As time moves on with Tattooing

Having been in this industry for many years now it is easy to become jaded. It is easy to place the blame and lack of motivation on a world around you. Art has always been a part of me and many other tattooists would say the same whether its making music, sculpting, painting there is drive that makes you feel better accomplishing a task. Now there are times in which that candlelight flickers brighter than others. Some days some months even some years may see spikes in what you perceive as productivity. I was told this by a mentor that in these patches of inspiration will also hold lows and self-doubt or maybe just lack of care all together. Now I don't mean a lack of care in the art of tattooing. I have and will always give my client the best no matter the size or scope of their work. On personal level there are times in my own art and personal expression where I want nothing to do with it. Early on I forced myself to be consumed by the need to grow nothing else mattered. Some of that was good as it will get you to higher levels, but the downside is when your tunnel vision becomes too tight you begin to lose a bit of love and fun and stop enjoying the ride. It took many years to realize when a passion and hobby become career it begins to blend itself together. as I approach becoming older, I realized I have to evolve I have to branch out respect my time do things that I enjoy have what everyone searches for "balance" it is in this seesaw of life where I realized happiness is made not awarded. I guess the point of this ramble is to show others you are allowed to take breathes you are allowed to step off the gas to make pit stops and refuel. Just know Passion and motivation can come and go but having faith that they always return should be a bright spot. A good freinf of mine alwasy says be the wave ride it while its there if the ocean seems to calm dont stress because there will be another wave.