation can help-- for a short time. But the best stress reducer is a positive mental attitude. This can only come by choice. By choosing the right reaction to all the crap that life chooses to throw at you. You always have a choice. Mahalo (Thank you).
And I must remember to turn the camera sideways next time.
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One of the absolute demands of good art is vulnerability-- the ability of the artist to show us something about themselves. To reveal something authentic. I never really thought about the bravery necessary to do stand up, but experienced it a few days ago...
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It's okay to become blue or sad or fearful of your future. It's human to have doubts cloud your vision. But these emotions will cripple you if you try to fight them. Simon asks; "James, When the rug is pulled from beneath you. When the wind is knocked from your sails. What do you do to get back up again and remember the 'Why'?"
Here is a great reminder from my pal Rumi from 700 years ago.
The Guest House
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor...
The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.
Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
-- Jelaluddin Rumi,
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I would like to know about DISTRACTION. We are constantly receiving messages via Twitter, email, Instagram, Facebook, google chat, text messages, etc etc. Sometimes it feels like all I can get done is answering other people. My question is about time management and how do you keep up without becoming distracted by all the dinging?
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Dear James, What role, if any, does COMEDY have in your work? Do you use it? Are you inspired by it?— Jonathan
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Dear James, My ex-boss told me how important speed was for a freelancer and that I was never the quickest when working in his agency. How important is speed when working with and for others? Corey from Australia.
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I've had to let a personal project die in order to save my studio and sanity.
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Dear James, Is grad school important or overrated?
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If you could, what would you 'Do -Over' in your life?
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How do you know you're pushing your artistic edge and not just walking through the moves like a bored actor?
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Can I find a professional in this damn profession? We are bombarded with requests to write, speak, teach or work for free, but there is a right and a wrong way to do work for free.
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Like the Boss' music, cigars and clams Rockefeller I am not for everyone. I don't want to be. And further, YOU don't want to be.
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We received multiple questions about self doubt. Some referring to the "Demons" of self doubt, others the "Wall" of doubt and yet another the "Whack-A-Mole" of constant questioning. I call bullshit on that. Self doubt won't go away. Get used to it, stare it down and move forward anyway. Become a Warrior, not a worrier.
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Trust yourself fer chrisakes. #jamesvictore #yourworkisagift
Don't become a designer... #jamesvictore