’25 Things I’ve Learned’ – Artist Writes 25 Inspiring Advices

A few time ago, artist Sean Wes shares 25 things he learned when he turned 25 through the beautiful typography of old-fashioned handwriting. All are very good advice, not just personally but professionally. Here they are in no particular order. Hope you’ll get inspired too!

Learn & Never Quit

The older I get, the more I observe I have to learn, and that excites me greatly. We should never arrive at a place where we’re no longer learning. It is a life-long effort.

Be Driven

There are enough articles with hacks on being productive to fill an ocean. I’ve contributed my fair share of those tips. But the cold, hard truth is that it comes down to a choice to be driven. All else flows from that.

Make Things, Not Excuses

If you look for reasons why you can’t do something, you will find them. Leave excuses to the lazy. That’s not you.

You Have to Say No to a Lot of Good Things…

…In Order to Be Able to Say Yes to a Lot of Great Things. This is one of the hardest lessons I’ve learned. Freedom comes from saying no. It’s hard at first, but with time you will gain more control over your life. Saying “no” is a practice.

Tools Do Not a Craftsman Make

“What pens do you use?” “Where do you get your tools?” I hear these questions a lot. It’s understandable. We’re all susceptible to thinking that if we only had the magic device, we could create like the person we look up to. But a tool is a tool. True craftsmen are such with or without them.

You Are More Than What You Do

“What do you do?” This is a common question we get. Our response is often so frequently repeated and knee-jerk that we get our identity wrapped up in our profession. But if this is the case, what happens when the job is suddenly taken from us? Who are we then? It’s important to separate ourselves from our vocation in this manner.

Press On

If you really want to know whether you’re passionate about something, keep pushing through the opposition.

Endurance is the Price Tag of Achievement

You won’t know whether or not you love something until you’re on the other side of resistance.

Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself

In contrast to the two previous pieces, sometimes you really do deserve a break. As a chronic creator and perfectionist, I need this reminder especially.

Focus On What Matters

It’s easy to get caught up in the superfluous. Take a step back and evaluate the important things in your life (Hint: they’re usually not things).

Giving is the Best Way to be Fulfilled

You know what feels great? Getting things. You know what feels even better? Giving things.

Inspiration is Everywhere

You don’t have to look far, you just have to look for it.

Do What Makes You Come Alive

When you start with money, you give it the power to dictate what you do with your life. Start with the passion. Start with the doing.

Build Things You Enjoy

When you enjoy what you make, so will others enjoy it.

What Are You Not Doing?

It’s a matter of priority.

Recharge

I can’t stress enough that you need recharge time. It’s not uncommon for me to work 12–16 hour days regularly. I feel like I’m getting a million things done, but at what long term cost? Take time to recharge.

You Will Never Influence the World By Trying to Be Like It

We need people who are not afraid to be different. All advancement requires it. Don’t worry about what other people think. It’s time to take a stand.

Those Who Are Doing Things You Admire…

We all have the same allotment of time. What are you doing with yours?

Deliberate Practice

Practice is good, but purposeful practice is better. Practicing deliberately is what will produce tangible results rather than mere passive improvement. Learn to set clear objectives to help squeeze more productive juice out of the time you already spend practicing.

Start That Thing You’ve Been Putting Off Today

You know what I’m talking about.

Make More Things This Year

This is my annual aspiration.

Life is Happening Outside Your Screens

We get so caught up in this digital world. Look around every once in awhile. Don’t miss life.

Practice Makes Perfect

There are no shortcuts. There are no shortcuts. There are no shortcuts.

Make Your Own Luck

I’m tired of hearing excuses. We all have different starting points. Hard work always wins.

Ampersand Lifestyle

My motto: Create. Enjoy Life. Make Things. Be Passionate. Dream Big.