Hi Dave! Have you thawed out yet???

In another thread you said you once had aspirations to be a psychologist. But instead you are where you are now. Are you passionate about what you do now? Or is it just a job?

I was asked not too long ago if I had a “real job”. I told the person, “Yeah I’m working at it as we speak”. The person said, “No, one that utilizes your talents.” This statement took me by surprise because I never once in my life thought my “passion” could be a job for me. I always looked at it as just a hobby, something for me to have fun with and maybe bring a smile to someone else.

My “passion” has given me opportunities that I never in my life thought I would have. It also has brought me some new friends that I am very grateful for. It started out as volunteer work making fund raising posters. Then a few years ago I got brave enough to enter some items into a judged contest. I won 6 awards, which surprised me, but none of my friends.

I’m my own worst critic. What about you? Are there times where you just don’t want to look at your final product because you just weren’t happy with it? Do you see flaws that for some reason no one else does?

I recently did a job that I wasn’t too happy with. I found flaws in every item that I made. No one else saw them, but I did. Never the less I sent them out anyway. I have always gotten compliments from the people I make things for. So I must be doing something right.

When you do hear or read people criticizing your work, whether you are happy with it or not, how does it make you feel? And how do you handle negative criticism?

I recently got criticized on a gift I made for a friend by another person. There was a lot of thought and work that went into the gift. The person that criticized it doesn’t know me on a personal level and didn’t know the thought or work that went behind that gift. The person that received the gift liked it and brought a smile to their face, which is the best feeling ever! I don’t care about other’s opinion of my work; the only one that matters to me is the opinion of the person I made the gift for.

I thought with all the silliness it was time for a serious discussion. Anyone else have any thoughts or views on this subject?

Thank you!

First of all Wendy, I find it hard to believe that anyone would have anything negative to say about your work. They must have been jealous of what they saw, that or they just lack tact. I'm guessing the latter. You are a talented chicky!

I really wish I could pursue my joy and dream. Unfortuately, I'm just not talented enough.

I'm jealous that you do get to do the things you love. Do not let anyone get you down about you or the things you love to do. EVER!

Sal

Yeah, Wendy, anyone who can make gold slacks for several men HAS to be talented!!

But, I agree with Sal; I've seen some of your work and it is amazing! I have good ideas for things, but can never make them become a reality.

When Dave asked, almost pleaded with, us to give him any criticism we had about DJ, I was somewhat surprised. It's been a tremendous success, so why "rock the boat"? Dave, when you look to the future, do you see yourself continuing as a producer, or will perhaps branch off in a different direction?

Liz

Wendy, I agree with Sal... anyone who criticizes someone else's talent is showing their green eyed monster!

But when life hands you sour grapes, add a little sugar and make wine (or grape juice for those who can't handle the alcohol!)

Look at Mike... he takes one man's dirty job and makes it a comedy of errors...

... ummm, okay, so we won't look at Mike.

Anyway, kudos to anyone who can get up in the morning and can't wait to get to their job. I haven't found that job yet, but I know that there are people out there who have.

Fleur

P.S. Wendy, I also agree... you are one talented chickie, alright!

Hmmmmmm. Being able to make a living at what your "passion" would be seems to be an enigma AFAIC.
I love to drive truck, but I hate the job. Does that make sense? Would crafting still be your passion if it became a job?
I hope DJ hasn't become like that for Mike.

I'll keep my "passions" hidden.


xox
~S

quote:

Would crafting still be your passion if it became a job?

No.

I think once it becomes a job, it takes all the fun out of it.

At least for me it does.

Thanks to Mike setting an example for me to not be afraid of hard work, I have now taken on two jobs.

One is a regular desk-type job with predictable activities, time to post in the Mud Room, and a reasonable sense of semi-satisfaction at the end of the day. It also pays a reasonable salary, is a convenient commute, in a location that is perfect for me.

The other job I absolutely adore.

It's a weekend/evening job, involves standing for as long as nine hours a day, and would not, could not pay a living wage if I dropped the first job. But it is *fun*, with cool co-workers, and is very intellectually stimulating.

And since I'm working weekends, today is my 45th day in a row of work. I shouldn't be digging it as much as I am, but I am. If I dropped this second job, I would miss it dearly.

Passion? Job? The line is a little blurry.

Hey Tazma... I'm with you.

My part time job would never be able to cover the bills even if I went full time AND part time at the store, but right now I'm getting more satisfaction out of the part-time job.

Plus I'm getting my first Sunday off in about 30 days! Yay.

It really gives me something to celebrate!

Fleur

Good post and thread Wendy,

Everyone's a critic. That doesn't mean they have any business being one. I jumped right in on Dave's threads, and I have commented a lot over the years about things I do or do not like about Dirty Jobs. But I would label myself a fan giving an opinion and I hope it has been received that way.

I know there is so much that I don't understand in creating the episode. I've always wondered what Dave or Mike think when a certain part of an episode gets focused on in these forums.

Remember those people who always knew what they wanted to be, even in high school? Whatever the job, how can you know something like that at such a young age? Yet some do. Maybe it is better for us humans to change it up a few times anyway in our lifetimes.

Dave, I think you are using creativity, and being psycho-analytical on Dirty Jobs. I have absolutely no comprehension of how you can look at a site and then bring in Mike and cameras and end up with a show. But it has to take an understanding of what will work, and how it will be received by the public.

You are still a young man. Do you have hobbies that you work at that are separate from making DJ? Or things that you know you want to do, when ever you can find the time? Kind of like all of Wendy's great projects.

Kathy

One persons passion, is another persons job. One persons job, is another persons passion.


Its a vicious but wonderful cycle. When your able to combine the two, GREAT things happen.



Very COOL thread Wendy !!!


Jeremy

Wendy-

I am passionate, too the extreme. As you are with your great craft projects. I believe that is why, in part, DJ is a success, as does Mike. And that is also why we enjoy the things you and other fans make.

I have passion in everything I do. I am extreme. If it does not interest me, or if I try it once and don't enjoy it, I will never partake again. I have turned down tv jobs due to subject matter I wasn't interested.

A lot of people have said they did not like my work over the years, and I understand not everyone has the same tastes. Criticism has its place and it can range to mere disinterest or outright jealousy. Whatever, lets see 'em do better!

I appreciate what you, Wendy in particular, do for two reasons: its GOOD, and I know I cannot do it.

FOR THOSE OTHER THAN WENDY: Just to let you know, when I was stuck for ideas for my annual Christmas gift to the crew, I called Wendy to save my butt. She did, and EVERYBODY loved it.

Wendy, sorry if that admission is embarrassing, but deal with with it!

We have gotten more and more amazing things from Wendy and others and they will be featured on up-coming "Mike's Mail" segments.

Take care,
Barsky

Dave I knew you just posted....why?

I have little psychic moments...

quote:

Originally posted by createdbywendy1:

quote:

Would crafting still be your passion if it became a job?

No.

I think once it becomes a job, it takes all the fun out of it.

At least for me it does.

It wouldn't for me. I dream of the day when someone would pay me to make the jewelry that I pretty much give away to friends and family. I haven't the nerve to see if anybody would actually BUY it, though.

A jade set that I made last year won first prize.. and although it was one of my favorites, I found a million flaws and almost submitted something different. I want what I create to be perfect, yet reflect the heart and soul that I've put in to the piece. The problem is, I am not perfect, and I have to remind myself that where I see flaws...that's really just ME coming through in the piece. The curve of this wire isn't right... this bead has a flaw...that one isn't the right shape.. so on and so forth. Well..MY curves aren't right, I have flaws, and I REALLY don't like my shape! Maybe that's why my friends and family like the gifts I give them - they don't see an earring or a necklace. They see me. Because I'm passionate about it, I've put myself into it. That, or they're just being nice. Sometimes it's hard to tell!

It's too bad that the critics don't see in your work the things that we do, Wendy. I feel sorry for them. We both know that there are those who would like to look down upon the things we create and turn up their noses at our "arts and crafts." Some people are too blind to see the artistry, and that's quite unfortunate for them.

Dave - She's pretty awesome, isn't she? I've been fortunate enough to be among the co-conspirators of her projects, and she is truly inspiring.

Wow Wendy....just what do you "create"?? I am a "crafty" person myself, but it is not my job...wish I could make the kind of many at my craft things but I can't...and it doesn't have insurance. I just stick to making things for myself and the people who would aprreicate it. I too get my feelings hurt a little if someone does not appreicate the time and effort I put into something, but when someone does it is a great thing. Sorry to thread jump here, but now I am curious.
Shelly

after 5 days and more trying to log in and failing i am back !

i call wendy the creative genius and no i am not taking the p!ss .

to quote form barsky's post : I appreciate what you, Wendy in particular, do for two reasons: its GOOD, and I know I cannot do it.

Barsky,


I'm glad to see, that i'm not the only one, who's job is a true passion for them. Like I said, when you can take your job and passion and mold them together, GREAT things happen !!!


Take it Easy, Barsky !!!



Jeremy

I know all about being one's own worst critic. I just finished making a quilt and there were a few things I would have changed but I'm glad I didn't have the opportunity to do so. I was very pleased with the quilt and have given it as a gift. Most of my self criticism is a result of literally working with my nose right on top of my sewing so every perceived mistake is magnified. Once I step back and view the pattern, colors, fabrics, and overall interaction from a distance then all the small problems fade away. I am usually tired of my current project by the time I give it to my professional machine quilter for her to do her magic. When the quilt is returned to me, I always know I made the right decisions in my color and fabric choices. Also, I have come to accept that my quilting skills are not perfect and that is okay.

Wendy, I am sorry your handmade gift was criticized. Some people have no concept about the creativity and skill that goes into any kind of handmade crafts. The recipient's joy is what matters. Congratulations on your well deserved compliments from Dave and others.

Dave, I look forward to seeing to the fans' creative works showcased in future Mike's Mail.

Karen

Thank you for answering so quickly Dave. I've been out working on some photography and other projects so I didn't get to thank you earlier.

quote:

If it does not interest me, or if I try it once and don't enjoy it, I will never partake again.

I can relate. That's why I don't knit or crochet. I have no interest in it after so many people tried to teach me. I'd rather learn by myself rather than have someone show me. Everything I do I've taught myself.

quote:

Wendy, sorry if that admission is embarrassing, but deal with with it!

Yeah, well, I turned red for a little bit. But I'm learning to, in the words of others, "take the compliments d@mmit". So, thank you. It's appreciation like that, that always makes what I do worth it.

Thank you again Dave.

And thanks to everyone else for the kind words. It means a lot to me.

Hey Wendy, and all, I am just now getting around to reading this thread.

You know, the Amish make sure there are errors in their quilts - because we are human and make mistakes - and remember nature makes nothing exactly perfect.

I don't know what type of crafts or art you do, but would love to see a picture of some of them. You are truly a kind person to make things for people - shows a lot of love - that goes for the rest of you

Love you all,


Susan

quote:

Originally posted by angel711:
You are truly a kind person to make things for people - shows a lot of love - that goes for the rest of you

Love you all,


Susan

I'll second that!

Sal